Mercer County, Ohio - Chapter 12: Military Record of Mercer Covnty in the Civil War, 1907 (part 6 of 12)

In his childhood, his parents moved to Minster, Ohio, where his father died, leaving him and a brother, Joseph, now residing in Cincinnati. The mother married (second) Henry Bowman, and at her death, in 1871 left a son, Charles, also residing in Cincinnati.

In 1870 F. A. Franks accompanied his mother to Cincinnati where he was placed in the Orphans' Home. There he was educated and taught the tailor's trade. When 16 years of age he came to Mercer County and worked on a farm in Butler township until he was 21 years old, and then established himself as a tailor at Montpelier, Indiana. After six years in Montpelier, in 1895, he came to Coldwater and embarked in a general tailoring business.

Mr. Franks has always taken an interest in politics and has been identified with the Democratic party ever since his majority, and has been very active in public affairs since coming to Coldwater. His firm position on some local questions of importance resulted in his being chosen the standard-bearer of the Democrats and his election to the mayoralty in 1898. He gave the village so excellent an administration that, although against his wish, he was elected a second time in 1905.

daughter of George and Barbara Will, and they have had seven children, namely: Stella, George, Charles, Mary, Martha (deceased at the age of two weeks), William and Robert. Mr. Franks is a member of the Catholic Church and carefully rears his family in that faith. Fraternally he is an Eagle.

Mayor Franks is an example of a self-made man. Left an orphan in childhood, he had no home surroundings in early youth and from the age of 16 years has made his own way in the world with a manly independence which commands respect. He has not only secured a prominent place in the business world, but has so gained the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens that they have twice given him the highest position in the village's gift.

Rev. Anthony C. Tajbke

Rev. Anthony C. Tabke, pastor of the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, at Chickasaw, was born February 24, 1873, in Bakum, Oldenburg, Germany, and is a son of Clemens and Bernardina (Westendorf) Tabke.

The parents of Father Tabke were of German birth and ancestry. The father died in 1883, but the mother still survives and, with one son, George, who is a teacher, lives in Germany. There were five children in the family, ' but three died in infancy.

Father Tabke was the eldest born in his father's family. Until he was 16 years of age, the most of his time was spent at school. He then came' to America and entered upon his training for the priesthood, first at Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, then at St. Meinrad, in Indiana, and then at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, at Cincinnati. He was ordained in 1899 and his first charge was at Holy Trinity, Dayton, Ohio, and then he was sent to St. Augustine, at Cincinnati, where he remained for three and a half years. In October, 1903, he became the first pastor of the Church of the Most Precious Blood, at Chickasaw.

Father Tabke found here a comfortable church edifice which had been remodeled in 1903, but which he has found many ways to improve. In 1904 he built a parsonage at a cost of about $4,000. His congregation consists of 70 German families and he ministers to their spiritual needs with the zeal and faithfulness of a true priest. In his own congregation he is honored and beloved and outside it he is held in high esteem. Where there is need of charity and benevolence, he may be found taking an active interest, making himself a valued citizen of the place where duty has stationed him.

Henry Hoyng

Henry Hoyng, a highly-esteemed resident ,of Coldwater, who owns a fine farm of 80 acres in section 34, Butler township, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, January 28, 1842, and is a son of Frederick and Mary (Stervolt) Hoyng.

Henry Hoyng was reared in Shelby County and farmed for his father until 1868, when he came to Mercer County, purchasing a farm of 80 acres adjoining the one he now owns. Some 20 acres had been cleared and a good, two-story frame dwelling had been built, but all the subsequent clearing and improving were done by Mr. Hoyng himself, after which he sold and bought the old home place of his father-in-law, consisting of 80 acres. He carried on general farming and stock-raising until 1899. enjoying the independent life of a successful agriculturist. He then bought a house and an acre of land, at Coldwater, and removed with his wife to the village.

Mr. Hoyng was married in 1868 to Catherine Kallmeyer, who is a daughter of Henry Kallmeyer, a native of Germany. Mrs. Hoyng was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, and was brought to Mercer County when she was six years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyng have had 10 children, namely: Henry, who married Anna Lukens and is operating his 80-acre farm in Butler township; Frederick, who married Rosa Kirsch and is a painter and paperhanger at Coldwater; John, who married Matilda Walter and lives on his farm of 40 acres in Butler township; Louis, who married Mary Steggemann, and lives on his father's farm; Joseph, who married Lizzie Pleiman and conducts a tinshop and implement store at Coldwater; Frank, a painter and paperhanger, who resides at home; Roman, who works with his brother in the tinshop; Herman, who died aged 16 years; Frances, who died aged two years; and Edward, who died aged one year. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyng have reared a fine, capable family of sons, all of whom are prosperous. They have been brought up in the faith of the Catholic Church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Hoyng are consistent members.

William Curry

William Curry, a well-known citizen of Coldwater, formerly a prominent farmer and stockraiser in Washington township, still owns a fine farm in section 35, consisting of 137/4 acres. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, May 9, 1844, and is a son of Alexander and Sarah (Boyd) Curry.

Although Mr. Curry is of Scotch birth, the family is of Irish extraction, both parents having been born in Ireland, where they lived until after their marriage. The father then removed to Scotland, where he was employed on a railroad for nine years. In 1848, when William Curry was four years old, the parents emigrated to America, and they were accompanied by their four children, namely : Sarah, who is the wife of Thomas Mclntire, a farmer in

Randolph County, Illinois; Samuel, who died in St. Clair County, Illinois, in 1890; Mary, who married George Jameson and died in 1900, in Washington township; and William.

After coming to America the Curry family settled at Utica, Ohio, where the father was employed in railroad construction, helping to build what is now the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which was then known as the Newark & Sandusky Railroad. They remained at Utica until 1867, when William Curry came to Mercer County in order to look the land over with an idea of investment, his father having contracted, about 1866, to buy 20 acres of land in Washington township. As he was not ready to make payment at the appointed time, William took the obligation and purchased the land. The father, mother, Mary and William came to the new home, making the journey in a covered wagon. They found some 10 acres cleared and a log house standing, with but few other improvements. William subsequently purchased another 20 acres and this has always been retained as the home place, and here the mother passed away, her death taking place on the 24th of October, 1880. The father survived until the 23d of February, 1890, dying when he was 85 years of age.

William Curry attended school at Utica in his boyhood and is a well-informed man. Since coming to Mercer County he has given his whole attention to farming and stock-raising, making a special feature of raising thoroughbred cattle and sheep. He continued to add to his land until in 1904 he had 217 24 acres. He has always been a man of great industry and his efforts Jiave been crowned with success. He is ever seeking the best methods in the care of his land and stock, and as an agriculturist he stands among the foremost.

On November 18, 1873, Mr. Curry was united in marriage with Florinda Kantzer, a daughter of Theobald Kantzer, and they have had two daughters, Sarah Elizabeth and Mary Letitia. The former died November 17, 1895, aged 20 years. She was a beautiful, amiable young woman and her death was a severe blow to the family. The younger daughter resides at home. Until March, 1901, Mr. Curry remained on the farm; since then the family has occupied a comfortable home at Coldwater, where they are highly respected residents. For many years in the country, Mr. Curry served as school director, and he was always ready to help along in developing and improving his neighborhood. Formerly, before the United Presbyterian Church in Washington township became disorganized, he was one of its leading members.

Enos Nicholas Drake

Enos Nicholas Drake, a representative citizen of Union township, residing on a well-developed farm in section 8, was born on the Enos Allen farm in Dublin township, where his mother was visiting her parents at the time of his birth; the home of his parents at the time was located in section 8, Union township. He is a son of Joseph and Phoebe (Allen) Drake.

Joseph Drake was born in England, near Liverpool, and resided for many years near Liverpool and also in the vicinity of London. He later moved with his parents to Canada, where his father died. Mr. Drake is about 83 years of age ; the date of his birth is not known exactly, as the home of his parents, with the record of births, was destroyed by fire. He was married to Phoebe Allen while still a resident of Canada, and later moved to Mercer County, Ohio, settling in 1856, in Union township, on an unimproved and uncleared farm of 45 acres adjoining the farm of 35 acres where he now resides; as he is still the owner of the first mentioned property, his present farm consists of 80 acres. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Drake, namely: Jane, who married Murray Heath and resides on a farm in Union township ; Enos Nicholas; Sarah, who resides at home with her father; Hannah, deceased; Alexander, a blacksmith by trade, living at Mendon, who married Alice Protzman ; and Edward J., a dealer in agricultural implements at Mendon, who married Lizzie Martin. Mrs. Drake's death occurred in 1899 in her 63rd year.

Enos N. Drake was reared in Union township and attended the district schools. In 1879 he took a trip overland to Kansas, driving through in a covered wagon and being accompanied by his father and family. They settled in Osborne County, near the county seat, Osborne. On account of hot winds and failure of crops, they only remained one year. While there the oldest child, Osborne Kansas, was born. Mr. Drake has lived on his present 80-acre farm since 1881. He also owns a 60-acre farm one mile and a half west of where he resides. In 1901 he built a fine modern barn on his present farm and one year later erected one on the other farm. His fine new residence which was erected in 1905 is one of the most modern and up-to-date homes in the township, supplied with all the modern conveniences.

Mr. Drake was married June 30, 1878, to Elizabeth Youngblutt, a daughter of Charles and Lydia (Young) Youngblutt, of Van Wert County, Ohio. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Drake, namely: Osborne Kansas, who married Irene Wharton, a daughter of Jesse Wharton, of Mendon; Otto, Gertrude, Elmer, Cora, Ray, Earl, Ora Belle (deceased), and Elry. Mr. Drake is a Republican in politics. He has served on the

Henry C. Fox

Henry C. Fox, general merchant and member of the milling and elevator firm of Fox & Hess, is one of the leading business men of Coldwater. He was born in Washington township, Mercer County, Ohio, April 26, i860, and is a son of Mathias and Barbara (Weigel) Fox.

Mathias Fox was born in Prussia, Germany, and when a boy of 17 years accompanied his parents to America. They settled on a farm in Seneca County, near Tiffin, where Mathias Fox married. About 1850 he removed to Mercer County, locating in Washington township. In 1868 he removed to Jay County, Indiana, where he died in 1876, and his wife in 1878. Of their 11 children, six still survive, namely: John, residing in Butler township; Henry C. ; Joseph, residing at Cincinnati; Benjamin, residing at Dayton; Charles, residing at Indianapolis; and Sophia, wife of Charles Hess, residing at Coldwater. Those who died were : Mary, at the age of 47 years ; Elizabeth ; Margaret, who was known as Sister Blanche, in a convent at Quincy, Illinois, at the age of 52 years; George, at the age of 49 years; and Mathias, at the age of 18 years. Mary, who was the first born of the family, was married (first) to Max Stark, and (second) to Mathias Renn.

When Henry C. Fox was eight years old, his parents removed to Jay County, Indiana, and there he resided until 19 years of age. After completing his district school education, he entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, remaining three terms, and for one term was a student at Lebanon, Ohio. Upon his return to Coldwater, he taught school for some nine years, becoming one of the most popular of the public school teachers in the county. In 1889 he started the general mercantile establishment known as the H. C. Fox store, in a building in the west part of the town, but in the fall of 1889, after six months in the old structure, he moved into a building he had purchased and improved until it was adapted to his purposes. He continued to become interested in the town's important enterprises, was made president of the People's Bank, and entered into partnership with Charles Hess in a mill and elevator business at Coldwater and St. Henry, under the firm name of Fox & Hess. He has demonstrated high qualities commercially and enjoys the confidence of the business community.

In 1885 Mr. Fox was married to Rosa Schockman, and they have eight children, viz. : Norah, a graduate of the Coldwater High School and of the Ursaline Convent at Tiffin, Ohio, who is now engaged in teaching in Butler township; Urban, a graduate of the Coldwater High School, who is now a pupil at St. Joseph's College, at Collegeville, Indiana; Leo, who is a student in the Coldwater High School; Frances, Anna and Agnes, who are attending school; and Henry Paul and Raymond. The family belong to the Catholic Church.

Mr. Fox occupies a seat in the Village Council of Coldwater, and his advice as a man of business perception concerning village government is highly valued. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of St. John, of Coldwater, and to the Lima Council, Knights of Columbus.

Christopher F. Bolman, M. D., physician and surgeon at Coldwater, where he has been established since 1881, was born at Fort Wayne, Indiana, October 26, 1847, and is a sQn °f Christopher and Charlotte (Bloom) Bolman.

Christopher Bolman was one of the pioneer merchants of Fort Wayne and a leading citizen, and there Dr. Bolman, as a youth, was educated, first in the public and later in private schools. Having a natural leaning toward mechanics, he then learned the machinist's trade, at which he worked for nearly 13 years and during this period he assisted in building the old town clock at the Fort Wayne Court-House. He read medicine with a local practitioner and thus prepared to enter the medical college at Fort Wayne, where he was graduated in 1881. After a short period of medical work a i Fort Wayne, he came to Coldwater, where he had been ever since and where he now commands a large practice, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens.

In 1874, at Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dr. Bolman was married to Susan E. Lewis, a daughter of Washington Lewis, of Bluffton, Indiana. They have had four children, namely: Elsie, wife of Theodore Campbell, of Mansfield, Ohio; Lydia F., widow of Edward Taylor, a captain in the United States Army during the Spanish- American War, formerly a lawyer at Evansville, Indiana, who died of fever while in the service ; Ralph Martin ; and Susan, who married Joseph Burkmeyer of Coldwater. Ralph Martin is now a practicing surgeon of considerable repute, at Fort Wayne, Indiana; he was educated in the Coldwater public schools, the Ohio Normal University at Ada, later at the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, and completed his medical course at the Fort Wayne Medical College.

Dr. Bolman served in 1902-03 as president of the Mercer County Medical Society and is well and favorably known in various medical organizations in the State. For 18 years he has been a member of the School Board at Coldwater, and is a member of the present Village Council.

Harman Henry Schwietermann, whose fine farm of 128 acres is situated in sections 22 and 23, Franklin township, was born September 14, 1842, in Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of Harman Arnold and Marial (Broaman) Schwietermann.

The parents of Mr. Schwietermann were both born in Germany. They both died in Ohio, the father in i860, and the mother in 1869. They had these children : Gerhard, who was born in Germany, and married Josephine

Munning; John Henry, the first child of the family born in America, married Mary Meinerding, and they now live on a farm adjoining that of our subject; Harman Henry, who was the third in order of birth ; J. Bernard, who married Catherine Depweg, and came into possession of the home farm, which he later sold and moved to Carthagena; Mary, who married Henry Gast and died at Chickasaw; Elizabeth, deceased; John, who married Mary Froning - both now deceased; William, who married Anna Fiely and lives at Cranberry Prairie; Anna, who married John Dorston and died in Franklin township; and Joseph, who married Elizabeth Ronnebaum and lives on a farm near that of our subject.

Our subject lost his father when he was 18 years of age, and he remained with his mother until her death, nine years later. All the sons worked on the home farm and all accumulated enough to purchase farms of their own. Harman Henry bought his farm in 1864, while his brother J. Bernard took the homestead on which his parents had settled when they came from Germany, in 1837. This was a farm of 80 acres in Marion township, for which, the father paid the sum of $500. On this farm nine of the children were born, and the father worked it for 23 years ; making it a valuable property. He assisted also in the building of the banks of the Grand Reservoir, this being one of the largest artificial bodies of water in the world.

Harman Henry Schwietermann was married in 1871, to Anna Bertke, a daughter of Barney Bertke, who was a resident of Mercer County for many years. Mr. Bertke was born in Germany, married in America and had these children: John, who married Josephine Clune; Anna, wife of our subject;

Mary, who married Barney Knapke and lives near Maria Stein ; Mathias, who married Mary Puthoff, and lives on the Bertke home farm near Maria Stein ; Barney, who married Catherine Knapke and lives at Cranberry Prairie; Frances, who married Peter Niekamp, and lives near Chickasaw; and Elizabeth, who married Barney Fehorn and lives on a farm near Maria Stein.

Frances, who married Charles Fleck, of Celina, lives at Covington, Kentucky, and has one son and one daughter - Lawrence and Edith; Mathias, who is studying for the Catholic priesthood at St. Charles Seminary, Carthagena; and Rose, Eleanora, Maria and Romey, all of whom are at home. This family is one to reflect great credit upon its parents, growing up industrious and intelligent and taking respected places in society. They have all enjoyed good school advantages.

Mr. Schwietermann's farm is crossed by the Schwietermann turnpike, his name having been given it on account of the hard fight he made to get this public improvement. His land has been found rich in gas and he secured $1,000 for one well that was drilled on his farm. With four other families, he has put in a system by which all have the use of gas in their homes and the same parties have installed a telephone system. These modern improvements make country life very enjoyable and very different from what it was when Mr. Schwietermann was young. His handsome brick residence is shaded and surrounded by an orchard of cherry and apple trees, while a beautiful hedge fence surrounds the whole.

Mr. Schwietermann has long been considered one of the representative men of his neighborhood, and he has frequently been elected to offices of trust and responsibility in the township. He has served as school director and as supervisor, for eight years was trustee of Franklin township, for over six] years was one of the commissioners of Mercer County, during which period many public improvements were made, and in 1904 he was elected treasurer of the School Board, an office he still fills. As a business man and honest and capable public official, Mr. Schwietermann stands out prominently in Franklin township. He is a consistent member of the Catholic Church. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

Rev. Frank P. Cordier

Rev. Frank P. Cordier, residing on his well-cultivated farm of Ii8j4 acres, in sections 9 and 10, Jefferson township, with 38J4 acres in Butler township, is one of the successful agriculturists of this part of Mercer County. He was born in Granville township, Mercer County, Ohio, July 16, 1855, and is a son of John Adam and Hannah (Golder) Cordier.

John Adam Cordier was born in Germany and was seven years of age when he accompanied his parents to America. They settled at New Bremen, Auglaize County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. After his marriage he moved to Mercer County and died at the age of 42 years. His wife still survives. They had six children, the survivors being: Elizabeth, wife of Robert Hart; Frank P., of this sketch; Mrs. Annie Davis and Mrs. Kate

Frank P. Cordier was reared and educated in Granville township, where he lived until he reached his majority, when he removed to Butler township, where shortly afterward he was married to Mary E. Coate, daughter of Benjamin Coate, and settled on the farm which is still their home. They have had io children and all survive with the exception of the eldest, Mary, who died when eight years of age. The others are : Martha, who married Ralph Monroe and has one child, Helen; Kate, wife of David Baker, living in Montgomery County, Ohio; and George A., Joseph Benjamin, Harriet, Jenett, Ruth, Sarah and Fannie, all living at home.

Mr. Cordier has made many improvements on his farm since settling here and has everything snug and comfortable around him. In addition to looking after his farming interests in a very capable manner he also serves the German Baptist Brethren Church in the northern part of Butler township, as a minister. He is very much esteemed by a large congregation.

Henry Gaus

Henry Gaus, one of the highly respected German-American citizens of Butler township, residing on his fine farm of 325 acres situated in sections 17 and 18, was born in Hanover, Germany, March 31, 1849, and is a son °f Ludwig and Dorothea Gaus.

When Henry Gaus was seven years old, his parents decided to come to America and locate in Ohio, where relatives were already doing well. On Christmas Eve, 1856, the family landed in the city of New York, in the midst of a snowstorm that made further transportation almost impossible for a short time. The travelers found difficulty in making their way to Shelby County, but finally reached Sidney and secured sleds to New Bremen. The distance to the home of their relatives was still four and a half miles, and this they waJked, through the biting cold of the New Year, finding a hearty, old-country welcome, however, at its end.

Ludwig Gaus bought 20 acres of land from his brother-in-law, as a beginning, and later, 40 acres, of Mr. Beezil, the banker, and subsequently 50 acres more, of Jacob Powell. A log house was built and the family made itself very comfortable while clearing the land. By 1880 Mr. Gaus had placed his farm of 90 acres in such fine condition that he received the sum of $4,500 for it, and he then removed to Butler township, Mercer County. Here he purchased 205 acres, borrowing a portion of the money from his daughters, but placing the land in the name of Henry Gaus, a transaction that was

On October 21, 1874, Henry Gaus was married to Wilhelmina Keck and they have a family of eight children, as follows : Henry, living on a farm of 60 acres owned by his father, who married Maud Smith and has three children - Orville, Beulah and Mildred ; Lewis, who married Mary Brandon and has one child - Mabel Marie; George, who lives at home; Louisa, who married Henry Hammel and has one daughter, Ethel; Clara, who married Henry Steele and has one child, Walter; and John, Arthur and Cora, all at home.

Mr. Gaus and family belong to the Lutheran Church in which he has served for four years as an elder. He is one of the leading citizens of Butler township and is a member of the School Board.

J. H. Winkeljohan, lumber dealer at Celina, is one of the prospering men of this city where he has been established since 1894. He was born in Germany in 1863, was educated there and learned the carpenter's trade before coming to America in 1882. He is a son of Mathias and Katherine (Tebbe) Winkeljohan, natives of Hanover, Prussia, the father born September 26, 1835, and the mother, December 24, 1838. They came to the United States in 1892 and reside in Celina. They are the parents of 12 children, of whom 1 1 survive ; all reside in the United States.

Shortly after reaching the United States, Mr. Winkeljohan located at St. Henry, Mercer County, and worked there as a carpenter and contractor for about seven years and then became connected with the St. Henry flouring mills. After working in the mills for a time, he purchased a half interest, and later was engaged for some two years in buying and shipping timber. In 1894 Mr. Winklejohan came to Celina and became associated with the Kuntz & Herr Lumber Company, and in the following year he became a member of the firm, the business later being incorporated as The P. Kuntz & Herr Lumber Company, with a capital stock of $5,000. The officers were: Peter Kuntz, president; C. E. Wright, vice-president; Charles J. Herr, secretary and treasurer; B. Romer, director; and J. H. Winkeljohan, manager. The present officers are : Peter Kuntz, president ; B. Romer, vice-president ; and J. H. Winkeljohan, treasurer and manager. Mr. Winkeljohan is the only resident member of the firm. The company also operates a branch yard at

In addition to this large business, Mr. Winkeljohan is interested in the Mendon Lumber Company, in farm lands in Mercer County and owns valuable property in Celina. .

In 1891 Mr. Winkeljohan was married (first) to Anna M. Meinerding, who died the following year, and in 1894 he was married (second) to* Rebecca A. Romer, a daughter of B. Romer, of St. Henry, a member of one of the oldest families in Mercer County. They have five children, viz. : Agnes, Lucile, Ferdinand, Lillie and Hilda. Our subject is one of the leading members of the Catholic Church at Celina, and belongs to the Knights of St. John, the Catholic Knights of Ohio and to St. Joseph's Society.

Rev. Abither David Coate

Rev. Abither David Coate, an extensive farmer and representative citizen of Mercer County, resides on a finely-cultivated farm of 120 acres, in section 15, Butler township, on which he has made many improvements. He also owns a farm of 80 acres in section 10, Jefferson township. Mr. Coate was born in Butler township, Mercer County, Ohio, March 10, 1851, and is. a son of Benjamin and Mary (Yaney) Coate.

Benjamin Coate was born at Ludlow Falls, Miami County, Ohio, and was a son of Joseph Coate, an old resident of Miami County. Benjamin Coate was about 10 years of age when his father entered land in Mercer County, and Benjamin did the same when he reached his majority. Seven children were born to Benjamin Coate and wife, and four of these still survive, namely: Abither David; Noah, of Butler township; Mary E., wife of Rev. F. P. Cordier, of Jefferson township; and William, of Celina.

Abither David Coate was reared and attended school in Butler township and his occupation in life has always been farming. For a number of years he has been pastor of the German Baptist Brethren Church, in the northern part of Butler township, and is very highly esteemed by his congregation.

On March 10, 1879, Mr. Coate was married to Harriet Barker, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Strait) Barker. They have had five children, viz. : Maggie P., who is the wife of Riley T. Waggoner, of Butler township, and the mother of one child, Irma Fern; Ida, who resides at home; Otto J., who died at the age of two years; Homer; and a babe that died in infancy. The family have resided in the residence in which they live, ever since Mr. and Mrs. Coafe started to housekeeping, and naturally they are much attached to it. Here the children have been born and here some have died, and all the family joys and sorrows have been enjoyed or endured around the old hearth-stone. On many occasions it is the scene of pleasant family reunions.

Mr. Coate has always been a Democrat but has never accepted any political office except that of township trustee, in which he served for two terms, to the benefit of the community.

Anton Mescher

Anton Mescher, proprietor of the Mescher dairy and the owner of 80 acres of rich farming land situated in section 28, Butler township, is one of the substantial men of this part of the county. Mr. Mescher was born in Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, February 16, 1852, and is a son of Bernard and Katherine (Tangemann) Mescher.

Bernard Mescher was born in Germany and came to America at the age of 18 years. He made his way to Mercer County, where he worked for several years on the canal then in course of construction, and then settled near Maria Stein. His wife was about 18 months old when she was brought to America by her parents who were pioneers in this part of Mercer County. Both parents of Mr. Mescher died in Marion township.

Anton Mescher was reared in Marion township and was educated in the district schools. He was trained to be a practical farmer and his father recognized his ability to operate a farm of his own, when he was still a young man, and purchased the present farm in Butler township for him. Anton settled on his property in the year preceding his marriage and has resided here ever since, carrying on extensive farming and successfully operating a dairy. He has continued to improve his property and has erected a handsome brick residence and substantial barns and other buildings.

In 1882 Mr. Mescher was married to Mary Fischer, a daughter of Henry Fischer. Mr. and Mrs. Mescher have eight children, namely : Henry, Louis, John, Elizabeth, Catherine, Margaret, Bernard and Susan. Mr. Mescher has given his children good educational advantages and has also reared them carefully in the Catholic Church. His sons are members of the Knights of St. John. They all stand very high in public esteem, being noted for their industry and good citizenship.

The Fort Recovery Stirrup Company

The Fort Recovery Stirrup Company, manufacturers of bent wood and metal bound saddle stirrups, the largest exclusive manufacturers of wood stirrups in the world, and the leading manufacturing establishment of Fort

Recovery, was organized in 1899 by William Koch, president of the company, and his son Edward, who is secretary and general manager. The company employs from 18 to 20 men. Previous to its establishment, the building now occupied by the company was used as a tannery, which was owned and operated by William Koch.

William Koch was born January 31, 1834, in Prussia, Germany, and is a son of Frederick Koch, a farmer by occupation, who emigrated to America in 1845, locating at New Bremen, Ohio, where he died in 1856. William Koch moved to St. Marys when 18 years old and subsequently learned the tanner's trade at New Bremen, Ohio. He worked at his trade for seven years in St. Marys. In 1864 he moved to Fort Recovery where he opened a tannery, in which business he continued until the establishment of the stirrup company, in 1899.

Mr. Koch was married in 1857 to Dorothea Backhaus, a daughter of Henry Backhaus. To Mr. and Mrs. Koch 10 children were born, six of whom are still living. The record is as follows : Lucilla, who married Charles Schneider; William, who died in childhood; Julia, deceased; Frank, who lives at Lima, Ohio; Minnie, who married William Heiby; Flora; Edward; Carrie, and two children that died in infancy. Edward Koch, who is secretary and manager of the Fort Recovery Stirrup Company, was married in 1901 to Matilda Frommel, a daughter of Edward Frommel. Mr. Koch is a member of Pisgah Congregational Church of Fort Recovery, and a member of the Fort Recovery Village Council.

David A. Beams

David A. Beams, formerly mayor of Coldwater, and one of the leading citizens of Butler township, owns 176 2-3 acres of fine farming land in section 20. Mr. Beams was born in Butler township, Mercer County, Ohio, August 4, 1847, ar*d is a son of David and Margaret (Eaton) Beams.

David Beams was born in Pennsylvania. When he attained his majority he came to Ohio and located at Piqua, where he married. In March, 1847, a few months before the birth of our subject, he removed to Mercer County where he acquired 240 acres of land in Butler township, east of Coldwater. He was a son of Col. Martin Bowen Beams, who commanded a German regiment during the War of 1812, and who died of yellow fever in Williams County, Ohio, while on his way home after the close of the war. His two brothers, Martin and John, were among the founders of the United Brethren Church in this locality.

district schools. After completing his education, he taught school for one year in Missouri, all of the family, with the exception of the youngest sister, having been successful teachers during their youth. With the exception of this one year, Mr. Beams has always lived in Mercer County, and has always devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, not, however, to the exclusion of all other interests. He has served as mayor of Coldwater, and also as constable, and is well and favorably known all over the county. Mr. Beams has resided on his present fine farm since March, 1903, just prior to this having sold a farm of 160 acres in Lancaster County, Nebraska.

In 1877 Mr. Beams was married to Malinda Kester, a daughter of John Kester, and they have seven children, namely: Lawrence A., who married Blanche Fell, lives in Washington township and has one child; Laura, who married George Bailey and has three children; John, who resides at home, unmarried; Flora, who is the wife of Del Cummins and the mother of one child; and Ross, David, and Lily Echo, still at home.

Roberson Green Burch

Roberson Green Burch, one of the excellent farmers for which Butler township is justly noted, resides on a fine property of 116 acres located in section 23. He was born in this township, July 17, 1842, and is a son of Barton F. and Catherine (Allen) Burch.

The Burch family is of English ancestry and was founded in America at an early day by some seven brothers of the name who located in the State of New York. Zebulon Burch, the grandfather of Roberson G., was an old and substantial resident of New York and there lived to the age of 71 years.

Barton F. Burch came to Ohio from New York and located on a farm near Cincinnati, where he was subsequently married to Catherine Allen. Her father, Joseph Allen, a native of England, settled first in Maryland upon coming to this country, later removing to Ohio. About 1840 Barton F. Burch came to Mercer County and rented farming land for some years, but later entered 80 acres, paying $1.25 an acre for the same. This tract he cleared, built a comfortable log cabin and with the help of his sons, improved the land' into a fine, productive farm, on which he died July 16, 1871, when almost 67 years old. His wife died November 1, 1876, aged 75 years.

Roberson G. Burch was reared in Butler township and passed his time until he was 21 in assisting his father and in attending the district schools. The opening of the Civil War found him ready to offer his services to his country, and as soon as he had attained his majority he did so, on October 8, 1862, entering Company H, 56th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in which he served for one year, participating in the siege of Vicksburg, which lasted 41 days, and in which he was seriously wounded in the left knee ; and the battles of Champion Hill and Port Gibson.

After his war service was over and he had received his honorable discharge, Mr. Burch returned to Mercer County and began working on a farm by the month. He bought his first piece of property in Jay County, Indiana, which he later traded for a 40-acre tract on which his home now stands, later purchasing 80 additional acres. He carries on general farming and stockraising.

Rev. Henry Goldschmidt, C. Pp. S.

Rev. Henry Goldschmidt, C. PP. S., who has been pastor of St. Paul's Catholic Church at Sharpsburg, in Gibson township, for the past seven years, was born September ir, 1866, in Baden, Germany, and is a son of John and Agnes (Seirer) Goldschmidt, who were natives of Germany, where they spent their entire lives.

Father Goldschmidt spent his early boyhood days on his father's farm, which he left when about 15 years of age to enter a professional school at Freiburg, Baden, Germany, where he remained for several years. In 1887, after leaving his position, he came to America and entered St. Charles Seminary, at Carthagena, Mercer County, Ohio, as a student, and in 1888 began to study for the priesthood. He was graduated from the seminary and ordained a priest in 1899, in which year he became assistant priest in the Catholic Church at Glandorf, Putnam County, Ohio, where he remained for six months. On August 10th of that year Father Goldschmidt took charge of St. Paul's Catholic Church at Sharpsburg, where he has since been located.

Henry Goecke

Henry Goecke, one of the leading business men at Maria Stein, engaged in undertaking, furniture dealing and brickmaking, who is also treasurer of St. John's Catholic Church, was born in Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a, son of John B. and Mary (Asman) Goecke.

John B. Goecke was born in Germany, May 29, 1826, and in 1835 accompanied his parents to America. They landed at Baltimore and at once came to Auglaize County, Ohio. At the age of 15 years, John B. Goecke started to learn the carpenter's trade at Minster, and subsequently became an expert wood-carver. He made the beautiful altar of St. John's Catholic Church at Maria Stein and that of St. Mary's at Cassella. He bought land and owned the site on which the town of St. Johns is built. In a fire which destroyed his property in 1850, he lost a considerable amount, having no insurance, but he was able to leave his family in comfortable circumstances. He was a good Catholic and was a liberal, charitable man. His death occurred in 1885. Politically he was a Democrat.

In 1849 John B. Goecke married Mary Asman, who was born in Germany, and they had these children : Henry, Elizabeth, Katherine, Agnes, John, Rosa, John (2) and Joseph.

After leaving school, Henry Goecke learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked successfully. Since 1883 he has been engaged in undertaking and furniture dealing at Maria Stein. He also has a brickyard and burned the brick used in the construction of St. John's Church, the convent of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood and other buildings. Mr. Goecke also owns a hardware store. All these different lines of business are conducted carefully and he is one of the town's capitalists. He owns some 15 acres of good land and two valuable town lots in addition to his other property.

In 1876 Mr. Goecke was married to Katie Pulskamp, who was born September 10, 1855, and is a daughter of Hon. Herman and Mary (Schaffer) Pulskamp. Judge Pulskamp was born at Martzen, Germany, July 25, 1830, and at the age of 15 years accompanied his parents to New York, going from there to St. Peters, Indiana. In 1848 he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Herman learned the wagon-maker's trade. In 1852 Herman Pulskamp was married in Cincinnati to Mary Schaffer, who was a native of Germany and a devout Catholic. To this union were born : Katie, wife of our subject; Herman, John B., Bernard, George Edward, Mary, Louise, Joseph and Frederick. The mother of these children died July 1, 1886, and two years later, Judge Pulskamp was married to Mary A. Frey.

In 1861 Judge Pulskamp came to Maria Stein from Cincinnati. He has been justice of the peace a number of times, has also served as township clerk and in 1875 he. was elected county treasurer. This necessitated his removal to Celina. In' 1^882 he was elected probate judge and served through two terms and held other offices. His death occurred August 21, 1891? at Celina. He was a devout member of the Catholic Church.

Mrs. Goecke resided at home until her marriage. She was carefully educated and is a lady of beautiful Christian character and the beloved mother of a large family, as follows: John H., who died July 18, 1878; Justina Maria, who married B. Tangeman, lives at Maria Stein and has two children, Leonard and Ludmilla; John Edward, who assists his father in business;

Herman Frederick, who married Louise Menker, October 17, 1906, and assists in the hardware store of his father at Maria Stein ; Agnes Matilda, who died April 15, 1888; Albert John, who died June 26, 1888; Clara Ann; Anna Maria; Martina Mary, who died June 18, 1894; Hildegard Maria; and Alma Maria.

In 1887 Mr. Goecke was appointed treasurer of St. John's Church, a mark of the greatest confidence that could have been shown an intelligent, upright, able business man. He has been promiently identified with the affairs of the church for many years and can give many interesting details of its growth from a mission to its present prosperity.

John G. Dues

John G. Dues, formerly supervisor of Butler township, and one of the township's leading citizens, resides on his well-improved farm of 70 acres, situated in section 30. Mr. Dues was born October 30, 1858, in Butler township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Anna Dues, extended mention of whom will be found in the sketch of our subject's brother, Barney Dues, appearing elsewhere in this volume.

J. G. Dues was reared in Butler township, which, with the exception of a period of two years, has been his home all his life. These two years were spent at Celina, where he erected a comfortable home, which he occupied during his residence at the county seat.

Following his marriage, Mr. Dues rented a farm in Butler township for a number of years. In 1899 he purchased 100 acres of land to which he subsequently added 30 acres, on which property he erected a commodious frame residence and substantial barn and other buildings. Later he sold 60 acres of his land and moved from the new buildings to his present home at the other end of the farm. Mr. Dues has erected three residences, these being his former farm residence, the residence in Celina and still another in Philothea, all of which he has sold. He carries on a general line of agriculture and is numbered with the township's good farmers. He has always taken a good citizen's interest in local affairs, in which his judgment is frequently consulted, and for three years he served efficiently as supervisor.

On October 3, 1882, Mr. Dues was married to Catherine Will, a daughter of George Will, and they have had 11 children, namely: Barbara, who married Henry Harms and has one son, Harold ; John, who married Philomena Brown and has one daughter, Ursula; and Frank, Benjamin, Rudolph,

Joseph, Henrietta, Matilda, Leona and Philomena, all at home, and Pauline, who died aged eight months. Mr. Dues is a leading member of the Catholic Church.

Charles W. Mackenbach

Charles W. Mackenbach, M. D., physician and surgeon at Coldwater, was born in Jay County, Indiana, December 14, 1869, and is a son of, C. A. and Catherine (Kantrenen) Mackenbach.

Charles W. Mackenbach was reared in Jay County, and received his early education in the public schools, later attending the normal school at Portland, Indiana. He then took a course in bookkeeping in Wilt's Business College, also known as the Miami Commercial College, at Dayton, Ohio, and upon his return to Portland he became bookkeeper in the Citizens' Bank, where he remained for three years and then held the same position with the C. A. Barker Lumber Company, following bookkeeping for 10 years. After a course in pharmacy at Valparaiso, Indiana, in 1897 he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1900. He began medical practice at St. Marys in the same year, remaining there until May 20, 1905, when he removed to Coldwater and opened up his present office. Dr. Mackenbach is unmarried. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Maccabees.

Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith, a prominent citizen and representative agriculturist of Hopewell township, Mercer County, resides on his well-cultivated farm of 80 acres, which is favorably situated in section 20. He was born in Hessen- Darmstadt, Germany, March 10, 1844, and is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Garlag) Smith.

The parents of Mr. Smith were born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and subsequently came to America. The mother was born March 21, 1808, and died in September, 1847, the same year that they settled in Mercer1 County, Ohio. Frederick Smith, who was born April 8, 1807, survived his wife many years, his death occurring June 30, 1906. He was then in his 100th year, being the most venerable resident of the county. His first years in Hopewell township were occupied in clearing up his farm in section 20, it being situated right in the midst of the woods. He contracted a second marriage and of his children the survivors are as follows : Henry, George and Andrew, all farmers in Hopewell township; Lena, wife of Frederick Stedcke, of Hopewell township; Frederick, of Hanover, Michigan; Caroline, wife of George J. Smith, of Hopewell township; and Susan, wife of Jasper Cole, of Celina.

Andrew Smith was three years old when his parents came to America, and in the same year, 1847, was deprived of the care of his tender mother. He grew up amid pioneer surroundings, went to school at intervals, when sessions were held in the log schoolhouses in the district, and assisted all through youth and manhood in the clearing and developing of the home farm of 80 acres. He has always been numbered with the good farmers and enterprising agriculturists of his locality. He is a man of practical ideas and has always shown an interest in the advancement of education, the establishing of religious bodies and in the making of good roads in his neighborhood.

On October 13, 1867, Mr. Smith was married to Nancy McGilvery, who died June 13, 1868. He was married (second), on November 21, 1869, to Elizabeth Smith, who was born in Shelby County, Ohio, July 21, 1851, and is a daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Kraft) Smith. The parents of Mrs. Smith were born in Germany and they resided for some years in Shelby County, after coming to Ohio, later removing to Celina, Mercer County, and subsequently to Hopewell township. Mrs. Smith has five surviving brothers, as follows: George J., Charles, Philip, Henry E. and Benjamin F., all residents of Hopewell township.

Our subject and wife have seven children, namely : Catherine, wife of Lewis Anselman, of Liberty township ; Mary E., wife of William Clay, of Auglaize County; Ida J., wife of Frederick Stroh, of Auglaize County; Conrad E-, of Hopewell township; Margaret, wife of Joseph Bollenbacher, of Liberty township ; Charles A., of Hopewell township, and Charlotte B., wife of Joshua Hoenie, of Hopewell township.

In politics Mr. Smith is identified with the Democratic party but he occasionally votes independently. Both he and his wife are valued members of the Evangelical Association. They are widely known and their hospitable home welcomes many warm personal friends.

S. A. Bowman

S. A. Bowman, vice-president of the Citizens' Banking Company of Celina, and one of the prominent and valued citizens of the village, was born in 1857 in Allen County, Indiana, where he was reared and schooled, his education being completed at Fort Wayne and Valparaiso.

After leaving college, Mr. Bowman engaged in teaching school for about two years and then embarked in a drug business at Zanesville, where he con- tinued as active manager for some three years before coming to Celina, but continued as owner of the business for some years thereafter. Mr. Bowman has made Celina his home since 1889 and during all the intervening period has been identified with the Citizens' Bank, first as bookkeeper, later as assistant cashier and subsequently as cashier and for some years has been its vicepresident. He is largely interested in real estate in Mercer County and also in Allen County, Indiana, and owns stock in telephone and other enterprises.

In 1882 Mr. Bowman was married to Eva Counterman, a daughter of Jacob Counterman, one of the early pioneers of Mercer County. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have one son, Harold C., a student in the Celina public schools.

In politics Mr. Bowman is identified with the Republican party and on numerous occasions has been a delegate to State and National conventions. In 1904 he was an elector from Ohio and cast the electoral vote for Theodore Roosevelt. He is interested in all civic matters of a public character and is one of the trustees of the Free Public Library of Celina. Mr. Bowman is one of the leading members of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church at Celina and a member of its official body, and for several years has also been one of the board of district stewards.

George Howick

George Howick, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on a farm of 160 acres located in section 23, Center township, was born in this township, April 6, 1848, and is a son of Stephen and Eva (Minehart) Howick, the former a native of Surrey County, England, and the latter, of Fairfield County, Ohio. In the sketch of our subject's brother, David Howick, appearing elsewhere in this volume, will be found further mention of the parents.

George Howick was reared on the home place where he remained until after his marriage, when he moved to his present farm, where he has since resided. His farm which is all in one body lies on the north side of the road. He has cleared a greater part of the land and made many improvements, building a house and other buildings.

Mr. Howick was married 34 years ago to Frances Cantwil, a native of Ohio and a daughter of John Cantwil, who was a resident of Center township. Mr. and Mrs. Howick have had 10 children, namely: Albert, residing in Center township, who married Kate Pitzen and has one child, Eugene, Mary (twin to Albert), who married Benjamin Hoyng and resides in Utica, Ohio; Annie, who married William Craft, of Center township; William, who lives at home; John S.; Grace, who married John Ploltmann, of Center township;

Jacob Link

Jacob Link, proprietor of a general store at Chickasaw, was born at Cassella, Mercer County, Ohio, November 18, 1875, and is a son of Anton and Catherine (Cron) Link, who were both natives of Cassella, Ohio. Anton Link was engaged in the sawmill business at Cassella for two years, after which he opened a general store which he operated for some time. He is now a resident of Carthagena, where he is engaged in running a general store. He married Catherine Cron and they have had 11 children, namely: Jacob, John, Elizabeth, Charles, Aloys, Anna, Joseph and Mary, Catherine, Francis and Anton, who are deceased.

Jacob Link lived with his father in Carthagena until about 15 years of age, and worked in his father's store. He then attended St. Mary's Institute at Dayton, Ohio, for two years. At the age of 18 he became a traveling salesman for a cigar jobbing house, in which business he remained for the following eight years. He then returned home for a period of two years, and next opened a general store at Philothea, which he operated for one year. After selling out, he came to Chickasaw and engaged in the general merchandise business, in which he still continues.

Mr. Link was married November 25, 1903, to Margaret Boeke, a daughter of Herman and Catherine Boeke. One child has blessed this union : Catherine, who was born November 18, 1904. Mr. Link is a Democrat in politics and in 1904 was a candidate at the primaries for the nomination for county recorder. Mr. Link and his wife are members of the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church at Chickasaw, Ohio, and he is a member of St. Joseph's Society of that church.

John L. Bucanon

John L. Bucanon, a trustee of Butler township, and owner, with his wife, of 69 acres of fine farm land, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, October 23. 1856, and is a son of Joseph and Esther Ann (Swartz) Bucanon, natives of Ireland, where the father of our subject died in 1857. Our subject's mother married, as her second husband, Anthony Kuhn, and moved to Butler township, Mercer County, Ohio, in 1868.

Bucanon moved from his farm to Coldwater and purchased the street sprinkling privilege, which he operated during the summer of that year, returning to the farm on October 18th.

Mr. Bucanon was married (first) to Eliza Burch, who died after 18 years of wedded life, leaving one son, Alonzo, who makes his home with his father. . On the 19th of May, 1898, our subject married Mrs. Isabelle Andrew, widow of William Andrew and daughter of Martin and Hester Ann Burch, of New York State. She was the mother of six children by her first marriage, as follows: Stella, who is the wife of T. G. Brandon (a teacher in Butler township) and the mother of two children; Charles; Robert, who married Pearl Buck and has one child; Fanny; Eva and Annie. Mr. Bucanon was elected township trustee in 1902 and is now serving his second term. He has been a member of the School Board for seven years. He is a member of the Christian Church.

John Grier

John Grier, residing on a well-developed farm of 120 acres situated in section 19, Butler township, is a native of Ireland and was born about 1836, although he has no record of the actual date.

After the death of his father, Mr. Grier came to America, being then about eighteen years old. He landed at New York in 1854, having made the voyage on a sailing vessel, which took about 31 days. He obtained his first work in a straw-hat factory as bleacher and later as presser. Afterwards he went to Newark, Ohio, and worked in a house-furnishing store for a time, and then returned to New York, where he remained about three years and then came back to Ohio and settled on a farm, which he had purchased several years before. He cleared the farm and made a great many improvements and now has one of the finest farms in Butler township.

Mr. Grier was married (first) in New York during his early residence there and he and his wife had one child, Catherine Patton, who died aged three months. He was married (second) to Caroline Walters, who was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, but was reared in Mercer County. They became the parents of seven children, namely: John James, who died aged 21 years; Catherine Ann, who lives at home; William Edmond, residing in Jefferson township, who has one child ; Mary, who married Robert Larmore and has one child ; Ralph, residing in Mercer County, who has one child ; Amy Caroline, who lives at home; and Hugh Arthur, who died aged 15 years. Mr. Grier is a Republican and has served as school director and supervisor of his township. In religion he was brought up a Presbyterian, but is not united with any church at present, as no church of that denomination is located near his home.

Harvey Beougher

Harvey Beougher, a well-known citizen and successful farmer of Jefferson township, whose 80-acre farm is located in section 11, was born near Logan, Hocking County, Ohio, March 27, 1842, and is a son of Benjamin and Catherine (Cook) Beougher.

Benjamin C. Beougher was born near Millville, Fairfield County, Ohio, , where he was reared and educated, removing to Hocking County after his marriage, where he became a representative farmer.

Harvey Beougher remained on the home farm until he was prepared to start a home of his own, in 1872, making his home with his parents, but accasionally working for neighboring farmers as was the custom. In 1863 he enlisted for service in the Civil War and was in the army for one year and seven months, a member of the 58th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. He saw some pretty hard service but returned at the close of his term of enlistment without having suffered any serious injury. He resumed farming in Hocking County, where he remained until 1875, when he located in Mercer County, having purchased 80 acres of uncleared land in Jefferson township in 1866. Here he built a log house and entered upon the clearing and ditching of his land, which he continued until the whole tract of 80 acres was ready for cultivation, except nine acres reserved for timber. In 1899 Mr. Beougher built a commodious frame residence which has made a comfortable home for his family. In 1892 he erected his substantial barn which is, without doubt, one of the very best in the township. His other improvements are of the same character and they make his property a valuable and pleasing one. He carries on general farming and raises some stock.

On March 24, 1872, Mr. Beougher was married to Eva Lohr, a daughter of Noah Lohr, who is a minister in the United Brethren Church, located in Hocking County, Ohio. They have had 13 children, namely: Cora Alma and Lela Ada, both deceased in infancy; Homer Ellis, who died aged 18 months; Sanford, minister of the Christian Church at Montpelier, Indiana, who is married and has two children; Charles, a resident of Jefferson township, who is married and has three children; Elmer J., also residing in Jefferson township, who is married and has one child ; Chester Orn, who is married and resides in Celina ; Ida, who married William Monroe and lives in Jefferson township; and Lawrence, Zina D., Maud Blanche, Jesse and Bessie E., who resides at home.

Mr. Beougher has given his children educational advantages and they are respected members of society in Jefferson township. The family belong to the Walnut Chapel United Brethren Church in Jefferson township, of which

George Smith

In the subject of this sketch is found one of Hopewell township's most highly esteemed citizens. He is the owner of ioo acres of valuable land, situated in section 30, and has long been accounted a representative agriculturist of this part of Mercer County. Mr. Smith was born in Germany, December 23, 1839, and is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Garlag) Smith.

Frederick Smith brought his family to America in 1847, and came directly to Mercer County, Ohio. He was one of the early pioneers and found a still undeveloped country where are now fertile fields and every indication of a high state of civilization. He cleared up a large farm in Hopewell township, where the rest of a long and useful life was spent, which extended into his 100th year, his death taking place on June 30, 1906. Of his children, these survive: Henry, of Flopewell township; George, of this sketch; Andrew, of Hopewell township; Frederick, of Hanover, Michigan; Caroline, wife of George J. Smith, of Hopewell township ; and Susan, wife of Jasper Cole, of Celina.

George Smith was reared among pioneer surroundings and can recall many interesting circumstances relative to early days in this township. His life has been one devoted to agriculture and he has done his part in developing farming interests and in raising the standard of agricultural achievement. He formerly owned 180 acres but has retained but 100, which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. While his life has been a successful one, he has had much to contend with and his prosperity is but the reward of his own unassisted efforts.

In September, 1864, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, becoming a member of Company K, 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., which was attached to General Sherman's command. Mr. Smith took part in the famous "March to the Sea" and was concerned in the siege and subsequent capture of Atlanta. With the victorious army, Mr. Smith took part in the Grand Review at Washington and was mustered out of the service in June, 1865.

Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Magdalena Myers, who was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied her parents to Hopewell township in girlhood. The children born to our subject and wife were the following: Mary A., wife of Frederick Hasis, of Center township; Lydia C., wife of George W. Smith, of Liberty township; Callie, wife of Joseph Stedcke, of Hopewell township; Amanda, wife of Frank Stedcke, of Hopewell township; Frank D., of Hopewell township; Lulu L., wife of Richard Stedcke, of Hopewell town- ship; John F., of Jefferson township; Fannie, wife of William Eichenaur, of Hopewell township ; and Pearl A., wife of James Highley, of Hopewell township.

Mr. Smith has always been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party but has never aspired to office. He is a valued member of the Evangelical Association. Through a long and useful life he has maintained a reputation for strict fairness and integrity in his dealings with his fellow-citizens and consequently enjoys their respect and esteem.

George Kettering

George Kettering, one of the most prominent farmers of Recovery township, owner of 200 acres of farm land located as follows, - 80 acres in section 18, Recovery township, and 80 acres in section 15 and 40 acres in section 16, Washington township, was born in Washington township, Mercer County, Ohio, November 25, 1856, and is a son of Henry and Margaret F. (Fennig) Kettering.

Henry Kettering was born near Strasburg, Germany, where he was reared and married. He came to America with his wife and child and located in Holmes County, Ohio, where his wife died shortly after, leaving one child, Catherine (Mrs. Leininger), who resides in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio. His second marriage occurred in Holmes County, to Martha F. Fennig, born in Germany, and who came to America when four years old with her parents who located in Ashland County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Kettering lived a number of years in Holmes County, their four oldest children being born in that county. He moved to Mercer County in 1835 and located on a farm of 80 acres in Washington township, which is now owned by our subject and is occupied by Benjamin Powell, a nephew of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Kettering was one of the most promiennt men in Washington township and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1871 at the age of 58 years, he was the owner of 193 acres of land, and had considerable other property beside. His wife died February 1, 1902, aged 77 years. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kettering, as follows: Henry, John, Caroline, Sarah, Jacob, George, Mary, Philip and Margaret. Henry came to Mercer County with his parents when about nine years of age, was reared in Washington township and lived here until March 1, 1906, when he sold the home farm which he then owned to his brother George, and moved to Nebraska. He divided 160 acres among his children and still owns 120 acres of land in Washington township. John resides in BFck Creek township. Caroline is the widow of Henry Bobenmoyer, of Washington township. Sarah married John Smoyer of

Washington township, who was killed in an oil-well explosion on his own farm. Jacob resides in Washington township. Mary married Jacob Becher, of Black Creek township. Philip died aged one year and seven days. Margaret married Peter W. Wright and died at the age of 26 years.

George Kettering was reared in Washington township and has spent his whole life in Mercer County with the exception of the time he has spent in traveling. In 1895. wishing to see the country where his father was born, Mr. Kettering took a trip to Europe, visiting France, Germany, Holland and many other countries. He is also interested in his own country and has visited California on two different occasions.

George W. Smith

George W. Smith, a representative agriculturist of Liberty township, whose excellent farm of 120 acres is situated in section 13, was born January 14. 1863, in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Gertrude Wappas Smith.

The parents of Mr. Smith were natives of Germany. The father was a boy of 12 years when he accompanied his parents to America. The family lived for a time in Pennsylvania and then came to Mercer County, Ohio, and settled on a wild tract of land in section 24, Liberty township. They were compelled to endure many hardships for the first few years, as were all the pioneers, but in spite of them the family flourished, increased in numbers and substance and now the Smith family of Liberty township, founded by Our subject's grandfather, John Smith, is one of the representative ones of this locality. George Smith died June 3, 1901. He was one of the leading members of the Evangelical Association. His wife passed away November 16, 1890. Both were widely known and highly esteemed.

George W. Smith was reared in Liberty township and was educated in the district schools. A long and intimate familiarity with all kinds of farm work has made of Mr. Smith a very competent farmer and his well-tilled land and the evidences of its productiveness seen on every hand mark him as a thoroughgoing agriculturist. Of his present farm, 40 acres were formerly included in the old homestead.

Although Mr. Smith is identified with the Republican party, he has his own ideas and claims the right sometimes to vote independently. He has always been a man of prominence in his township and has served at various times as school director of Dist. No. 6. He belongs to the Evangelical Association.

Frank Bernard Romer

Frank Bernard Romer, the owner of an excellent farm of 80 acres in section 26, Granville township, which is watered by the Wabash River, is one of the representative men of his locality and belongs to one of the oldest and most prominent families of the county. He was born December 6, 1874, at St. Henry, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of Bernard Frank and Mary Anna (Beckman) Romer.

Bernard Frank Romer, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, accompanied his brother Henry from Germany and the latter entered the land and laid out the town of St. Henry. The great-grandfather had died in Germany, but our subject's great-grandmother and the following children made up the first party of settlers of this name: Henry, Bernard Frank (the grandfather of our subject), Herman (1), Herman (2), Fred, Agnes (wife of Henry Hemmelgarn, deceased, at Cincinnati), and Frank. Three of the sons came to the vicinity of St. Henry, but the rest of the family remained at Cincinnati. The mother subsequently came to Minster, Auglaize County, Ohio, to visit her children, and died there in 1849. Other members of the family joined the first settlers at St. Henry. They possessed little means and walked the most of the way through the woods to this point. They worked on the canal and proved industrious, reliable people. Their log cabin in the woods was erected by combined effort in one day, and in the hastily constructed home seven families spent their first winter. All the brothers died in Mercer County, except Frank, Fred and Herman:

Bernard Frank Romer, Sr., was married at Cincinnati, Ohio, to Agnes Gravenkamp, who came from the same part of Germany as did his own family. Their children were : Elizabeth, the first white child born at St. Henry, who is the widow of Fred Athmer; Agnes, who married Clemmens Meinerding - both now deceased; Bernardina, who married Henry Lennartz - both now deceased; Catherine, who married John Beckman; Mary (widow of Dr. Myers), residing in Florida; Anna, (widow of Henry Doess), living at St. Henry; and Bernard Frank, the only son. The father of this family died in September, 1879, but the mother survived until February 14, 1901.

Bernard Frank Romer, father of our subject, one of the best known citizens of St. Henry, was born here on February 25, 1846. The whole period of his attendance at school was covered by 30 days, but he made the most of his limited opportunities. He early developed business ability and was but 12 years of age when he began to buy and sell as well as trade horses, and it was remarkable how seldom he made a bad bargain. When he was 14 years old he bought his first farm, purchasing it from Jacob Ullerman, at St. Peter, in Recovery township, and with this tract as a beginning he has continued to add acre after acre until he now owns 400 acres in Mercer County and a large body of land in Scioto County. In addition he is interested in the lumber business at Celina, St. Henry and Mendon, and is the controller of a large amount of capital. Politically he has always been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, but he has never sought office. Mr. Romer is one of the leading members of St. Henry's Catholic Church at St. Henry, which his family was instrumental in founding. He assisted in building the present beautiful church edifice.

On October 15, 1868, Mr. Romer was married to Mary Anna Beckman, who died March 18, 1902. She was a daughter of the late Henry A. Beckman, who was an early settler in this vicinity, a well-known practitioner of law and for a number of years a justice of the peace. The eight children born to Bernard Frank Romer, Jr., and wife were as follows: Rebecca Ann, who is the wife of Henry YVinkeljohan, of Celina; Agnes, who is the wife of Benjamin Riling, of St. Henry; Emma, who married Joseph Moeller and lives at St. Henry; Frank Bernard, who is the immediate subject of this sketch; Ferdinand, who married Carrie Kreusch and lives at Cambridge City, Indiana ; Albert, who married Mary Schunck and lives at Celina ; Lillian, a very estimable lady, who keeps house for her father; and a son, who died January 7, 1879, aged six months.

Frank Bernard Romer, Jr., laid out the town of Burkettsville, 1871. He also presented to Rev. John Van den Broek, C. PP. S., two acres of land and was one of a committee of eight good Catholics who organized St. Bernard's Church there. He erected his own commodious residence at St. Henry in 1884-85, a large brick structure of 12 rooms, where he now lives practically retired, although it is doubtful if anyone with so active a mind and so many important interests still concerning him will ever entirely lay aside business affairs.

Frank' Bernard Romer was reared at St. Henry. He enjoyed better educational advantages than did his father, for after1, he had completed the course of instruction in the schools of St. Henry, he went to Dayton and finished at St. Mary's Institute there. He continued to reside at home until his marriage and during the first year following it he lived at St. Henry, in the meantime working one of his father's farms. In 1899 he located on his present farm, which he obtained from his father, and moved into the log house which was then standing. Mr. and Mrs. Romer continued to live in that house until the completion, in 1902, of his handsome new residence, of nine rooms, which is a very fine home and is fitted with many modern conveniences. In 1901 Mr. Romer completed his substantial barn, also of modern construction. He has made many other excellent improvements, has cleared his land and has put it under a fine state of cultivation/ He carries on general

On October 4, 1898, Mr. Romer was united in marriage with Anna M. Moeller, who was born November 23, 1875, and is a daughter of Gerhard Henry and Mary (Lang) Moeller. The father of Mrs. Romer was born at St. Johns, near Maria Stein, and was a son of Joseph Moeller, who was one of the first settlers at that place. Joseph Moeller and wife came to Ohio from Germany and they had the following children : Gerhard Henry, father of Mrs. Romer; Anthony, who died young; Anna, who married Joseph Bruns; John, deceased at 21 years; Mary, wife of Frank Bruns; Frances, who married (first) Frank Feldhake and (second) Anthony Sherman; and Joseph.

The children of Gerhard Henry and Mary (Lang) Moeller were: Amelia, who married William Henry Romer; Joseph, who married Emma Romer; Anna M., who is the wife of our subject; Louis, who married Rose Vand der Bosch; Pauline, deceased in the spring of 1905, who was the wife of George Bruns; Rose, who married Joseph Macke, Jr.; Francis; Leo; Adolph, deceased; and Ferdinand. Mr. and Mrs. Moeller live retired at St. Henry.

Mr. and Mrs. Romer have four children, namely : Florence, born August 21, 1899; Alphonse, born December 19, 1901; Ruth, born March 12, 1904; and Mildred, born September 6, 1906. This family, like all of the name, are devoted members of the Catholic Church.

Rev. Joseph Heitz, C. Pp. S.

Rev. Joseph Heitz, C. PP. S., rector of the Novitiate of the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, situated near Burkettsville, in Granville township, was born June 9, 1854, on a farm in Huron County, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Frances (Meng) Heitz, who were natives of Germany.

Joseph Heitz was the oldest of a family of three children. He first attended school at the district school near his father's home. He then went to a Catholic school at Bismarck, Huron County, Ohio, and then entered St. Joseph's College in Illinois, where he took a preparatory course for two years, after which he entered St. Charles Seminary, at Carthegena, taking a nine years' course. He was ordained a priest in 1881, after which he went to Fort Recovery, where he had his first church, also having charge of the churches at Wendelin and Sharpsburg. After remaining there for about 11 months, he went to Glandorf, Putnam County, Ohio, where he became an assistant priest. His next call was to Big Spring, Seneca County, Ohio, where he had charge of St. Peter's parish for 18 months, returning then to Fort Rocovery to take charge of the church there a second time. He afterwards located at Law- renceburg, Tennessee, and had charge of a number of missions, including Franklin, Pulaski and Columbia. He was at Lawrenceburg two years and one year at Nashville. From Nashville he went to New York City, where he became chaplain at St. Joseph's Hospital, after which he returned to Coldwater, Mercer County, and had charge of Holy Trinity Church for one year. Since 1890 he has been rector of the Novitiate of the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, which is situated one mile and a half northeast of Burkettsville. Father Heitz is a member of the congregation of the Most Precious Blood.

John Schindler

John Schindler, who has been prominent in the affairs of Fort Recovery for many years, both as a business man and public citizen, owns a large establishment where blacksmith work and the manufacturing of wagons and buggies is carried on. He was born at Hecklengen, Germany, in 1849, and is a son of Constantine and Julia (Beha) Schindler.

Constantine Schindler was born in Germany and was a substantial citizen for many years. He was the youngest of four children, the others being: Carl, who came to America, in 1830, settling at Wolf Creek, in Seneca County, where he married (first) a Miss Ferenbach, and, after her death, Ursula Hoepf, dying in 1901 ; Catherine, who married Robert Burkhart - both died in Germany; and Theresa, who married Ferdinand Schindler - both died in Germany.

The parents of our subject spent their lives in Germany. The father engaged in farming and also entered into political life and was made one of the burgomasters of his town, which is an important one in Baden. He lived to be 70 years of age and his wife survived to the same age. They were both most worthy members of the Catholic Church. They had seven children, namely : William, Albert, Flugo, John, Mary, Julia and Theresa. William, who died in 1881, at Coldwater, Ohio, married Margaret Umlor, who was born on a farm near Fostoria, Ohio. Albert, who died in Germany in 1901 » was married in his native land and always lived there. He was in the German Army and served in the war between Austria and Prussia, in 1866, and in the Franco-Prussian War, 1870-71, and on account of being shot eight times drew a large pension. Hugo, the third son, still lives with his family, on the old home farm in Germany. Mary married and died in Germany. Julia is the widow of Captain Arnold Fritsch, who died in the city of Offenburg, where he was postoffice inspector. Theresa is the wife of Ferdinand Feltman, who is a railroad official at Kensington, Germany.

He was educated in his native town and when 16 years of age started to learn the blacksmith's trade with an old, experienced workman, by the name of Carl Hiitz, who had a shop and forge in the neighborhood. The youth remained with Mr. Hiitz for about 18 months and then decided to try his fortune in America. In October, 1867, he landed at Castle Garden, New York, and passed two lonely weeks in the great metropolis before he found work at Toledo, Ohio. Four weeks later he went to Frankfort, which was then called Six Mile Woods, where he joined his brother William, who had a blacksmith shop there, remaining with him for the following year. Then he went to Fostoria and completed his trade with John Audis of that place. From Fostoria, Mr. Schindler, now an expert workman, went to Tiffin, then to Upper Sandusky, and still later to Little Sandusky, to Marion and then to^ Sandusky, working at his trade at every point. In order to see something of the country, Mr. Schindler then went to Michigan and located for a time at Adrian.

In the meantime Mr. Schindler's brother William had sold out his shop at Six Mile Woods and had established a big concern at Coldwater, Mercer County, Ohio, and in 1872 our subject returned to Ohio' and resumed work with his brother. In the following year he was married. He then moved to Berwick, Ohio, where he remained one year, returning then to his brother's shop at Coldwater, this time remaining with him one year. At this time Monterey, in Mercer County, was attracting attention and the prospects seemed good for its becoming a prosperous place, as it was thought that the railroad would pass through it. Mr. Schindler located here and established a shop, which he conducted until the fall of 1877, by which time the tide of business was flowing in the direction of Fort Recovery. After selling his Monterey shop, he established his present business where he has remained ever since. In 1877 he bought his shop property and in the following year he built his comfortable residence in close vicinity and there lived until 1886, when he purchased his present beautiful home. It is a large, eight-room house, which stood on the property when he bought it, but he has so improved it that it looks like another place. The residence is situated on Boundary street, where he has three town lots. On the opposite side of the street, Mr. Schindler owns five other lots and he also has 21 acres of valuable farming land near the corporation limits. He is considered one of the substantial as well as prominent and representative men of Fort Recovery.

On April 29, 1873, Mr. Schindler was married, at St. Peter, Mercer County, Ohio, to Mary Anna Roesner, who was born on a farm near St. Peter, May 30, 1852. They have had 12 children, as follows: John, who married Lula Riegel and lives at Fort Recovery; Theresa, residing at Fort Recovery, who married Fred Boesche and has one child, John F. ; Julia, living at Anderson, Indiana, who married Joseph Lennartz and has three children - Clemence,

Jacob Roesner, father of Mrs. Schindler, came to America from Bavaria, Germany, and was married at Somerset, Perry County, Ohio, to Mary Buschor, who had come to America from Elsass, Germany, with her parents, when eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Roesner settled on a farm near St. Peter, Mercer County, where they lived the remainder of their lives. They had six children, as follows : Michael, who married Margaret Cerber and lives at Fort Recovery; Daniel, who married Mary Ann Studer and lives at Celina; David, who married Mary Mader and lives at Celina ; Mary Anna, who is the wife of Mr. Schindler; Lena, who married Benjamin Fallert and lives at Santa Ana, California; and Jacob, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Roesner were devoted members of the Catholic Church.

In politics Mr. Schindler is a stanch Democrat, and on numerous occasions he has been elected to important offices by his party. He is at present serving as infirmary director, and during the second administration of President Cleveland was postmaster at Fort Recovery. For a number of terms he was township treasurer and for 20 years was a member of the Village Council, serving 16 of these in succession. He has always been looked upon as one of the town's most representative, public-spirited men.

Perhaps there is no more widely traveled individual in the county than Mr. Schindler. Since his marriage he has visited the following States : New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Colorado. In Southern Tennessee, in Lawrence County, he invested in some fine farming lands. He has also visited Canada and on May 27, 1900, he started for Europe. On reaching Paris he spent 10 days in viewing the wonders of the great exposition, then proceeded to Strasburg, crossed the storied Rhine, went then to Offenburg and found a hearty welcome from his sister Julia. He then visited his native place where his sister Theresa still resides and then went to Basel, Switzerland, and while there joined with 500 other good Americans in celebrating the Fourth of July. After this delightful vacation, Mr. Schindler reached home in October.

Joseph Wjnhoven

Joseph Winhoven, a prosperous farmer of Granville township, residing on a farm of 160 acres, located in section 33, was born near Egypt, Auglaize County, Ohio, September 29, 1868, and is a son of Martin and Dora (Hauman) Winhoven.

lived there until he was 47 years old. He was married four times, his fourth wife, Dora Hauman, being the mother of our subject. His first wife lived but a short time after their marriage. His second marriage resulted in the birth of four children, whose names are as follows : Henry, who is married and lives near Toledo, Ohio; Peter, deceased; Anna, who married Henry Keuter and lives in Egypt, Ohio; and Catherine, who married John Rising and lives at Minster, Ohio. After the death of his second wife, he married again and, his third wife dying soon after, he was united in marriage the fourth time, with Dora Hauman, who was born in Perizes, Germany, December 1, 1829. After the birth of their first two children, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Winhoven came to America, in March, 1855, proceeding to Mercer County and first settling at St. Johns. Not long afterward they removed to Egypt, Ohio, where they raised five more children. Upon locating there, he bought a farm of 40 acres, half a mile east of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, upon which he lived for many years. He finally sold this farm in 1877 and moved to Mercer County where he bought, of Frank Bachman, an 80-acre tract of land, located two miles northwest of Burkettsville, which is the farm that our subject now owns. Only 14 acres of this property were cleared and under cultivation, the remainder being in timber. He had a log house built which cost him $110; before its completion he was obliged to move into it, when it was necessary to use blankets in place of windows and doors. On this farm Mr. Winhoven lived the remainder of his life, his death occurring in October, 1897, at the age of 89 years. His widow is still living and resides on a farm in Granville township near that of her son, the subject of this sketch. Seven children were born to Martin and Dora (Hauman) Winhoven, as follows: Conrad, deceased; Anna Mary, who died in childhood; Caroline, who married Henry Brinkman and lives in Granville township; Antony; Catherine, who married Wendel Fink and resides in Dexter, Missouri; Joseph, the subject of this sketch; and Frank, a resident of Mercer County, who first married Theresa Havermeyer and after her death married Ella Tray.

Joseph Winhoven passed the first nine years of his life on the farm near Egypt and then until he was 22 years old lived on the farm in Granville township which he now owns. After his marriage he lived on his father-in-law's farm one year, then for four years rented his father's farm, after which he rented Henry Staggler's farm for two years. This brings us down to the year 1897 when his father died. His mother then had a public sale of the property on November 29, 1897, at which sale our subject bought the homestead farm, which lies two miles northwest of Burkettsville in section 33. In 1904 he bought 80 acres more from Gerhardt Hinders adjoining the 80-acre homestead tract, so at the present writing he has a well-improved and up-todate farm of 160 acres well located and in one piece in section 33. In 1900 he erected a large barn and four years later built a commodious nine-room frame house, having up to this time lived in the old log house which his father built when he first located on the farm 27 years before.

On January 13, 1891, Mr. Winhoven was married by Rev. John Van den Broek, C. PP. S., to Margaret Borgerding, a daughter of John G. Borgerding, who came to this country from Oldenburg, Germany, in young manhood and was one of the early settlers of Mercer County. His wife's maiden name was Clara Slotman. She was a widow at the time of her marriage to him. By her first husband, Herman Henry Lang, she had two children : Henry, who lives in Oregon; and Elizabeth, who married Andrew Harman and resides in Granville township. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John G. Borgerding, as follows : John IT., who married Anna Nottenbrook and lives in Darke County, Ohio ; Leo, who died in childhood ; Mary, who married Joseph Fink and lives in Darke County, Ohio ; Robert, who married Dinah Westerheider and lives in Granville township; Joseph, who married Catherine Havermeyer and died at the age of 26 years ; Catherine, who marmied John Rammel and lives in Granville township ; and Margaret, the wife of our subject, who was born in Burkettsville, Mercer County, Ohio, June 10, 1871. John M. Borgerding was a well-read man and a faithful member of the Catholic Church. His death occurred on the 25th of December, 1897. His wife- died on October 19, 1899.

Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Winhoven, namely: Martin Joseph, born October 8, 1891; Mary Dora, born June 17, 1893; John Herbert, born June 17, 1895; Henry Edward, born April 18, 1897; Frank Ferdinand, born June 19, 1899; Julius Robert, born October 27, 1901 ; and Martha Ellenora, born May 9, 1904. Mr. Winhoven is at present truant officer of the Rammel school district. He is a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church at Burkettsville.

Ira E. Crampton

Ira E. Crampton, who is identified with a number of the business enterprises of Celina, and is particularly concerned in several large canning factories, was born at Lebanon, Ohio, some 53 years ago, but was mainly reared on a farm near Muncie, Indiana.

Mr. Crampton grew up in the neighborhood of Muncie and was educated there and for a number of years was connected with the business enterprises of that section. He early became an expert in the canning industry and built a canning factory there, manufacturing also his own cans. This plant he sold in 1898 and then, with his wife, he took a little relaxation, enjoying a summer of travel. Mr. Crampton in the meantime had selected

Celina as an excellent field for business and came to this village and erected the immense canning factory, which he has successfully operated ever since. In addition to this factory he also operates one at Gaston, Indiana. A great business is done in the canning of peas, corn and tomatoes, the well-known, satisfactory brand of the latter, which is known as "Ohio's Best," coming from the Crampton cannery. During the past season this cannery put up 25,000 cases of peas, 40,000 cases of tomatoes, nearly 2,000,000 cans altogether going out from the factory. This industry gives employment to a large number of helpers in the canning season, distributes a large amount of money through this section and is assisting in giving Celina a good reputation as being an important shipping center.

Mr. Crampton is one of the village's most enterprising business men. In addition to his interests already mentioned, he is a stockholder in the Celina Telephone Company, is interested in the Delaware County gas plant and in other successful concerns.

In 1876 Mr. Crampton was married to Lacie Beuoy, who was reared at Wheeling, Indiana, and they have three children, viz. : Lola, wife of Lloyd Sharp, a merchant at Auburn, Indiana ; Ruth and Ethel. Mr. Crampton's only son, Carl B., was accidentally killed in 1905, at Celina, by the explosion of a gasoline tank in the cannery. He was a young man of more than usual educational attainments, a graduate of Lebanon College, and was a special chemist employed by the pulp company, of Muncie, Indiana.

Mr. Crampton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the official board. He is also secretary of the Celina Chautauqua Association. In fraternal life he belongs to the Knights of Pythias organization at Muncie, to the Endowment Rank, and also to the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan.

Charles Bruns

Charles Bruns, whose well-improved and highly cultivated farm of 220 acres is located in section 36, Marion township, was born at St. Johns, Mercer County, Ohio, May 6, 1845, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Bruns.

John Bruns and his wife were natives of Ida, near Fechte, Germany. Upon coming to America, they first located at Cincinnati, Ohio, where Mr. Bruns followed his trade of shoemaking, remaining there for one year. He then came to Mercer County, purchased a farm of 80 acres near St. Johns and engaged in making shoes for the farmers and their families, going from farm to farm. When he wanted flour for bread he had to carry the grain on his back to the mill at Piqua. He also worked on the canal which was then being built. He acquired other tracts of land from time to time - no acres of farm land in Auglaize County, to which he later added 40 acres, then 100 acres at Sebastian, Mercer County, and still later another tract of 80 acres. This land he later gave to his sons. Mr. Bruns was the father of seven1 children: Henry, deceased; John; August; Barney, who lives in Auglaize

County; Mary, wife of G. Kiser; Charles; and Herman, who died in Texas. John Bruns and his wife died on the home farm at St. Johns, Mercer County.

Charles Bruns has always lived in Mercer County. He was raised on his father's farm in Marion township, where he remained assisting with the work until the time of his marriage. Of his present farm, 1 1 5 acres were inherited by his wife at the time of her father's death ; the remainder, 105 acres, Mr. Bruns purchased. The house which Mr. Bruns and his family occupy is a large, io-room frame house, surrounded by an orchard and is one of the prettiest rural homes in the southern section of the county. Mr. Bruns also owns three town lots in Celina, in what is known as Schunck's Addition, these lots being Nos. 19, 20 and 21.