Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 13 of 33)

On October 19, 1898, Barney Gerdeman was united in marriage to Anna Brinkman, daughter of Barney and Bernardina (Wehrie) Brinkman, both of whom were born in the Glandorf neighborhood, in this county, their parents having been among the numerous German immigrants who colonized in that part of the county at an early day. For some years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brinkman lived in Greensburg township, and later moved to a farm in Jackson township, where Mrs. Brinkman is still living, Mr. Brinkman's death having occurred on March 28, 1914. Barney Brinkman was one of the best known men in the county. He had served the public faithfully and well in the capacity of county commissioner, and was deeply interested in local public affairs. He also had served his township as a" public officer in various capacities and had always been attentive to the needs of the community. His chief activities were confined to the farm, however, and he had prospered in his labors. To Barney and Bernardina (Wehrie) Brinkman were born thirteen children - Joseph, Anna, Bernadina, Mary, Amelia, Andrew, Frank, Elizabeth, Josephine, Matilda, Elnora, Caroline and Loretta, of whom all are living saA'e Bernadina, Elizabeth and Josephine. The Brinkman family were members of the St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, and took an active part in the affairs of that parish.

Mr. and Mrs. Gerdeman belong to St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, and are active participants in the various beneficences of that parish. They are popular and well Hked in the community in which they live, and are regarded as among the leaders in the social and civic life of that section of the county. They have no children. Mr. Gerdeman is not only a good farmer, but is recognized generally as an excellent business man and a man of fine executive ability. He is a director of the Peoples Bank at Kalida, a director in the fire insurance company at the same place, and has served as a member of the county fair association, in all of which service he has exhibited executive qualities which have gained him the highest confidence of his business associates. Mr. Gerdeman is a Democrat, and takes a good deal of interest in the county's political affairs. He has served as supervisor of public roads m his home township; he has held various other township offices during the past fifteen years, and in other ways has shown his high interest m public affairs.

John T. Matheny

If asked to present a list of occupations which, because of their very nature, interest and inspire, few there are who would include farming or if they did, this vocation would not head the list. Here and there, however are men who, by their attitude toward their work, make of the meanest task a pleasure, and thereby dignify both the doer and the thing they do

Were you to travel through Putnam county, Ohio, one of the 'farms which wordd immediately attract your admiration is that of J. T. Mathenv theTel^' f-f;P-^ed fence and well-kept lawn, in front of the house t'o the neatly-stacked woodpile m the rear, there is evidence not only of thrift but of mtelhgent personality back of it. And there is, for the owner love' until the discovery of gold in California fired his ambition, and, in the yea" of 1849 he, hke many others, went to seek his fortune in th W^ ^He traveled by way of the Isthmus of Panama. For four years he me wkh success a. a miner, but -finally, home called louder than fo tune and he dropped his pick to follow the plow back in the county he had left The retun. journey also was made by way of Panama. Soon a ter ht'retur: to Ohio he rnarned Adelia Rogers, removed to Kalida, Ohio and b ecar^e merested in buying and shipping stock, and farming. He bo'uX and de ve oped a large tract of land near Kalida. He was a'faithful member of the" tltrm h^r d *'' '"'' °' '^'""^^ ^^*->'' -h-h took place on

John T. Matheny had three sisters and one brother. They were Eva, Clara, Emma and Howard. Of these, Clara married H. M. Summers, a real estate dealer living in Ottawa, and they have five children ; Emma married a hardware merchant, named Basil Sparling, and they live in Monroe, Michigan, and they have three children. Going back another generation, we find that Mr. Matheny's grandparents on the father's side were born and died in Virginia, and that their children were James, William, Robert, Samuel and Jane. The children of the maternal grandparents were John^ Howard, Marion, Mary, Sinah, Emma and Adelia.

John T. Matheny's school days were interspersed with wholesome farm work, yet it seems he did not allow his tasks to crush him ambition. He attended school in Kalida, and when still a young man, married Nettie Varner, on December 10, 1902, daughter of W. J. and Annie Varner. Mr. Matheny's wife also came from a substantial old family of pioneers whose ambition brought them from Virginia early enough to travel on horseback, for there was no other mode of transportation. The grandfather on the paternal side took advantage of conditions by trading with the Indians who lived within the vicinity of the settlement.

W. J. Varner, father of Mrs. Matheny, is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. He was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, in 1848, and married Annie Simon, of that township, whose parents, also, were early settlers and prominent in the county. That Mr. Varner was public-spirited is shown from the fact that he was treasurer of the township, and for ten years was a member of the county board of agriculture.

For six years after his marriage, Mr. Matheny gave all of his attention to farming. He then moved to the old W. J. Varner homestead in Greensburg township, Putnam county, where he still resides. This is a splendid farm of one hundred acres. The children born to John T. Matheny and wife are : Nelson Varner, born on September 8, 1903 ; Howard Samuel, born on . September 4, 1909; John Wilson, born on November 18, 1912. The two elder boys are attending school.

John T. Matheny has been unusually successful in raising Jersey cattle and Duroc hogs, but, not content with present efforts, he is preparing to make extensive improvements on his property. Like his father, he is a Republican, and has held public office, having served on the county council and as corporation clerk while living in Kalida. Everybody knows the Mathenys, and everybody likes them. As members of the Methodist church they have many friends, and are among those whom we call the leaders in the community in which they live. Mr. Matheny is a Free and Accepted Mason. He has always kept in close touch with public affairs. So genial and wholesome are John T. Matheny and wife that their home is a social center. It has never been bound by narrow interests. In all of his activities, Mr. Matheny is assisted by his able and charming wife.

Robert Wilford Downing

Robert Wilford Downing was born on October 6, 1870, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, on the old Downing homestead. He is the son of Robert and Rachel (Hooper) Downing, the former of whom was born three miles east of Canton, in Stark county, Ohio, June 15, 1821, and who died on November 21, 1874, at the age of fifty-three years. He was the son of Adam and Sarah (McLothen) Downing, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and who settled first in Stark county, Ohio. They came to Allen county in 1837, where they entered a section of land near Rockport. Here they spent the remainder of their lives. Robert Downing, the father of Robert Wilford, grew up on this Alien county farm. He came to Putnam county in 1863, and located in Sugar Creek township, where he bought two hundred and forty acres of land. He followed general farming until his death. He received his early education in Stark county, leaving that county at the age of sixteen. He was married in Allen county, September 3, 1857, to Rachel Hooper, who was born on October 10, 1833, in Franklin county,' Ohio. She was the daughter of Philip and Rachel (Stevenson) Hooper, the former of whom was a native of Scotland and who came to America, settling first in Virginia. Later, he moved to Franklin county, Ohio. He served in the Indian War. He was married in Maryland to Rachel Stevenson, whose mother was a native of Germany and who first settled in Maryland and later moved to Franklin county, Ohio. Philip Hooper lived in Franklin county, Ohio, for several years, when he migrated to Putnam county in 1839, settling about two miles south of Columbus Grove in what is now Allen county Here he spent the remainder of his life. Philip and Rachel Hooper had thirteen children, all of whom are now deceased except Philip, Jr., a brother of Robert Wilford Downing's mother. Mrs. Rachel Downing was next to the youngest child. She died on September 21, 1907. Robert and Rachel Downmg had three children, Albert, born on April 17, i860, and died on November 7, 1897; John M., born on June 15, 1862, and died on July 6, 1902. and Robert Wilford, the subject of this sketch.

Robert Wilford Downing was born on the old homestead farm of his father, where he now resides. Here he spent his childhood and youth and here he grew to manhood. He attended the district schools and since leaving school has followed farming. When nearly thirty years of age, Mr. Downing was married on September 23, 1900, to Anna E. Shusser, the daughter of Wilham and Nancy (Garner) Shusser. Mrs. Downing was born on September 27, 1870, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county. After his marriage, Mr. Downing continued farming on the old home place. His farm of one hundred and sixty acres joins the town of Vaughnsville on the northwest and is on the Kalida road. His residence commands a fine view of Sugar creek and the surrounding country. Mr. Downing has remodeled his residence, which is the house where he was born, is built on generous lines and bespeaks the comfort and culture of its occupants. Mr. Downing built a large and commodious barn in 1912, and from time to time has added other buildings as occasion demanded. He now has one of the most completelyecjuipped farms in Putnam county. Mr. Downing is a good judge of live stock and raises thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle.

Robert Downing, the father of Robert W., was a member of the radical wing of the United Brtehren church. He was township treasurer for two terms and was a stanch and active supporter of the Republican part}^. Mr. Wowning's great-grandfather on his maternal side, John Stevenson, whose father was a native of Germany, was a native of Maryland and a slaveholder. He never left the state of Maryland and was known as "Granddad John." Both great-grandparents on the Hooper and Stevenson sides of Mr. Downing's family were Revolutionary soldiers, and added much to the credit Of their family by valiance and bravery. Both were slaveholders. Philip Hooper, the grandfather of Mr. Downing, died on the old Hooper homestead south of Columbus Grove, about 1844. His wife, the grandmother of Mr. Downing, lived to be ninety-three years of age and died in Columbus Grove about 1887.

Mrs. Downing's father, William Slusser, answered the call for volunteers in the War of 1861 and enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years, when he was mustered out of service.

Mrs. Downing is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Downing is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 711, at Vaughnsville. He is a Republican in politics and has been trustee of Sugar Creek township for three terms. In addition to other activities, he was nominated by his party during the last election, for county commissioner.

Putnam, County, Ohio Joseph Webster Neill

Joseph Webster Neill, one of the best-known agriculturists of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a native born son of this county, having first seen the Hght of clay on his father's farm on November i6, 1859. He is a son of Seth W. and Mary A. (Shank) Neih, the former born in Hagerstown, Maryland, and the latter a native of this county. Seth W. was a son of John and Anna (Crow) Neill, who, in their youth, were among the earlier settlers of this county. They became acquainted during the early pioneer days and were married, locating on a farm in section 11 of Greensburg township, where they passed through the experiences common to pioneers in a new country. They were the parents of seven children, namely : Webster, J. T., Martin, William A., Susan, Samantha and Elizabeth. John Neill died on March 27, 1863, at the age of fifty-eight years. His wife had preceded him into the Great Beyond by a few days only, her death having occurred on March 8, 1863, when in the forty-ninth year of her age. Seth W. Neill secured such education as the schools of that time afforded, being, however, rather limited in their scope, but he received from his careful father the best training in the art of successful husbandry. He remained with his father for a time after his marriage, on April 19, 1857, to Mary A. Shank, a daughter of Jonas and Fanny Shank. They were among the early settlers of this county, having come here from their native home in Maryland. Their children were Susan, Elizabeth, Saphronica, Mary, Joseph, Samuel, Christian, John and Jonas. After a few months spent in his parental home, Seth W.' Neill took his bride to the eighty-acre farm, which he had secured in section II of Greensburg township, where he made his home for the balance of his life. It was there the children of the family were born and reared. Beside Joseph Webster Neill, who was the second child of the family in order of birth, there were: John Allison, bom on March i, 1858; Samuel Morton, born on December 28, 1861, and died on September 23 of the following year, while still a small child and while the father of the family was at the front during the Civil War. Seth Edwin, born on January 25, 1864; Saphronica Ann, born on May 28, 1866; Mary Emma, born on December i' 1868, the latter now deceased; Cora Edith, born on March i, 1871, and Jonas Sheldon, an infant, who died at birth, was born on January 16, 1874; William Orlan, born on April 21, 1875, and Oscar Delos, the youngest of the family, born on May 17, 1878.

On August II, 1862, when a young man of twenty-six years, and with a wife and three small children, Seth W. Neill so strongly felt the call of his country in her time of need, that he laid aside his personal interests and donned a suit of blue as a private in Company I, Ninety-ninth Regiment,, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He entered service under Captain Hawkey and scarcely more than a month after his enlistment, on September 21 followring, he was sent to the United States military hospital at Covington, Kentucky, where he remained for over a month. On October 29 he was ordered home for a rest and entered the service again within a short time. However, he had become so disabled, physically, owing to the illness contracted in the service, that he was found to be unfit for duty and was sent home. He was honorably discharged and later pensioned. He spent the balance of his life on his farm, and there passed away on September 8, 1899. His widow sur- - vived for a number of years, her life on earth ending on November 18, 1914. Both Seth W. Neill and wife were faithful members of the Christian church,, and in the tenets of that faith they reared their family.

When a lad Joseph Webster Neill attended the district schools near his home and assisted his father during vacation periods. After leaving school, he farmed by renting fields, for a few years before marriage. On December 31, 1884, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Timmons, a native of thiS' county and a daughter of Joshua and Catherine Timmons. Joseph Neill and his bride took up their residence in section 11, of Greensburg township, on a farm adjoining that formerly occupied by his father, where they have continued to since make their home. This farm consists of one hundred and fifty-five acres and is in every respect well kept. The residence and all buildings are in a good state of repair, and everything about the place is neat and orderly, bespeaking the well-regulated mind and business ability, of its owner.

Joshua Timmons, father of Joseph Neill's wife, was born in Piqua county, this state, and his wife was a native of Pennsylvania. They met and were married in this county and after marriage settled on a farm in Perry township. To them was born a family of twelve children, as follow : Alice, John, Daniel, Samuel, Peter, Mary, Helena, Lucy, Louisa, Laura, Emma and Nancy.

Joseph Webster and Mary E. (Timmons) Neill are the parents of four children, Louis Alfred, born on December 8, 1885; Lottie Alice, born on March 23, 1889; Robert Homer, born on June 16, 1891, and Ora Joseph, bom on January 18, 1894. Lottie Alice is the wife of Leonard McEldery, a farmer of Pleasant township, this county, and is the mother of one child, Margaret Marie; Robert Homer attended the township schools when a boy, and later, securing a higher education, taught school for three terms, when he took a course in the business college at Ottawa and later studied at the agricultural college at Ada; Ora Joseph, the youngest of the family, remains with the father, assisting him in the work of the home place; Louis Alfred, the eldest of the family, was united in marriage, on March 20, 19 12, to MisI Bessie Wirth, a daughter of George and Mary Ann Wirth, both natives of this county. George Wirth is a son of Samuel and Mary Magdalena Wirth, both of whom were natives of Germany, and upon emigrating to this country, came directly to this county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. George Wirth received his education in the public schools of this county and worked with his father on the home farm. On December 13, 1885, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Guyton, and to their union, were born six children, as follows: Matilda, Mary, deceased; Frank, Charles, Bessie, wife of Louis Alfred Neill, and Alta. After marriage, George Wirth and wife moved to the farm of one hundred and sixty acres where they lived for many years and where his widow still resides. He is now deceased. To Louis Alfred Neill and wife have been bom two children, Thelma, born on December 30, 191 1, and Catherine Jane, born on January 2.7, 1913. The Neill family are well known through this section and both father and sons are regarded as men of industry and integrity and among the most substantial citizens of the community.

Frank Erhart

One of the popular and well-known citizens of Putnam county Ohio is Frank Erhart, whose reputation for unfailing cheerfulness and optimism' smcere friendlmess and whole-souled generosity is founded on fact and most justly deserved. Mr. Erhart won many friends when twice candidate for sheriff on the Democratic ticket, but unfortunately failed of election He has at different times served as county assessor, justice of the peace and township ditch commissioner, and for twelve years was a member of the school board. He is engaged in farming in Greensburg township, where the family is well known.

« "^S"^. ^'^^'* ^^^ '" °"^^^ township, this county, on March 18, 1866, being a child of Henry and Anna Bernadina (Barlager) Erhart both natives of this county, born of German parentage. Henry Erhart was a son of Barney and Elizabeth Erhart, the other children of the family bemg Andrew, Mary, Elizabeth, Rosa, Anna and John. The parents left their native land of Germany shortly after marriage, coming direct to this, county, where they had friends. They settled on a farm three miles west of Ottawa, this county, where they hved for the balance of their hves and where their children were born and reared. Anna Bernadina Barlager, mother of Frank Erhart, was the child of Henry and Gertrude Barlager, both born in the German Empire. They emigrated to America early in their married life and located in this county on a farm some two miles west of Glandorf , where all their children were born and reared, and where they passed the remainder of their days. They had five children, namely: Katherine, Henry, Elizabeth, Bernadina and Joseph. They were devout members of the Catholic church and in that faith their family was reared.

Henry Erhart, father of Frank, passed his boyhood days on his father's farm, attending the district schools whenever possible. He early showed an aptitude for agricultural work and immediately after his marriage on July 5, 1865, he took his bride to the eighty-acre farm, where he toiled and passed the remainder of his life. His death occurred in March, 19J4. His widow still resides on the farm, which she operates. In spite of her advanced years, she is in possession of a mental alertness and physical strength that would do credit to a woman scarce half her age. She is the mother of seven children, Frank, Caroline, William, Mollie, Elizabeth, Mary and Frances. The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church.

When a youth, Frank Erhart secured such education as the district schools of his home locality afforded and assisted his father in the work of the farm home. He was united in marriage on September 20, 1888, to Catherine Edelbrock, daughter of Henry and Theresa Edelbrock, and soon after their marriage the young couple removed for residence to Jackson township, this county. For twenty-six years they remained on the farm, which had been their original home and, in March of 1914, they removed to their present home in Greensburg township. This farm consists of one hundred and tw'enty acres, and Mr. Erhart devotes his time to general farming and the raising of live stock.

Henry Edelbrock, father of Airs. Erhart, was a native of Germany, who came to this country when a young man and, for many years, was a well-known farmer of this county. His death occurred in 1906. His wife was Theresa Siebeneck, and she survived her husband several years, her death occurring in 1913. She was a native of this county, born of German parentage, and was the mother of eight children, Frank, William, Mary, Catherine, John, Joseph, Benjamin and Minnie, the entire family being communicants of the Roman Catholic church.

born on July 12, 1889, who is the wife of August Myers of Glandorf, this county, and is the mother of three children; Flora, born on April 26, 1891, is a graduate of Ottawa business college; Edna, born on August 16, 1899, attends the Glandorf high school; Benjamin, born on February 9, 1901, is deceased, as is also Harry, born on November 15, 1903, and Minnie, born on March 8, 1904, is still in the grades. The various members of the family are prominent in the life of their community, making themselves agreeable to both friend and stranger alike. All are communicants of the Roman Catholic church.

John B. Stephens

One of the conspicuous names on the list of Putnam county agriculturists is that of John B. Stephens, who operates a splendid farm in Sugar Creek township, and who is a -gentleman of high standing, to whom has not been denied a full measure of success. Long recognized as a factor of importance in connection with the farming and stock-raising industries here, he is prominently identified with the material growth and prosperity of this part of the state, his life having been closely interwoven with the history of the county where he has been content to live and follow his vocation.

John B. Stephens was born in Union township on January 26, 1868, and is a son of Marion and Margaret (Nonemaker) Stephens. Marion Stephens is a native of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Union county on July 11, 1843, and there spent his boyhood days and received his early education. His parents dying when he was but a child, he was reared by relatives, and during his young manhood was employed at farm labor. At the outbreak of the Civil War Marion Stephens enlisted as a private in the Fifty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which command was attached to the Army of the Tennessee. Mr, Stephens was a participant in many of the most hotly-contested battles of that great struggle, including many campaigns and the historic march of Sherman to the sea. After the war Mr. Stephens returned to Union county, where, shortlv afterward, he married Margaret Nonemaker, who was born in. Fairfield county about 1845 a daughter of John Nonemaker and wife, both of whom were natives of Germany and who settled in Fairfield county, Ohio. Later they moved to Union county, settling near Plain City, and there remained the rest of their lives Their surviving children were seven in number, namely: Jacob, who was killed m the service during the Civil War; Samuel, Catherine, Lucmda

Martha, Margaret and Nancy. Margaret, who married Marion Stephens, died in July, 1875, when her son, the subject of this sketch, was seven years old. To Marion and Margaret (Nonemaker) Stephens there were born three children, Martha, John B. and VVinnif red, the deceased widow of Edward Lippencott.

Some time after the death of his first wife Marion Stephens was married to Elizabeth Best, of Putnam county, the daughter of George and Anna Best. To this union were born six children, three of whom survived them,, Joseph, George and Grover. After his first marriage Marion Stephens remained in Union county for some .time and then moved to Putnam county,, where he remained but two years. During this time John B. Stephens was born. The family then moved to Madison county, where the wife and mother died. The father returned to Putnam county in 1879, locating on a farm which he had purchased in Sugar Creek township, in partnership with Jacob Miller, the tract comprising one hundred and sixty acres, located one mile northeast of Vaughnsville. Here he remained until 1905, when he moved to the state of Michigan, but in 1912 returned to Putnam county. He now lives in Kalida.

John B. Stephens was about eleven years old when his father returned to Sugar Creek township, where he remained until attaining maturity. His education was received in the common schools of Vaughnsville, and his early years were spent in work on the old home farm. After his marriage in 1893: he lived for a while at his wife's home, and in the following year moved tothe Joseph Garner farm, on which he resided for two years. He then returned to his mother-in-law's home place of eighty acres, and there he has since continued to reside, Mr. Stephens being engaged in the operation and management of the farm. He is a progressive and up-to-date farmer, giving attention to the most advanced ideas relative to agriculture, and has achieved a noteworthy success in this enterprise.

John B. Stephens was united in marriage on October 12, 1893, with Olive Vandermark, who was born in Putnam county, March 11, 1872, the daughter of William and Mary Jane (Mayberry) Vandemark. William Vandemark was born in Putnam county on June 22, 1830, and met his death by the hands of a bank robber at Columbus Grove, his death occurring on August 9, 1891. Mary Jane (Mayberry) Vandemark was born in Ross county on December 16, 1833, being the eldest daughter of James and May Mayberry. To William and Mary Vandemark were born the following children: Malinda on April 4, 1856, died on August 4, 1856; James, February 27, 1858, died on January 21, 1894; John M., April 17, 1861, died on May 26,

T864; Serilda, January 5, 1864, died on June 14, 1864; Charles E., September 13, 1866; Margaret L., July 7, 1869, died in infancy; Luella died in infancy on April 2, 1870; Olive, Mrs. Stephens, March 11, 1872; Lawrence, May i, 1875. Mary Jane Mayberry had been married prior to her union with Mr. Vandemark, the first husband, Aaron Jones, was born on December 20, 1825, their marriage occurring on August 22, 185 1. William Vandemark was one of nine children, Agnes, Jeremiah, Elizabeth, Esther, Nancy Ann, Elvira, William and a twin sister, Mary Jane, and Daniel, all of whom are deceased. To John B. Stephens and wife have been born four children, William, Velma, Lawrence and Ethel.

Mr. Stephens is a Democrat, and has taken a commendable interest in local and public affairs, having served efficiently as a member of the township school board. He is affiliated with the Christian church, of which he is a trustee, and of which his wife is also a member. The qualities which Tiave made Mr. Stephens one of the prominent and successful men of Sugar Creek township have also brought him the esteem of his fellow-citizens, for his career has been one of well-directed energy, strong determination and .honorable methods.

Francis M. Rimer

Not long ago there was a period from the middle of November to the first of March when very little work was done on the farm. The business man cannot afford a four or five months' vacation nor can the farmer afford it. The business man at the head of any enterprise hardly dares to quit work for two weeks. ^ Not that the farmer does not work hard enough, but his work is poorly planned if he has nothing that he can do during a third of each year. It were far better for the farmer to quit work at noon on Saturday every week in the year than to work long hours during the spring and summer season and cease work altogether during the winter months. The farmer who loves his work and is bent'on attacking its problems' systematically will not care to pass long periods in absolute idleness. He will find something possible to do no matter how bad the weather may be, and he will work where he may be comfortable. He will have carefully planned his work for the next season, will have attended carefully to the feeding of his stock, the long evenings he will have spent reading the literature of the farm and in studying farm problems. This is the typical life of the present-day progressive farmer, and one of the men who falls in this class is Francis M. Rimer, of Sugar Creek township. Mr. Rimer is a man of more than average intelligence.

He is a man who has kept abreast of the times with the application of the latest methods, and has kept informed with regard to the latest developments in agriculture, which is evidenced by the fact that he employs all of the latest devices in his farm work.

Francis M. Rimer was born on July 19, 1857, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Rimer. Jacob Rimer was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on January 29, 1815. He was the son of Daniel and Catherine (Vandemark) Rimer. Daniel Rimer was a native of Pennsylvania and was born near Rimersburg. He was of German parentage and came to Fairfield county, Ohio, from Pennsylvania, about 1812. Here he remained until 1832, when his son Jacob, the father of Francis M., was seventeen years of age. In this year he located in Union township, Putnam county, where he entered land from the government south of Kalida. Here he spent the remainder of his active life and spent his declining years with his son, Jacob, in Sugar Creek township, where he died on July 5, 1857. His wife surviving him about seventeen years, died in 1874.

Jacob Rimer was born in FairfieM county, Ohio, where he spent his childhood and received his early education. When sixteen years of age, in 183 1, he came to Putnam county, Ohio, one year ahead of his parents. After they settled in Union township he remained with them until his marriage on March i, 1838, at which time he was twenty-three years of age, and when he settled on a farm of eighty acres in section 8 of Sugar Creek township. This land was covered with virgin timber and partly with water. Jacob Rimer built a one-roomed log cabin and a barn and proceeded to clear his land, in which latter undertaking he nearly succeeded during his lifetime. A few years later he built a frame house adjoining the log cabin. This house was of five rooms and quite pretentious for those times. In later years he built a more commodious residence, which is still in use today. Jacob Rimer's wife, Elizabeth Rhodes, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, on July 21, 1816. She was the daughter of Peter and Catherine (Hoffman) Rhodes, and came to Putnam county with her parents when sixteen years of age, in 1831, who settled on the west bank of Hog creek, just below Rimer. Elizabeth here grew to womanhood and was married to Jacob Rimer on March i, 1838, at the age of twenty-two. Jacob Rimer's parents had five children, three sons and two daughters, Eliza, Jacob, Jeremiah, Daniel and Parmelia, all of whom are deceased. Peter and Catherine Rhodes had seven children, two dauohters and five sons. Jacob and Elizabeth Rimer had nine children, seven sons and two daughters, Joseph, born on December 18, 1838, and died on December 21

Jacob Rimer spent a most active and useful life and died on the old homestead, which was largely the work of his hands, in December, 1901. He was a Democrat and an active member of the Baptist church. He was township trustee for several terms, was well known and highly respected and was a man of high ideals and sterling integrity. His wife preceded him to the grave, having departed this life on December 22, 1893. Francis M. Rimer was born on the old homestead of his father and here spent his childhood. He attended the local district school, known as Woods College. Here he grew to manhood and helped his father on the old home farm until he was twentyeight years of age, when he married.

Francis Rimer was married on December 10, 1885, to Margaret Elizabeth Oard, who was born in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, on January 28, 1866. She was the daughter of Noah and Margaret (Oglevie) Oard. Both of them died wherT Mrs. Rimer was only fourteen years of age. Noah Oard was born in Allen county in 1824 and was the son of Peter and Anna Oard, the former a native of Pennsylvania. Margaret Oglevie was the daughter of parents who came from Virginia. Her father was a native of Scotland and came to Virginia when nine years of age, settling in Putnam county in pioneer times two miles north of Vaughnsville. To Noah and Margaret Oard, fifteen children were born, fourteen of whom grew to maturity. They were: James Henry, who died in 1912; Mary Jane, deceased Thomas Clinton; David R. and Peter L., twins; Anna C, deceased; John A. Amanda O.; Noah O. ; Margaret E., the wife of Mr. Rimer; Cynthia A., Viola, who died at the age of five years; Eva; Lottie and an infant who died at birth.

After his marriage Francis Rimer settled on a part of his father's farm of sixty-one acres, where he built a twelve-room residence and a large barn and other buildings. To his original farm Mr. Rimer has added twelve acres, making seventy-three acres in all. He has always done general farming.

Francis M. and Margaret E. (Oard) Rimer have had seven children: Lenore, born on January 20, 1889; Ralph, February 25, 1891 ; Helen, May 5, 1894; Russell, September 26, 1897; Louis Richard, July 24', 1899;' Margaret, September 24, 1905, and Elizabeth, October 31, 1907. Lenore, who was graduated from the Vaughnsville high school, attended the Lebanon

Normal School, and is now teaching in Oregon. Ralph, who is a graduate of the Vaughnsville high school and the Lima Business College, is also teaching in Oregon. Helen, also a graduate of the Vaughnsville high school, took the normal course at Ohio Northern University and a special normal course at Ottawa. Russell is also a graduate of the Vaughnsville high school. Louis Richard is now a student in the Vaughnsville high school.

Francis Rimer attends the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Rimer is a member. Mr. Rimer is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 711, at Vaughnsville. He is a Democrat, having served as school director, township supervisor and township trustee. Francis M. Rimer is well known in Putnam county and highly respected as an up-to-date, progressive and intelligent farm.er.

Herman Holtkamp

There are few public officials, of the federal class, in Putnam county who are better known or more deservedly popular in the community in which they reside than the genial postmaster at Kalida, to a brief sketch of whose interesting career the biographer, with pleasure, calls the attention of the reader at this point. Though of foreign birth and a resident of this county a matter of less than three decades. Postmaster Holtkamp has so thoroughly absorbed the spirit of American institutions and has so completely familiarized himself with American manners and customs that there is no more thorough American than he, nor none more sincerely devoted to the welfare of his adopted country. One of the best known merchants in the county, he for years having been engaged in the hardware business at Kalida, Mr. Holtkamp also has the interests of the county at large very deeply at heart, and none is more prompt in furthering any movement having the commonwealth's best development in view than is he. Not only that, but his fine musical education and taste make him popular in those circles which contribute in largest measure to the cultural development of the communal life, and he, therefore, may properly be looked upon as one of the most valuable citizens of this county. No review of the history of this section would be complete without proper mention of his services and activities since coming to this county, and it is with pleasure that the biographer presents here a brief and modest sketch of the career of this excellent citizen.

December 4, 1856, the only son of Everhard and Gertrude (Asholt) Holtkamp, farming- people, whose lives were spent on their farm near the town of Vorhelm, in Westphalia, and to whom also were born two daughters, Christine and Anna, the former of whom is dead and the latter of whom still lives in Germany, the parents both being dead.

Herman Holtkamp received his early education under the admirable scholastic system of his native province and early in life was apprenticed to a wood carver, asquiring a most skillful proficiency in this difficult and important trade. For a time after completing his apprenticeship he followed this trade in Germany, and then decided to seek an extension of his fortunes on this side of the Atlantic. With that end in view, he came to America in 1887, landing at New York, from whence he came direct to Putnam county, locating in the town of Kalida, where he has ever since made his home. Upon arriving at Kalida he opened a wagon and wood-wprking shop, which he operated for twenty-two years, becoming in that time one of the best known and most successful artisans of that class in the county. At the end of that time he formed a partnership with James Tennison, the two buymg the hardware store of Fanger & Recker, in Kalida. Later Mr Tennison sold his interest in this store to John W. Fortman, since which time the house has been doing business under the firm style of Holtkamp & Fortman, and has been quite successful, doing a general and quite extensive busmess m hardware, farming implements, etc., also taking contracts for tin work, roofing and the like. In addition to his extensive business interests Mr. Holtkamp is deeply concerned in matters of public improvement and IS regarded as one of the leaders in all movements having to do with liie best development of the interests of his home community. For three vears he served, most acceptably, as township treasurer of Union township' and for a like period of service was clerk of the school board, in which latter capacity his deep interest in educational and cultural matters proved of large value to the community.

Herman Holtkamp was united in marriage in 1890 to Mary Siefker the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Tenwalde) Siefker, a prominent fam^ ily m Union township. Mrs. Holtkamp is one of a family of seven children the others being Henry, John, Elizabeth, Anna, Joseph and Catherine of whom Henry, Elizabeth and Anna are now deceased

To the union of Herman and Mary (Siefker) Holtkamp nine children have been born, as follow: Henry (deceased), bom on August .8 89 Edward, born on December 7, 1892; Henry, born on FebrLry 7

Mr. and Mrs. Holtkamp are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida and are earnestly devoted to the sacred interests of that parish, in the various beneficences of which they are active participants. For twenty-seven years Mr. Holtkamp has served as organist and choir director in St. Michael's church, his service in this connection ever having proved acceptable to the parish, in which there is no more popular member than he.

In public affairs Mr. Holtkamp always has taken a deep interest and has given to the politics of the county a degree of intelligent attention which has lent much weight to his counsels in the deliberations of the party managers. He was appointed postmaster at Kalida in June, 19 14, by the President, entering upon the duties of this important office in the next month, and is g'iving the public most excellent service through that office. He has a splendid reputation throughout that part of the county and is very properly regarded as one of the leading men of affairs.

James H. Teegardin

The farmer's greatest economic interest is in increased profit. Involved in this interest, which is potent to the farmer's prosperity, is the problem of distribution. The problem of distribution is no other than that of market. If production on the farm is increased, improved market facilities to safeguard the farmers economic interest in greater profits must eliminate, to some extent, the present waste in distribution. The present and future efforts to avoid this waste must compensate the farmer for raising larger crops, which otherwise would mean only that he would receive the same number of dollars for a greater number of bushels. The two most important economic problems of agriculture are greater production and improved market facilities. Experience seems to prove that co-operation is the keynote to a better system of distribution between producer and consumer and, in brief, to the improvement of market facilities. James H. Teegardin, one of the successful and well-known farmers of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a man who has made a close study of every phase of modern farming. No man has done more than he to emphasize the needs of better

James H. Teegardin was born on March 19, 1866, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Joseph and Sarah (Mayberry) Teegardin. Joseph Teegardin was born in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, Ohio, on March 19, 1840, and died in Pleasant township, Putnam county, on March 10, 1892. He was the son of Henry and Rachel (Decker) Teegardin. Henry Teegardin was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, three miles from Groveport, and came to Sugar Creek township, Allen county, in 1830. He was- the son of William Teegardin, who was a native of Pennsylvania and who settled in Fairfield county, where he spent the remainder of his life on the original Teegardin homestead. He died at the age of about eighty-two years. It was William Teegardin who entered the land in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, from the government, which has been turned over to several successive generations of his descendants. As in the past, this property was given to his sons, though he himself had never moved to Allen county, always remaining in Fairfield county. He had ten children, four daughters and six sons, one of whom was Henry, the grandfather of James H. Henry Teegardin settled on one of the farms of one hundred and sixty acres which was entered by his father, where he lived and died. He passed through all of the pioneer experiences of the men of his generation, was a very industrious farmer and, for his time, was 'considered very prosperous. He died at about the age of fifty years of pneumonia. Henry and Rachel Teegardin had nine children, Mar_v, who was familiarly known as "Polly" ; Elizabeth, Joseph, the father of James H. ; Peter, John, William, Daniel and a son and a daughter, who died in childhood. Rachel Teegardin survived her husband many years and was married again to James Mayberry. She died at the advanced age of eighty-two years, in February, 1899. Joseph Teegardin, who was the eldest son, took charge of the old homestead in Allen county after his father's death._ It was on this old place that he spent his childhood and youth at the tim'e he attended the typical log cabin school At the age of twenty-three, on May 23, 1863, he was married to Sarah Elizabeth Mayberry, who was born in Pleasant township, Putnam county, on May 13 1843, and who was the daughter of James and Mary (Jamison) Mayberry' It was James Mayberry who, after his first wife's death, married Rachel Teegardin. Joseph and Sarah Teegardin, the parents of James H Teegardm, were, therefore, step brother and sjster, as well as husband and wife

After Joseph Teegardin's marriage he settled in the southeast corner of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, on eighty acres of land belonging to his father, which farm he purchased after the latter's death from the remainder of the heirs. In about nine years, or in 1870, he sold this farm and moved to Columbus Grove, where he lived for nine years. He then moved to a small farm two and one-half miles north of Columbus Grove, where he lived the remainder of his life, dying on March 10, 1892. Although not a member of any church, he died in the Christian faith. He was ill about seven years prior to his death. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a Democrat. Joseph and Sarah (Mayberry) Teegardin had five children, Emma, James H., the subject of this sketch ; William A., Thomas M. and Alice, who died in infancy. Mrs. Joseph Teegardin still lives and resides with her grandchild, Mrs. May Darbyshire, of Lima, Ohio.

James H. Teegardin spent his early childhood on his father's farm in Sugar Creek township. His boyhood was spent in Columbus Grove and later on the farm north of Columbus Grove. Here he attended the public schools and after finishing school helped his father on the farm. At the age of sixteen he started in life for himself and began working for neighboring farmers, which he continued to do until he became twenty years of age, when he married.

James H. Teegardin was married on April 14, 1886, to Etta Sherman, who was born in Putnam county in September, 1870, and who is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Utter) Sherman. To this union were born two children, Bessie, who died al; the age of six weeks, and Nellie, who died at the age of four. Mrs. Etta Teegardin died in March, 1897, and after her death Mr. Teegardin was married a second time, on April 14, 1898, to Mrs. Jane (Myers) Vandemark, the widow of James M. Vandemark. Mrs. Teegardin had five children by her first marriage, Clarence, Emmet, Clara, Vena, who died at the age of two years, and Alva J. All four of these children are living and are married. Mrs. Teegardin is the daughter of James and Deborah (McDale) Myers, the former of whom was born in Pleasant township, Putnam county, on September 4, 1830, and died in Union township in February, 1912, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife, Deborah McDale, was born on June 29, 1835, in Pleasant township and is still living.

After Mr. Teegardin's first marriage he rented a farm in Pleasant township for two years. During the following ten years he was engaged in factory work at Columbus Grove and Carey, Ohio. Later and after his second marriage he took up his residence on the James Vandemark farm, where he has resided ever since.

VV., born on May 2, 1899, and Joseph C, May 30, 1903. After Mr. Teegardin's second marriage he negotiated with the heirs of the James Vandemark estate and purchased their interest in the farm, which he now owns. His farm consists of one hundred and forty-six acres and is located two and one-half miles northwest of Vaughnsville. His land is in a fine state of cultivation, is well improved and no better farm can be found anywhere. Mr. Teegardin had the misfortune, on November 23, 1914, to lose a fine barn that had just been erected and which was destroyed by fire. He has since duplicated this structure with a barn which is modern to the smallest detail. He has a comfortable residence and neatly and well-kept outbuildings. Mr. Teegardin has always done general farming and has paid considerable attention to the Ohio Improved Chester hogs and keeps only thoroughbreds. He also raises Shorthorn cattle for dairy and beef purposes.

James H. Teegardin and wife are members of the Ottawa River Christian church, while Mr. Teegardin is a member of Vaughnsville Lodge No 711, Knights of Pythias. He has passed all of the chairs in his local lodge except one. Mr. Teegardin is a Democrat, although he has never been particularly active. He is a progressive farmer of Sugar Creek township, cleancut and favorably known.

Charles R. Smith

The farmers' interest" in road-building is universally recognized Good roads furnish easy access to market and reduce the wear of his vehicles and machinery. They are civilizing agents that open up to him the outside world even more than railroads or trolley lines. Moreover, the farmer is interested' not so much m gigantic expenditures for road-building, which amount to six hundred million dollars each year, but in getting the worth of his monev invested m this enterprise. He has a right to know whether the forty-four mi hon dollars, expended in state aid of road-building in 1914, was economically used He ought to know enough about making roads to find the answer for himself. One of the prominent farmers of Sugar Creek township Putnam county Ohio, who is extremely interested in road-building and in markets, is Charies R. Smith. ^

He i^^Ilf '' °" J""' "^' ^^^3, in Allen county, Ohio. He IS the son ofBenjamm O. and Margaret A. (Hines) Smith. Benjamin Smith was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, in October, 1832, and was the son of James and Mary (Stover) Smith. James Smith was born in Culpepper county, Virginia, in 1810, and died in 1893. He was a farmer in Virginia, where he grew to manhood and was married. He came to Ohio, overland, in a covered wagon, arriving in Vaughnsville on January i, 1837. He then entered land from the government in section 22, about two miles northeast of Vaughnsville. He remained in Vaughnsville until he had built a cabin and then moved to his new-found home. He proceeded to clear his land arid succeeded in getting about fifty acres in cultivation. He spent the remainder of his life on the old homestead, where his wife died in April, 1888, he surviving her by five years. They had eleven children, six sons and five daughters, of whom Charles R. Smith's father, Benjamin O. Smith, was next to the eldest. Benjamin O. Smith was only five years of age when his parents came to Putnam county, where he grew to manhood. He attended the district schools and helped his father to clear the land and farm the home place. At twenty-seven years of age he was married to Margaret A. Hines, who was born in Culpepper county, Virginia, in 1836, and who was the daughter of Peter and Fanny (Stover) Hines, who in turn were both natives of Virginia and immigrated to Randolph county, Missouri, when their daughter, Margaret, was a child. Here her parents settled on a farm and remained the balance of their lives. Margaret Hines was one of seven children, five sons and two daughters.

Benjamin O. Smith went to Missouri, where he met and married Margaret Hines. After their marriage, they returned to Ohio and settled just northwest of his father's homestead, where they remained for a short time. Subsequently, they removed to a farm in the extreme northern part of Allen county, two miles west of Columbus Grove. It was here that Charles R. Smith was born. Benjamin O. Smith moved again, shoJ-tly afterward, to a farm northeast of Gomer in Allen county, where he remained for a few years. Later, he moved to a farm in Allen county, about one and one-half miles west of Charles R. Smith's birthplace. He bought this farm, but two years later, sold out on account of his wife's health, and moved to Missouri, in the fall of 1 87 1. Here she died, in January, 1872. They had four children, three sons and one daughter, Cornelius F., Charles R., the subject of this sketch; Paschal M. and Mary F., deceased, who married George W. Foltz, and has one child living, Donald. Benjamin O. Smith returned to Ohio, with his family, immediately after the death of his wife, to the old homestead, where Benjamin O. was again married, in 1876, to Mrs. Rebecca (Stover) Pearson. To this union were born three children, Clayton, who died in childhood ; Carl, who died in infancy, and Nellie, who died about the age of seventeen. Benjamin O. Smith died on the old home place on December 1 6, 1888. At one time he was a member of the Christian church. He was a Democrat in politics.

Charles R. Smith was eight years old when his father returned from Missouri and has continued to live on the home place of his father and grandfather since that time. He attended the Smith district school and, after finishing the common school, helped his father on the farm until he became of age, after which time he went to Randolph county, Missouri. There he for one and one-half years. At the end of this period, he returned to his home to take charge of the farm, after his father's death in 1888.

Charles R. Smith continued to farm here until 1890, when he again went to Missouri and was married to Susie W. Furnish, who was born in California, in January, 1861. She was the daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Riggs) Furnish. After his marriage, Mr. Smith again returned to Ohio, and has resided here ever since. Charles R. and Susie W. (Furnish) Smith have had three children. Earl F., who was born on December lo,' 1891 ; Erma C, June 12, 1893, and who is the wife of William J. Jones, and Pau'l Raymond, May 21, 1895. Both boys are students of Defiance College. Mrs. Smith died on June 19, 1899. About three years after the death of Mrs. Susie Smith, Mr. Smith was again married on January i, 1902, to Mrs. Lillie V. (Jenkins) Gordon, who was born in Union county, Ohio, September 2, 1867. She is the daughter of William and Lucinda (Holycross) Jenkins! The former was born in Muskingham county, Virginia, December 25, 1840 and died in Paulding county, Ohio, September 23, 1905. Lucinda Holycross was born on August 21, 1836, and died on July 31, 1900, at Grover Hill Pauldmg county, Ohio. William and Lucinda Jenkins had eleven children' six daughters and five sons, Abraham M., Lydia A., William Lawrence' Tabitha J., John A., Lillie B., the wife of Mr. Smith; Eli Clemens Earl P ' Mattie B., Nellie W. and Cassie Maude, all of whom are living, except Eli C. To Charles R. and Lillie V. (Jenkins) Smith have been bom two children, one daughter, who died at birth, and Russell Dale, on June 3, 1905

Charles R. Smith has always done general farming and has been successful. He, with his wife, are members of the Christian church. Mr Smith has been clerk treasurer and trustee of the church. Mr. Smith is a member of Vaughnsville Lodge No. 711, Knights of Pythias. He is a Democrat and has served as a member of the school board. He was a member at the time the new school house was built at Vaughnsville. Charles R. Smith is well and favorably known in Sugar Creek township and well merits the esteem and confidence m which he is held by his neighbors and fellow citizens.

Frank J. Smith

For four generations the Smith family, one of the best known of the many famiHes of German origin in Putnam county, has been counted as a factor of the development of that section of the county in which their influence has been most largely felt. In all that time the influence for good exerted by this family, has been steadfast and sure, and there can be no doubt that it has been potent in aiding the advancement of the cause of good local government wherever it has been felt. In thus making its impress upon the life of the community this family is entitled to mention in any work that attempts to deal with the history of this county, and the attention of the reader is called to this brief biography of the gentleman, a prosperous representative of the family here referred to, one of the most progressive farmers of Union township.

Frank J. Smith was born on a farm in section 34, in Union township,. Putnam county, Ohio, on April 28, 1873, the son of L. Jacob and Florentine (Verhoff ) Smith, the former of whom was a native of Germany, the son of Jacob and Wilhelmina (Harb) Smith, and the latter of whom was a native, of Erie county, Ohio, the daughter of Francis and Anna Maria (Kramer) Verhoff. For further details regarding the genealogy of the Verhoff family the reader's attention is directed to the biographical sketch of Theodore Vernhoff, presented elsewhere in this volume.

Jacob Smith, who was born in Germany, was one of the issue of his father's second marriage. By his father's first marriage there were two children, Peter and John Jacob, both of whom are now deceased; and by the second marriage there were eight children, all of whom are deceased : Jacob,, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Joseph, Anthony, Frank, Mary, Christina, and two whose names have been lost to the present generation. All these children were born in Germany and came to America with their parents, the family settling on a farm in Erie county, Ohio, where the parents spent the remainder of their days. The Smith home was five miles south of the city of Sandusky, and the various members of the family became prominent members of that section. All were members of the Catholic church and were devoted to the affairs of the local parish ; also being diligent in the good works of the community in general. It was there that Jacob Smith grew to manhood, and there he married Wilhelmina Harb, the daughter of Hubert and Cecelia (Anselm) Harb, the latter of whom was born in Germany, and upon their marriage came to America, settling in Erie county, Ohio, where they made their home on a farm during the remainder of their

Jacob Smith remained in Erie county for three years after his marriage,, and then came to Putnam county, locating on a farm of forty acres in Union township, to which he later added sixty acres, and on this farm he and his wife reared their family and he spent the remainder of his life. To Jacob, and Wilhelmina (Harb) Smith there were born eight children: L. Jacob, Hubert, Cecelia, Wilhelmina, John, Mary, Theresa and Anthony. These children were brought up in the Catholic faith and were members of the church at Glandorf, as were their parents. Jacob Smith predeceased his wife, and upon his death she married, secondly, William Rampe, a shoe manufacturer at Glandorf, who, after this marriage, moved to Ottawa, and there the paternal grandmother of Frank J. Smith spent the remainder of her days. L. Jacob Smith, first-born of Jacob and Wilhelmina (Harb) Smith, was. reared on the paternal farm in Union township, this county, and received his education in the schools of Union and Greensburg townships. During the early years of his young manhood he worked on his father's farm, but after his marriage moved to a farm of one hundred acres in section 34, in Union township. He found this tract practically unimproved, and has brought it up to a state of cultivation second to none in that part of the county. As hisfarming operations extended, and their success became amply proved, he gradually added to his holdings, until at the time of his retirement from the active work of the farm he was the owner of slightly more than three hundred acres of choice farm land. Upon deciding to retire, he divided the greater portion of his lands among his children and bought five acres in the town of Kalida, on which he erected a splendid residence, and there he and his wife are now living in quiet retirement, enjoying the fruits of their early industry. In order that he might not "rust" in his old age, Mr. Smith, at the time of his retirement, bought twenty-three acres near his new home,' to the cultivation of which he gave considerable attention. Though practically retired, he is active enough to do a good day's work yet and would reject with scorn any implication that he is "on the shelf." Mr. Smith is an active, intelligent old gentleman, highly respected, as is his good wife, both of whom enjoy the esteem of all who know them. In his more active days, Mr. Smith gave much attention to the public affairs of his neighborhood and had served the community very acceptably in the capacity of township trustee. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church, in which faith they reared their children, and he is a member of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society at Kalida. On June 10, 1872, L. Jacob Smith was united in marriage with Floren- tine Verhoff, a member of one of the county's old families, and to this union there were born seven children, as follow : Frank J., with whom this sketch particularly treats; Hubert, born on January 26, 1875; Wilhelmina, born on April 5, 1877; J- August, born on May 13, 1882; Anthony, born on April 17, 1885; Harry, born on June 19, 1888, and died on September i, 1892, and William.

Frank J. Smith, first born of the above union, received his early education at St. Michael's parochial school, assisting his father on the farm during the vacation periods. During the years of his young manhood he "worked out" for three years and on June 10, 1903, was united in marriage with Helena Kahle, the daughter of Frank and Bernardina (Brinkman) Kahle, members of an old family in this county, whose genealogy is given special mention in the biographical sketch which appears elsewhere in this volume under the name of Frank Kahle, the father of Mrs. Smith.

After his marriage, Frank J. Smith moved onto the farm on which he now resides and which he bought from his father a couple of months previous to his marriage. This farm originally consisted of one hundred acres, which Air. Smith enlarged in 191 1 by the purchase of forty acres in Greensburg township, which he uses for pasture. Since taking over this farm, he has greatly improved the same and now has one of the best and most completely appointed farms in that part of the county. In addition to general farming, Mr. Smith engages quite extensively in the raising of cattle, his herd of fullblooded Herefords providing him with considerable profit.

To Frank J. and Helena (Kahle) Smith there have been born six children, as follow: Ignatius Albert Jacob, born on May 8, 1904; Franz 0thmar Heironomous, born on December i , 1906; Hubert Norbert Oscar, born on May 15, 1908; Franz William Harold, born on January 10, 1910; Marie Francesca Clara, bom on November 13, 191 1, and Maria Anna Wilhelmina, born on July i, 1913.

Frank T. Smith and wife are devoted members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida and are earnest workers in all the beneficences of that parish. Mr. Smith is a member of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society and is likewise interested in all the good works of his community, he and Mrs. Smith being active in the various local movements designed to elevate the common welfare. He is one of the trustees of the Kalida Mutual Telephone Company and finds time, in connection with the muhifarious duties of his iarm to give proper attention to the public affairs of the township, in the good government of which he is deeply interested. The Smith family are known far and near for their amiability and hospitality and are quite popular among all classes throughout that section of the county.

Moston Wood

To a great extent the prosperity of the agricuUural sections of our country is due to the honest industry, the steady persistence, the unswerving perseverance and the wise economy which commonly characterize the farming element of the Buckeye state. Among this class may he mentioned Moston Wood, who, by reason of years of indefatigable labor and honest effort, has not only acc[uired a well-merited material prosperity, but has also richly earned the highest esteem of all with whom he has been associated.

Moston Wood was born near West Cairo, Allen county, Ohio, on September 21, 1869, and is descended from sterling English ancestry. His parents were Sanford B. and Susan (Trice) Wood. Sanford Wood was born in Allen county on December 31, 1846, the son of Albert G. Wood, a native of Logan county, Ohio. Albert G. came to Allen county in young manhood with his parents, who had entered land from the government, adjoining what is now the city of Lima. Albert Wood's father, Christopher Wood, the great-grandfather of Moston Wood, was one of the most prominent and active men of his community in pioneer days. He helped to lay out the city of Lima, in 1831, became the first judge of Allen county and was one of the commissioners appointed to locate the county seat. He was born in ICentucky in 1769, and was in many respects a remarkable man, serving" on the frontier as an Indian scout and engaging in many of the border campaigns, including those of the War of 1812. He settled on Sugar creek in Allen county about 1824, where he continued to reside for many years. Albert Wood, who had come to Allen county when about fifteen or sixteen years of age, was twice married and to his first union were born nine children, of whom Sanford B., the father of Moston, was the youngest. Sanford B. Wood was about six years of age when his mother died and his father afterward married Mrs. Mary (Snyder) Trice, to which union were born five children, three girls and two boys. Albert Wood bought a farm two miles south of West Cairo and on that place Sanford B. Wood was reared to manhood. He enlisted as a private in the Sixty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1863, and served throughout the remainder of that struggle, participating in eleven battles and taking part with Sherman in his famous march to the sea. Upon the conclusion of hostilities he returned home and was married to Susan Trice, a native of Hagerstown, Maryland. Her father dying in Maryland, Mrs. Wood was brought by her mother to West Cairo, Ohio, where she grew to womanhood and remained until her marriage to Sanford Wood. After his marriage Mr. Wood operated the old home farm for a number of years, and when Moston Wood was eleven years old the family came to Putnam county, locating on eighty acres of land two miles northwest of Vaughnsville, in Sugar Creek township, which is Moston Wood's present residence. To these parents were born eight children, Mollie, the wife of J. E. Deffenbaugh; Moston, the immediate subject of this review; Charlie, who married Tillie Syfert; William T., who married Grace Weaner; Albert E., who married Bertha Griffith; Garfield, who married Bessie Rimer; Walter W., who married Ellie Syfert, and one who died in infancy.

Moston Wood spent his early childhood days on the home farm, in Allen county, but his later youth was spent on the farm to which the family moved in Putnam county, where he received his education. He remained with his father on the home farm until attaining his majority, when he was engaged in various employments, until about 1896, when he engaged in the threshing business at which he had been employed somewhat during the previous six years. About this time, he located at Rimer, where he resided the following five years, and then moved to a farm one-half mile east of Rimer, which was his home during the following decade. Upon leaving Rimer, he disposed of his threshing machine and business and gave his entire attention to his farm. On March 7, 1913, Mr. Wood purchased the farm one-half mile west of Rimer, where he now lives and where he is engaged in the operation of fifty acres of land, in addition to his home place. He has consistently followed general farming, raising all the crops common to this locality and, by giving attention to their rotation and the use of other successful methods of up-to-date farming, he has been prosperous to that degree in keeping with which his efforts were bestowed. He also raises a good grade of live stock and is an advocate of all advanced methods in agriculture.

Moston Wood was united in marriage, on February 26, 1896, to Ada Elnora Deffenbaugh, who was born on June 2, 1873, in Nemaha' county, Kansas, the daughter of Albert G. and Mary Elizabeth (Rohrer) Deffenbaugh. Albert G. Deffenbaugh was a native of Putnam county, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (Marshall) Deffenbaugh, who were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to Putnam county in the early days, entering land from the government in Sugar Creek township. Mr. Deffenbaugh was promment in the early political life of the community and for several years efficiently filled the position of county auditor. Mary Elizabeth Rohrer was the daughter of Daniel Rohrer and was born in Champaign county, Ohio To Moston and Ada E. (Deffenbaugh) Wood have been born two children Lewis Raymond, on December 25, 1896, and Glenn Donald, October 8, 1908' Mrs. Wood is one of seven children, the others being: Asa.Eslie, who mar- ried Clara Harrison; John Ezra, who married Mollie Wood; Louis Samuel, who died at the age of twelve years; Roy C, who married Nettie Bochmer; Lizzie May, who died at the age of sixteen years, and William B., who married Agnes Laudick.

Mr. Wood is a Republican and has rendered efficient service as the trustee of Sugar Creek township, having been elected to that office in November, 1913. He attends the Christian church of which his wife is a member and to the support of which he liberally contributes. Mr. Wood is distinctively one of the leading citizens of the township in which he lives and, as such, has made his influence felt among his fellow men and earned a name for enterprise, integrity and honor that entitles him to worthy notice in a work of the nature of this volume.

John D. Williams

^ The two most important economic problems of agriculture from the social point of view and from the point of view of those engaged in the mdustry, are greater production and improved market facilities. John D. Williams, one of the best-known and most prominent farmers of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a man who, throughout his active career as a farmer, has emphasized the need of greater protection and better facilities for market. Mr. Williams's remarkable success as a farmer and stockman has resulted from two or three principal conditions. In the first place, Mr. Williams has for a long period of years forcefully applied himself to the problems of the farm and especially to the problem of larger production. He is a man who has made a close study of marketing and always has been able to get the best prices for his farm products. Aside from his material success in his life's vocation, Mr. Williams is a man of genteel personality, intelligent, broad minded and liberal in his attitude.

John D. Williams was born in Licking county, Ohio, March 10, 1862 He is the son of David L. and Mary (Griffith) Williams. David L was born m North Wales, on June 16, 1832, and died on the old Williams homestead, south of Vaughnsvnie, Ohio, on February 6, 1908, at the ripe old age of seventy-six years and eight months. David L. Williams was the son of Hugh and Catherine (Lloyd) Williams, both natives of North Wales The former was a quarryman and was killed as a result of a blast in a stone quarry. His death occurred when David, the father of John D., was a small boy. His wife, Catherine, survived him only a few years. They had four children, two sons and two daughters, the eldest of whom was David, the father of John D.

David Williams spent his youth in Wales and while a boy he had the misfortune to receive an injury to one of his eyes, which nearly resulted in the loss of that member. He also suffered an injury to his knee that caused him to adopt the trade of a shoemaker. Fortunately, the injured knee became well, in later years, and he then gave up his work as a shoemaker. David received a limited education in his native country, but later was able to improve himself and became a well-read man. He was very fond of music, in which he was quite proficient. He was a leader of the choir in the Congregational church at Vaughnsville for some time. This church he helped to organize and he was a charter member. When about twenty-four years of age he came to America, and located first at Rome, New York, in 1856. Here he was employed for about a year on a farm, and then came to Licking county, Ohio, where he located at Newark, where he resumed farming. It was in Licking county that he was married, which marriage took place on February i, i860, when David Williams was twenty-eight years old. He was married to Mary Griffith, who was born in South Wales on September 17, 1835, and who was the daughter of William T. and Charlotte (Jones) Griffith. She came to America with her parents when a very small child, who settled in Licking county where they were farmers, and it was here they spent the remainder of their lives. They had nine children, seven girls and two boys. Mrs. Williams was the third child.

After his marriage, David Williams, who owned a small farm in Licking county, continued to farm for about six years, when he moved to Putnam county in the spring of 1866, where he settled in Sugar Creek township, one mile south of Vaughnsville. Here he bought eighty acres of land and, a little later, added forty acres to the original farm, which was well improved for that time. It had a large frame house and barn and had about sixty acres of land cleared. David Williams was a very successful farmer. He came to America a poor boy and, by dint of energy and perseverance, accumulated about five hundred and sixty acres of land. He was a Republican in politics, but in late years became a Democrat. He was one of Putnam county's most substantial citizens, a devout Christian, a man of high ideals and of unquestioned integrity. His wife, Mary (Griffith) Williams, was also a member of the Congregational church. She was a devoted wife and loving mother. She died about two years prior to her husband's death, May 19, 1907. They had ten children, seven sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to maturity. These children are as follow: WilHam G., born on November 15, i860; John D., the subject of this sketch, March 10,' 1862; Catherine, October 14, 1863; Charlotte, August 7, 1865, died on July, 1888; Thomas F., January 16, 1867; David L., December 21, 1869; Henry R., November 5, 1871 ; Hugh, November 19, 1873; Mary, January 30, 1876, and Walter E., November 26, 1878. All of these children married except Charlotte, who died at the age of twenty- three.

John D. Williams was born in Licking county, Ohio, and came to Putnam county when about four years of age. Here he spent the remainder of his childhood and youth. He attended the old Michael district school and helped his father on the home place until twenty-five years of age, when he married on December 22, 1887, to Mary Jones, who was born on September 16, 1861, in Allen county, Ohio, and who was the daughter of Evan W. and Leah (Jones) Jones, both of whom were natives of North Wales. They had four children who died in infancy, Jennie, Bessie and two others, who died at birth.

After his marriage, Mr. Williams located on forty acres, part of a one hundred and sixty-acre tract belonging to his father, two and one-half miles west of Vaughnsville. Later, he purchased this forty acres and forty additional acres from his father. Several years later, he added, at different times, thirty-eight and sixty-nine acres respectively, giving him a total of one hundred and eighty-six acres. Mr. Williams has improved his home place with a commodious, modern residence and a large barn and other buildings, in keeping with the surroundings. The result is that he has one of the finest and best-improved farms in Putnam county. Mr. Williams has always done general farming and has been very successful.

Mrs. Mary Williams died on October 16, 1896. Mr. Williams was again married on March 24, 1898, to Anna Jones, who was born in Franklin county on September 11, 1862, and who was the daughter of John D; and Mary (Davis) Jones. Both were natives of North Wales and both came to this country in 1858, five years after their marriage which took place on May 3, 1853. The former was a son of David and Catherine (Jones) Jones and was born on April 9, 1828. John D. Jones was a farmer by occupation and one of six children. The father died when he was but six years of age, and his mother when he was twenty-one years of age. At the age of nine,' he started out in life for himself, working for his uncle. His wife, Mary' was born on August 5, 1828, and was the daughter of Richard and Sarah Davis.. Mary was one of a family of nine children, seven of whom lived to maturity. John D. Jones died on January 12, 1876, in Putnam county.

His wife, Mary, died on October i, 1870, when her daughter Anna, the wife 'Of Mr. WilHams, was eight years of age. When two years of age, Mrs. Anna Williams came with her parents to Sugar Creek township, Putnam where they located two and one-half miles northeast of Vaughnsville. Here she spent her childhood and here she attended the old Smith school. She remained at home until her marriage to Mr. Williams, when she took up her present residence.

John D. Williams is an ardent Republican. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 711, of Vaughnsville. He is also a member of the Congregational church and a trustee of this church. John D. Williams is one of Sugar Creek township's and Putnam county's most substantial and progressive citizens. He is well and favorably known throughout Putnam county.

Elias Welty

It is a well-attested maxim that the greatness of a community or state lies, not in the machinery of government or even in its institutions, but rather in the sterling qualities of the individual citizen in his capacity for high and unselfish effort and his devotion to the public welfare. In these particulars he whose name appears at the head of this review has conferred a dignity upon his locality. As an elemental part of the history, it is fitting to record a resume of his career, with the object of noting his connections -with the advancement of one of the most flourishing and progressive sections -of the commonwealth. No man in Putnam county stands higher in the of his fellow citizens than Elias Welty, and very few men are better known than he. Very few have contributed as much as he to the industrial prestige of this county. As treasurer and general manager of Putnam county's largest individual industry, Mr. Welty has been connected with ^very feature of Putnam county's growth and prosperity during the last two -decades.

Elias Welty was born on September 6, 1874, on the old Welty homestead, two and one-half miles east of Pandora, Riley township, Putnam -county, Ohio. He is the son of John U. and Catherine (Thut) Welty, whose family history is contained in the sketch of Mr. Welty's brother, Aldine J., recorded elsewhere in this volume.

Elias Welty attended the Old Mulberry district school when a boy, and -supplemented his education received there by a course in a school of correispondence, becoming an expert in drafting and outlining patterns. He re- niained on the old home place and helped his father until he had reached his majority. At this time he took up the carpenter trade and followed it for one year. He then took a position as an engineer in the planing mill of Peter P. Welty, at Pandora, and retained this position for two years In 1897, Mr. Welty joined with P. A. and John M. Amstutz in the organization and erection of a mill at Pandora. The concern was known as the Pandora Woolen WAX. Mr. Welty continued in this business for two years, and then sold out. A new concern, known as the Pandora Manufacturing Company, took over the assets of the old company and started an overall factory At this time, Mr. Welty took a minor position with the new company as well as a financial interest in it. He was an operator of a button machine and held this position for six months, when he took up folding, along with other work, in the meantime. At the expiration of six months, he was engaged in spraying goods and as a helper in the cutting department. Following this, he devoted all his time to cutting with an electric cutter. It was at this particular time that he took up his correspondence schools work in drafting patterns and in making new designs. He was in full charge of the cutting department for some time, - approximately five vears. By July 1909 he had become so proficient in every detail pertaining to the management and manufacturing department of this company that the board of directors unanimously elected him treasurer and manager of the company, which was a distinct compliment and a tribute to his untiring efforts and ability in behalf of the company's success.

From time to time, Mr. Welty has increased his financial holdings in the company, until he is now the largest stockholder. His efforts as treasurer and manager of the company have met with marked success, and to his ability IS due, very largely, the credit for the splendid standing of this firm The original business has grown to such an extent that, in igio the company took over the plant of the New Ideal Overall Company at Celina Ohio and m the spring of 1913, the company opened an exclusive shirt' factory at Zanesville, Ohio. Since which time, under the able management of Mr Welty, the three plants, operated as one, have more than doubled their busi

^xi?' !\ ^''''^'* '^"''^"^'' '^' ''^"^^^^^ °f Abraham and Catherine (Hilty) Amstutz. Mrs. Welty was born, August 26, 1873 Her family history ,s to be found in the sketch of P. A. Amstutz, and of Isaac Hiltv found elsewhere in this volume. She was born in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, and attended the common schools. She resided with her parents on the Amstutz homestead until the time of her marriage. To Elias and Elizabeth (Amstutz) Welty six children have been born, all of whom are living and at home. They are as follow : Orrin Stanley, Catherine Leona, Dorothy Elizabeth, Elmer Elias, Ruth Marie and Ledihlia Opal.

Elias Welty is a Democrat, and while he has never. taken an active interest in political affairs, he is a man whose judgment is respected and whose counsel is sought. He is a member of the Grace Mennonite church and active in the affairs of this denomination. Mrs. Welty is also a member. In every respect, Elias Welty is a self-made, successful business man. In spite of obstacles, he has forged his way to the front, and has reached an enviable position as a head of Putnam county's largest industry. He is a business man of recognized ability and integrity, and a distinct asset to the community where he has spent practically all his life, and where he is so well known.

John E. Thomas

Success is achieved only by the exercise of certain and distinct cjualities of nature and it cannot be achieved without effort. Those to whom great epochal changes have been made in the political and industrial world, began early in life to prepare themselves for their peculiar duties and responsibilities. It was only by the most persevering and continuous endeavor that they succeeded in rising superior to the obstacles in their ways and reaching the goal of their ambition. Such lives are an inspiration to others who are less courageous and more prone to give up the fight before their ideal is reached or definite success attained. Tn the life history of John E. Thomas, there is positive evidence of those peculiar characteristics which make for achievement and persistency coupled with fortitude in cordial and genial temperament. As a consecjuence of exercising these qualities, Mr. Thomas is today one of the leading farmers and most respected citizens of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio.

John E. Thomas was born in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, Ohio, March 23, 1859. He is the son of Evan and Jane (Evans) Thomas. Evan Thomas was born in South Wales in 1827, and was the son of John Thomas and wife, who were natives of Wales.

a short time, subsequently, coming to Sugar Creek township, Allen county, where he settled two miles east of Gomer. Here he established a home in the virgin forest, building quite a pretentious hewed log house with two large rooms and a center hall on the ground floor. He then proceeded to clear his land, and it was here that he remained until his death. John Thomas and wife had fourteen children, all boys, all of whom grew to maturity, rearing large families themselves.

Evan Thomas, the father of John E., was one of the fourteen boys. He was twelve years of age when he came to America. He remained in Pittsburgh for a few years and here learned the carpenter trade in which he became very proficient. He was married in Pittsburgh to Jane Evans, who was a native of ^^'ales and who came as a girl with her parents to America. They settled on a farm in Cambria county and remained there for the balance of their lives. Jane Evans was one of six children, four sons and two daughters. After Evan Thomas's marriage, he moved to Allen county, locating in Sugar Creek township, three miles east of Gomer. Here he bought eighty acres which was heavily timbered. He first built a two-roomed log cabin with a shed lean-to and this served for a good many years. Later, he built a very substantial house of six or seven rooms, which a few years later was added to until it contained ten rooms, which house was built entirely of native timber. It had a center hall and a full basement. It is a noteworthy fact that John E. Thomas's father was a skilled carpenter and made all the material from the rough lumber. His house was built largely of black and white walnut, the doors, windows and other parts being worked out by hand. So well was it constructed that it is still in an excellent state of preservation and is still occupied as a residence.

Evan Thomas, the father of John E., was a very industrious man. He managed to clear practically all of his farm during his residence here and, in addition, followed his trade as, a carpenter in the nearby towns and counties. He finally retired and moved to Gomer, at which time he owned one hundred and twenty-five acres of well-improved land. He was an active member of the Congregational church at Gomer, of which he was a deacon. He was a Republican in politics. Evan Thomas was a man of strong will power and high ideals, and of unquestioned integrity. His wife, Jane Evans, who lived a most useful and consistent life, a member of the Congregational church, a devoted and loving mother, died in the spring of 191 1. Her husband had preceded her by two years, having died in April, 1909. They were the parents of ten children, seven daughters and three sons, two sons and two daughters dying in infancy. Those surviving were Elizabeth, the wife of David

Price, of Gomer, Allen county; Mary, the wife of Robert Jones, of Lima, Ohio; Anna, deceased, the wife of Thomas James, of Stella, Nebraska; John E., the subject of this sketch; Margaret, the wife of William Humphries, of Van Wert, Ohio; and Katie, who died unmarried at Gomer in 1892.

John E. Thomas was born on his father's old homestead farm, three miles east of Gomer, in Sugar Creek township, Allen county. Here he spent his childhood and youth. He attended the old Leipsic district school after which he attended school at the Ohio Northwestern University, at Ada, for two terms. After finishing school, Mr. Thomas continued to help his father on the old home farm. Here he remained until his marriage at the age of twenty-five.

John E. Thomas was married on February 24, 1887, to Lovetta M. Weaver, who was born in German township, Allen county, near Lima, October 13, 1862, and who was the daughter of John and Sallie (Bowers) Weaver. John Weaver was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in November, 1812, and was the son of Peter Weaver and wife, both of whom were natives of Germany, the former of Metz-on-the-Rhine. Peter Weaver came to America when a young man and settled first in Virginia, where he engaged in farming and where he remained until his declining years which, in company with his wife, he spent with his son, David, in Allen county. They had three sons, Peter, David and John, the latter the father of Mrs. Thomas.

John Weaver was born in Virginia and spent his early life there. He learned the cabinetmaker's trade and received a good practical education. He was married to Sallie Bowers, also a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, who was a daughter of John Bowers and wife, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania of German descent. John Bowers lived and died in the Shenandoah Valley. When Sallie Bowers was sixteen years of age, her father died and her mother spent the latter years of her life with her daughter, Lydia, at Petersburg, Illinois. Sallie was one of four daughters, Helena, Lydia, Sallie and Mary. Sallie spent her early life in Virginia and was married, at Lacey Springs, to Mr. Weaver. After their marriage, they resided at this place for several years and then moved to Allen county, Ohio, making the trip overland in a covered wagon. They settled in German township, three miles north of Lima, where John Weaver bought one hundred and sixty acres of land and to which he added thirty acres in later years. This farm he bought of a Mr. Custard, for forty dollars an acre, a record price in those days, the transaction causing considerable comment. It was here that John Weaver remained during the rest of his

Although not a practical farmer, John Weaver, nevertheless, was an active man. He was a notary public for many years and a justice of the peace for about forty years, the duties of these offices requiring all of his time. He was. a successful man, financially, and a man who enjoyed the universal respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. In politics, he was a Democrat. He was a charter member of the Christian church at Cairo and was a deacon in that church until his death.

John and Sallie (Bowers) Weaver had ten children, eight daughters . and two sons, Mary, who became the wife of Frank Cupp, of Ava, Illinois; Hannah, who married Doctor Crone}^ of Columbus, Ohio ; Sarah, deceased, who was the wife of Henry Irvin, of Lima, Ohio; Samantha, who married Dr. G. H. Irvin, of Lancaster, California; Ollie, who married Nicholas Pf eifer, of Elida, Ohio ; Frank, who is a farmer at Beaver Dam, Ohio ; Ida, who became the wife of Eugene Ritenour, of Elida, Ohio ; Lydia, who married Edward Enslen, of Gomer, Ohio; Lovetta, who is the wife of Mr. Thomas; and William, of Lima, Ohio.