Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 11 of 33)

Asa Varner

A great movement cannot be built on one little ship-the Mayflower It takes a lot of ships and a big lot of people to make a commonwealth A pyramid cannot be budt on its apex, nor a great nation on one ship PW mouth and Salem and Boston; Providence and Hartford and New Haven- Manhattan, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Jamestown, Raleigh, Charleston a!d S ' vannah are the bright and shining stars of the -Pilgrim immigration to Ame ica; and the Brotherhood of Separationists, of luritans, of Zch t^Z' masters, o Roman Catholic freemen, of Philadelphia Q akers, of VhX" planters, of Carolina disciples of Locke and Huguenots of Georgia ihust e the fact that one type of motive makes the world akin. In the've'ry natul of things, there are in this section of Ohio many descendants of the old Colonial families, the progeny after many generations of those who dared the perils of a new world to obtain the freedom of conscience which their souls panted for. Among these there is one, whose descent on both the maternal and maternal line, is from old Colonial stock, who merits mention in this biographical work, not only on account of his long American lineage, but on account of the character of his labors in this community, and it is a pleasure for the biographer here to engage the reader's attention to a brief and modest review of the life of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch.

Asa Varner, a well-known and progressive farmer of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born on the farm on which he still makes his home and where his whole life has been spent, on September 15, 1853, the son of Jacob and Eliza (Guyton) Varner, the former of whom was born in Paige county, Virginia, of a family that for generations had been prominent in Virginian affairs, and the latter of whom was born in Maryland, a member of a family that had been established in that state in early Colonial days.

Jacob Varner was reared in Paige county, Virginia, the place of his birth, and there grew up as a practical farmer. In the year 1833, when about thirty years of age, he migrated to Ohio, coming to Putnam county, where he entered from the government a tract of one hundred and fifty-five acres in Greensburg township, where he spent the rest of his life, this same farm now being in the possession of his son. Jacob Varner entered upon the task of clearing this farm, which was then covered with a virgin forest. He erected a log cabin, the floor of which was of split slabs, and in that humble dwelling-place he lived and labored alone for several years. Then, seeing his way clear to the establishuent of a definite and permanent home, he sought a helpmate and brought to his cabin-home his bride, Eliza Guyton, the daughter of Vincent and Anna Guyton, who had settled on a farm in Ottawa township, this county, having come to this county from the state of Maryland. With this additional incentive to labor, Jacob Vamer continued the task of bringing his farm to a proper state of cultivation and quickly had a profitable and productive place, soon becoming one of the best-circumstanced men in that pioneer neighborhood. As circumstances warranted he built new and better buildings on his place and later added to his original holdings an adjoining tract of eighty acres, bringing it all to an excellent state of cultivation, having at the time of his death one of the model farms of Greensburg township. Not only did he prosper on the material side, but he did well his part in the moral, social and civic life of the community and was looked upon as one of the leaders in that section of the county, both he and his wife being regarded as among the leaders in the communal life. Jacob Varner died in 1895, his wife having predeceased him ten years, her death having occurred in 1885, and both were sincerely mourned in the community of which they so long had been such prominent and active factors.

To Jacob and Eliza (Guyton) Varner were born nine children: Maryann, Ellen, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Barbara, Isaiah, William J., Asa and Ruth, all of whom are still living, save Maryann and Barbara. Maryann married Dr. Hiram Ayres, of Paulding Center, Ohio, where her death occurred; Elizabeth married David Cushman and lives in Michigan; Rebecca married Virgil Bibler and also lives in Michigan; Isaiah married Fannie Lantus and resides in Greensburg township, this county ; William J. married Anna Simon -and lives in Ottawa.

Asa Varner was reared on the paternal farm and received his early education in the schools of Greensburg township. Upon attaining manhood's estate he continued to remain at home, assisting his father in .the management of the place, not marrying until he was thirty-five years of age. After Jiis marriage he continued to remain on the home place, which he inherited upon the death of his father in 1895. Since coming into possession, Mr. Varner has made many notable improvements on the place and now has one of the best equipped farms in Greensburg township, all the appointments of the same being up-to-date and complete.

On October 2, 1887, Asa Varner was united in marriage with Arnolda "Greene, daughter of Henry and Maty (Hunter) Greene, the former of whom was born in Athens county, Ohio, and the latter of whom was born in Franklin county, Ohio. Bereft of his mother in his early childhood, Henry Greene was reared by his half-sister, Sarah, and received his education in the schools of Athens county. Upon reaching manhood, he went to Franklin county to work on a farm and there met and married Mary Hunter and three years later came to Putnam county, locating on a farm of forty acres near Fort Jennings. This he later sold and moved to the town of Kalida, where he bought property, at the same time buying forty acres of land in' Union township. His wife died during their residence in Kalida,' after which Mr. Greene made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Varner, his death occurring on May 12, 1901, two years after the death of his wife. The Greenes were most excellent people and were held in the highest regard by their wide circle acquaintances. They were the parents of nine children, three of whom ^died in infancy, the others being: Sarah, William, Silas, Weltha, Mary and

Arnolda, the latter of whom married Mr. Varner. WiUiam Greene was a soldier of the Union army during the Civil War, having served for three years in Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He lived but three days after returning home from the service, his death being due to illness contracted in the army.

To Asa and Arnolda (Greene) Varner have been born five children, as follows : Floyd Ellis, who was born on February 12, 1889, and died on February 16, 1889; Ina Victoria, born on September 16, 1894; Byron Eugene, born on June 9, 1897; Gladys Merle, born on December 3, 1899, and Alfred Clarke, born on July 3, 1902. Gladys and Ina attended the high school at Continental and the latter was graduated from that institution with the class of 191 5. Byron assists his father in the management of the farm. In addition to rearing their own family, Mr. and Mrs. Varner have reared three orphans to manhood and womanhood, taking them into their home in their childhood, educating them and giving them happy homes until their marriage, rearing them even as their own children. The three persons thus happily provided for are Arthur Quick, Burt Butler and Gertrude Stevens, all well known in the neighborhood of the Varner home.

The Varner home is noted for its generous hospitality and Mr. and Mrs. Varner are considered as among the leaders in the social life of their community. Kindly and full of Christian charity, they have the regard of all who know them and are highly esteemed throughout that whole section of the country.

Frank Rieman, Sr

There is no vocation in which man may engage which permits of so much independence as that of the agriculturist. Modern methods of farming and a just return for his labors have brought this about. Time was when the farmer was almost looked down upon and when his true position in the economic scheme of the country was little appreciated, but that day is past, and the successful and up-to-date farmer may, if he so desires, have all the advantages worth while which his city brother possesses, and, in addition, have the freedom, the independence and the joy of out-of-doors, which the average city man knows little of.

One of the well-known farmers of Putnam county, Ohio, is Frank Rieman, Sr., the immediate subject of this sketch, who was born in Ottawa township on February 24, 1842, a son of John and Mary (Mehring) Rieman, both natives of Oldenburg, Germany.

John Rieman, when a youth, emigrated from the Fatherland with his parents, the family locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, at which point he married his wife. After remaining there a short time, the family came to PutiTam county, settling near Glandorf, and later removing to a farm where the parents passed the remainder of their days. Of the family, Frank Rieman is the only son living at this time, and surviving with him are his. three sisters, Bernadina, Anna and Mary. The brothers who have passed from life are John, Ignatius, Barney and Charles.

When a boy, Frank Rieman attended the schools near his home and worked with his father on the home farm. Early in 1866 he was united in marriage to Mary Karhoff, a daughter of Henry and Adelaide (Grothe) Karhoff, both born in the province of Hanover, Germany. Immediately upon arriving in this country, they set out for Putnam county, where they passed the remainder of their days. At fu'st Mr. Karhoff secured employment during the construction of the old canal and then he purchased a farm in Ottawa township, upon which they spent their remaining years. He was but fifty-one years of age at the time of his death, but his widow survived him until she had reached the ripe old age of eighty-six years. Their children were Theresa (deceased), Mary (wife of our immediate subject), Bernadina, Frank, Anna and Philomena.

Shortly after marriage, on April 25, 1866, Frank Rieman and his bride came to the farm where he now lives. Through the passing years thisspot has become very dear to him, for her the children were all born and reared and the many happy associations have bound him closely to the spot. The farm home first contained but eighty acres, but Mr. Rieman has added to it until his possessions at the present time total one hundred and ninety acres. This homestead contains splendid buildings, most all of which havebeen erected by Mr. Rieman, and in addition to his general farming, in which he is highly successful, he specializes to a limited extent in full-blooded: Short-horn cattle.

The children of the family are: Philomena, born on March 14, 1867;- Ignatius, born on December 6, 1870; Frank, born on November 14,' 1872; Andrew, born on November 14, 1874; Charles, born on November 18, 1878' and Clara, born on March 18, 1882. Hubert, the youngest of the family' first saw the light of day on August 25, 1886. Philomena became the wife of Frank Marmon, of Liberty township, this county, and is the mother of two children. Ignatius married Bernadina Schmidt and lives in Union township. They have one child. Frank married Lena Edelbrook and is engaged in farming in Greensburg township. They have three children.

Andrew married Flora Merschman, who has borne him one child. Charles -chose Nora Quinn as his life partner and they reside in Indianapolis, Indiana. Clara and Hubert remain under the parental roof.

Mr. Rieman has lived his life so that he is held high in the esteem of all with whom he comes in contact, and the same may well be said of every member of his family. Both he and his good wife are genial, wholehearted people of a high order of intelligence, and the influence which has emanated from their charming home circle cannot be estimated. The family belong to St. John's, at Glandorf, and Mr. Rieman's political preferences are with the Democratic party, although he finds little time for such matters, as he is thoroughly devoted to his farm. While he is practically retired from active farming, he is still hale and hearty, an intelligent old gentleman and very amiable, as is also his wife.

They have a very attractive farm. He and his wife take great pride in their garden, which furnishes the recreation and interest for them since they have reached advanced years. He has, in the past, served as a member the school board, but generally has confined his attention to his farm.

Joseph M. Shank

Every state and nation must have its leaders, and we would join the choir of voices which honor their names and achievements. In spite of its numerous industries and commercial interests, wealth, we are told, is, in the last analysis, based upon the soil. If this be true, the back-bone of the American republic is the mass of toilers who have created wealth by converting the waste lands into fertile fields, and have been content to let their lives be the shadowed backgrounds for the heralded deeds of those whom the world calls great. Many such are by the world unknown, but they have filled their niche, and have added much to the common good.

Among those who have helped to make the history of Putnam county, both by reason of their own industry and inherited talent, is Joseph M. Shank. That enterprise characterizes this family, is evidenced by the fact that one uncle built and operated the first grist-mill in the county, and another the first hotel.

being the first ordained minister of the Mennonite faith in Putnam county. The neighbors still relate incidents showing the devotion of this good man to his people. It is said that many times he neglected his business to attend and officiate at funerals or to visit the sick. For twenty-seven years this man went about preaching and doing good. He was born and educated in Maryland, and was twenty-six years old when he came to this county. Having learned to be a skilful blacksmith, he worked several years at this trade in Putnam county, locating on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of government land. This farm is now the home of Samuel Shank. Jonas Shank married in Maryland, before he came west.

Going back another generation, we find that the parents of Jonas Shank and grandparents of Joseph, were Christian and Mary Shank whose home was in Washington county, Maryland, where they spent their entire lives. Four of their children, Henry, Jacob, Christian and Jonas removed in their -early manhood to Putnam county, and a daughter, Sophia, also came west and married Henry Myers. They lived on a farm in the same county with their brothers until their death. Three brothers remained in Maryland. They were Fred, Noah and John.

The maternal grandparents of Joseph Shank were John and Mary Myers. John Myers was a German by birth, coming to America before the "Revolutionary War, when he was still an energetic wide-awake young man. After his marriage in Maryland where he first settled, he too came west and selected Greensburg township, Putnam county, for his future home. He lived on a farm now occupied by Joseph Prowant. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers were: Jacob, Joseph, John, Samuel, Peter and Fannie, the mother of Joseph M. Shank, concerning whom this review is Avritten; Maria, Barbara, Abraham and Christian.

Coming to this county, about 1832, the men of this interesting family all engaged in agricultural pursuits. Samuel it was, however, whose ambition-extended beyond the farm to a grist-mill, which was the first to turn the quiet waters of the nearest stream to industrial use. And Peter, with the gregarious tastes, surrounded himself with the social life of a country tavern. This attractive social center was situated where Dupont is now. All of the members of this pioneer family belonged to the faith of their father, the Mennonite church and all have long since passed away.

With this glimpse of the family inheritance of Joseph Shank, it is not surprising to learn that Mr. Shank impressed his personality so strongly upon the community that for many years he inspired its educational interests and held offices which, though political, gave him opportunity for honest and efficient service.

Though he was born and died on a farm, agricultural pursuits did not limit his activities, as the varied interests of his life will show. After leaving school, he began the career of a farmer, first renting a farm But not content with this, he bought eighty acres, the land on which he now resides Ihis was ni the year of 1864, after three years of residence on rented property. Then began the work that brought out the sturdy characteristics that always elicit admiration. With his own hands, he cleared and drained the land, and erected the buildings in which to house his family and live stock Joseph M. Shank was twice married. His first marriage occurred in 1862, when he married' Samantha Neill, daughter of John and Anna Neill Their children were: Seth, Eldon, Emmet, John, Aaron._ Albert and Alban' ihe last two were twins, and died when three years of age Seth who became a school teacher, farmer and county clerk, married Margaret Ice and now lives m Paulding county, Ohio. Eldon married Zella Dangler and' moved to Ashtabula, Ohio. Their children are: Lester, Paul, William Cleota Elizabeth, Alice and Joseph. Emmet has had the responsible position of conductor on the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad for over twenty years. He married Callie Burkett, who became the mother of three boys, Harold, Ralph and Joseph. Their home is in Lima, Ohio. John who married Creta Schuler, is also a railroader. His home is in Lima, Ohio Lela Hill became the wife of Aaron, whose residence is in Lima Ohio Aaron is a skilled mechanic.

Joseph M. Shank's first wife passed away in 1878. Seven years later he married Sarah Kirkendall, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Kirkendall of Putnam county, formerly of Columbiana county, Ohio. This marria-e occurred on August 12, 1885. "

An interesting circumstance connected with the family history of the second Mrs. Shank is that her grandfather lived to be one hundred and five 3ears old. He and his wife moved from Columbiana county to Putnam county where they lived only two years, returning then to their former home

The maternal grandparents of the second Mrs. Shank were John and Ruth Crawford, residents of Columbiana county, where they lived and died. Their chilclren were : David, Perry, Samuel, who was killed in the Civil AVar; Sarah and Elizabeth, who was the mother of Sarah Kirkendall Shank Mrs. Shank s family figures prominently in the early history of Ohio as shecomes from a line of fighters, among whom was Colonel Crawford, who was captured by the Indians and burned at the stake.

The children born to the second marriage of Joseph Shank were Ora, Eessie and Loa. Ora, who is an electrical engineer and lives in New Haven, Connecticut, became the husband of Elmer Trench; Bessie, the second daughter, has remained single, as has also her sister Loa. All of Mr. Shank's received their education in the county in which they lived. Bessie became a well-known and much liked school teacher and is now a bookkeeper for the Buckeye Company at Continental, Ohio.

Mr. Shank's brothers and sisters, Susan and Mary, were born in Maryland. Of these, the former married H. S. Mellinger, a farmer living in Putnam county. Mary became the wife of S. W. Neill, and lived until her death where Joseph Neill now lives. Elizabeth married Jacob Stauffer and they made their home in Richland county until the latter was killed in the Civil War. A successful farmer in this county is Christian, the husband of Catherine Shank Brenneman. John, who married a Miss Hoover, who was then engaged in teaching school, is still living and making his home on a farm. Samuel married Nannie Donavon and resided in Greensburg township. Barbara Ridenour became the wife of Jonas Shank, and they are living near Kalida, Ohio. Veronica, the youngest sister of Mr. Shank, married David Smith and now lives in Dupont.

Joseph M. Shank always took a deep interest in matters concerning the schools, and it was this interest that led his friends and the citizens in general to make him a school director. During his term of office, the school work of the county was placed upon a higher and more efficient plane than it had formerly occupied. That he found time for public office is evidenced by the fact that for eleven years, Mr. Shank was township assessor and for twelve years served as township trustee.

In national politics, Mr. Shank may be classed as a militant Democrat of the old school, but he reserves the right to exercise independence when it comes to voting in local elections. In religious matters, Mr. Shank casts his lot with the Methodists, and contributes of his means to that demonination.

As a farmer, his interests have been for years along the line of raising fine live stock, and for miles around, the traveler hears of his splendid White hogs, which are of excellent breed.

In spite of his advanced years, Mr. Shank is very active both mentally -and physically. He personally superintends matters pertaining to the farm, and yet finds time to read and keep abreast with the times. Both he and his wife, who comes of Revolutionary stock, are among those who are most greatly esteemed in the community in which they and their families have -lived.

Samuel D. Hensel

Biography does more than give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomphshments. Its function is to leave upon the pages of history the verdict of his neighbors and friends, with reference to his character and reputation in the community where he has lived. The life history of Samuel D. Hensel, the present postmaster at Continental, Ohio, has been such as to elicit just praise from his neighbors and from the men who know him best. He has always been loyal to every trust imposed upon him and has been upright in all of his dealings with his fellows. While he has prospered in a personal way, at the same time, he has always given his support towards promoting any cause which might advance the welfare of the community at large. Samuel D. Hensel is a man well known in Putnam county.

Samuel D. Hensel was born, December i8, 1867, in Perry township, and is the son of George and Catherine (Smith) Hensel. George Hensel was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and grew up there. He came to Delaware county, Ohio, early in life and remained there for four years. He was reared as a farmer and made this his vocation while living in Delaware county. On September 13, 1861, George Hensel was married in Delaware county, and immediately after his marriage, he moved to Putnam county, settling in Perry township on sixty acres of land. He lived upon this farm for nine years, then sold it and removed to Monroe township. Here he farmed eighty acres until his death on March 16, 1892, at the age of sixty-three years. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Dupont, Ohio, for over thirty-five years. He served as constable for many years. During a long period he displayed a keen interest in out-of-door sports. He was an active worker in the United Brethren church at Prairie Chapel, Union township.

Mrs. Catherine Hensel, who before her marriage was Catherine Smith, a native of Delaware county, Ohio, was born on November 7, 1833. She was the daughter of Gilbert and Nellie (Cortwright) Smith. Mr. and Mrs. George Hensel were the parents of six children: Warner, who died on July 4, 1872; Harry, who lives at Jeffersonville, Indiana; Samuel D., the subject of this sketch; Manford, who died on March 18, 1900; Sherman, who died in infancy; and George, who lives at home, but works in Lima, Ohio. Mrs. Hensel's father, Gilbert Smith, was born in New York state and left there alone at the age of twenty-one, walking with his worldly possessions, tied in a handkerchief, to Worthington, Franklin county, Ohio, where he located. Here he learned the tanner's and shoemaker's trades' which he followed for some time. Later, he removed to Delaware county,' Ohio, purchased land and farmed until his death in 18817. He had a tannery on his farm. His wife, who before her marriage, was Nellie Cortwright, was born in Lower Canada in 1799, and grew up there, coming to America at the age of fourteen years with her parents and settling in Delaware county, where they died. They came to this country during the Indian and British wiar, driving over Lake Erie on the ice in a sleigh. Mrs. Smith died in 1892. She was the mother of seven children, Laura, Julia, Amanda, Charles B., David, Catherine and Cicerio. All of these children are deceased with the exception of Catherine, who is the mother of Samuel D.

George Hensel, the father of Samuel D., was the son of George and Mary (Howell) Hensel, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Union county, Ohio. He came from Pennsylvania to Union county, Ohio, and there settled on a farm, Before his death, hehad accumulated two large farms and was considered a successful farmer. He died on the old homestead, as did also his wife.

Samuel D. Hensel left home at the age of fifteen years and worked out by the month, but lived at home and paid his own way. He learned the carpenter trade and followed it for some time before his marriage. He also made bent wagon rims for nine years. For one year he was employed on the Nickel Plate railroad as a brakeman on both freight and passenger trams. He grew up in Perry township and here he received his education. With the exception of one year spent in Hancock county, he has always lived m Putnam county. The first year after Mr. Hensel's marriage, he lived at McComb, in Hancock county. After this he moved back to Putnam county and settled m Monroe township, on a farm of one hundred acres which hebought. He farmed this one hundred acres for about twenty-two years and then sold out. He now has thirty-five acres near Continental, Ohio and one hundred and four acres in Canada. After Mr. Hensel's election as postmaster, in 1914, he held a sale, selling all of his farm tools, fine animals machmery, etc., and then leased the farm to a tenant. He built a splendid residence in Continental, Ohio, where he now resides.

Mr. Hensel was married February 8, 1890, to Martha Boggs, a native of Monroe township, born in 1869, and the daughter of Madison Boggs To this happy union, eight children have been born, all of whom are at home

Fraternally, Mr. Hensel is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Oakwood, Ohio. He is also a member of the Encampment and the Daughters of Rebekah. He served one term as trustee of Monroe township and was also township supervisor and a member of the school board for 3. number of years. Mr. Hensel was elected postmaster in July, 1914, and is making an efficient record in this office. He is a stanch and active Democrat and for four years was one of the committeemen of the Democratic party, serving efficiently in this capacity. He has been for the past four years a member of the Mutual Telephone board. Although Mr. Hensel is not a member of any church, he was reared in the Methodist faith. He is a congenial, jolly man and decidedly well met, always carrying a smile, at the same time bearing a high reputation in the community where he lives as a man of intelligence, charity and honorable, upright habits.

Joseph Vogel

Joseph Vogel, a sturdy offspring of the Fatherland, first saw the light of day in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in 1856. He was a son of Anton and Katherine (Kramer) Vogel, both natives of Germany, the former having been born in Hesse and the latter in Gerolstein, and was one of their family of four children, the others being Katie, Clara and Anna. Both Katie and Clara have passed from this life, and Anna resides in Canton, Ohio, where she is the wife of John Buch.

Anton Vogel, father of Joseph Vogel, was a young man when he emigrated from his native land to this country, and as a youth had mastered the baker's trade in his native land. After coming to this country he conducted a bakery in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where the family lived for some time and where all the children were born. The death of his wife occurred al that place, after which he went to Cincinnati, Ohio. He enlisted in the regular army of the United States shortly after going there, and while he was in the service in the Southwest served during the Indian uprisings. After the war he returned to Cincinnati.

Joseph Vogel was but six years old at the time of the death of his mother. His father brought him to Putnam county, Ohio, and placed him in charge of his maternal uncle and aunt, Anton and Eva Kramer, brother and sister. They were living on the place which is now occupied by Mr. Vog-el. Neither being married, they gave to the boy placed in their care the best of love and attention. Making his home with them as he did, he attended the schools of the neighborhood whenever possible, while he assisted his uncle in clearing land and getting it into a state of cultivation, which included more or less draining. When quite a youth he did a man's work on the farm, and today enjoys relating some of his experiences in chopping trees when a boy. He worked one entire day in chopping at a giant of the forest before it was felled.

When twenty-one years of age Mr. Vogel was united in marriage to Anna Osage, a daughter of Frederick and Catherine (Huester) Osage, who resided on a farm one mile southwest of his home. There were four children in the Osage family, the others being Theresa, Mary and William. Theresa became the wife of Joseph Knueve, of Kalida, this county; Mary resides m Michigan, and William lives at Lima, this state. After marriage Joseph Vogel continued to live on the farm where he had been reared as a boy. On the day he attained his majority his uncle presented him with eighty acres of land, and later a partnership was formed when they purchased eighty acres additional. At the death of his uncle he inherited from him one hundred and sixty acres, making his entire holdings at the present time two hundred and forty acres. Anton Kramer departed this life in Februaiy, 1902, at the age of seventy-eight years. The aunt died some years previous, in 1885.

Mr. Vogel's wife died in 1881, leaving two small children, Mary, born on June 3, 1879, and Theresa, born on September 9, 1880, the latter 'being about four months old at the time of the death of her mother. Mr. Vogel proved a most devoted father to his two little motherless girls and reared them to a beautiful young womanhood. Mary became the wife of Frank Unverfurth, son of Anton Unverfurth, and lives in Greensburg township and Theresa marned Henry Dickman, a son of William and Anna (Spiel' brink) Dickman. Henry Dickman is a native of the German Empire having been born in Hanover, and was one year old when he was brou-ht to , this country by his parents. They came directly to this county and ''for a time lived in Glandorf, later locating on a farm near Ottoville Henry be gan attending the district schools as soon as of suitable age, and until the time he was twenty-three years old he assisted his father in the work of the home farm. At that age he was married, and since that time he and his wife have made their home with Joseph Vogel, and assist him in the man- agement of the homestead. Henry Dickman and wife are the parents of three children, as follows : Sylvester Joseph, born on January 18, 1905 ; Armella Mary, born on November 18, 1910, and Junilla Catherine, born on December 30, 1913.

Within the last few years Mr. Vogel has erected a new residence on his farm and has built and repaired most of the outbuildings, so that at the present time it presents an attractive and up-to-date appearance. He and his son-in-law give considerable attention to general farming, following approved twentieth-century methods. In addition to farming, Mr. Vogel specializes in a fine strain of Hereford cattle, having produced many excellent bulls.

Mr. Vogel's political preference is with the Democratic party, although he has never found time to devote to any special work in that line. Both himself and family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church, and the entire family stands high in the esteem of the community. He attends the St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf. Mr. Vogel is still vigorous, is good natured, and with his daughter and grandchildren form a happy family circle.

Joseph C. Verhoff

Among the families of Putnam county, whose members have worthily discharged their duties to their fellows and their community, no family takes higher rank than the Verhoffs,^ of whom several representatives are, today, prominently identified with the farming and rural social life of Greensburg township. For many years, members of this large family have stood for all that is best in business, moral and social life, and have wielded an influence that has been potential in the development and welfare of their community, being numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of the county. Because of the prominence which the family has enjoyed and the close relations they have sustained to the welfare and prosperity of the locality which has been honored by their citizenship, they are eminently entitled to representation in a work of the character of the one in hand.

Joseph C. Verhoff was born on his father's fann, Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on March 15, 1873, and is the son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff, pioneer settlers of Putnam county, and whose history of early life is to be found elsewhere in this volume. The subject of this sketch was one of the twelve children of Theodore Verhoff and his early days were spent on his father's farm, where he assisted in the lar-e amount of clearing necessary to make the farm productive and profitabre He received his education in the township schools and remained with his parents until he became twenty-two years of age. While on the original farm the father purchased an eighty-acre tract for Joseph C. VerhofT in Union township, also another eighty acres for the use of his brothers. Owino- to the distance between fams, the subject of this review, at the age of twentytwo, moved to the farm operated by his brother, August G. Verhoff where he made his home.until the time of his marriage, on October 25, 1910, when Amelia Schroeder became his wife. They are the parents of one child Mary born on February 24, 1914. Mrs. Verhoff was the daughter of John and Mary (Kahle) Schroeder, natives of Putnam county, Ohio. John Schroeder was the son of Henry and Katrina Schroeder, natives of Germany, who came and settled m Greensburg township, Putnam county, in an early day To them were born : Frank, Charles, William, John, Ignatius, Mathias, Katrina, Dora, Mary (deceased), Anna, Theresa, Clara (deceased) and Philomena (deceased), the latter two having died very young. Mrs. Mary (Kahle Schroeder s parents were John F. and Bernadina Kahle, natives of Hanover Germany and who came to this country, settling in Putnam countv at about he time the town oi Glandorf, Ohio, was founded by the well-known Professor Horstman. To Mr. and Mrs. Kahle were born: Frank, Ignatius Paulma, Bertha, Bernadina, Theresa, Amalia and Mary. To Mr. and Mrs' John Schroeder, the subject's wife's parents, were born: Katrina, Bernadina, Veronica, Amalia, Mary, Bertha, Philomena, Hilda, August Frank Herman, John and George. ^ ^lanK,

Soon after the marriage of Mr. Verhoff to Amalia Schroeder they moved to the farm in section 29, Greensburg township, which was purchased rom his brother, Henry. This consisted of eighty acres of undeveloped and, bu which was put in first-class condition by the installation of a svsem of drainage. On this place they erected the number of buildings absolutely necessary; being handicapped financially, but with true German in dustry and thrift, they were able to overcome the many obstacles to progress and today they can point to their place with no small degree of p^-ide the profitable results of their farm being due to their untiring energy and n deavorto succeed in spite of discouraging conditions. Besides carrying on the business of general farming, Mr. Verhoff is giving considerable attention to the raising of Short-horn cattle. aLcenuon

Politically, Mr. Verhoff gives his support to the Democratic ticket but does not take active part in politics. Religiously, the family belongs ti St

Michael's Catholic church, Kalida, Ohio. In conclusion, it is quite opportune to mention that the subject is a man of keen observation and mental ability, is genial and unassuming and makes friends easily. His circle of acquaintances throughout the county is large. He is a man of good habits, ambitious, of kindly impulses and deservedly popular in the community.

Joseph Warnecke

The success of men in agriculture, or in any vocation, in fact, depends upon industry, economy and wise judicious management. Moreover, success depends upon character as well as upon knowledge. The business relations of life demand confidence, and where that is lacking, business ceases. In every community, some men are known for their upright lives and remarkable common sense. Their neighbors and acquaintances respect them and heed their example. They win their way as a consequence of their untiring energy and correct principles of conduct and retain the respect of their fellow men by genuine work. Among the residents of Putnam county, Ohio, who have won for themselves success in agriculture, is Joseph Warnecke of Union township.

Joseph Warnecke was born near Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, on March -15, 1870. He is the son of Henry and Christina (Verhoff) Warnecke. Henry Warnecke was born on- a farm near Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, of German parents, who were early settlers in this part of the county. After he was married, he moved to Union township, .in what is now section 2, on a farm of eighty acres. He erected buildings and cleared and drained the land. Afterward he acquired more land as follows : Ninety-six acres in Union township, one hundred and forty acres in Fort Jennings, forty acres in section 2, in Union township, twenty acres in section 2, in Union township, and sixty acres in section 2, in Union township. He continued to live in Union township until his death, which occurred on September 4, 1907. His wife had died previously, about 1895. Both were buried in the cemetery at Glandorf. Henry Warnecke's wife, who, before her marriage, was Christina \'erhoff, was the daughter of Francis and Mary (Kramer^ Verhoff, and the sister of Theodore Verhoff. Mrs. Warnecke's grandparents, on her father's side, were born and lived and died in Germany. On her mother's side, they were Theodore and Gertrude (Veraking) Kramer, who were married in Germany, and who, after residing there for many years, came to this country when the elder Kramer was about fifty years old. They settled on a farm in Putnam county and had six children, William, Henry, Catherine, Christina and Mary, all of whom are now deceased, and Frederick, who still survives. Francis Verhoff, the father of Mrs. Christina (Verhofifj Warnecke, was born in Westphaha, . Prussia, and came to America in 1836. He settled near Glandorf, Putnam county, on a tract of twenty-six acres. He was a blacksmith by trade and became a first-class workman. Francis Verhoff and Mary Kramer were married in 1837. They had ten children, Theodore, Gertrude, Christina, Catherine, Mary Ann, Frank, Henry, William, deceased; Charles and William. The father of these children, prior to his death in 1863, owned a full section of land. Francis Verhoff's wife lived until 1901. They were loyal members of the Roman Catholic church, attending St. John's church of Glandorf.

The children of Henry and Christina (Verhoff) Warnecke were Mary, Frank, deceased ; William, John, Joseph, Henry, Charles, Anthony, Theresa, Philomena and Bernard. Apiary married John Tenwalde, and they live in Union township; Frank, who is deceased, married Anna Hersing, and they lived at Kahda; Wilham married Mary Lauf; they lived in Fort Jennings; John married Mary Fggeman, and they lived at Ottoville; Henry married Katherine Goedde, and they live near Miller City ; Charles married Catherine Siefper, and they in Union township; Anthony married Mary Barlager, and they live in Union township; Theresa married Frank Dulle and lives near Miller City; Philomena married Herman Lucke, and they live near Miller City, and Bernard married Martha Marmon and they live in Pleasant township.

Joseph Warnecke, the subject of this sketch, attended the Fortman school, in Union township, and lived on his father's farm until his marriage. He was married on April 28, 1897, to Mary Smith, a daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Kahle) Smith. Mrs. Warnecke's parents were married in Glandorf, Putnam county, and, after their marriage, moved to a farm in Union township, where he still lives on the farm. He owns two hundred and ten acres. He erected all the buildings on the farm he now owns. The children of Joseph and Theresa (Kahle) Warnecke are as follow: Mary, Elizabeth, Bernadina, Theresa, Helena (deceased), Amalia, Paulina (deceased), and Frances, deceased. Bernadina married Ignatius Rieman and they hve in Union township; Helena married Henry Erhart and they live in Union township; Amalia married John Missler, of Union township, and they reside with Mrs. Warnecke's father, Joseph Smith; Frances mar- ned Harry Nienberg, and she died three months after her marriage. The mother of these children, Mrs. Joseph Smith, died on November 25, 1914, and is buried in the cemetery at Kahda.

After his marriage, Joseph Warnecke moved to a farm of ninety-six acres in section i, Union township. This farm formerly belonged to his father, from whom he bought the farm shortly before his marriage, and built a house besides many other buildings. He has also drained the land.

To Joseph and Mary (Smith) Warnecke nine children have been born, Leonard, born on March 27, 1898; Joseph W., born on November 22, 1899 j Odelia, born on September 19, 1902; Urban, born on September 18, 1904; Leo, born on September 28, 1906; Walter, born on June 30, 1908; Mary F.' born on May i, 1910; Helena, born on April 13, 1912, and died at the age one year; Aloyisius, born on June 19, 191 4.

Mr. Warnecke is engaged in general farming. He owns one hundred and thirty-six acres of land. Mr. Warnecke and his family are all members of the Catholic church. They attend St. John's Catholic church, at Glandorf. Mr. Warnecke belongs to St. John's Benevolent Society. Mrs. Warnecke belongs to the Mothers' Society of the church. Joseph Warnecke has served on the school board as a director for many years. He is a prosperous, substantial farmer, who comes from a splendid family and who is highly respected for his many good qualities.

Not alone are those worthy of historical honors who have moved along the loftier planes of action, but to an equal extent are those deserving who are of the rank and file of the world's workers, for they are not less the conservators of public prosperity and material advancement. Through all the generations of life, recognition should be had of the true values, then should- full appreciation be manifested, for there can be no prosperity, if it be done justly, in scanning the acts of any man, as they affect his public, social and business relations. Here will be found mention of worthy citizens of all vocations, and at this juncture we are permitted to offer a resume of the career of one of the substantial and highly esteemed representatives of the agricultural interests of Putnam county, where he has spent his entire life and where he has not only attained a high degree of success in his chosen field of labor and enterprise, but also established an imperishable reputation for uprightness in all the relations of life.

William H. Edelbrock wlas born in Greensburg township, Putn^im' county, Ohio, August 12, 1861, and is the son of Andrew and Catherine (Herlage) Edelbrock. His paternal grandparents were natives of Prussia and came to this country soon after their marriage in 1834. On their arrival in this country, they decided to settle near the town of Glandorf, Ohio, which a few years previously was laid out as a village settlement by the well-know(n Professor Horstman, who came to that point in Putnam county with his little band of colonists. To the paternal grandparents were born: William, Henry, Frank, Charles, Christina, Andrew and two others who died en route during the voyage to America. The maternal grandparents were also natives of Prussia and came to Putnam county some time prior to their marriage. They were married in Glandorf, Ohio, and settled on a farm in Greensburg township, Putnam county, where they lived until their death. To them were born: Catherine, Helena, Mary and Anna, all deceased.

The father of the subject of this review was but a boy of six when his parents settled in this county near Glandorf. From this time forth he attended the school in Glandorf and lived with his parents, until the time of his marriage. After his marriage, he decided to live on a farm he purchased and which consisted of eighty acres in Greensburg township. At a later date he sold this farm, and in 1870 moved to a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Jackson township. In 1907 he moved to the town of Kalida, this county, where he bought five acres at the edge of the town, and lived a life of retirement. His death occurred on July 6, ,1913, and his wife died in Jackson township on August 20, 1892. To them were born twelve children, William H., Mary, Frank, Anna, who died April 23, 19 15, at the age of forty-nine years; Ignatius, Albert, Emma, Barney, Helena, John, Peter and Amalia, the last five named being also deceased.

William H. Edelbrock attended the schools in Jackson and Greensburg townships and lived on his father's farm during his youth and until he was about twenty-four years of age. On October 25, 1885, he was married to Clara Lemper, a daughter of William and Clara (Drop) Lemper, whose father was born in Glandorf, Germany, and the mother in Averfer- -den, Germany. They came to this country soon after their marriage and in 1868 settled on a forty-acre farm near Glandorf, Ohio, where they continued farming, Mr. Lemper having been a practical farmer in the old country. To the original forty they subsequently added more land and lived a very peaceful, successful life on the place until their death. To them were born : Clara, William, Agnes, Mary, and a son who died in Germany.

Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Edelbrock moved to the present resident farm which they own and which contains forty acres, located in section 7 of Union township. On this place they erected all of the buildings, previous to which they had partly cleared and drained the land for general farming purposes. In addition to farming, Mr. Edelbrock takes great pride ni his Jersey cattle, which he raises on a limited scale. He also maintains beehives of pure Italian and mixed strains, to which feature he devotes some attention and takes a great deal of pride in them. Mrs. Edelbrock devotes some attention to pouUry, including thoroughbred Rhode Island Reds.

Mr. and Mrs. Edelbrock are members of St. Michael's Catholic church of Kalida, and are well known and highly esteemed by all who know them. Mrs. Edelbrock is regarded as a woman of gracious manner, genial disposition and known to be a true help-mate to her worthy husband. Mr. Edelbrock, genial and unassuming in manner, easily wins friends, and always retains them. He has served as councilman in St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, and is connected with St. Joseph's Benevolent Society. Because of his high personal qualities and farming success, he is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character.

Alex Dangler

It is by no means an easy task to describe, within the limits of this review, a man who has led an active and eminently useful iife, and, by his own exertions, reached a position of honor in the line of industries with which his interests are alhed. But history finds justification, nevertheless, in the tracing and recording of such a life history, as the public claims a certain property interest in the career of every individual, and the time invariably arrives when it becomes advisable to give the right publicity. It is, then, with a certain degree of satisfaction that the writer essays the task of touching briefly upon such a record as has been that of the subject who now comes under this review.

1876, and is the son of John Adams Dangler and Jane (Shook) Dangler, both of whom are natives of Putnam county. The father of John Adams Dangler was a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife a native of Germany. They removed to the state of Ohio and became early settlers in Greensburg township, Putnam county, where they lived until the time of their death. The wife of the subject's father was the daughter of John and Elnora Shook, who were early resident fanners of Putnam county and where they remained until taken away by death.

John Adams Dangler remained under the parental roof for many years, assisting in clearing the wooded lands of the farm and getting it in shape for general farming. He received his education in the county schools of Greensburg township. He was married in 1875 to Jane Shook and to them were born three children, Alex, Mabel and Edith. Alex Dangler's father, after his marriage, went to live on the eighty acres in Perry township where his daughter Edith now lives with her husband, Stewart Brower. He remained on this place for a term of thirty-six years, draining and developing the land, after which he -removed to the town of Continental, Ohio, where he purchased twenty acres within the corporate limits of the town. To this he devotes most of his time and attention, but still retains ownership in the eighty acres heretofore mentioned. From time to time the subject's father owned more land than is recorded her. Plis daughter Mabel became the wife of Manford Shank, who resides in Ashtabula county, Ohio, and they have a family of six children. Mr. Dangler, Sr., is a supporter of the Democratic party, takes an active interest in the affairs of the community and is well liked by every one. The influence of this gentleman and his ancestors will be felt throughout this region for many years to come.

Alex Dangler was reared on his father's farm, in Perry township, attending the neighboring country schools for a number of years, preparatory to entering college. He attended Crawfis College for one term, then went to Angola College for four terms. He was married, on March 21, 1898, to Clara Fender, a daughter of Michael and Laura (Huber) Fender, who were natives of Henry and Trumbull counties, Ohio, respectively. Michael Fender was born on October 8, 1846, and Laura (Huber) Fender was born on October 10, 1852. They lived on a farm in Henry county, Ohio immediately after their marriage, but later moved to a farm in Ionia county Michigan, and from there to a farm, which he purchased, consisting of two hundred acres, in Mecosta county, Michigan, where he died in October 1910, and where his widow still resides on one hundred and sixty acres of the original purchase. To them were born seven children: Mary ,C born on February 3, 1872, died nine months later; Emma Jane, born on August 19, 1873; Daisey Allvoretta, born on September 15, 1874; Zella Delia, born on October 25, 1879; John, born on July 18, 1879; Ricky, born on August 30, 1880; Austin Le Roy, born on July 12, 1884. Out of the two hundred acres there were forty acres deeded to the son, Austin, with whom the mother lives in Mecosta county. Of these children, Emma became the wife of Peter DesGranges and resides in Big Rapids, Michigan; Daisy married Charles Spence and resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Delia married Edward DesGranges and resides in Henry county, Ohio; John married Gertrude Fisher and resides in the town of Coral, Michigan; Austin married Stella Huff and makes his home on the original farm in Mecosta county.

After Alex Dangler's marriage to Clara Fender he remained for a while on his father's place, rented various fields and then decided to follow the saw-mill and threshing business, according to seasons, and which business he continued for about twelve years. Being a man of keen observation and with an eye to increasing his income, he saw possibilities of greater earnings by engaging himself to the firm of Miller & Stallkamp, jobbers of heavy machinery, as a salesman. While in the employ of this company he covered territory consisting of Putnam, Paulding Van Wert, Allen, Henry, Hancock and other counties, in Ohio, and this experience gave him a fine opportunity for getting acquainted with a larger number of people, which served him to a good advantage. After these years of practical selling and business experience, he decided to return to the business of farming and settled on his present place of residence. This place was purchased by the father in 1895, one-half of which was deeded to his son, Alex, on January 18, 1901, and the other half to his sister. Great credit is due to Alex Dangler for the vast improvements made to this farm, and particular mention should be made of the up-to-date barn building, which is equipped with all kinds of modern improvements. This energetic, wide-awake and business-like farmer, not being satisfied to simply till the soil and raise stock, makes it his business to carry a line of farm necessities, such as silos, milkmg machine, automobiles, gasoline engines, silo fixtures and other late inventions to bring the business of farming up to the highest point of efficiency with the least human energy. In the sale of silos, it is said that Mr Dangler has made more sales of these than any other agent for a similar line m the northwestern portion of the state of Ohio.

Mr. Dangler and wife are blessed with a good-sized family, consisting of eight hvmg children, and his wife is found to be a woman of the best type, intelligent and amiable in disposition. The children are : Glen, born

Manifesting- an abiding interest in the material welfare of the county, Mr. Dangler has given his influence and assistance to all enterprises with this object in view, and he also takes an active part in promoting all worthy means and measures for the advancement of his fellow man. All in all, he is a worthy representative of the steady, intelligent and progressive class that gives stability and character to the community, being broad-minded, with wide views of affairs and men and a true type of the enterprising American citizen of today.

John W. Edwards

To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our country is due to the honest industry, sturdy persistency and uns^^^erving perseverance and wise economy which so prominently characterizes the farmers of the Buckeye state. Among this class of farmers may be mentioned John W. Edwards, the subject of this sketch, who, by reason of his years of indefatigable labor and honest efforts, has not only acquired a well-merited competence in life, but who has earned the high esteem of all with whom he is associated.

John W. Edwards, a native of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born on January 5, 1871. He is the son of Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards, the former of whom was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, May 30, 1826, and who was the son of Josiah and Margaret (Jones) Edwards. Josiah Edwards, Sr., was a farmer by occupation. He lived and died in Wales. Josiah Edwards, Jr., and wife, and one child, came to America in 1855, in the spring, settling first in Utica, New York, where he was employed on a dairy farm. The following fall' m 1855, he came to Allen county, Ohio, and settled at Gomer. His first employment was with Griffith John, a contractor, who built the Pennsylvama railroad from Lima to Elida. The following summer he rented a farm on "Calico ridge," Sugar Creek township, Allen countv, and here he lived for about seven years, when he moved, in 1862, to Sugar Creek town- ship, Putnam county, and settled on eighty acres of land one and one-half miles southwest of Vaughnsville. This farm was located on the Old Ridge road. It was in a virgin state at the time he purchased it, and had only an acre or two cleared. Josiah Edwards proceeded to clear and drain the land and improve it. He succeeded in getting it all cleared, except eight acres. He built a large frame house of ten rooms, in 1873, and a large frame barn in 1879. To this land, he later added forty acres more. He was always engaged in general farming, was a very successful farmer and attributed his success mostly to the raising of corn and hogs. He was also successful in raising horses.

Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards had one child before they came to America. This child, John, who was but four years old when his parents came to Allen county, died the day after their arrival at Gomer. There were five children born to Josiah Edwards and wife, John was born in Wales on January 21, 1851, and died at Gomer on November 8, 1855; Margaret is the deceased wife of B. F. Thomas; Joseph B. is a farmer in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county; Mary is the wlife of Thomas S. Williams; John W. is the subject of this sketch. Josiah Edwards died on August 17, 1897, at the ripe old age of seventy-one. He and his wife were members of the Gomer Congregational church, of which he was a deacon for many years. Josiah Edwards was a Republican. He enlisted, in 1864, in the One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment, Ohio \'olunteer Infantry, for one hundred days, and was attached to the Army of the Potomac. Fie was on duty, near Washington, D. C, at the close of the war. Josiah Edwards, Jr., was mustered into the service for one hundred days on May 13, 1864, and was mustered out on August 27, 1864.

Mrs. Susan (Breese) Edwards, the wife of Josiah Edwards, Jr., was a daughter of John and Mary (Edwards) Breese, and was born in North Wales, in Montgomeryshire, May 13, 1827. She had one brother and five sisters, all of whom came to America, and all of whom, except one sister, Mrs. Sarah Morris, settled in Iowa. She settled in Vaughnsville and there died. Mrs. Susan (Breese) Edwards lived on the old home place until her death, November 5, 1909.

John W. Edwards spent his childhood and youth on the old homestead of his father, southwest of A^aughnsville. He attended the old Bryne Tawa school, and after finishing school, continued helping his father on the old home place.

who w'las born in Vaughnsville on January 14, 1872, and who was a daughter of Henry and Angehna (Calhoun) Gardner, the former of whom was the the sixth of seven children born to Samuel and Catherine Gardner, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Samuel Gardner was born in 1802, and died in Bluffton, Allen County, Ohio, in 1863. His wife, Catherine Gardner, was born on June 19, 1809, and died at Columbus Grove, April 16, 1887. Samuel Gardner was a blacksmith by trade, and a captain of militia during pioneer days. Pie was a Presbyterian and his wife a member of the Lutheran church. Henry Gardner was born in Richland county, Ohio, June 18, 1840, and from the age of eighteen years until 1890 was a blacksmith. He then became a merchant. Samuel Gardner moved with his family to Mercer county, Ohio, in 1850, and purchased an improved farm. He remained there eight years and then removed to Wayne county, and finally settled at Bluffton. Plenry Gardner enlisted in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry in 1861 and served three years in the Army of the Cumberland. He was honorably discharged at Cincinnati, Ohio. He was married in 1866 and engaged in hotel keeping, at Columbus Grove, Ohio, about a year, when he settled at Vaughnsville. He served as township trustee and as treasurer of the school district, and was a census taker in 1880. His wife, Angelina Calhoun, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, October 24, 1845, and was a daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth Calhoun. Henry and Angelina (Calhoun) Gardner had five daughters, Minnie, Carrie, Zoe, who married Mr. Edwards; Maud and Blanche. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were married on February 23, 1893,. After their marriage, Mr. Edwards rented his father's farm, the old homestead. This arrangement existed until after his mother's death, in 1909, at which time he purchased the farm from the heirs. The same year, February i, 1909, the Peoples Bank opened for business in Vaughnsville, and Mr. Edwards was elected as cashier of that institution, which position he has held up to the present time. Mr. Edwards, however, continues to supervise the operations of his farm. He has always done general farming. He moved from the farm and took up his residence in Vaughnsville in November, 1912, where he now resides. His residence, which he purchased in 1912, is a modern eight-room house, beautifully situated, and bespeaks the character and culture of its owner.

Henry Gardner, father of Mrs. Edwards, died on August 29, 191 1. All of his children, except Carrie, are still living. Mr. Edwards' sister, Margaret, who was born in America, April 24, 1856, and who died on January 20, 1881, had married B. F. Thomas and bore him one child, Josiah Thomas, who was reared by his grandfather. Mr. Edwards' brother.

Joseph B., was born on November 27, 1859. His life history is recounted elsewhere in this volume. Mary J. Edwards, who was born on August 23, 1865, is the wife of T. S. WilHams, a farmer.

John W. Edwards and his wife are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Edwards is a member of Vaughnsville Lodge No. 711, Knights of Pythias. He also occupies a responsible position in the life of Sugar Creek township, not only as one of its leading farmers, but as an officer in charge of its leading financial institution. This business brings him into intimate association with his fellow citizens. He enjoys their confidence, to an exceptional degree, and is much sought for advice and counsel.

Mathias Theodore Verhoff

There is no calling, however humble, in which enterprise -and industry, coupled with well-directed purpose, willnot produce some measure of success. In the pursuit of agriculture, the qualities mentioned are quite essential. Among the well-known and highly respected farmers of Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, who have attained a definite degree of success in their special vocations and who, at the same time, have greatly benefited the community in which they live, is Mathias Theodore Verhoff, the gentleman to a review of whose career, the attention of the reader is now directed.

Mathias Theodore Verhoff was born on August 14, 1887, near Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, on his father's farm. He is the son of William and Catherine (Kerner) Verhoff. William Verhoff is the son of Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff. Francis Verhoff was born in Westphalia, Prussia and came to America in 1836, alone, settling near Glandorf,- Putnam county, Ohio, on a farm. He was a blacksmith by trade, and proprietor of the first blacksmith shop in this county. He was well known for his high workmanship. Francis Verhoff was married to Mary Kramer in .1837. They had ten children, Theodore, Gertrude, Christina, Catherine, Mary Ann, Frank, Henry, William, deceased; Charles and William. The father of these children, before his death, acquired a full section of land in Putnam county. Mary Kramer, who was the wife of Francis Verhoff, was the daughter of Theodore and Gertrude (Veraking) Kramer, who were married in Germany and resided there many years, having come to this country when the elder Kramer was about fifty years of age. They settled in Putnam county, Ohio, and were the parents of six children, William, Henry,

Catherine, Christina and Mary, all of whom are now deceased ; and, Frederick, who is still living. Katherine Kerner was the daughter of Mathias and Elizabeth Kerner, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. Mathias Kerner came to this country and settled in Putnam county. Prior to coming to Putnam county, he spent three years in South Carolina. His wife came to Putnam county from Pennsylvania after the death of her parents.

Mathias T. Verhoff attended school at Glandorf until he was fourteen years of age. Until he was nineteen years of age, he worked on his father's farm and then removed with his brother, J. Frank, to a farm in Union township, which belonged to his father, where they worked for some years.

Mathias T. Verhoff was married on June 5, 1907, to Philomena Uphaus, the daughter of Gerhard and Margaret (Wehrie) Uphaus. Gerhard Uphaus and wife were born in Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio. He was the son of John and Catherine Uphaus, who came from Germany to this country after they were married. He was a farmer and settled near Glandorf on a farm, where he continued to live until the death of his wife, and where he afterward died. He and his wife were members of St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf. Margaret Wehrie was the daughter of Clement and Anna Wehrie, who were born in Germany and who, at an early date, came to America, settling on a farm at Glandorf. They were well known among the early settlers and lived on their farm until their death. They were also members of St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf.

After the marriage of Gerhard and Margaret (Wehrie) Uphaus, they located on a farm in Jackson township, Putnam county. He died on November 5, 1912. Their children were John, Anna, Josephine, William, Philomena and Mathilda.

Mathias T. and Philomena (Uphaus) Verhoff came to their present farm after their marriage, which farm consisted of seventy-seven acres and which Mr. Verhoff bought from his father. He is engaged in general farmmg and raises a high grade of stock. He and his wife have been the parents of four children, Ambrose William, born on August 18, 1908; Gerhard Mathias, born on October 22, 1910; Victor Francis, born on February 22, 1913. and Mathias John, born on April 2, 1915.

Mathias T. Verhoff and wife are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida. Mr. Verhoff is a member of the Catholic knights of Ohio. He IS an mdustrious young farmer, business-like in his manner, thrifty and ambitious, as well as a hard worker. He is eminently respected in the community where he lives and popular among all of his neighbors.

John Merschman

The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of an intelligent community is a protracted and honorable residence therein. John Merschman, one of the best-known and highly-esteemed farmers of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, has resided in this locahty all his life. His career has been most commendable in every respect, well deserving of being perpetuated on the pages of a historical work of the nature of this one. Like his sterling father before him, he has been a man of welldefined purpose, and has never failed to carry to successful completion any work or enterprise to which he addressed himself. Mr. Merschman has always applied himself very closely to his work and his industry has brought its reward.

John Merschman was born in 1855 in the north edge of Pleasant township, south of Ottawa. He is a son of Barney and Katherine (Hagenjuger) ]\Ierschnian. Barney was born in Osnabruck, Germany, grew up there and married Catherine Hagenjuger. He was a shepherd in the old country, and out of this made the money with which to pay his passage to America. He was about thirty years of age when he arrived in the United States, locating in Putnam county, Ohio, on what is known as the Buscher fann, between Ottawa and Glandorf. To get a start, Mr. Merschman worked as a farm laborer by the day and later purchased eighty acres of land in the north edge of Pleasant township. Here he lived the remainder of his life, following the vocation of a farmer. He was also a veterinaiy surgeon, leai'ning the latter profession in his native land, and after the people in his neighborhood learned of his skill in this direction they gave him plenty to do. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, two of whom died in early childhood. The eight living children are : Henry, of Miller City; John, of this review; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Schulte, of' Ottoville; Mary, the wife of Wilham Unterbrink, who lives in Michigan; Katie, the wife of Ignatius Kreinbrink; Annie, the wife of Frank Goede, of Leipsic; Barney, a farmer of Pleasant township, and Theresia, the wife of Barney Moening, residents of Michigan. The father of these children died on April 7, 1909, and the mother died in May, 1898.

John Merschman lived on the home farm until he was married, his marriage taking place on November 4, 1875, when he was united to Clara Gattman. She was born in Greensburg township, in this county, the daughter of Joseph and Gertrude (Unterbrink) Herlager-Gattman. Joseph Gatt- man was born m Osnabruck, Germany, coming to this country and settling in Putnam county in an early day, where he was successfully engaged in farming. He owned his own farm and also operated a threshing machine outfit for many years, and was well known throughout the county. Joseph Gattman made two trips back to Germany to visit the scenes of his childhood days. Gertrude Unterbrink was also a native of Germany, coming to this country with her parents, who were early settlers in Greensburg township. They arrived about 1834, when the land was covered with timber, and wild animals and Indians roamed the woods. Here Gertrude Unterbrink grew to womanhood and married Mr. Herlager, of Greensburg township, and after his death she married Joseph Gattman. She was the mother of six children, of whom only two are living, Mrs. Merschman and Bernardina, the widow of George Bensman.

x\fter the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. John Merschman they moved to where they now live in Greensburg township. He has cleared about twenty acres more of his farm since he came, remodeled and built an addition to his house, built good barns and has a handsome country home, substantial buildings, the whole presenting a very neat and attractive appearance. He is the owner of one hundred and nineteen acres of land, on which he carries on general farming and stock raising.

John Merschman and wife are the parents of eleven children, Frank, Mary, Ameha, Veronica, Louie, Emma, Helena, John, Petronilla, and two who died in infancy. Frank married Katherine Klima and lives at Cloverdale. He and his wife have seven children, Harry, Clara, Leo, Lawrence, William, Veronica and Anna Maiy. The latter is the wife of Matt Kerner, and lives one-half mile south of Mr. Merschman. They have five children, Eleanor, Harry, Loretta, Emma and Victor. Amelia is the wife of Charles Ellerbrock and lives on her father's farm. They have one daughter, Mary. Veronica is the wife of Andrew Nieman and lives two miles west of her father's place. They have one daughter, Henrietta. Louise is the wife of John Kehres and lives near her father's farm, and has three children, Alphonse, Donelda and Alberta. Emma is the wife of Henry Gerderman and they are the parents of one son, Amos. They live on a farm three miles south of her father's place. Helena is the wife of Henry Martin, a resident of Fort Jennings, and they have one daughter, Mildred. John is unmarried and lives at home. Petronilla is also living at home.

John Merschman is not only a successful farmer, but he is a successful veterinarian, having learned the profession from his father. He has a large

The Merschman family are members of the Catholic church at Glandorf. John Merschman is one of the leading citizens of his township and a man whom it is a pleasure to know, enterprising, broad-minded and optimistic, a believer in all good things and a worker in all good enterprises.

Frank G. Bensman

Frank G. Bensman, a short sketch of whose career appears below, was born on the farm where he now lives, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on October 4, 1878. He is a son of Gerhard and Bernadina (Gardman) Bensman, the former of whom was a native of Osnabruck in Germany, who came to this country alone when quite a young man, locating at Glandorf, this county. He was a son of Anthony and Maria Elizabeth Bensman, both natives of Germany. The father died in his native land after the son Gerhard had come to this country, and about the year 1871 the mother joined the son here. One son, Henry, died in Germany before the family came here, while Maria remained in Germany, and Maria, William, Anthony, George, Augustus and Louise joined Gerhard in this country. This entire family has now passed away.

For about two years after reaching Putnam county, Gerhard, father of Frank G. Bensman, worked out on farms by the day. After a time he began farming for himself and, in the course of time, purchased the farm where Frank now resides, which contains eighty acres. Gerhard purchased forty acres of this from a brother and the other forty from Henry Niese. Gerhard Bensman passed away in 1903, and is remembered as a man of industrious habits, devoted to family and friends.

Frank G. Bensman's mother was Bernadina Gardman, daughter of Joseph and Gertrude (Unterbrink) Gardman, both natives of the German Empire, but who were, however, married in this country. They settled on a farm in this county, .where John Merschman now lives, and to them were born two children, Bernadina and Clara. The mother had been previously married to Henry Herlage, and by her first husband became the mother of the following children : Katrina, Anna, Helena and Mary. The farm above referred to was the family home for a number of years, where both parents died.

Frank G. Bensman is one of a family of four children, the others being Elizabeth, Amelia and Anthony. Elizabeth became the wife of Ferdinand Rechtien and resides at Miller City. She is the mother of four children, and with her also lives her mother. Amelia is the wife of Bernard Rechtien and hves on a farm near Miller City. Anthony has remained unmarried.

Frank Bensman attended the district schools near his home when a boy and remained under the parental roof until the time for his marriage, when he was united in wedlock to Amelia, daughter of William and Mary Unterbrink. Amelia Unterbrink was born on March 31, 1883. William Unterbrink was a son of William and Elizabeth (Hohenbrink) Unterbrink, who came to this country from Germany after their marriage. They first settled in Putnam county, on a farm in Greensburg township, and later moved to a farm south of Ottawa, where they passed the remainder of their days. They had the following children ; William, Carolina, Henry, Theresa, Frank and Joseph. William was educated in the schools of the' county and for seven years worked out among the farmers of the neighborhood. After his marriage with Mary Merschman, he located on a farm south of Ottawa and, subsequently, lived at Findlay, Liberty Center, Leipsic and Miller City, this state. They are at present residing at Durand, Michigan, where they went some time ago.

Mary Merschman, Mrs. Bensman's mother, is a daughter of John B. and Christina (Hageman) Merschman, both of whom came from Osnabruck, Germany, and settled on the farm now occupied by Barney Merschman, and on that farm both passed their remaining days. Their family consisted of eight children, namely: Henry, John. Elizabeth, Mary, Kate, Anna, Theresa and Barney.

After his marriage, Frank G. Bensman and his bride moved to the farm formerly owned by his father. This contains eighty acres, and Mr. Bensman gives his attention mainly to general farming as practiced throughout this section. He also devotes some time to stock raising and has also a fine lot of poultry. In recent years he has remodeled the'' residence, and also repaired outbuildings and added new equipment, so that the farm home is attractive and comfortable. Anthony, the single brother, makes his home with the subject and farms the eighty acres adjoining^ which he owns. He is thirty-nine years of age.

The entire family are members of St. John's church at Glandorf, and in politics Mr. Bensman is a Democrat, who has given some time to politics.

He has served as road supervisor and is accounted one of the active men of the party in his neighborhood. Active both mentaUy and physicahy, and of high ambition to succeed along all legitimate lines, Mr. Bensman is of that class of men who stand for all that is highest and best in any community. There are three children of the family, Raymond, born on June 8, 1906; Mary, born on June 24, 1908, and Agnes, born on June 27, 191 1.

Martin Luther Pritchard

To manage a business with ability and profit, today, requires more than the mere display of the stock and the buying and selling. It is necessary that the merchant shaU have combined in his make-up, something of the psychologist, that he be more or less of a strategist, and that he must be prepared to do a great deal of hard work. These qualities are found combined to a marked degree in Martin Luther Pritchard, who has established a thriving mercantile business in West Leipsic, Ohio.

Coming into this World on March 5, i860, in .Liberty township, Putnam county, Mr. Pritchard is the son of Alexander Gibson and Elizabeth (Lee) Pritchard, who were the parents of four children, as follow: Arthur, who died at the age of three years; Jefferson A., who lives in Leipsic; Martin Luther, and Jane, who died at the age of four.

Alexander Pritchard was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1825, and was a physician who' practiced successfully in Putnam county, Ohio, having come to Putnam county in the 'fifties, where he practiced until his death in 1866. He was a prominent physician and a worthy citizen, being a justice of the peace and postmaster in old Leipsic. In politics, he was a Republican and in religion a steadfast Baptist. His wife, a native of Virginia, died in 1900.

AVith small opportunity to gain an education, Mr. Pritchard began work in a factory at an early age. By dint of hard work he managed to establish himself in the mercantile business and to educate his children, and great credit is due Mr. Pritchard, as he was thrown on his own resources early in youth, his family being in moderate circumstances. The general store which Mr. Pritchard now operates was established in September, 1883.

On December 18, 1880, Mr. Pritchard married Luella White, the daughter of Robert and Nancy (Neely) White, whose biographies are briefly given elsewhere in this volume, in the sketch devoted to J. H. White.

To the union of Mr. Pritchard and his wife, the foHowing children have been born : Clyde A., who married Maude Henry and is now ticket agent for the Nickel Plate Railway Company at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and has three children, Neal, Owen, Paul; Clarence Martin married Anna Dwar and is ticket agent on the Nickel Plate railway at McComb, Ohio ; he and his wife were the parents of two children who died in infancy; Eva L. married William C. Snyder, of Belleview, Ohio, and has two 'children, Martin and Donald; Harry Eugene married Emma Ladd and they have two children, Lucille Evaline and Francis; Harry is a motorman on rhe Ohio Electric railway and lives in Lima, Ohio; Louis Gilbert married Laura Robinson and is employed by the Temco Electric Company of Leipsic; they have one child, Robert Louis; Ethel died when she was three years of age.

Martin Luther Pritchard is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 548, of Leipsic, also the chapter at Ottawa and Findlay Commandery. In politics he is a Republican and was on the school board for years, was township treasurer for two terms, and was postmaster of West Leipsic for about sixteen years, beginning his service under President McKinley and ending in April, 1914. He has also been corporation treasurer for many years. Subject's four boys are Masons and his wife belongs to the Eastern Star at Leipsic.

Speaking ill of no one and with a good word for all, Mr. Pritchard is a quiet, unassuming man who has gained success by close application and untiring effort, although it is foreign to his nature to indulge in vain boasting in regard to his accomplishments. Quick to grasp the opportunities presented to him, Mr. Pritchard is a man of strict integrity who is honored by all who know him.

Mathias Gerdeman

Among the farmers of Putnam county who have to their credit several years spent industriously and intelligently tilling the soil, is Mathias Gerdeman, of Union township. He comes from a good family, one that has always been strong for right living and industrious habits and all that contributes to the welfare of the commonwealth. Moreover, the Gerdeman family is one of the oldest in Putnam county. Such people are welcome in any community, for they are nation-builders, and as such push the frontier of civihzation ever westward and onward, leaving the green, wide-reaching

Mathias Gerdeman was born on March 12, 1887. He is the son of Henry and Bernadina (Eickholt) Gerdeman, both natives of Putnam county, the former of whom was born on February 19, 1842, and who was the son of Caspar and Anna Gerdeman, natives of Germany. Bernadina Eickholt w,as born on May 15, 1846, and was the daughter of Barney and Elizabeth (Nieman) Eickholt. Henry Gerdeman was married to Bernadina Eickholt on May 5, 1868. Throughout his life he was a farmer, but during his latter years he has lived retired with his son, Henry, Jr. His wife died on March 2-], 1915. They had twelve children, as follow: Charles, Andrew, Katherine, Barney, John, William, Elizabeth, Amelia, Josephine, Bernadina, Henry and Mathias.

Mathias Gerdeman attended the Barney Fortman school in Union township and worked on his father's farm until his marriage. Mr. Gerdeman was married on May i, 1912, to Elizabeth Schumacher, the daughter of Joseph J. and Mary Elizabeth (Rechtine) Schumacher, of Pleasant township. He still lives on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in that township. In fact, he has lived there for many years.

Joseph J. Schumacher, father of subject's wife, was married twice. His first wife was Mary Wellman, and by this marriage there were twelve children, four of whom are deceased, as follows : Anna, Mary, Katherine, Amelia, Andrew, Frank, Benjamin, John; Elizabeth, Amelia, Anthony and John, deceased. Mr. Schumacher's second wife was Mary Elizabeth Rechtine (mother of subject's wife), and by this marriage there were three children, as follow: Elizabeth, subject's wife, Eleanor and Anthony, deceased. Mr. Schumacher's second marriage took place several years after the death of his first wife.

Of these children, Anna married Theodore Hasselman and lives in Leipsic, Ohio; Mary married John Bellman, who is now deceased; Katherine married Henry Bellman, and they live at Leipsic; Amelia married George Wuebken, who is deceased; Andrew married Amelia Maag and lives in Jackson township ; Frank married Mary Meyer and lives in Toledo ; Benjamin married Mary Niese and lives in Leipsic; John married Anna Maas and lives in Pleasant township on the farm with his father. The mother of these children died on August 20, 1907.

He has erected an addition to the house and made many other improvements. To Ml. and IMrs. Mathias Gerdeman one child, Mary Louise, has been born. She was born March 26, 19 14.

Mathias Gerdeman has a splendid house and an attractive and wellkept farm. He is an able young farmer, popular with his neighbors on account of his genial good humor. Moreover, he is well informed on all of the topics of the day and possessed of exceptional intelligence. He makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred Duroc Jersey hogs.

Mathias Gerdeman and his family belong to the St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida. Fraternally, he is a member of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society.

Andrew J. Rieman

To a great extent, the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our country is due to the honest industry, the sturdy persistence, the unswerving perseverance and the wise economy which so prominently characterize the farming element of the Buckeye state. Among this class may be mentioned the subject of this life record, who though still a young man, has apparently mapped out a course in life for himself which not only will bring liim well-merited prosperity, but which also will win for him the high esteem and unlimited respect of all with whom he may be associated in any way.

Andrew J. Rieman, member of the one of the oldest and most' highly respected families of the county, was born on his father's farm in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on November 14, 1872, being a son of Frank, Sr., and Mary TKarhoff) Rieman. Subject's father was a son of John and Mary (Mehring) Rieman, both natives of Oldenburg in Germany. They emigrated to this country early in their married life, lived for a time in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later came to Putnam county, where they settled on a farm and passed their remaining years. Andrew Pieman's father was born in Ottawa township, this county. For further particulars of the Rieman family, consult the sketch of Frank Rieman, Sr., -found elsewhere within the pages of this history.

Andrew J. Rieman attended the district schools near his home, when a boy, and remained on the family homestead until he started out in life for himself. When thirty years of age, in 1902, he was joined in wedlock to Sophronia, daughter of John and Clara (Gattman) Merschman. There were eleven children in the Merschman family, as follow : Frank, Mary,

For two years after their marriage Andrew Rieman and his wife remained in the home of his parents and then took up their residence on the present family homestead, where they have since lived. This farm contains eighty acres and formerly belonged to his father. Since obtaining possesion of it, he has erected a splendid barn and other buildings, and is making it, in every way, an up-to-date farm home. He carries on general farming, and is uniformly successful with his crops.

Andrew Rieman and family are members of St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf, and in politics he is a Democrat, being quite active ^v'ithin the ranks of that party. He is an honorable and ambitious young man, who is bound to make a useful place for himself in the world. Mrs. Rieman is a pleasant and agreeable young woman, and, both coming from the oldest and best families of the county, they have from earliest childhood had held before them the highest standard of conduct, which they in their turn are passing on to the little one in their home. There is just one child, Henrietta, born on August 30, 1908. For history of Andrew J. Rieman's wife, see sketch of John Merschman, her father, of Greensburg township, on another page of this history.

Lance M. Wynkoop

Among the young farmers of Putnam county who are bringing, to the management of their farms the latest scientific methods in agriculture, and who are definitely pointing the way to a better system of farming than ever prevailed in the past, there are few who are better known in the section in which they live than is the gentleman whose name is noted above, an intelligent young farmer, who not only is making a success of his undertakings in that line, but who for years has been a very successful and popular school teacher in the neighborhood of his home in Greensburg township. An earnest exemplar of the latest methods of farming and a conscientious instructor of the youth in his vicinity, Lance M. Wynkoop is doing a good work in the world, and no history of Putnam county would be complete without adequate mention of the important details of his life and genealogy. The biographer, therefore, takes pleasure in calling the attention of the reader at this point to the subject of this interesting sketch.

Lance M. Wynkoop was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, October 27, 1882, the son of Milton and Sarah (Crow) Wynkoop, the former of whom was bom in the town of Gilboa, this county, and the latter of whom was born on the farm on which her son, Lance M., now lives, in Greensburg township. Milton Wynkoop was the son of Isaac Wynkoop, one of the pioneers of this county, who in his day and generation was one of the best known and most influential residents of the section in which he so long lived and labored. He not only cleared a considerable tract of land, making clear the ways for his descendants to find a comfortable home in what was a wilderness when he came to this county, but he found time in connection with his extensive personal affairs to give much attention to the affairs of public concern, and was ever found actively participating in all movements which had as their object the betterment of local conditions.

Milton Wynkoop was reared at Gilboa, this county, and evinced in his early youth an unusual aptitude for study, proving so efficient in his studies that as a young man he began teaching school in the neighborhood. He followed this important calling for several years, even after his marriage, and then opened a general store at Miller City, this county, this venture proving so profitable that he started a similar store at Kiefersville. Later he opened a store for the sale of agricultural implements at Continental, and continued in business in that place for sixteen years, or until his death, being one of the most successful and popular merchants of that town. His death occurred in May, 1905, while his widow is still living, in Continental. Milton Wynkoop was an ardent Republican and took a prominent part in the political affairs of the county. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, and was one of the most active workers in the local lodge of that order.

Milton Wynkoop was united in marriage to Sarah Crow, daughter of Miles and Lena (Schmidt) Crow, pioneers of Putnam county, the former of whom was bom in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 21, 1825, the ninth child of Abraham Crow, a native of Pennsylvania, who moved to Colum- - biana county with his parents at an early day in the settlement of that part of the state. The Crow family were brilliant lights in the old Covenanter church, m Pennsylvania, in the earlier days, and many of the same family are still promment people in Washington and Butler counties in that state In his early life Miles Crow was the proprietor of an ashery, but during the rest of his life was engaged in farming. He was for many years one of the most active workers in the Christian church in the neighborhood in which he hved, and his example was ever a good one in the community. He married prison. Casper and Anna Gerdeman were prominent and influential rnembers of the community in which they lived. They are buried in Gwindview cemetery.

Barney Eickholt and wife, Elizabeth, who was a Niemann, emigrated from Germany to Putnam in an early day and settled near Glandorf. They were the parents of six children, Joseph, Martha, Henry, William, Charles and Bernadina, the last of whom was the mother of Henry Gerdeman. Henry Gerdeman, Sr., was married to Bernadina Eickholt, May 5, 1868. He was a farmer throughout his life, but during his latter years has retired from the active work of the farm. His wife died on March 27, 1915. They were the parents of the following children: Charles, who married Anna Bush; Andrew, who married Ida Dalinz, and is now deceased; Catherine, the wife of Henry Hamburg; Barney, who married Anna Brinkman; John,' who married Mary Lang; William, who married Mary Schroeder; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Verhoff; Amelia, the wife of William Marmon; Bernardina, the wife of Joseph Marmon; Henry, the immediate subject of this review ; Mathias, who married Emily Schumacher.

had purchased and where he hved for two years. This farm consisted of seventy-four acres. Mr. Gerdeman later moved to a farm owned by his father in Union township which consisted of one hundred and ten acres. Mr. Gerdeman and his family and parents lived together until the death of the mother on March 27, 1915. Mr. Gerdeman's father is still living with him on the farm.

Henry Gerdeman and all the members of his family are devout Catholics, belonging to St. Michael's church at Kalida. The family are well known in this section of Putnam county, and are highly respected for their industry, thrift, economy and neighborly good will.

Jacob S. Myers

The sketch which follows, dealing with the man whose name appears above, his brother Samuel and their sister Maria, is the story of plain and honest manhood and womanhood, of sturdy industry and well-directed effort along chosen lines.