Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 16 of 33)

To William Washington and Luta Gertrude (Pilcher) Schafer have been born seven children, all of whom are at home, as follow : Clarence Frederick, on August 21, 1895; NeHie Viola, June 14, 1897; Gladys Caroline January 17, 1899; Lavma May, April 24, 1901 ; William Glenn, February 5 1904; Blanche Gertrude, May 19, 1906, and Mary Frances, September'24 1909; an interesting family who contribute very largely to the social activities of their neighborhood, in which all are very popular and held in the highest esteem by their large circle of acquaintances. William W. Schafer and wife hold to the Baptist church, but are not actiA'e members. They are deeply interested in all movements designed to elevate the standards of citizenship in their community and are very properly regarded as among the leaders in the good works of that part of. the county, a most estimable couple who have done and are doing well their part in the development of the neighborhood's best interests.

Hubert Smith

Elsewhere in this valuable work of biographical reference, mention is made of the value of the services to this commonwealth of the Smith family, descendants of one of the best-known German emigrants of the early days of Putnam county. That reference is contained in the interesting biographical sketch of Frank J. Smith, elder brother of the subject of this sketch, and It is a pleasure for the biographer here to present some additional facts relating to this family in connection with this sketch of the life of Hubert Smith, one of the best-known and most progressive farmers of Greensburg township.

Hubert Smith was born in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, January 26, 1875, the son of L. Jacob and Florentine (Verhoff) Sm'ith, the genealogy of the former of whom will be found by the reader in the sketch of Frank J. Smith, above referred to, and the genealogy of the latter of whom will be found contained in the sketch presented elsewhere under the head of Theodore Verhofif, of Greensburg township, a brother of Mr. Smith's mother. Hubert Smith was reared on the paternal farm in Union township and received his education in the township schools. He remained on his father's farm until his marriage, after which he moved upon his present farm of two hundred and eighty acres, in Greensburg township, which he purchased, and where he has ever since made his home, being today reckoned as among the leading farmers of that section of the county. Since buying this farm, Mr. Smith has greatly enlarged upon its improvements, erecting all the buildings now standing upon it, and which are of a very high class, his home in particular, being one of the models of that neighborhood. In all its appointments, his farm is kept up to the highest standard of modern agriculture, the surroundings are neat and orderly and the general air of the place speaks loudly of the systematic methods and precision of the owner.

On November 7, 1900, Hubert Smith was united in marriage to Amelia Kahle, the daughter of Frank and Bernadina Kahle, one of the old families, of Putnam county, whose genealogy is set out in the biographical sketch of Frank Kahle, of Greensburg township, presented elsewhere in this volume.

To Hubert and Amelia (Kahle) Smith have been born eight children, as follow: Wilfred, on December 26, igoi ; Bertha, September 15, 1903; Joseph, August 29, 1905; Leo, November 5, 1907; Alfred, May 21, 1909; Ignatius, February 5, 191 1, and Peter and Paul, twins, April 19, 1914.

Hubert Smith and wife are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, in the affairs of which parish they are warmly interested and to which they are deeply devoted, and they are rearing their children, in the same faith. Mr. Smith is a member of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society and takes an active part in the affairs of that beneficent organization. He is a Democrat and gives a good citizen's attention to political affairs, being much interested in all matters relating to good government. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are very popular in the wide social set in which they move in the Kalida neighborhood, and are very properly regarded as among the leaders in the life of that community. He is a man of advanced ideas in the science of agriculture and is known as an intelligent, business-like farmer, who is making a fine success of his life's work. In addition to general farming in which he engages, he has given considerable attention to the raising of blooded stock, his choice Hereford cattle and thoroughbred Belgian horses have something more than a local reputation.

Theodore Henry Ruhe

Theodore H. Ruhe is a well-known and popular young farmer of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. Here his labors have been performed and here he is well known as a man of keen perceptive faculties, unusually soundjudgment and upright dealings with all of his neighbors and fellow citizens, and his name today stands high on the roll of the meritorious young men and farmers of Putnam county.

Theodore Henry Ruhe was born on March 8, 1886, in Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is a son of Anthony and Sophia (Henken) Ruhe. Anthony Ruhe was born in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, February 28, 1857, and is a son of Joseish and Mary Anna (Wittkamp) Ruhe, both of whom were natives of Germany and were bom in about the same locality, where they grew to maturity and were married. They emigrated to the United States in an early day and iirst settled on forty acres of land situated about three miles south of Glandorf, Putnam county. Joseph Ruhe accumulated about one hundred and sixty acres of land in the county, and was a substantial citizen of his community. He assisted in building the Miami and Erie canal, and in this way helped to pay for his land. His death occurred on December 28, 1879, at the age of sixty-seven years, after having a useful and industrious life. His death occurred suddenly, while he was attending divine service in the Catholic church at Glandorf, where he was a member. His widow survived him some years, and died on the homestead farm during September, 1896. They were the parents of the following children: Barney, of Liberty township; Mrs. Thresia Hinken, of Covington, Kentucky; Mrs. Josephine Knueve, deceased; Henry, who lives on the homestead farm; Mrs. Catherine Werketter, of Williams county, Ohio; Anthony, Joseph and Theodore. Anthony Ruhe was married at the age of twenty-three, on November 24, 1881, to Sophia Henken, the daughter of Christopher and Mary Angeline (Obke) Henken,. both of whom were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Ruhe were the parents of the following children : Frank, who married Elizabeth Kleman, of Liberty township; George, who married Frances Hovest, and lives in Pleasant township; Theodore, who is the immediate subject of this sketch; Otto Frederick and Philomina, living with their parents. A complete history of the Ruhe family is found elsewhere in this volume in the sketch of Anthony Ruhe.

Theodore Henry Ruhe was educated in the township schools of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio, and he was also a student in the Ottawa township school. Lie grew up on his father's farm and was reared to the life of a farmer. He remained at home until his marriage, January 19, 1910, to Lucy Meyer, the daughter of Henry and Catherine (Ellerbrock) Meyer. Mrs. Ruhe's parental history appears elsewhere in this volume in the sketch of Charles Ellerbrock. Theodore H. and Lucy (Meyer) Ruhe are the parents of three children. Urban, born on November 6, 1910; Alvin, September 28, 1912, and Norma, October 3, 1914.

Theodore H. Ruhe removed to his ipre&ent farm in .section- 24, of Palmer township, north of Miller City, c'ifterhis marriage in 1910. The land was cleared and improved when he mo>s4 herje, and the residence and barn had already been built. Mr. Ruhe has aiMed several other outbuildings and made additional improvements, so that his farm is now well-equipped for general -farming and stock raising. He farms eighty acres of a hundred- acre tract which was deeded to him by his father. The remaining twenty acres is operated by his brother, Frank, of Liberty township, this county.

Theodore Henry Ruhe is a Democrat in politics, but so far has not taken any active part in political affairs. Ruhe and wife are devout members of St. Nicholas's Catholic church, of Miller City, where Mrs. Ruhe belongs to the Mother's Aid Society of her church. Mr. Ruhe is a congenial young farmer, a hard worker and concentrates himself upon his farm duties. He bears a high reputation in this community, and is devoted to his home, his wife and his family, and they are all very happy. He has every reason to look forward to a bright and promising future.

John Frederick Kimmerle

The business men of any community are those upon whom the community is largely dependent for its prosperity and progress. If these men happen to be progressive, alert and wide-awake, then the community is very likely to prosper. The late John Frederick Kimmerle, during his lifetime, had, perhaps, as much to do with the prosperity and progress of this section of Putnam county as any other man in the township. For many years he was actively identiiied with its business life in several capacities. Mr. Kimmerle first made a success of the hotel business, and after that was engaged successfully for many years in the mercantile business. In the meantime he had acquired considerable farm property, and was a wealthy man at the time of his death. The late John Frederick Kimmerle, throughout his entire business career, was a man who never sacrificed principles for dollars. He believed in public improvement, and gave what aid he could toward the civic advancement of his native township. He was a man whose loss was keenly felt by the people of Union township, with whom he was so vitally connected -for so many years.

John Frederick Kimmerle was born on January 18, 1856, in New California, Union county, Ohio. He was a son of John F. and Anna B. (Dittus) Kimmerle, both of whom were bom in Germany.

John F. Kimmerle was married first in Germany. His wife died there, leaving one child, Catherine. After her death John F. Kimmerle embarked for America, and while en route met Anna Dittus, a passenger. She volunteered to assist in caring for the child. From this acquaintance sprang up a mutual attachment, which resulted in their marriage when they landed in this country. They came to Union county, Ohio, where they settled in New California. He became a farmer. John F. and Anna (Dittus) Kimmerle had several children, as follow : Louise, Mary, Amalia, Urica, Marion, Gottlieb and J. 'Frederick, deceased. Subsequently the parents of these children moved to Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, and settled on a farm. There they lived until their death. They were members of the German Lutheran church.

The late John Frederick Kimmerle attended school in Putnam county, Ohio, and worked on a farm. Early in life, in partnership with Henry Rower, he engaged in the manufacture of tile. They established this business at Ottoville. He then sold out and engaged in the hotel business at Kalida.

Mr. Kimmerle was married on February 6, 1887, to Mary Parsell, the daughter of John and Charity (Eyer) Parsell. Charity (Eyer) Parsell', the mother of Mrs. Kimmerle, was born on February 14, 1836, in Fairfield county, Ohio. She was the daughter of John and Abigail Eyer. John and Abigail Eyer were born in Pennsylvania and were married in that state. John Eyer had previously married a Miss McLaughlin, and by that marriage there were four children, Adesta, Mary, Levina and a son William, who died young. After his second marriage John Eyer and wife came to Fairfield county, Ohio, and settled there. Fie worked at the carpenter trade, and also did some farming. He and his family moved to Union township' Putnam county, Ohio, about 1853, and settled on a farm. The children by his second marriage were : Charity, the mother of Mrs. Kimmerle, Cyrus and Jacob. Of the children of John Eyer, Augusta married William Hamilton of Fairfield county. Later they moved to Putnam county and lived first in Jackson and then in Union township. Both are deceased; Mary married John Piercey, who lived in Willshire, Van Wert countv, until their death- Lavma was first married to Joshua Algire. Her second husband was William Dicus, deceased. She still lives in Jackson township, in Putnam county Chanty married John Parsell. They were the parents of Mrs Kimmerle- Cyrus married Elizabeth Jeery. They live on a farm in Union township '- Jacob married Edna Beech. They are still living in Kalida. Jacob served in the Qvil War m the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted at Kalida in Company H, and was mustered out at Salisbury, North Carolina. He served, with commendable valor for three years under General Scofield, and participated in a number of battles John and Abigail Eyer died in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio. They

John Parsell, father of Mrs. John Frederick Kimmerle, was born in Lincoln, Ohio, December i, 1833, and died on July 22, 1901. When twentyfive years of age he came to Putnam county. He learned the carpenter trade in Lincoln county, and also farmed in that county. He worked at the carpenter trade in Putnam county, and was married in i860 to Charity Eyer. He was also a soldier in the Civil War, having served in Company H, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served under Colonel Mott and Captain Moore. After he returned from the war he worked as a carpenter until his death. His children were Margaret,. Mary, Sarah, Vinnie and John. Of these children Margaret married J. B. Stauffer, and lives at Kalida ; Sarah married George Claypool. They live in Eindlay, Ohio ; Vinnie married Fred Buck and lives in Toledo ; John married Lillian Vinning and they live at St. Marys, Ohio ; John Parsell, the father of these children, died on July 22, 1901. His wife died on March 2, 1905. They belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

After his marriage the late John Frederick Kimmerle engaged in the hotel business for three years, and then engaged in the general mercantile business at Kalida, one of the largest, in fact, in Putnam county. He and other associates founded the Peoples Bank at Kalida, now the only bank in this town. He founded the First National Bank at Kalida in 1904. A short time prior to his death he bought a general mercantile store in Cygnet, Ohio. He and his family moved there to take charge of it. Shortly after his arrival he became ill and went to Kramer, Indiana, for treatment. Realizing that he could receive no benefit from this treatment, he started home and got as far as Fort Jennings, Ohio, where he died, surrounded by his family.

The late John Frederick Kimmerle was the first president of the Peoples Bank at Kalida and the first president of the First National Bank at Kalida. He was also a stockholder in the Kalida Elevator Company.

To Mr. and Mrs. John Frederick Kimmerle five children were born, one son, the first child, died in infancy; Valarie, born on December 26, 1890,' died in 1891 ; Frederick, born on March 19, 1893 ; Leonore, born on December 9, 1895, and Lula was born on July 23, 1898.

Mr. Kimmerle built and owned a business in Kalida in 1904. He also built a residence in Kalida, where the family now lives. Aside from this, Mr. Kimmerle possessed considerable other property, including three hun- dred and fifty-four acres of farm land. He obtained the greatest part of his wealth after his marriage, and his phenomenal success was due largely through the co-operation of his wife, who was a woman of keen foresight and a faithful heplmate during her husband's life.

Mr. Kimmerle belonged to the Improved Order of Red Men, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Kimmerle is a member of the Daughters of Rebekah and the Daughters of Pocahontas. Mr. Kimmerle belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. His son, Frederick, is a member of the Odd Fellows, and owns a large farm in Jackson township, Putnam county. The family is active in social affairs in this community and is highly respected.

Henry Wing

Perhaps the best known citizen of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, is Henry Wing, who, with the exception of four years, has served continuously as postmaster of Miller City since 1889, a period of twenty-six years, twenty-two years of which Mr. Wing has filled this office. Of late years, Mr. Wing has been connected with the telephone exchange at Miller City. The federal government is very exacting of its public servants, and especially of postmasters, and it is a matter of great credit to Mr. Wing that he has held this office for so long a period. Perhaps it is the best testimonial that might he offered in support of his integrity, his business ability and his ability to please the patrons of this office.

Henry Wing was born on June 8, 1851, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Jarvis and Sarah (Dangler) Wing, the latter of whom was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, the former of whom was born in Montgomery county, near Dayton.

The paternal grandparents of Henry Wing were Henry and Elnore (Frazee) Wing, the former of whom was born in Rockingham, Vermont, and the latter of whom was born in Pennsylvania. After their marriage 'they moved to Montgomery county, Ohio, and remained there for some time Later, they moved to Putnam county, Ohio. This was about 1825, and at this time' they settled in Greensburg township, on the Blanchard river. Henry Wmg, Sr., first settled on the south side of the river, but later moved to the north side. He entered twenty-five acres of government land and erected primitive buildings. He cleared the land of the heavy timber and was killed m 1843 while working on the road being constructed between Ottawa and

Defiance. He was survived by his wife and the following children: Jarvis, Oliver, Rhoda, Henry, Elnora, Jane, Austin, Pauline, Cleopatra and Francis M. Of these children Henry, Austin and Frank served during the Civil War, in Ohio regiments. Austin served in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry for four years. Henry served three months. P'rank was captured at Harpers Ferry, but was later paroled. Austin was captured at Murfreesboro and confined one month at Salisbury, North Carolina. The mother of these children died on the farm in Greensburg township.

Jarvis AVing was educated in the Greensburg township schools and before his marriage worked on his father's farm. After his marriage he continued to live on the homestead farm, which he had increased to two hundred and twenty-five acres. His father had purchased two hundred acres before his death, and Jarvis Wing bought this entire at the administrator's sale. Jarvis Wing was married to Sarah Dangler, daughter of John and Barbara (Kaylor) Dangler. John and Barbara (Kaylor) Dangler came from Pennsylvania after their marriage and settled in Greensburg township, bringing their family with them. Henry Wing's mother was but six years old when she came with her parents to Putnam county. The children of John and Barbara (Kaylor) Dangler were Jacob, John, Jr., George, Elizabeth, Catherine, Sarah and Henry. Both of these parents died in Greensburg township. During his life time Jarvis Wing worked on his farm in Greensburg township. To Jarvis and Sarah (Dangler) Wing were born the following children: Henry, the subject of this sketch ; Barbara, deceased ; Ellen, deceased ; John ; Charles, deceased : Oliver, and two who died in infancy. Jarvis Wing died in Palmer township and his wife died in Topeka, Ohio.

Henry Wing was educated in Greensburg township. During his early life he lived on the home farm. He was married on February 3, 1871, to Adelia Carver, daughter of William and Mariah (Kibby) Carver, of Lorraine count}', Ohio. William Carver served in an Ohio regiment during the Civil War and was killed in the battle of Gettysburg at Gulp's Hill. William Carver and wife were the parents of three children, Elizabeth, Nora and Adelia, the wife of Mr. Wing.

Before his marriage, Mr. Wing went to Florida and was there engaged in farming. He was married in Florida and continued to live there for seven years. He then moved to Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and engaged in farming for ten years. He then went into the saw-mill business and continued in this for some time. Mr. Wing was appointed postmaster of Miller City in 1889 and served continuously ever since with the exception of four years. He also has had charge of the telephone exchange at Miller City for the past sixteen years.

To Henry and Adelia (Carver) Wing have been born the foUowing children: Nellie, Elizabeth, Lunette, Charles, Fred, Almeda, Edgar, Harold and Florence. Of these children, Nellie married William Binkley, and they live in Scott, Ohio ; Lunette married L. B. Hoyt, and they have two children ; Elizabeth married A. L. Harmon, and they live in San Francisco, California, and have one child ; Charles is in the navy, where he has served twelve years on the batdeship "New Jersey"; Fred married Elizabeth Frankhart, and they live in Bellevue, Ohio ; Almeda married Al Jones, and they live in Cleveland, and have three children; Edgar, Llarold and Florence are still attending school.

It is a matter of some interest that Henry Wing, Sr., the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, helped to survey Putnam county, assisting the government surveyor. Captain Riley, after whom Riley township was named. It is apparent that the Wing family have been identified with the history of Putnam county for many years, not only from this fact, but from the fact that Jarvis Wing, the father of Henry Wing, was brought to Putnam county when he was only six weeks old. Flenry Wing is entitled to rank as a representative citizen of Putnam county and one who has had very much to do with its progress and growth.

Charles C. Borman

Among the successful business men of his community, the subject of this review has had much to do in advancing the material interests of Putnam county, Ohio, and making it one of the important commercial centers of this section of the state. The study of such a life cannot fail of interest and incentive, for Mr. Borman is not only a distinctive representative of the banking business, but he has established a reputation for integrity and honor. He is now actively identified with the Peoples Banking Company of Kalida! as cashier, and is numbered among the substantial and worthy citizens of his community. None more than he deserves representation in a work of this character.

in the German army, coming to America when about twenty-five years of age and settling in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here he started a livery business and later a restaurant. Valentine Borman was married first to Johanna Abele, and two children were born to this marriage. After the death of his first wife, he was again married to Julianna Geringer, a daughter of Anthony and Mary Ursula (Schwertzel) Gieringer. He continued to live in Cincinnati, Ohio, and seventeen years after his second marriage he .moved to Glendorf', Ohio! Here he served as postmaster. Later, he moved to Coldwater, Ohio,' where he lived until his death, April 15, 1906. His wife, Julianna (Gieringer) Borman, died on April 23, 1915. By his second marriage, six children were born, Addie, Anna Julia, Alvin, Charles, the subject of this sketch, and William. Anna married Joseph Witthwarn, who is now decease'd, and his widow lives at Aurora, Illinois; Alvin married Gertrine Unverferth, and they live in Dayton, Ohio; Julia married Ben Nienberg, and they li've at Glandorf, Ohio; William married Nora Fox and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio; Alvin served in the Spanish-American War, having enlisted in the Seventh United States Cavalry. He was in the battle of San Juan Hill.

Charles C. Borman, the subject of this sketch, left Cincinnati, Ohio, with his parents, at the age of ten years, coming to Glandorf, Ohio. Here he grew up, attending the schools of Glandorf and the Ottawa Normal School, in which he taught school for one summer. Mr. Borman also attended the Davis Business College at Toledo, Ohio, and after that, taught school for seven years, at New Cleveland, in Liberty township. He was superintendent of the schools at Miller City, in Palmer township, Putnam county, and was cashier in the bank at Coldwater, Ohio, for seven years. He sold out his banking interest to his brother, and, subsequently, entered the employ of the Butter Tub Company. He was with this company for one and one-half years, when he came to Kalida, Ohio, as the cashier of the Peoples Banking Company. This was in July, 191 1. Since that time Mr. Borman has been active in the affairs of this bank. The Peoples Banking Company of Kalida does a remarkable business in this community, and not the least of the credit for this business is due to the energy, good judgment and management of Charles C. Borman.

Mr. Borman is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Wapakoneta, Ohio. He is a Democrat. He was corporation clerk at Glandorf at the age of twenty-one, and is now township treasurer at Kahda, Ohio, which is situated in Union township. Mr. Borman has held other minor offices, among which is that of councilman. He takes an active interest in the affairs of his party. Mr. Borman is a member of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida.

Charles C. Borman is well known for his democratic habits and is much admired for his sincerity and honesty of purpose. He is level-headed and well-informed on all matters pertaining to the banking business. He bears a high reputation in this community and is a representative citizen and thoroughly entitled to reputation in this volume.

August G. Verhoff

There are individuals in nearly every community who, by reason of pronounced ability and force of character, rise above the heads of the masses and command the unbounded esteem of their fellowmen. Characterized by perseverance and a directing spirit, two virtues that never fail, such men always make their presence felt and the vigor of their strong personalities serves as a stimulus and incentive to the young and rising generation. To this energetic and enterprising class the subject of this review may properly belong. Having never been seized with the wanderlust spirit that has led many of Putnam county's young men to other fields of endeavor and states, August G. Verhoff has devoted himself to vocation as a farmer and to the public duties to which he has been called, and, because of his personal worth .and accomplishments, he is clearly entitled to representation among the enterprising and progressive men of his locality

August G. Verhoff is the descendant of a long line of sterling German ancestry, the full account of which is given elsewhere in this volume under the caption of Theodore Verhoff, his father, and was born on his father's farm on February 5, 1877, being the seventh son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff. August Verhoff was educated in the schools of Greens- ,burg township, Putnam county, Ohio, and until the age of twenty remained under the parental roof, where he gained practical experience in agriculture and stock raising. Some time before his marriage and while still living with .his parents, he managed a virgin farm of eighty acres, which was part of a large tract his father had purchased in section 29 of Greensburg township. This farm required considerable preparation for the production of crops and kept him occupied during the winter months, but in the summer he would put in his time assisting his father. At the age of twenty-six, the subject found it necessary to give his entire time and attention to this eighty acres and at that time, 1908, the father decided to grant him a warranty deed of con- -veyance for this farm. During the years between 1900 and 1906, August G. Verhoff lived with his brother, Joseph, and sister, Mary, who kept house for them. These }-oung men had but a hmited amount of capital and underwent a great many privations and hardships before they were able to get this land into the best condition for profitable production. However, with the true German industry and self-denial, and by the introduction of a drainage system, this farm, formerly not much better than a swamp, was made a wellpayiiig proposition. In 1909 was begun the erection of necessary farm buildings, and in 1910, August G. erected his present commodious and comfortable home.

In 1907, with two of his brothers, Frank and Joseph, he bought seventysix acres near Dornington, in Greensburg township, to which he devotes much attention.

On May 3, 1910. August G. \^erhoff was married to Elnora W'estbeld, daughter of W'illiam and Mary (Brockman) ^\'estbeld, the father having been born in Glandorf and the mother in Ft. Jennings, Putnam county, Ohio. The paternal grandparents, Bernard and Caroline \A'estbeld, were born in Germany and came to this countr}- in an early day, settling in Putnam county, Ohio. Caroline Westbeld survives her husband and is now living with her son, Joseph, in Blanchard township, Putnam county. Besides Joseph, there were other children born to this union, as follow : William, Frank, Theresa, Anna, Catherine and Philomena. The maternal grandparents, Joseph and Caroline (Landwehr) Brockman, resided on a farm near Ft. Jennings, Putnam countv, Ohio, where :\Irs. Brockman still lives, making her home with a son, Louis Brockman. Other children to this union are Joseph, Henry, Caroline, Mathilda, Elizabeth, Mary.

William Westbeld, after his marriage to Mary Brockman, moved to a farm in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, and later removed to an eighty-acre tract of land ip Union township, near the town of Kalida, Ohio. To them were born seven children, Elnora, the wife of the subject, Cornelius, Lawrence, Regina, Oscar, Linus and Marcella. The daughter, Regina, having decided to make her life's work one devoted to charity, obedience and poverty, is now studying for the sisterhood in the order of the Sisters of Providence, at Newport, Kentucky. All are devout members of St. Michael's Catholic church in Kalida, Ohio.

Immediately after his marriage, August G. Verhoff occupied the residence which he had built on the original farm and to them were born two children, Oscar Theodore, on August 16, 191 1, and Norbert William, May 2^. 1913-

August G. Verhoff has improved the farm to such an extent that there are now seven large buildings on the place and everything is kept up in a business-like way. Mr. Verhoff, in spite of his many farm duties, has found sufficient time to interest himself in public affairs for the good of the community, and, now is serving in a creditable manner in the office of township trustee, is president of the Mutual Live Stock Insurance Company of Kalida, Ohio, secretary of the local agricultural extension society and is treasurer of the Mutual Telephone Company of Kalida, Ohio. In addition to his general farming he has gained for himself an enviable reputation as a stock raiser, although not on a large scale. He is taking a great interest in building up his Shorthorn cattle, which is all registered stock, in which he is an undoubted success. In addition to cattle, he is devoting considerable time and attention to hogs, particularly the Poland China breeds.

Mr. Verhoff is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, and is a regular member of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, Ohio. In all his relations of life, he has been found faithful to every trust confided in him and because of his genuine worth, courteous manners and genial disposition, he has won and retained the warm regard of all with whom he has associated, the latter including the best people of the county. Mr. Verhoff formerly attended St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf, where his father still belongs and where he has worshipped for many years.

Frank T. Giesken

In every community, some men are well known for their upright lives, remarkable common sense, moral worth, rather than for their wealth or political standing. Theii- neighbors and acquaintances respect them - their example is heeded for the emulation of their fellows. They win their way to success by untiring energy and right principles, and hold the respect of their fellow men by their genuine worth. Among the young business men of Mdler City, Ohio, who have won for themselves a commendable degree of success in business, is Frank J. Giesken, a well known hardware dealer of Miller City, Ohio.

Frank J. Giesken was born on January 30, 1889, in Monterey township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Joseph and Sarah (Swank) Giesken. Joseph Giesken was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, and was educated in the Greensburg township schools and at Glandorf. He was reared as a farmer and helped his father on the farm in Greensburg township. After his marriage, he located in Monterey township, Putnam county, where he owned a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He farmed this until his death, November 28, 1889. He was married to Sarah Swank, a native of Van Wert county, Ohio, who survived him and who Hves on the old homestead farm of eighty acres, forty acres having been sold in Monterey township. To this union were born four children, Mrs. Clementina Leis, of Chesaning, Michigan; Charles, of Chesaning, Michigan; Mrs. Emma Schlueter, who lives on the home farm in Monterey township, and Frank [., the subject of this sketch.

Frank J. Giesken was educated in the Monterey township public schools, especially at the special Brooks district No. 2 school in Monterey township.' He worked on his father's farm until 1908 and, having learned the carpenter trade, followed this vocation for a period of three years, at Ottoville, Ohio, and in Monterey township. He helped to build the Sister's house in Ottoville and the school buildings at Ft. Jennings and Vaughnsville, Ohio. He also helped to place the clock in the Catholic church, at Ottoville. Mr. Giesken then clerked in different hardware stores in Glandorf, Ohio, at Chesaning and Hemlock, Michigan. He spent one year in these three pllces and then came to Miller City, Ohio, and purchased the hardware store owned by M. E. Beck. He is still engaged in this business and enjoys a lucrative trade in Miller City. He is popular and well known for his sound business principles. Mr. Giesken enjoys a high reputation in this community and IS known to be up-to-date and progressive in all of his business methods. He has the agency for Yale motorcycles and Johnson farm machinery.

Frank J. Giesken was married on May i, 19 12, to Anna Vincke, the daughter of Ferdinand F. and Mary (Schlagbaum) Vincke. Ferdinand Vincke was born in Germany, came to America, and now conducts a general mercantile store at Ottoville, Ohio. His wife was born one mile east of Ottoville, Putnam county. To Frank J. and Anna (Vincke) Giesken, one -daughter. Celesta Mary, has been born. May 5, 1913. The store of Frank J. Giesken is the centre of trading for the farmers in the immediate vicinity and for miles around Miller City. His up-to-date and thorough stock has earned for him the reputation of the leading hardware and implement merchant of this part of the county.

Frank J. Giesken is a member of the Miller City town council and is president of this body. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat. Frank J. Giesken and wife are members of the Catholic church, at Miller City. Mr. Giesken's father and mother were also members of the Catholic 'church^ Joseph Giesken was an excellent farmer and a hard worker during his entire life. He followed general farming and was a man who was well liked by the people of his community. He was known to be a good provider, a kind father and a devoted husband.

John Henry Schimmoller

John Henry SchimmoUer is a native of Putnam county, having been born in Jackson township. At one time Mr. SchimmoUer owned a tract of two hundred and thirty-three acres of land, but distributed a hundred and forty acres among his children and now retains, of his original holdings, only ninety-three acres. Mr. SchimmoUer is no longer engaged in active farming, tut devotes his attention to supervising the ninety-three-acre farm in Jackson township. At one time Mr. SchimmoUer was engaged in raising thoroughbred horses, but he gave up that business some time ago. For many years he was prominent in the political and civic life of Jackson township, and held many positions of trust and responsibility.

John Henry SchimmoUer was born on June 3, 1840, in Jackson township. He is the son of Francis and Mary (Ritmeier) SchimmoUer, the former of whom was born in Osnabruck, Province of Hanover, Germany, and who came to this country in 1833, about two years after the arrival of Father Horstman, who settled in Glandorf . Francis SchimmoUer was married in Germany. His wife accompanied him to this country, as did also their one child, Christina. They settled on a farm near Glandorf, Putnam county, having purchased eighty acres from the government, and remained there for three years. During this period, Mrs. SchimoUer died and Mr. SchimmoUer later married Mary Ritmeier. He then sold his farm and moved to section 14, of Jackson township, and lived on a farm of fifty-five acres. He cleared and improved all but ten acres of this farm, and here erected buildings. Later he acquired more land, and altogether owned three hundred and sixty acres. By his second marriage there were six children, Frank ; John H. ; Elizabeth, deceased; William; Louis, deceased, and August, deceased. Francis and Mary (Ritmeier) SchimmoUer attended St. Joseph's Catholic church at Ft. Jennings. He was a trustee for a number of years, and died in 1855. His wife died ten years previously, in 1845. Francis SchimmoUer was a substantial and prosperous farmer and well respected in this community.

His son, John Henry, was educated in Jackson township. During his early youth, he worked on his father's farm. At the death of the father, John Henry worked for six and one-half years for Barney Leopold in the pork-packing business. He inherited sixty-six acres in Jackson township from his father, and then moved here, and erected an addition to the dwellins" in which he now lives. It was the original log house and is now covered with siding. With the improvements that have been made, it now makes a substantial and modern house.

- Two years after moving to the farm, on September ii, 1861, Mr Schimmoller was married to Bernadina Maag, who was born in Glandorf, Putnam county, and who :s the daughter of Theodore and Catherine (Doepker) Maag lo this union were born eleven children, Amelia, on October 7, 1862 married Joseph Dickman and the live in Jackson township and have five children living and one has died; Frank Theodore, October 2, 1864, married Philomena Pool who died, and he later married Anna (Tenwalde) Bentley, to' whom five children were born by the first marriage and one child by the second marriage, they live m Jackson township; William Henry, February 21 1866 married Catherine Ostendorf, and they live in Ft, Jennings township and have three children living and two dead; Maria Christina, April 30 1868 died on October 5, 1892; Anna Wilhelmina, April 26, 1870, married Ben Heidecker, and they live in Hazelwood, Ohio, and have three children one of whom died; Anna Maria Agnes, May i, 1872, died on January i, 1889- Josephine Mathilda, July 8, 1874, married Ben Sherman, and they live at' Ft. Jennings and have three children; Louis Edward, October 29 1876 died on July 29, 1878; George Joseph, November 30, 1879, married Callie Jjecker, and they live in Jackson township and have two children; William Arnold died on January 8, 1889, and Albert Edwards, twins, November 19, 1882. Albert Eaward married Wilhelmina Becker and lives in Jackson township on the old home place and has two children. Wilhelmina (Becker) Schimmoller, wife of Albert Edward, was born in Jackson township, daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Streutker) Becker, who lived in Jackson tovvnship for many years.. Joseph Becker still lives there. His wife died in i«93- ihey had six children, four of whom are still hving, Au-ust Wilhel

"'T.'v^rf '"'^ -^°^"- °" ^''°^'' ^°' ^906, Albert Edward 'Schimmoller and Wilhelmina Becker were married, after which they immediatelv came to the farm of John Schimmoller and have ever since made this their home i he two children born to them are Edmund, September 27, 1907 and Cleo October 25, 1912. / ^ /

Mrs. John Henry Schimmoller died on April 18, 1904, and is buried at ht. Jennings. She was a loyal and devoted wife and mother, and contributed largely to her husband's success. Her parents, Theodore and Catherme (Doepker) Maag, were born in Germany and married in Cincinnati, Ohio, and settled on a farm near Glandorf, Putnam county. Of their children, seven are deceased. The living are Wilhelmina. Joseph and Edward The deceased children are William, Bernadina, Frank, Bernard. Marv A<.nes and Josephine. Theodore and Catherine (Doepker) Maag were memters of the St. John s Catholic church at Glandorf. They are deceased and their remains are buried in the cemetery at Glandorf.

Mr. Schimmoller and his family are all members of St. Joseph's Catholic church at Ft. Jennings. Mrs. Schimmoller was a devoted member of this church. Mr. Schimmoller is a Democrat. He served as township trustee for twenty-one years, has served as township supervisor for eighteen years, and at Ft. Jennings was a collector for the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of which he is also a director. Mr. Schimmoller's daughters, Millie and Wilhelmina, have both taught school. The former taught for three years. Wilhelmina was a student at one time at Crawfis College. The Schimmoller family is well known in this community, and they are all highly respected.

William Henry Rower

AVilliam Henry Rower, the proprietor of an excellent farm of one hundred and five acres, in Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, and a farm which is under a splendid state of cultivation, is descended from a long line of illustrious forbears who have had a large part in the niilitary and political history of two continents. William Henry Rower himself was born on the homestead farm of his parents, June 15, 1858. He is the son of William and Eliza Ann (Pearcy) Rower.

The patei-nal grandparents of Mr. Rower were Christian Frederick Benjamin and Elizabeth (Loiig) Rower. Christian F. B. Rower was born in Dresden, Saxony, March 19, 1779. He served in the army of Saxony in the Napoleonic Wars and was a valiant soldier. He left the army and came to America, arriving on November 30, 1802. He first settled near Pottsville, Pennsylvania, where he was a distiller, having taken up the same business in this country which he had followed in his native land. He was married to Elizabeth Long on November 12, 1807. She was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born on February 11, 1790. Her parents were of Dutch descent, and she was the daughter of Joseph Long and wife. Elizabeth Long was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania, she was a devoted member of the Baptist church, as was her husband also, both of whom took an active part in the affairs of this church.

Near the close of the War of 1812, Christian F. B. Rower and wife crossed the mountains of Pennsylvania in a large covered wagon and settled in Franklin county, Ohio, where they were among the earliest pioneers. He purchased a small tract of land and farmed until his death, September 20, 1826. His wife survived him twenty years, dying on June 10, 1846.

sanna, born on October 6, 1808, and died on March 27, 1887; Sarah, wha died November 30, 1893, was the wife of John Coble, of Franklin county; Juha A., December 5, 1812, and died in 1849, who was the wife of Ellis Long, of Franklin county, Ohio; Charlotte, December 5, 1815, and died in February, 1881 ; Susanne, October 4-, 181 7, and died on March 7, 1892, was the wife of Emanuel Conkle; Mahala, August 10, 1819, and died in 1837; John, June 15, 182 r, and died on June 28, 1853; William, the father of William Henry; and James N., February 9, 1826, and died about 1910.

William Rower, the father of William Henry, was born in Eranklin county, Ohio, on August 5, 1823, and was educated in the log school in the neighborhood where he was born. He worked on the farm of his father and, when old enough, received three dollars a month for his services He was married on September 7, 1848, to Eliza A. Pearcy, who was born on May 8, 1830, and who was the daughter of James and Sarah (Cable) Pearcy: Mrs. Eliza Rower's father, James Pearcy, was born in Ohio in 1795- He was a farmer and carpenter. His wife died on December 8, 1891. She was a devout member of the United Brethren church for the greater part of her life.

William Rower lived one year in Franklin county, Ohio, but after his marriage moved, in September, 1849, to Jackson township, Putnam county. The journey was made in a covered wagon. They settled on a tract of wild woodland which William Rower had previously purchased. It was located m the valley of the Auglaize river. William Rower and wife undertook to live in a tent until they were able to clear enough space to build a log cabin. The season was a rainy one and the tent was not waterproof against the hardbeating rain. Consequently, they were forced to abandon the tent and live with a neighbor until they were able to build their own home. Besides building this home, William Rower assisted his brother in erecting a house. William Rower cleared his farm, especially the land around his house and stable and farmed all of his life.

William and Eliza A. (Pearcy) Rower had twelve children: Samantha J., who married George Reynolds, a farmer of Jennings township, Putnam county; James M., who died in infancy; Sarah E., the wife of Richard Reynolds, a farmer in Jennings township, Putnam county; Susan Ellen the wife of Benjamin Blakely, of Kalida, Ohio; John Tallman, who married Katherme Seifert and lives in Findlay, Ohio; William Henry, the subject of this sketch; Lewis Albert, who was first married to Ella Pangle and after her death, to Gertrude McKay, who also died ; Elvin, who married Theresa Miehls and lives in Toledo, Ohio; Vallandigham, a farmer in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county; Amanda A., the deceased wife of J. R. Langston; Nancy C, who died in infancy; Gurchie M., who married Wilham Dunivan and Hves in Kahda.

Wilham Rower worked hard on the farm and improved it. He retired to Kahda in 1889 and was no longer engaged in farming. He and his wife died on the same day in Kalida, December 19, 191 1.

William Rower was a Democrat in politics and was an influential man* throughout his life. He was a justice of the peace for many years and served as township trustee for fourteen years. He always enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and was foremost in promoting anything which had to do with the welfare of the neighborhood where he lived. He and his wife were faithful members of the United Brethren church. They were among the early pioneers of the county and passed through many privations and hardships.

William Henry Rower was born on the home place. Under his father's guidance, he learned to be an excellent farmer. He also received a good classical education in the township schools of Jackson township. William Henry Rower was married on April 15, 1885, to Clara Miehls, who was born in February, 1861, in Carroll county, Ohio. She was the daughter of George and Mary (Hegner) Miehls.

George Miehls was born on October 24, 1818, in Bavaria, Germany. He was a weaver by occupation, and came to America in 1844, and located first at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was a collier for fourteen years. He was married to Mary A. Hegner on February 14, 1847. She was a native of Wurttemberg, Germany, born February 27, 1823. She came to America with her parents at the age of four years. Her parents were George Herman and Regina Hegner.

George and Mary Miehls were the parents of eleven children, George; Joseph and Catherine, twins, the latter the wife of Clements Pund; Mary, the wife of I. N. Kahle; Barbara, the wife of Wihiam Kohlhofif; Regina; Clara, the wife of Mr. Rower; Benjamin A.; Frank; Theresa, the wife of Elvin Rower, and John Albert. George Miehls lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, until 1858, and then moved to Carroll county, where he lived on a farm. He followed farming until 1866, and then removed to Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio. In this township he purchased a farm of one hundred acres, only twenty acres of which were cleared. He improved this farm and, in 1872, sold it and bought a tract of land in Jackson township, Putnam county. Only a small part of this farm was improved and only a very small clearing had been made before he bought it.

He farmed here until his death, October 3, 1876. George Miehls served six years m the German arm}^ before coming to America. He was a devout and faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic church at Ottoville. He was a Democrat and had served as township trustee. He died with the honors of an influential and upright citizen. His wife survived him and in April, 1893, she was married to Peter Wannemacher, of Ottoville. He was an ex-sheriff of Putnam county. She died on October 17, 1911, a lovable and highlyrespected woman.

On March 6, 1889, William Henry Rower purchased the old home place, where he was born. He moved to the farm, coming from Vaughnsville, Ohio, where he had spent four years after his marriage. Mr. Rower has one hundred and five acres of excellent land, as heretofore stated. He has erected a barn and several outbuildings, drained the land and made many other improvements upon this farm. He keeps thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs.

William PI. and Clara (Miehls) Rower have had three children, Mary Zora, born January 23, 1886; Zella Theresa, April 18, 1888, and George Harold, September 19, 1900. Mary Zora married George Rambo and lives at Toledo, Ohio, where he is receiving clerk in a mercantile establishment. They have one son, Claude William, born on May 22, 1914. The other two children are at home.

William Henry Rower is a Democrat in politics, but has held no offices. The Rower family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida. Mr. Rower is a member of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society and also the Holy Name Societ}-. Mrs. Rower is a member of the Mother's Societv.

Otto Risser

The following is the brief sketch of the life of one who, by close attention to business, has achieved marked success in the agricultural world and gained a prominent position among the enterprising men of the county, with which such interests are identified. It is a plain record, rendered remarkable by no strange or mysterious adventures, no wonderful or lucky accidents and no tragic situations. Mr. Risser is one of those estimable characters whose integrity and strong personality must force them into an admirable society which their modesty never seeks and who command the respect of their contemporaries and leave the impress of their individuality upon the community in which they live.

Otto Risser was born in Sugar Creek township, December 20 1867 the son of Daniel and Elizabeth M. (Smith) Risser. Daniel Risser was a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born on January i, 1836, the son of Abraham and Cathenne (Smitzerick) Risser. He, with his brothers, Abraham, Jacob, Henry, David and Christian, came to America in 1857, settling first in Cleveland, Ohio, where he engaged in the operation of a bus and transfer line At the outbreak of the Civil War, David and Christian Risser proved their loyalty to their adopted country by enlisting in the Union army, and serving throughout that great struggle, with great credit to themselves. Some time after locating in Cleveland, Daniel Risser went to Vera Cruz, Mexico, as an employe of a Cleveland concern, engaged in the operation of a bus line from Vera Cruz across the isthmus of Tehauntepec. The venture not proving successful, SIX months later Mr. Risser returned to Cleveland where he remamed until 1859, when he and his brother, Henry, came to Putnam county, locatmg m Sugar Creek township, where they purchased land Daniel Risser bought eighty acres, located one and one-half miles southeast of Vaughnsville, which became the family homestead, having prior to this been located a short time on forty acres near Columbus Grove. At that time the only improvements on the place were a log cabin and stable and but a small portion of the land had been cleared. He devoted himself to improving the the farm, erecting substantial buildings and tiling and ditching the land so that, in due time, it became one of the best improved and most productive farms m that section of the county. He was very industrious and intelligent in the direction of his affairs and became well-to-do and, finally, found himself the possessor of seven hundred acres of land. In addition to the carrying on of general farming operations, he gave considerable attention to the breedmg and raising of live stock. He died at the home of his son, Daniel H. Risser at Vaughnsville, on September 15, 1902, at the age of sixty-six years, and his widow died there on November 2, 1911, at the ripe old aee of seventy-seven years. She had been a consistent and faithful member of the Christian church for many years. Daniel Risser was a Democrat, and in his religious belief, was affiliated with the German Lutheran church

Daniel Risser was married to Elizabeth M. Smith on August 14 186- who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, on April 18, 1836, the daughter ol Jacob and Ehzabeth_ (R,sser) Smith. Her parents came to Ohio, L 86. buymg a farm adjoining the one owned by Mr. Risser. There were five' chddren in he Smith family, Mary, Elizabeth, Chariotte, Catherine and Jacob, all being deceased, excepting the two last named. To Daniel and

Elizabeth Risser were born six children, Julius C, born on February 25, 1864; Daniel R., born on August 27, 1865, whose sketch is contained elsewhere in this volume; Otto, the subject of this sketch; John J., born on July 21, 1870; Emma L., born on February 28, 1873; and Elizabeth A., born on October 28, 1876. All of these children are living with the exception of Emma, who died on March 5, 1893, shortl)'- after her marriage.

Otto Risser spent his childhood and youth on the paternal estate and received his education in the old Michael district school. He continued to help his father on the home farni until he was thirty years of age, when he was married. He then moved to the Michael farm, which was owned by his father, and here he Hved for about four years. He returned to the home place, taking charge of it for two years, and the following fall, after moving back to the home farm, the subject's father died on September 15, 1902. About a year and a half later Mr. Risser moved back to the Michael farm and has continued to operate this place since that time. The farm consists of one hundred and ninety-eight acres of as good land as there is in in Putnam county and here Mr. Risser has successfully followed general fanning pursuits, but also giving considerable attention to live stock, being a breeder of Polled-Durham cattle and a feeder of cattle for the market. In all of his operations he has been actuated by the desire to raise the standard of agriculture in his locality and has been largely instrumental in proving the worth of advanced methods in his vocation.

Otto Risser was united in marriage on December 23, 1897, to Ada Miller, who was born in Sugar Creek township on March 4, 1870, the daughter of Jacob W. and Catherine (Best) Miller. Both of her parents are natives of eastern Ohio, the former born in Pickaway county and the latter in Clark county. Mrs. Risser was one of ten children, four sons and six daughters, William, deceased; George, Ehzabeth, deceased; James, Jane, Ada, John, Maggie, deceased; Mary and Allie. To Mr. and Mrs. Risser have been born four children, Wilbur, born on July 12, 1900; Raymond, born on December 30, 1903; Marguerite, born on October 8, 1906; and Leonard, born on April 10, 1912. AU of these children are living with the exception of Marguerite, who died on July 7, 1907.

In his political views, Mr. Risser is allied with the Democratic party and takes such an interest as every good citizen should in the public affairs of his county, state , and nation. His religious membership, as well as that of his wife, is with the Christian church, to which he gives a liberal support. In every phase of life's activities, material, moral or social, which affect the welfare of the community, Mr. Risser stands for only that which is best and, because of his upright life and splendid character, he has won the hearty commendation of all who know him.

Rev. Father M. Muehe

Despite the persistence with which our captains of industry undertake to maintain that wealth is based on service and that earnings and profit are proportionate to service, we all know this contention is based upon an idle fallacy. Ministers of the Gospel, those stately men who bear the cross of Christianity to all parts of the world, the spiritual counselors of the church, receive little compensation compared to the sacrifice they endure and the service they perform. Theirs, however, is the larger compensation for the greater service, the compensation which cannot be measured by material standards. Among the clergy, who for many years have ministered to the spiritual needs of the congregation of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, is the Rev. Father M. Muehe, who is the best-known and the most dearlyheloved man in this community.

Born on July 5, 1865, in a little village in Bavaria, Germany, Father Muehe, at an early age, was sent to the Royal Gymnasium at Dellingen, where for several years he was a student in the classical course given by that 'institution. Father Muehe's father was a railway official in Germany.

Father Muehe emigrated to the United States in 1883 and after a course of instruction in the novitiate, and later in the 'theological seminary of the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood at Carthagena, Ohio, he was ordained to the holy priesthood by the Most Reverend Henry Elder, D. D Archbishop of Cincinnati. On St. Patrick's day, in 1889, he received his 'pastorate at St. Mary's church. Ft. Recovery, Ohio, from which place Father Muehe was transferred to Germantown, Missouri, where he was stationed for seven years. At Germantown he was instrumental in the organization and establishment of a parochial school, which remains to today as a tribute to his energy, his initiative and his consecration to the holy work to which his life has been dedicated. Coming from Germantown, Missouri, to Ohio he was pastor, for some time, of the two parishes of McCartyville and St Patrick's in Shelby county. During thepast twelve years, he has been officiating as pastor of St. Michael's parish at Kalida. Here he also has been instrumental m foundmg a parochial school, the corner-stone of the present beauti- ful building having been laid on December 8, 1905. The school is now in charge of and taught by four Sisters of Providence, and has an enrollment of one hundred and seventy pupils. The parish of St. Michael's is in a. flourishing condition, and this is largely due to the untiring effort of Father Muehe, a kindly man of tender and sympathetic impulses, born to the loving virork to which he is engaged. Under his care, St. Michael's parish promises, to become one of the leading and most prosperous congregations in Putnam county.

Aside from the noble spirit in which his pastorial duties are performed,. Father Muehe is an able preacher and eloquent speaker, and a man to whom his people naturally turn for counsel and guidance in all spiritual matter's.

Edward Kerner

Among the ambitious young farmers of Union township, Putnam county^ few are better known or more popular than Edward Kerner, a member of one of the oldest and most influential families of that part of the county, and it gives the biographer pleasure to present on this page a brief outline of the salient points of his life. On another page of this work the genealogy of the Kerner family is set out at some length in the biography relating to Mr. Kerner's father, Joseph Kerner, of Greensburg township, this county, and that detail will be omitted from this sketch as being an unnecessary repetition. For the purpose of this immediate biography, it is sufficient to say that Edward Kerner was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on November 3, 1889, the son of Joseph and Mary (Schaefer) Kerner, prominent residents of that neighborhood.

Edward Kerner was reared on the paternal farm and received his education in the schools of Greensburg township, remaining there until his marriage in 1912, at which time he moved to an eighty-acre farm in Union township, which was set over to him by his father, the same having been a part of the latter's extensive land holdings in this county. Young Mr. Kerner is alert and active, fully alive to the improved methods of farming and the energy which he has displayed in establishing his home, presages excellent things for him in the future, industry being sure to secure its own reward.

On September 11, 1912, Edward Kerner was united in marriage to- Anna Rieman, the daughter of Ignatius and Mary (Marmon) Rieman, both of whom are natives of Putnam county and who for many years lived on: the farm in Ottawa township in which Mrs. Kerner was born, this farm having been originally entered from the government by Mr. Rieman's grandfather at a very early day in the settlement of that portion of the county. Ignatius Rieman died on September i, 1904. He was one of six children of his parents, the others being Frank, John, Henry, Anna and Bernadina. Mrs. Kerner's maternal grandparents, John and Gertrude (Verhoff) Marmon, are still living at an advanced age on the farm in Greensburg township, which for many years has been their home. To them were born nine children, Frank, John, William, Christian, Charles, Joseph, Anna, Theresa and Catherine.

To Ignatius and Mary (Marmon) Reiman were born nine children, Mary, August, Clara, John, Anna, Caroline, Louis, Theresa and Laurence. August married Anna Roof and live? in the town of Leipsic. this county, and Mary, who married Benjamin Duling, is deceased, as is also Clara.

To Edward and Anna f Rieman) Kerner there has been born one child, a daughter, Marcella Mary, on October 3, 191 4, a charming little one, who is the delight of the lives of the devoted young parents.

Edward Kerner and wife are getting a good start in life and are very popular in their neighborhood. Mr. Kerner is a good farmer, having an excellent grasp on the essential requirements of his arduous and exacting vocation and his success seems assured. His wife is a natural home-maker and as a consequence they have a delightful home, one of the pleasantest in the neighborhood, where their friends always are sure of open-handed hospitality and a warm welcome.

John G. Kappauf

There is, perhaps, no record in this volume which more clearly demonstrates the force of industry and honesty in the affairs of life than does the life history of John G. Kappauf, a well-known farmer of Palmer township. Almost every civilized country on the face of the globe has sent representatives to the state of Ohio, but there is no more important or valued element in our citizenship than that which has come from Germany. John G. Kappauf is the son of a well-known German farmer, of Putnam county, who came to this country and became a successful man. Although he is now past eighty-nine years of age, he is still active.

John G. Kappauf was born on November 2, 1875, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of John, Sr., and Dora (Faber) Kappauf. John Kappauf, Sr., was born at Gross-Breidenbach, Germany, and was educated in his native land. He came overland from New York city to Pennsylvania, and from Pennsylvania tp Leipsic, Ohio. He was twenty-six years of age when he came to this country. He was a teamster m his native land and his parents were farmers. He was reared on a farm. >He spent a few years in Leipsic and then moved to the Sam Miller farm in Liberty township, Putnam county, where he farmed. He rented this farm for some time and, on March 27, 1870, moved to a farm of eighty acres in Palmer township, which he purchased. By hard work and diligent efforts on the part of himself and wife, they put the farm in good condition and later added forty acres to the original eighty. They erected all the buildings, mcludmg a residence and barn, and followed general farming. John Kappauf, Sr., retired from active farming about 1890, but he still retained his residence and turned his farm over to his son and daughter, who now operate it. John Kappauf, Sr., was drafted during the Civil War, but on account of a stiff finger on his right hand, he was rejected. He was 'born on January 6, 1826, and is now eighty-nine years of age. His wife was born m Wittenburg, Germany, and came with her parents to America. She died on February 22, 1914, at the age of seventy-six years. She was a devout member of the German Lutheran church. Her husband is also a member of this church. He is a Democrat, but never held office. He is not a member of any lodge. John Kappauf, Sr., and wife were the parents of six children Mrs. William McDonald, of Liberty township; Joseph, of LaSalle, New York; Katherine, deceased; Dora, John and Anna, all at home.

Dora Kappauf was educated in the common schools of Palmer township, Putnam county. She keeps house on the old home place and has never married, preferring to assist in the care of her father and the farm, which place has been divided between her and John, each holding half interest. John G. Kappauf is an able farmer. They are members of the Germany Lutheran church at Elm Center, in Liberty township.

John G. Kappauf and his sister follow general farming. The family have a high reputation in their community for intelligence, industry and genial m.anners, are careful farmers and have a fine farm which is always kept m good condition. Their father was one of the pioneers of Putnam county and also of Palmer township. During his dav and generation, there have been many changes made in this section of the state and the Kappauf family has had a large part in these changes and in these improvements John G. Kappauf has never married. He is a Democrat in politics, but has never held office, preferring to devote his entire time to the cultivation of his. farm and his personal business interests.

John Fischback

John Fischback, a successful farmer of Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a son of native-born German parents, who had much to do with the pioneer history of Jackson township. John Fischback's parents, Thomas and Mary (Neis) Fischback, came to America about 1859. At the time they settled on a tract of forty acres in section 20 of this township, the land, was a complete wilderness, and Thomas Fischback cut away enough timber to obtain room to erect a log house and barn. He partially cleared the place and farmed here until his death in 1865. Thomas and Mary (Neis) Fischback suffered all the privations of pioneer life. He was always a hard worker, and by dint of untiring industry and patient perseverance brought his farm to a high state of cultivation. Thomas Fischback and wife were both born in Luxemburg, Germany, while Mrs. Fishback's parents were also native born Germans, and both died in their native land. Thomas Fischback's mother died in this country about 1876. She had come to the United States alone after the death of her husband and lived among her children for several years. At the time of her death, John Fischback was about sixteen years of age and John had three uncles and two aunts, brothers and sisters of his father, he, himself, being one of four children, the others being Louis, William, Mrs. Catherine Lauf, of Jennings township, Putnam county, Ohio.

John Fischback was born on October 20, i860, in Jackson township, on the original homestead farm which his father had settled when he first came to this country. This farm is across the road from where he now lives. He grew up on the home farm and was educated in the public schools of his home township, and assisted his father on the farm until his marriage, June 7, 1890. Mr. Fischback's wife, before her marriage, was Mary Nichols, a native of Germany, the daughter of Jacob and Helen (Neis) Nichols.

Mrs. Fischback's parents were both natives of Germany and lived and died in their native land. Mrs. Fischback herself came to America with several other families who settled in Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio. She remained here until her marriage, and, in fact, this has been her home ever since coming to America. Mrs. Fischback was one of a family of nine children, two sons and seven daughters, John Peter, John, Anna, Katherine, Theresa, Mary, Anna, Katherine, Susan and Mary Ann.

John Fischback remained on the home farm of forty acres, which his father had owned after his marriage, and operated this land until he was able to purchase sixty acres just across the road in the same section as the original forty. Mr. Fischback and his family moved to this- farm in the fall of 1909. In the meantime Mr. Fischback has erected several buildings upon the farm, has remodeled the residence, put up many rods of fencing, ditched and tiled the land, and in many ways improved the appearance of the farm, as well as enhanced the value of the land. Mr. Fischback now owns the original homestead farm of forty acres in addition to the sixty acres which he later purchased.

John and Mary (Nichols) Fischback are the parents of six children. Two sons, Joseph and Henry, died in infancy. The living children are: Katherine, Peter, Henry and Alphonse.

John Fischback is a genteel German farmer, and is possessed of the predominant national trait of the German people. He is naturally thrifty and prosperous, and keeps his farm and belongings in a well-regulated and progressive manner. Mr. Fischback keeps a high grade of Hve stock, and to the stranger, his farm bears evidence of the skill of its owner and his native interest in his life's vocation.

The family are all devout members of St. Mary's Catholic church at Ottoville. Mr. Fischback is identified with the Democratic party, but has never been a candidate for office, and in fact, has never cared to hold office. Nevertheless, he is well respected in the community where he lives, as is also his entire family.

Theodore Noirot

Putnam coimty, Ohio, has reason to take pride in the personnel of her farmers and business men, one of whom, Theodore Noirot, is well known throughout the county, not only as a successful farmer, but as the field manager for the Continental Sugar Beet Company. There is a rather full measure of satisfaction in presenting even a brief resume of Mr. Noirot's life and achievements. Some time ago, however, Mr. Noirot rented out his farm in Palmer township and has lived more or less retired since, in Miller City, Ohio.

Theodore Noirot was born on July 5, 1875, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Celestian and Victoria Noirot. Celestian Noirot was born- in the village of Boncourt, France, August 10, 1835, and came to America with his parents, Francis and Francois (Raclot) Noirot, who were also natives of the village of Boncourt, France and who settled in Hancock county, Ohio, on a farm. They were here for a time, and later moved to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1862. They settled on forty acres of land, in Palmer township, at a time when the land was heavily timbered and in a swampy condition. Celestian Noirot was reared a farmer and came with his parents to Putnam county, Ohio, and farmed in a general way all of his life. He also learned the plasterer's trade in Hancock county and followed this, along with farming. Later, he followed this trade in Putnam -county and worked on many buildings. His forty acres in Palmer township was increased to more than two hundred acres. Celestian Noirot worked at his trade at Findlay, Ohio, during which time he walked from his farm, in Palmer township, to Findlay and back again. Celestian Noirot was married in Findlay, Ohio, but later moved to Putnam county. He and his wife had -eight children, Joseph, Celestian and Victoria, all deceased; Mrs. Helen Kerns; of Miller City; Celestian, Jr., who lives in Palmer township; George, who lives in Canada; Mrs. Emma Royal, who lives in Dekalb county, Indiana, and Theodore, the subject of this sketch. Celestian Noirot has held no offices except that of township supervisor and school director. He is not a member of any lodge. In politics, he is a Democrat. He is a member of St. Nicholas's Catholic church at Miller City, and is still living with his son, Celestian, Jr. He has retired from active farming. He is a man of good reputation and has done much for his children. He has been a hard worker, gone through many sorrows, and has also been blessed with much happiness. Celestian Noirot is now past eighty years of age. His wife, who was born in Alsace, France, came to America with her mother who became sick on board the vessel and died five days after landing in this country. Mrs. Celestian Noirot came to Findlay, Ohio, with her brother, George, and others. She stayed in Findlay for some time and, after her marriage, moved to Putnam county, Ohio, with her husband. She was born on August IS, 1841, and died on August 17, 1907, at the age of seventy-four years and one day. She was a good woman and an excellent mother. She was a devout member of St. Nicholas's Catholic church, at Miller City.

Theodore Noirot grew up on the home place and was educated in the township district schools of Palmer township. He was reared a farmer and has been active since early youth. He is an excellent farmer and, after leaving home, he purchased eighty acres of good land in section 15, of Palmer township, and farmed this until recently, when he rented it and moved to Miller City at which time Mr. Noirot retired from active farming. He erected all of the buildings on his farm and otherwise improved it. On January i, 1915, Mr. Noirot accepted a position as field manager of the continental Sugar Beet Company, of Findlay, Ohio. He is now active in this work.

Theodore Noirot was constable of Palmer township and Miller City for five years and gave efficient service. He is well liked, is a congenial man and a good "mixer." He is not a member of any lodge but is a Democrat in politics and active in the councils of his party. He is a member of the St.- Nicholas's Catholic church at Miher City.

John Seimet

One of the best known farmers, business men and stock breeders, of the present generation in Putnam county, Ohio, is John Seimet, of Palmer township. Mr. Seimet is a man of strong and active sympathy, his temperament warm and ardent, his feelings deep and intense. These qualities have attracted to him an unusual number of devoted friends upon whom, under all circumstances, he can rely. He is a close student of human nature and has comprehended with little effort, the purposes and motives of men. He is a lover of truth and sincerity. John Seimet is a manly man and influential m the circles in which he has moved. Of sound character and unflagging mdustry, he stands as a conspicuous example of symmetrically-developed American manhood. His position, as one of the community's representative citizens, is tmiversally conceded.

John Seimet was born on March 31, 1862, on a farm near Delphos, Ohio. He is the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Moreo) Seimet. Nicholas- Seimet was born in the duchy of Luxemburg, Germany, and his wife, Elizabeth, was born in Byre, Germany. Nicholas Seimet came to America, at the age of eighteen years, alone. He learned the tailor's trade in Germany and was educated there. He had relatives near Delphos, Ohio, and came to the home of his brother-in-law, Adam Sharke. He engaged in farming- upon his arrival in Putnam county and spent two seasons in Illinois farming and was married on January 24, 1861, to Elizabeth Moreo. After his marriage, he moved to a farm near Delphos, Ohio, where he farmed for two years. He then took a position as a boatman on the canal where he worked for some time. Later, he moved to Henry county, Ohio, and farmed forty acres. He sold this farm and bought eighty acres in Henry county. Later, he sold this- farm, about 1903, and moved to Leipsic, Ohio, where he had bought a house and lot. He spent two years in Leipsic but, his wife, preferring the farm, he again moved to a farm of one hundred and sixteen acres, in Van Buren township, which he had previously purchased. He lived here until 1912, when he again sold the farm and moved to Leipsic, where he now lives retired.

His wife, Elizabeth Moreo, came to America, with her parents, at the age of four years. They settled at x\"ew Riegel, Seneca county, Ohio. She was educated here where she lived until her marriage to Nicholas Seimet. Nicholas and Elizabeth Seimet were members of medium-sized families. Nicholas was one of three children: John, born in Germany, who died near Delphos, Ohio; Mrs. John Sharke, in Germany, came to America before her brother, Nicholas; and Nicholas, the subject of this sketch. Elizabeth MoreO' was one of six children, the others being Lawrence, Andrew, Anna, Barbara and Julia.

To Nicholas and Elizabeth Seimet seven children were born, John, Andrew, Mary, Helena, Lawrence, Joseph, George and William. Joseph and George are deceased. Nicholas and Elizabeth Seimet are members of the St. Mary's Catholic church at Leipsic, Ohio. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on January 24, 191 1, which was attended by thirty-six children and grandchildren.

John Seimet was educated at Adrian, Ohio, and during his early life was employed as an engineer. He was married on September 12, 1885, to Josephine Gustwiler, who died on December 16, 1887. After her death, John Seimet married Mary Ellerbrock, a daughter of Theodore and Anna Johannah Ellerbrock. Theodore Ellerbrock was born in Germany and when but eight years of age, came to this country with his parents, who settled on a farm near Glandorf, which they later sold. They then moved to a farm in Liberty township, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Theodore Ellerbrock was one of the following children of his parents: Theodore, Barney, William, Ferdinand, Elizabeth and Catherine. Theodore Ellerbrock grew to manhood in Putnam county and on August 20, 1856, was married to Anna Johannah Recker, who was born in Glandorf, Putnam county.

Anna Johannah Recker was one of a family of eight children of her parents, the others being Henry, Mary, Clara, Elizabeth, Catherine, Theresa and Anna.

After their marriage, Theodore and Anna J. (Recker) Ellerbrock continued to live in Putnam county. To them were born seven children, ALirv,,

of John Seimet; Barney; William; Ferdinand; Henry; Theodore and Katherine. Theodore Ellerbrock and wife celebrated their, .golden- jubilee on August 20, 1907, which was attended by forty children and grandchildren. Theodore Ellerbrock and Avife are now both deceased. During their lifetime they were held in the highest ^steem by all who knew them.

After his marriage Mr. Seimet moved to a farm in Henry county, Ohio, where he lived for one year. Selling out here, they moved to Wood county, Ohio, where he worked in the oil fields, also engaging in farming. They spent two years here and then came to Putnam county, Ohio, where he pur- 'chased forty acres, in section 15 in Palmer township. He cleared and this land and made many other improvements. Later, Mr. Seimet bought twenty acres in section 15 and later traded the entire sixty acres for forty-seven acres where he now lives. On March i, 1912, he bought an ad- -ditional twenty acres in section 22, about three miles northwest of his present farm. He erected a house and barn and farmed this forty-seven acres for four years and then rented the farm. He is now engaged in the horse business. He started in a modest way about ten years ago, at that time having been a member of a company which owned a splendid Percheron horse. He later bought a Belgian horse and engaged in the business for himself. At this time, he owns both Belgian and Percheron thoroughbred horses and has -an enviable reputation in the breeding business throughout this community. John and Mary (Ellerbrock) Seimet have had two children, Lavinia Johannah, born on June 14, 1894, and Irene Elizabeth, on May 11, 1897. Lavinia Johannah married William Doepker and has one child, Karl Franklin, born on April 11, 19 14. Irene Elizabeth is at home. She belongs to the St. Agnes Altar Society. Both daughters were educated in the Palmer township schools, both having graduated from the Mill City high school. The -elder daughter taught school one year.

Mr. Seimet was a well contractor before his first marriage, he having engaged in the erection of wind pumps for some time. He is an expert at this business. Mr. Seimet is not a member of any lodge. He is a Democrat, is chairman of the Democratic party at Miller City, was a member of the board for a number of years and, in fact, is still active. He also served as constable for seven years. John Seimet and family are members of St. Nicholas's Catholic church at Miller City. Mrs. Seimet is a member of the Mothers' Society of the church. John Seimet is a genial, unassuming man of good habits, well known and well liked. He is a prosperous and good farmer, a good judge of stock, especially of horses. Mr. Seimet is now treasurer of the Mutual Telephone Company of Miller City.

Among the worthy citizens of Continental, Putnam county, Ohio, whohave impressed their personahty upon this town and county, is Arthur L. Pollard, D. V. S., for many years a successful school teacher in Ohio, but since 1914, a practicing veterinarian in Continental. Doctor Pollard is a man of upright principles and interested in the advancement of the community where he has established himself, and where he has already built upa large and lucrative practice in his profession. After spending many years as a teacher in the schools of Ohio, Doctor Pollard acquired a splendid education for the profession in which he is now engaged. He has the confidence of the people of his community, both as a professional man and as a citizen.

Arthur L. Pollard, the subject, was born on March 6, 1885, near Six Points, in Wood county, Ohio. He is the son of Adam Lowry and Hannah (Brand) Pollard. Adam Lowry Pollard was born on May 3, 1855, in Seneca, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Abner and Anna (Wymer) Pollard., Abner and Anna (Wymer) Pollard were both natives of Pennsylvania, the former the son of an Englishman. Adam Lowry Pollard grew up in Seneca county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1862, when seven years old. During the last thirty-five years, he has lived in Wood county, Ohio. He was married twice, first to Abbie Parmerter, a widow, who died in Wood county, Ohio. In 1884, Adam Pollard married again. No children were bom by the first marriage. Adam Pollard now owns one hundred and five acres. For more than thirty years he ran a store at Six Points, Ohio, but retired from this business in 1914. By Mr. Pollard's second marriage, nine children were born, eight of whom are still living. Dr. Arthur L. was the eldest; Mrs. Lucy Chambers lives near North Rochester, in Freedom township, Wood county, Ohio; Luther died at the age of five months; Charles Raymond was the fourth child; Mrs. Bessie Zeigler lives in Portage township, Wood county; Mrs. Zella Bateson lives in Portage, Wood county. Tressie, George and Theodore, the seventh, eighth and ninth children, are all at home. Mrs. Hannah (Brand) Pollard was a native of Pennsylvania, who was born in 1858, from whence she -moved with her parents, at the age of five years, to Seneca county, Ohio, near Bettsville. Later, they moved to Wood county, where she grew up, and where her father died. She was the daughter of Michael and Hannah (Bachman) Brand.

cated m the township schools and lived at home tmtil eighteen years of age, when he went to Jersey City, Ohio, and was there graduated from the high school with the class of 1904. He taught school for seven years in various places in the county, taking summer work in Lima and Oxford. He entered the Veterinary College at Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 191 1, and spent two years here, and, subsequently, went to the Chicago Veterinary College and was graduated in the class of 1914, after which he came to Continental, Ohio, and purchased the veterinarian practice of James W. Dellenger,' D. V S. He is now actively engaged in the practice of his profession, and has a large business.

Doctor Pollard was married on February 19, 19 10, to Floss May Bowman, who was born on June 15, 1888, in Wood county, Ohio, and who is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wolfe) Bowman, the former of whom was born in 1841, and died in 1891, and the latter of whom was born in 185 1, and who is still living in western Ohio, in Wood county.

John Bowman migrated to Ohio eariy in life and, for a time, lived in Putnam county. He was a farmer near Miller City, Palmer township.' He later sold this farm and moved to Wood county, Ohio, in 1887, where he spent his remaining days on a farm. He was a veteran of the Civil War. He and his wife were the parents of nine children; Mrs. Nellie Wade, of Leipsic, Ohio; one who died in infancy; Mrs. Ida Morris, deceased; William who died in infancy; Shadrack was recorder of Wood county for six years' after having taught school for seven years, is an attorney of Bowling Green,' Ohio; John, now deceased, and who also taught school for seven years' being at the time of his death the superintendent of the Middleton township schools, and a stanch Republican; Mrs. Myrtle Burson, who lives at Tekoa Washington, her husband being J. P. Burson, an attorney; Mrs. Grace Ladd' who lives at Detroit, Michigan; and Floss, the wife of Doctor Pollard

Doctor Pollard's father was a member of the Maccabees for many years, and an ardent Republican. He also served on the school board for twenty years, and at present is a member of the township board. Doctor Pollard's paternal grandfather was a veteran of the Mexican War, and is of the four last survivors in Wood county.

.. ^^^^.'^^^^Po"^'-^ '' a Republican. Mrs. Pollard is a member of the Methodist church. Doctor Pollard is a skillful veterinarian and enjoys a lucrative practice. He is well liked as an energetic and successful young man and is bound to make his mark in the worid.

Mathtas Konst

One of the best known young business men of Miller City, Putnam county, Ohio, is Mathias Konst, a liquor merchant of this city. Mr. Konst is a self-made man in CA-ery respect, and his financial success is an example of what may be accomplished by hard and conscientious work and strict attention to duty.

Mathias Konst .was born at Elm Center, Putnam county, Ohio, on July 18, 1887. He is the son of Lucas and Caroline (Burkhart) Konst. Lucas Konst was born in Holland and came, with his parents when six years of age, to America. His parents, with their children, John, Katherine and Lucas, on coming from Holland, landed in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here Mathias Konst's father, Lucas Konst, was educated and learned the carpenter's trade, and, when a young man, he came with his father and family to New Cleveland, Putnam county, Ohio, settling on a farm of eighty acres. Of the children, John died, Katherine married Mathias Otto and lives at New Cleveland. After coming to New Cleveland, Lucas Konst's father worked at his trade. After his marriage, Lucas Konst began fanning on the John Beck place. Later, he purchased a farm of forty-seven acres, at Elm Center, Liberty township, Putnam county, where he farmed for a number of years, or until 19 lo. He then moved to Ottawa and retired. He died in Ottawa on January 8, 1913. His widow survives him and lives in Ottawa. Lucas and Caroline (Burkhart) Konst were the parents of ten children, Frank, Charles, John, Joseph, Louis, Thomas, Martha, Rudolph, William and Mathias, the subject of this sketch. Frank Konst married Anna Yenner and they live at Continental; Charles was married first to Mary Burlager; she died and he was again married to Caroline. Yenner. His second wife died and he now lives at Hicksville, Ohio. John married Catherine Krouse and lives at Leipsic, Ohio. Joseph married Zine Riggs and they live at Ottawa. Louis married Inez Kiefer and they live at Miller City. Thomas married Emma Laird, and they live at Toledo, Ohio ; Martha married William Hammond and lives at Sherwood, Ohio; Rudolph married Gertrude Ault, and they live at Ottawa; William is married and lives at San Diego, California. Mathias Konst was educated in the township schools of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, and spent his boyhood days on his father's farm at Elm Center. After leaving school he learned the barber's trade, and worked at this trade in Continental for five years, and then engaged in the liquor business. He was there in this business for four months and then came to Miller City, Ohio, where he entered the business with his brother Louis as partner. They also operate a cafe, and both are still active.

Mathias Konst was married on April 19, 1910, to Jennie Klass, a daughter oi Joseph and Anna (Steffen) Klass, both natives of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio. Joseph Klass is a farmer and had a family of five children, Jennie, Walter, Oliver, Albert and Florence, all of whom are living.

Mathias Konst is the treasurer of Miller City. Throughout his life hehas been an active Democrat. He is not a member of any lodges. Mathias. Konst, wife and family are members of St. Nicholas's Catholic church at Miller City. Mrs. Konst is a member of the Mother's Society of the Catholic church. They are well known in this section of Putnam county and are highly respected citizens.

William Wilson Frantz

What a wonderful heritage a man gives his children in passing from: this life when he leaves behind him a knowledge of an active life well spent,, and evidences of the good he has accomplished for his age and community. To be considered the foremost man of his county in his day, and the leader in all things pertaining to the welfare of the community, does not fall to the lot of many men, and only those who are truly great in heart and mind, of indomitable energy and unfailing optimism, are capable of winning the trust and confidence which places them in the leadership in matters of public good, especially in a new section. The late William Wilson Frantz, a well-known farmer of Putnam county, Ohio, was a man who belonged to this class of citizens.

William Wilson 'Frantz was born on September 27, 1849, in Blanchard' township, Putnam county, Ohio. He was the son of Simon Edward and Martha Jane (Patrick) Frantz.

Simon Edward Frantz, who was the son of Daniel and Sarah Frantz,. was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, and, with his-, two brothers, William and Daniel, came to Putnam county in 1834, settling just west and south of Gilboa. Each brother entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, Simon's farm adjoining the town of Gilboa on the west, who died on September 17, 1858. He was marrieJ. twice, the first time to Mary Conkley, by whom he had four children, two- of whom died in infancy; James and Sarah lived to maturity. He was married a second time to Martha Jane Patrick, who was the daughter of WilHam Patrick and wife, early settlers in Putnam county, whose residence here dates from the year 1834. By his second marriage Simon E. Frantz was the father of four children - William Wilson, Daniel, Martha and Ellen, all of whom are deceased.

William Wilson Frantz grew up in Blanchard township, where he received his early education from the common schools. He remained on the home farm until he was about eighteen or nineteen years of age. His father died when he was about nine years old, and his mother was married again to M. J. Olds, to which union four children were born - Jane, Thomas, Alice and Martha Ellen, who died in infancy.

At the age of eighteen or nineteen years William Wilson Frantz rented the farm -owned by his uncle, William, which was located southwest of Gilboa. He farmed this place for several years after his marriage, when he bought of the heirs of his fathers estate, the old homestead, just west of Gilboa. He continued to farm this place, until he retired in 1806 He died October 9, 1898.