Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 18 of 33)

Peter Hilty, Sr., worked on the Ohio & Erie canal, which was then being built in eastern Ohio. Little is known of his life, after coming to America, except that he owned a farm of eighty acres in Richland township, Allen county, and that he spent his declining years with his son, Peter, Jr., in Richland township. He died there in 1868 at a ripe old age, probably seventy-seven years of age.

At the age of twenty, Peter Hilty, Jr., was married to Elizabeth Neuenschwander, in the spring of 1841. She came to America with her parents when she was five years old. She was a native of Switzerland, and her people came to America, settling in Wayne county, in 1824. They later fnoved to Allen county, where they owned a farm of eighty acres. Peter Hilty, Jr., after his marriage, purchased a farm in Richland township, Allen county, and cleared and improved it. He was a hard-working farmer, and in addition to general farming, he raised truck, such as potatoes and melons, for the Lima market. When he died, on April 8, 1892, he owned one hundred and twenty acres of land. In addition to this, he helped his children to get a start in the world, rendering them considerable financial assistance. He was a man of splendid character and a devoted member of the Mennonite church, of which his wife was also a member. Peter and Elizabeth Hilty had eleven children: Isaac, the subject of this sketch; John S. ; Barbara; Catherine ; Benjamin; Noah; Susan, who died in infancy; Mary, deceased ; Peter B. ; Samuel and Elizabeth, deceased. Isaac Hilty was the eldest child and his childhood and youth were spent on the old homestead in Richland township. Here he received his early education and helped his father on the home place until he was twenty-three years old.

Isaac Hilty was married on December 6, 1866, to Anna Blosser, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Basinger) Blosser. After his marriage he moved to the old Blosser homestead, which he rented from his wife's

Henry Blosser vi^as the son of Henry and Magdalena (Shank) Blosser, who were natives of Virginia. Henry Blosser, Jr., was also a native of Virginia and came to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1837. He was a blacksmith by trade, and a mechanical genius. He was county surveyor of Putnam county for several years, and also did a great deal of surveying for private parties. He made all of his implements, including his compass, the needle of which he charged with a lodestone found by his father in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Mr. Blosser finally devoted all of his time to farming, which occupation he followed until the time of his death, in 1863. His wife v\'as a daughter of Christian and Fannie (Schuhmacher) Basinger, both natives of Switzerland, and who came to America in an early day. Christian Basinger first came to Virginia, landing at Alexandria, and went to live with the Blossers. who were rather wealthy for those days. It seems they had an extra farm, which was run down, and on this place they put young Christian in charge. He succeeded so well, in a few years, that when he with the proprietors, he received enough money to come to Ohio and start in for' himself. He came first to Columbiana county, and, a short time later, removed to Putnam county, where he entered land from the governtnent.

After his marriage, Isaac Hilty became interested in the threshing business, which he followed successfully for about twenty years. He also operated a stone quarry for several years, and for a period of eighteen or twenty years he operated a saw-mill. All of this business he carried on in addition to his operation of the farm. He has been a successful farmer and has always done general farming and stock raising.

To Isaac Hilty and Anna (Blosser) Hilty ten children have been born: Henry, Elizabeth, Catherine, Peter, Jesse, Sarah, Mary, Minnie, Aldine and Abraham. Henry, who lives in Riley township, Putnam county, married Sarah Zimmerman and has three children : Melvin ; Lester, who died at the age of ten years, and Gladys. Elizabeth, after finishing her common school -education, attended the Ohio State Normal at Ada, where she took a course in music. After this she attended the Bible Training Institute at Bluffton -and Fort Wayne, and was appointed to a post as a foreign missionaiy, going to China in 1905, where she remained for six years, and, after a va'cation, she again resumed her work. In her efforts in behalf of humanity she has been very successful. Catherine, who died at the age of forty-one, was immarried. Peter, who lives on the home place, married Dora Long and has two children, Irvin and Margaret. Jesse, who Hves in Pandora, married Rosella Rice and has one son, Aaron. Sarah died at the age of four years. Mary, who is unmarried and hves at home, after attending the common and high schools, attended the Bible Training Institute at Fort Wayne for two years. Minnie, after graduating from the common and high schools, attended the Ohio State Normal School at Ada, after which for several years she taught school and attended the Fort Wayne Bible Training Institute. After completing this work, she joined her sister, Elizabeth, and went to her new field in China in 1913. Aldine. who lives at Lima, Ohio, married Delia Basinger and has two sons, Francis Harold and Karl Edward. He was graduated from the high school and taught school successfully for two years. He is now in the real estate business. Abraham, who lives at home, married Nettie Basinger and has two children, Cyril Stanley and Marceille Elizabeth.

Isaac Hilty is a Democrat, but he is more or less independent in his voting. He was township treasurer for several years and for about twenty years was school director. For many years, also, he was a member of the school board and successfully discharged the duties of all of these offices. Mr. Hilty is a member of the Missionai^ church, of which his wife is also a member. He is a member of the missionary committee of that church, with headquarters at Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is a trustee of the association. Mr. Hilty is a fine type of Christian gentleman. Ble has been a successful farmer and is held in high esteem by all with whom he has been brought into contact in any way. He is a man, therefore, who is entitled to representation in this volume.

Rev. Albert Schumacher

There is no earthly station higher than the ministry of the Gospel, and no life can be more uplifting and grander than that which is devoted to the betterment of the human race, a life of sacrifice for the improvement of the brotherhood of man, one who is willing to cast aside all earthly crowns and laurels of fame, in order to follow in the footsteps of the lowly Nazarene. It is not possible to measure adequately the height, depth and breadth of such a life. Their influence continues to permeate the lives of others through succeeding generations; the ultimate influence cannot be known until the last great day when the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible. One of the self-sacrificing, ardent and true spirits that has been a blessing to his community and who is now the pastoi- of the Grace Mennonite church at Pandora, is Albert Schumacher. He is a young man whohas been splendidly trained for the ministry and whose life forcibly illustrates what energy, integrity and fixed purpose can accomplish when animated by noble aims and correct ideals.

Albert Schumacher was born on September 25, 1883, in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio, the son of Christian P. and Regina (Steincr) Schumacher, the former of whom was born on April 20, 1848, in Richland township, Allen county. He was the son of Peter and Magdalene (Suter) Schumacher. Peter Schumacher was born in Basel, Switzerland, in 181 7,, and was the son of Christian Schumacher and wife. Christian Schumacher, Sr., was a native of Florimont, France, and was a miller by trade. He operated a mill at Basil, owned by a firm by the name of Forkhart, Wise & Sons. The mill was located in the basement of the house in which Christian Schumacher lived and was run by water from the Rhine river. Christian Schumacher, Sr., was in the employ of the above-named concern for about eighteen or nineteen years. This firm was among the wealthiest in Basel. Christian Schumacher, Sr., was a trusted employe and a highly respected citizen. On leaving Switzerland he advertised his departure and welcomed all whom he might owe to present their bills for payment. He came to America with his son, Peter, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and spent his declining years with him. Peter was a minister in the Mennonite church and also a teacher in the schools of Ohio. He was a notary public and muchsought for the drawing of legal papers. Peter came to America at the age of eighteen, in 1835. An extensive account of the history of the Schumacher family is to be found in the sketch of Christian Schumacher, contained elsewhere in this volume.

Albert Schumacher spent his boyhood days on the old homestead farm in Richland township, Allen county. He received his early education in tlu^ district school and assisted his father on the home farm. He then spent one year in the high school at Bluffton and finished his academic studies, at Bluffton College, graduating from the academic department in 1904.. After this he took two years more in the classical course, graduating from the Junior College in 1906. In that year he entered Oberlin College, where he completed his classical college -course in 1908. After that he took a threeyear theological course at Oberlin College and graduated from this department in 191 1. After completing his college work, Mr. Schumacher went abroad, visiting Gibraltar. Algiers, Africa, Italy, Southern Tyrol, Alsace- Lorraine, Switzerland, France, the Rhine valley, Belgium, London, Strat- ford-on-Avon and Sonthampton. Two years later, on- his return from abroad, he was married to EHzabeth Weida, of Caledonia, Minnesota. This marriage took place on October i6, 19 13. Mrs. Schumacher graduated with the class of 191 1 from the Conservatory of Music at Oberhn, Ohio, specializing in voice and piano. Mrs. Schumacher is the daughter of Owen J. -and Jennie (Sweet) Weida, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ontario, Canada.

In the fall of 191 1. Mr. Schumacher accepted the pastorate of the Grace Mennonite church at Pandora. He is a charter member of that church, which was organized in 1904, and it was considered fitting that at the completion of his education he should be called to preside over the same church. Under his leadership the membership has increased from two hundred and twenty to three hundred and thirty, and the Sunday school now numbers three hundred and fifty.

No young man in Putnam county is more earnest in his life's vocation, or more serious in his life's purposes, than the Rev. Albert Schumacher. Pie has worked hard to equip himself for this vocation and he is expected to have a brilliant career.

Samuel P. Krohn

The Union soldier, during the war between the states, builded wiser than he knew. Through four years of sufifering and wasting hardship, through the horrors of prison and amid the shadows of death, he. laid the superstructure of the greatest temple ever dedicated to human freedom. The world looked on and called those soldiers sublime, for it was theirs to reach out the mighty arm of power and strike the chains from oft the slave, preserve the country from dissolution and the only flag that ever made tyrant tremble. For all the unmeasured deeds the living present will never repay them. Attention and political power may be thrown at their feet, art and sculpture may preserve upon canvas, granite and bronze their unselfish deeds, history may commit to books and cold facts may give to the future the tale of their sufferings and triumphs, but to the children of the generations yet unborn will it remain to record the full measure of appreciation and undying remembrance of the immortal character carved out by the American soldiers of the early sixties, numbered among whom was Samuel P. Krohn.

pany G, Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, the former on September 23, 1863. He served in the Army of the Cumberland, and saw service in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Alabama, and, finally, in Tennessee, again. He was in many hardfought battles, his last active service being in a raid lasting about sixty days. This campaign was known as the last great "Stoneman Raid." Samuel P. Krohn was under General Stoneman, and his company, which was attached to the first brigade under Colonel Palmer, was exceedingly active. Mr. Krohn's brigade traveled hundreds of miles on this campaign. Gen. D. J. Cox, at Chicago, in 1868, referred to this final expedition in the following words :

"In March, 1865, General Stoneman made another important expedition out of east Tennessee into southwestern Virginia and the Carolinas, destroying the railroads by which escape from Richmond was possible for Lee's army and performed services which, but for the fact that it occurred during the general crush of the rebellion, would have attracted universal attention.

"A little later the same dashing horsemen had almost succeeded in the person of Jefferson Davis, whose escort surrendered, but he himself, by changing his direction of flight toward the Atlantic coast, escaped for the moment, but only to fall into the hands of General Wilson and his gallant troopers."

Samuel P. Krohn was born on April 4, 1848, just west of Pendleton, now Pandora, in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Weaver) Krohn. Samuel Krohn, Sr., was born on February 10, 181 7, in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. He was the son of George and Margaret (Fry) Krohn, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, who died in 1850, at Pendleton. His wife, Margaret Fry, before her marriage, also died at Pendleton, on January 25, 1871. Both of them passed the last days of their life at the home of Samuel Krohn, Sr.

George Krohn came to Ohio from Pennsylvania when Samuel Krohn.^ Sr., was a young man. He first located at Stratton, Delaware county, Ohio, where he operated a grist-mill. Later he moved to Butler county, where he was engaged in the milling business. He lived near Jacksonburg while a resident of Butler county. After a few years, in 1844, he came to Putnam county.

uel Krohn, Sr., was born on September 17, 1820, and was married on November II, 1841. At this time Samuel Krohn, Sr., was twenty-four years old. Henry Weaver was a pioneer of Butler county, Ohio, and a farmer. In early life he was a soldier in the War of 18 12, and marched through western Ohio with the United States soldiers who were engaged in clearing the territory of the Indians. During this march he discovered the good land here, and later returned and entered land from the g'overnment just northwest of where Pandora now stands.

By his first marriage Samuel Krohn, Sr., was the father of eight children: George W. was born on .September 13, 1842; Margaret, January 5, 1844; Henry, November 20, 1845; Samuel P is the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, July 29, 1849; J^Iartin, September 17, 1853; David, November 29, 1857, and died at the age of seven years, while Sarah A. was born on June 18, i860. Samuel Krohn, Sr., was married the second time, on December 22, 1864, to the sister of his first wife, Madeline Weaver. She was born on July 3, 1837. By this second marriage one son, Edward, was bom on December 3, 1868.

Samuel Krohn, Sr., was trustee of Riley township for four years and treasurer for six years. He was a man, therefore, of exceptional prominence in the community where he lived. When he first came to Putnam county, in 1844, he settled on the place of Henry Weaver, his father-in-law, which he had purchased a few months before. He lived on this farm until his death on April 6, 1886. He engaged in general farming and also owned and operated grist-mills, as well as .saw-mills. At the time of his death he owned about two hundred and eighty acres of land. He was a Democrat in politics and a member of the German Lutheran church.

His son, Samuel P Krohn, the subject of this sketch, received his early education in the typical log cabin school, and helped his father on the farm. Samuel P., Jr., was only fifteen years old when he enlisted in the army of the Union to preserve the republic, but, despite his youth, he acquitted himself with exceptional credit in the service of his country. After the war he came home and remained with his parents, working on the old homestead farm. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Krohn was married to Lucy A. Day, the daughter of Dr. Hriam and Harriet (Pierce) Day. The marriage took place on December 2^,, 1869: After his marriage Mr. Kohn farmed his father's place for two years and then engaged in the mercantile business for twelve years, or until 1884, when he engaged in buying and selling live stock. He again entered the mercantile business in 1888 and operated a grocery store and hotel until 1900. In this year he sold out the grocery and remained in the hotel business until 1902. He then re-engaged in the live stock business, to which he devoted all his attention, until 191 1, when he turned the business over to his son, Reno A.

Mrs. Samuel P. Krohn's parents came to Putnam county in 1840. Her father was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, born on January 29, 1816; he died on April 23, 1890. Mrs. Krohn was born on August 17, 1849, at Pendleton. Her mother, Harriet ( Pierce ") Day, was born in Kent county, England, January 4, 1822. She was the daughter of William and Ruth (Stevenson) Pierce.

To Samuel P. and Lucy A. (Day) Krohn have been born four children: ilertie Estelle on September 27, 1870; Hiram Samuel, October 10, 1875; Reno Alvin, October 14, 1877; Harriett, March 29, 1881.

Samuel P Krohn is a Democrat. He was elected township treasurer in 1870, and served continuously, with the exception of four years, until the present time. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Columbus Grove and of the Knights of Pythias No. 364, at Pandora. Mrs. Krohn is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her husband also attends this church. Samuel P. Krohn is one of the best known and most universally respected men in this part of Putnam. He has represented his community in an official capacity for more than forty years, which speaks volumes for his reputation as a citizen and as- a man. He has always led an active life, and is a clean-cut, progressive citizen, a man of high ideals and of unquestioned integrity. He is counted as one of Putnam county's most substantial -citizens.

Mrs. Leah Basinger

To the many sterling characteristics of the Swiss people, who played a prominent part, during its earlier days, in the settlement of this section, Putnam county, Ohio, owes much. Not only did the Swiss contribute many fine inhabitants to this county in years past, but today the descendants of those earlier citizens are carrying on the work of the county, maintaining the ideals of their forbears and upholding the county's standard of citizenship in every way. They represent the best blood of the county and are in every way a type of citizens of which Putnam county has ever reason to be proud. These ideals are exemplified by the subject of this sketch, whose fathers played important parts in the foundation of the country.

born in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio, December lo, 1858, a daughter of Christian and Catherine (Steiner) Gratz. Christian Gratz was bornin Wayne county, Ohio, on June 22, 1833, a son of Frederick and Anna (Lugibihl) Gratz.

Frederick Gratz was born in Basel, Switzerland, but all that is known: of his early life is that he was an orphan and was reared in a children's, home at Basel. While in the home, he learned several trades, and when he was a young man he came to America. He was three or four months in making the voyage to this country and, after his arrival, settled in Wayne county, Ohio, where he worked at these trades. He was a very ingenious man and was able to turn his hand to any work which demanded mechanical knowledge. By trade he was a carpenter and brick mason, and was also a tailor of no small ability.

After a sojourn of three years, in Wayne county, he moved to two miles east of Beaver Dam, Allen county, Ohio, where he located permanently. He first took a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he gradually added, until his holdings eventually totaled about three hundred acres. It was to that farm that Leah Basinger's father, Christian, came with his parents when he was two years of age.

Frederick Gratz met the pioneer conditions with the courage and determination which have been characteristic of all pioneers of Swiss birth and ancestry. Out of the wilderness, a heavily-timbered country, he made his. new home, and it was amid those surroundings that Christian Gratz spent his childhood and attended school in the typical log cabin school house. During the first few winters, Frederick Gratz taught the school. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Gratz were the parents of four sons and four daughters, of which Christian was the eldest.

Christian Gratz grew to manhood on the old homestead and remained there until he was about twenty-three or twenty-four years of age. At that time, about 1856, he married Catherine Steiner, who was born in Richland township, Allen county, June 30, 1837, a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Schumacher) Steiner, both of whom were natives of Switzerland and who came to America immediately after their marriage. They settled in Richland township about two and one-half miles west of Bluffton, where Catherine Steiner was born, the eldest of a family of seven daughters and four sons.

After his marriage. Christian Gratz located one and one-half miles southwest of Bluffton, his farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land. It was there he reared his family of fifteen children, four of whom died in infancy. Among the children were three sets of twins, one of each pair having died in infancy. The names of the twelve surviving children are: Samuel, Leah, Andrew, Elias, Louis, Marian, Lydia, Barbara, Peter,. Fannie, Isaac and Lena.

It was on the old Steiner homestead that Leah Basinger spent her girlhood and attended the district school, which was first held in an old churchand later in a brick school house. On May 9, 1881, at the age of twenty-two, she married Noah W. Basinger, her late husband, who was born on September- 20, 1858, in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, about three miles southwest of Pandora, and who died at Columbus Grove, September 23, 1903.

Noah W. Basinger was the son of Christian and Anna (Amstutz) Basinger. Christian Basinger was a native of Switzerland. His parents died while he was a child and he was reared by Leah's great-great-grandfather Steiner, who brought him to America when he was sixteen years of age. He grew to manhood in Wayne county, Ohio. Shortly after his marriage he moved to Riley township, Putnam county, where he bought the farm, which later became the property of Noah W. Basinger, his youngest son, and where Leah Basinger now makes her home.

Christian and Anna (Amstutz) Basinger were the parents of nine children, two of whom died in infancy. The surviving children are : Jonathan, John, Catherine, Stephen, David, Christian and Noah.

Noah Basinger was born and reared on the old homestead, three miles southwest of Pandora. There he attended the district school and early took up his life work as a farmer. He continued to operate the home farm, after his marriage? and until 190T, when he retired from farming and entered the coal business at Columbus Grove. That business he continued until the time of his death, September 23, 1903.

Noah Basinger was a supporter of the Democratic party, but never took an active interest in political matters. He was a successful farmer and made a specialty of stock feeding. He was a member of the Ebenezer Mennonite church, of which his wife was also a member. She later joined the Grace church. Noah Basinger was a well-known and popular citizen, always interested in local affairs and ready to support any movement which seemed for the betterment of the community. He was a good Christian, and a man' of high ideals and unquestioned integrity.

To Noah and Leah (Gratz) Basinger were born eight children : Tilman was born on April 25, 1883. He married Lena Stouffer and made his home at Columbus Grove. To them have been born three children, Alice Rexine, Sarah Medway and Janice Hildreth; Sophia, November 2, 1885, and is the wife of Charles Eversole. They are the parents of three children, Adrian Eugene, Ethel Elnora and Ray Olan, who died in infancy; Orville, July 7, 1887, died March 27, 1891 ; Denis, October 7, 1889, died on October 19, 1891, at the age of two years; Delia, July 12, 1891, died on April 30, 1893; Hiram, September i, 1893, ^^'^^ Luella and Llewellyn, twins, March 9, 1897. Leah Basinger is a prominent member of her community, being closely identified with church work and with many local matters. She is held in high respect and esteem by all her neighbors and has a large circle of friends.

Louis Hermiller

The farm is the granary for the office, the store and the shop. It is the farm which must feed and clothe that section of the population which produces no food and no raw material for clothing. Prices of food and clothing have experienced an upward trend for several years and are becoming next to prohibitive for great sections oi the population. The conclusion is obvious that the production must be increased if the non-producers of food are to be fed. It is very generally agreed that there is not enough food to go around, that a shortage of supply has enhanced the prices for all classes. This condition has made farming very profitable. Within recent years the young farmers have been able to make a substantial profit out of their business, and one of the prosperous young farmers of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, is Louis Hermiller, who has devoted himself assiduously to his chosen vocation.

Louis Hermiller was born on April 29, 1888, in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, three and one-half miles from Glandorf. He is the son of William and Philomena (Recker) Hermiller.

William Hermiller was born in Ottawa township, in January, 1858, and died on November 24, 19 10. He was reared as a farmer and received his education in the Ottawa township schools. He remained on his father's farm until his marriage to Philomena Recker, and after his marriage moved to Union township, where he had purchased an eighty-acre famr. Subsequently, he added to this farm until he had more than four hundred acres at the time of his death. He was a very industrious man and his success was due to his untiring industry and splendid knowledge of farming, as well as to his business ability. He cleared the land and remained on the farm until his death. Mrs. Philomena (Recker) Hermiller was also a native of Ottawa township. She was a daughter of Henry Recker, who was a native of Germany and who came to America and settled in Ottawa township, Putman county, in pioneer times. They underwent the privations and hardships common to their day and generation. At that time much wild game abounded and the land was heavily timbered. There were no roads and few settlers.

To William and Philomena (Recker) Hermiller the following children -were born: Benjamin, Louis, Frederick, William, Herman, Mary, John and Bernadina. Of these William, Herman, Mary, John and Bernadina live with their mother in the home place in Union township. Benjamin married Elizabeth Verhoff. He is a farmer in Union township and they have one child, Marcella. Fred married Amalia Hanneman, and they live in Greensburg township. The mother of these children lives on the old homestead in Union township with her unmarried children. She assisted materially in the success of her husband and is highly respected by the people of this community.

Louis Hermiller was educated in the Union township schools and was reared on his father's farm, where he passed his early life like the average farmer's son. Mr. Hermiller was married on April 17, 1912, to Mary Hanneman, who was born in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, and -who is the daughter of Barney and Anna (Rolfes) Hanneman.

Barney Hanneman was born in Glandorf, Germany. He came to America at the age of eighteen with a colony of Germans and settled in Ottawa township, Putnam county. He helped develop this township, clearing the land of the heavy timber, and was prominent in the affairs of this community throughout his life. After his marriage, he bought a farm in Union township, of forty acres, which he developed. To this he, subsequently, added a hundred and fifty-five acres, making a total of a hundred and ninety-five acres. He still lives on the farm in Union township. Mrs. Barney Hanneman, his wife, was born in Glandorf, Germany, and came to America alone when twenty-two years of age. She was educated in her native land and' after her arrival in America, came to Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, which was a German settlement, and which had been settled by natives of Glandorf -Germany, where she had been born. She is still living on the farm in Union township. She and her husband are members of the Catholic church at Glandorf, where she reared a family of six children, as follow Mrs Henry Jerwers, of Union township; Mrs. Fred Hermiller, who lives in Greensburg township; Clementine and Joseph who live at home Mr and

After his marriage, Louis Hermiller came to his present farm of eighty acres, in section 36, of Palmer township. He worked hard and, eventually, converted this farm into a paying proposition. He built most of the buildings and made many other improvements. Mr. Hermiller had a hard time^ at first, but by unceasing industry he has succeeded and made out of his farm one of the best in this section of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Hermiller have, one child, Frances, born April 25, 1913.

Mr. Hermiller has a barn equipped with all the modern conveniences. He has erected a specially-built farm power-house. It is equipped with a gasoline engine and has line shafting which operates the feed cutter, washing machine, milk separator, apple press, seed separator and many other laborsaving devices. Mr. Hermiller also has his own forge and machine shop.

Louis Hermiller is a Democrat. He and his family are members of St. Nicholas Catholic church, at Miller City, Ohio. He is a successful farmer, progressive in all his ideas, not in reference to farming, but with reference to civic, political and social life. He is pleasant and agreeable in manner, and is well read and well informed.

John A. Myers

There came to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1883 a young couple who had just been rriarried. They bought a farm in Van Buren township and there started to make their home. They had a small, two-roomed log cabin, and in this they lived until such a time as they were able to provide for themselves a more comfortable home. Today, John A. Myers is one of the substantial farmers of his township, and the success which has come to him and his good wife bears ample witness to the fact that they have worked faithfully and well to provide for themselves and their children.

John A. Myers, the son of David and Mary E. (Eraker) Myers, was born on May 6, 1861, in Franklin county, Ohio. His father, who was the son of Chris Myers, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and came tO' Franklin county, Ohio, where he bought a farm near Reynoldsburg. He made two trips from Pennsylvania to Franklin county, Ohio, before he finally located in the latter county, bringing his wife and one child with him on his second trip.

David Myers was a shoemaker by trade and worked at this when he was not engaged in farming. He remained on this farm only a few years and then removed west of Columbus, where he bought another farm, on which he hved until his death, on April 23, 1887. His wife, Mary Fraker, was also a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. David and Mary (Fraker) Myers were the parents of eight children : Margaret, deceased ; John A., of Van Buren township; David W., of Hillard, Ohio, who married Anna Burket, and has three children. Hazel, Flossie and Norman, the latter of whom died at the age of nineteen; Ezra, who marrid Carrie Rodgers, and has three children. Perry, Flora and George; Eva, who married Charles Glasier, a farmer of this county, and has four children, Ethel, Lester, Garnet and Ivalu; Katherine and Theney both died in infancy, and Benjamin F., who married Annie Miller, and has two children, Earl and Elizabeth.

John A. Myers was reared in Franklin county, Ohio, and lived there until he was married at the age of twenty-two. He received a good common school education and remained at home, assisting his father on the farm until that year. Immediately after his marriage he and his young bride set out for their new home in Putnam county, where thev purchased a farm just east of Belmore on the old Defiance road. Their assets consisted of their good health and a strong ambition to succeed. The little log cabin in which they started to housekeeping is still standing. It was here that they saw their early struggles and here it was that most of their children were born. They worked with a determination to improve their farm and they have succeeded to an admirable degree. Mr. Myers has been especially successful in raismg stock and has given particular attention to hog raising He is free to give much credit to his excellent wife for much of the success which has attended his efforts.

John A. Myers was married on October 11, 1883, to Caroline E Smith a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Fedders) Smith. Her father was a native of Germany and came to America, at the age of four, with his parents and located m Franklin county, Ohio. Margaret Fedders was a native of New York state and came to Franklin county, Ohio, with her parents when she was a child. John A. and Caroline E. (Smith) Myers are the parents of eleven children, Elizabeth Jane, David Elmer, Lulu May, Mabel John E Garnet William, George A., Eva Marie, Zula Pearl, Gladys Fay and Blanche Margaret. Three of these children are deceased : Mabel, who died at the age of nineteen; Eva Marie, who died at the age of two years, seven months and twenty-nine days, and Zula Pearl, who died at the age of fourteen David Elmer, a farmer of this county, married Eva Rader, and has two children, Harold and Glenn; Zula May married Harry Todd, a farmer of this county, and has two daughters, Agnes and Lucile. The other children are still single and living at home.

John A. Myers is a Democrat in politics, but has never cared to take an active part in poHtical work. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Belmore, and his two sons, John and Garnet, are also members of the same lodge. Although not a member of any church, Mr. Myers is an attendant of the Presbyterian church, of which denomination his wife is a member. Mr. Myers is a man of energy and industry, and he and his family are highly esteemed in the community where they reside.

A successful member of the dental profession who is now residing at Leipsic, Putnam county, Ohio, is Alpha H. Barber, D. D. S., who has been a resident of this county for the past seven years. Receiving a good common and high school education, he taught school for a time and then graduated from an excellent dental school, since which time he has been following his profession. Since becoming a resident of Leipsic, he has taken an active part in the life of the community and has taken a deep interest in religious, educational and fraternal 'affairs.

Alpha H. Barber, who is the son of Hiram S. and Charlotte (Shoop) Barber, was born at Swanton, Fulton county, ' Ohio, May 25,^1875. His father was also a native of Fulton county, his birth occurring there about 1841, his mother being born in Erie county, Ohio, January 9, 1845. Hiram S. Barber and wife were the parents of four children: Rose, who died at the age of fifteen ; Mary, the wife of George Murphy, of Antwerp, and the mother of two children, Claren and Jennie; Lottie, the wife of William Tehan, of Toledo, Ohio, and the mother of two chillren. Alpha F. and Pauline, and Dr. Alpha H., of Leipsic.

Hiram S. Barber grew to manhood on the same farm, in Fulton county, where he was born. He enHsted for services in the Union army by becoming a member of the Fifty-fifth Regiment, Ohio ^Volunteer Infantry, and served during practically the entire struggle. His regiment was with General Sherman on his famous march through Georgia, and he participated in all the hard-fought engagements in that state. He also fought in Virginia. His health was seriously impaired while he was in the war and he- returned.

a few months before it ended, and died shortly afterw^ard, from disease contracted while in the service. Hiram S. Barber and Charlotte Schoop lived in Swanton for about fifteen years, and then moved to Paulding, Paulding county, Ohio, where the mother is now living.

Alpha A. Barber lived in Swanton until he was about five years of age, and then the family moved to Antwerp, in Paulding county. He graduated from the common and high schools at Antwerp, and immediately after finishing the course in the high school began to teach in the public schools of that county. After teaching two years he became a student in the Ohio Dental College, at Cincinnati, and took a complete three-years course in that excellent institution. Immediately after his graduation, he located at Deshler, Henry county, Ohio, for the practice of his profession and remained there for eight years. He then removed to Leipsic, where he has since been practicing with a success which speaks well for his ability as a skillful dentist.

Doctor Barber was married on May 9, 1904, to Vesta Cunningham, the daughter of Robert and Mary (Hipkins) Cunningham, and to this union one son has been born, Robert, who is now eight years of age. Robert and Mary (Hipkins) Cunningham were the parents of three children, Vesta. Doane and Edward.

Doctor Barber is president of the board of education of Leipsic and actively interested in education matters. He and his family are loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a member of the official board of his denomination. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and is worshipful master of his lodge. He. is also a member of the Modern Woodmen, and is clerk of the lodge at Leipsic.

Noah Schumacher

Success is the result of many factors which are not likely to appear in a bare statement of facts concerning a man's life. Success, however, is by no means a matter of accident. On the contrary, it is the result of careful, painstaking, diligent attention to business. Imagination, perhaps, is more vital to success than industry or even economy in personal and private life. Good judgment is merely one phase of a healthy, active imagination. Noah Schumacher is possessed of all these qualities and, moreover, has won the reputation for strict honesty and square dealing, no small factors in his personal success. Everything he has touched has turned out well, because he reasoned well regarding the future. Now, although he has hardly arrived at the prime of life, he is able to look back upon his career with keen satisfaction, for he is a man who has made each moment count for something.

Noah Schumacher was born on August 14, 1877, in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio, the son of Christian P. and Regina (Steiner) Schumacher. Christian P. Schumacher was also born in Richland township, Allen county, April 20, 1848, the son of Peter and Magdalene (Suter) Schumacher. Peter Schumacher was a native of Basel, Switzerland, who came to America about 1835, and who settled in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio, where he entered land from the government. Peter Schumacher and wife were the parents of sixteen children, all of whom grew to maturity and, in turn, reared large families. Their names are: Christian, Adam, David, Daniel, John, Benjamin, Peter, Magdalene, Barbara, Elizabeth, Mary, Fannie, Catherine, Susan and Sarah, twins, and Lydia.

Peter Schumacher lived on the old homestead in Richland township, Allen county, until his death. In addition to being a farmer, he was a minister of the Mennonite church ; Christian, the eldest son, was reared on the old homestead and, when twenty-two years old, was married to Regina Steiner, the daughter of Benjamin and Mary Ann (Moser) Steiner. Her parents were also pioneers. After his marriage, Christian Schumacher located on part of his father's land and here he lived until 1908, when he sold this place and purchased a farm adjoining Pandora, on the north, where he now lives in retirement. Christian Schumacher and wife have had fourteen children; Samuel, of Arizona; Helena, the wife of Daniel Diller, also resides in Arizona; Menno, who married Lena Diller; Noah, the subject of this sketch; Reuben, who lives in Putnam county ; Sarah, who resides in Arizona ; Albert, who married Sarah Weida ; Cyrus, who married Olivia Hilty ; Franklin and William, twins, who died in infancy; Hiram, who lives at Napoleon, Ohio; Orlin, Salena and Oliver, all of whom are single and at home.

Noah Schumacher spent his boyhood days in Richland township, on the old homestead, and attended the common schools, and later, the Ohio Normal University at Ada. After finishing school, he took a position with Hipkins Brothers of Ottawa and, in the late fall of 1897, purchased an interest in the firm of P. A. Amstutz & Company. This connection he retained until 1903, when the firm changed to the Pandora Dry Goods and Clothing Company. At this time he became manager, and still holds this position. Under his direction the firm has enjoyed a very healthy growth, until today it is one of the leading stores in Pandora. In addition to his interests in this mercantile business, he has other financial and commercial interests.

On August 19, 1902, at the age of twenty-five, Mr. Schumacher was married to Mary Kempf, the daughter of Rudolph and Anna (Wehrley) Kempf, of Pandora. The former is a native of Switzerland and the latter of Riley township, Putnam county. To this happy union have been born three boys, Glenn Frederick, Earl Franklin and Wayne Richard.

Noah Schumacher is a member of the Missionary Church Association, of which association he is also treasurer. The headquarters of the church is at Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Noah Schumacher is a deacon in the local church. He is a clean-cut, young business man and one who enjoys, to the utmost, the confidence of the citizens of his community. He is modest, intelligent and honest, a devout Christian and, in fact, one of the finest types of manhood to be found anywhere in Putnam county.

John D. Bridenbaugh

John D. Bridenbaugh is one of the most enterprising farmers of Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is a man, who, by correct methods and a strict regard for the interest of others, has made his influence felt in Riley township. He is one of those men whose integrity and strength of character must bring them into admirable notice, yet a notice which their modesty never seeks. John D. Bridenbaugh is a man who has lived an honorable and useful life. He is one of those individuals to be found in nearly every community, who, by reason of ability and force of character, rise above the heads of the masses and command the highest esteem of their fellow men.

John D. Bridenbaugh, a successful farmer of Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born there on August 2, 1862. He is the son of Michael and Jemimah (Graham) Bridenbaugh, the former of whom was born on December 15, 1820, in Summit county, Ohio. Michael Bridenbaugh's parents were natives of Pennsylvania and his grandparents of Germany. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers of Michael Bridenbaugh were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, two of his brothers, William and David, were in the Civil War, the former of whom was killed, and another in the Mexican War.

Michael Bridenbaugh came from Summit county, Ohio, to Putnam county, in 1835, settling in Blanchard township. It seems that Michael's father settled in Hancock county, west of Findlay, where he entered land from the government. Michael was one of a large family, consisting of about fourteen children, ten of whom lived to maturity. Michael was next to the eldest and, at the age of fifteen, he began to shift for himself. He came to Blanchard township and worked for several of the old pioneer farmers. He was married, first to Nancy Evans on November 5, 1854. She lived only a short time after their marriage and, at her death, left one son, Nathan Emery, who was born on August 14, 1855, arid died at the age of eight years, July 30, 1863. Nancy Evans was born on August 4, 1828. Michael Bridenbaugh was married again, shortly afterward, on February 5, 1857, to Jemimah Graham, who was born in Big Lick township, Hancock county, Ohio, and who was the daughter of John and Sarah (Thomas) Graham. John Graham was a pioneer of Hancock county, who entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Big Lick township, about 1832. He and his wife were natives of Kentucky and had three sons and two daughters: George W. ; Jemimah ; Monroe ; Thomas, who was killed in the Civil War, and Mary, all of whom are now deceased. After his second marriage, Michael Bridenbaugh settled on the banks of Riley creek, in the northwestern part of Riley township, where he purchased about one hundred and sixty acres of land. He later added to this farrn, until he owned two hundred and seventy acres when he died. None of the land was cleared when he acquired possession of it. He first built a small one-story frame house and a log barn. This little house was replaced, in 1877, by a more commodious brick residence, in which John D. Bridenbaugh lives today. Michael Bridenbaugh also built barns and other outbuildings in keeping with the brick house. He was a breeder of Belgian horses and was very successful with them. He was a Democrat and has served as county commissioner for two terms, or in all, six years, and was also trustee of Riley township for six years, was also a member of the school board for several years and held other honorary positions and was a member of the United Brethren church, as was also his wife. By his second hmnagt, there were three children, Sarah A., born on January 31, 1858, die^ on August 16, 1863; John D., the subject of this sketch; and Emma E., March 16, 1867, who is the deceased wife of A. M. Emmons. She had five children, Carrie, Gertrude, Earl, Jemimah and Laurel, deceased. The mother of these children died on September 12, 1903. Michael Bridenbaugh was a typical pioneer who started with nothing and who, by great industry, established a home and built up a comfortable fortune in what was once a wilderness. He was a man of strong convictions, high ideals and unquestioned integrity, as are evident by the number of offices conferred upon him by his fellow citizens.

John D. Bridenbaugh was born on the old homestead and spent his childhood here. He attended the district schools and after finishing his studies there helped his father on the home place, until his parent's death.

On September 20, 1898, John D. Bridenbaugh was married to Ella Diller, who was born on May 29, 1873, in Riley township. She was the daughter of John D. and Fanny (Wearley) Diller, both of whom came from pioneer stock. John D. Diller's father was a native of Switzerland and came to Putnam county at an early day.

After his marriage, Mr. Bridenbaugh continued to farm the old place on which he has been very successful. He now owns two hundred acres of land and has always done general farming, feeding cattle and hogs for the market.

John D. Bridenbaugh is a Democrat and has been a member of the school board for several years. Mr. Bridenbaugh is an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church, where his wife is a member. He is a progressive farmer and one of the substantial citizens of Putnam county.

A promising young dentist of Leipsic, Ohio, is Ewing V. Burns, D. D. S.,- who has been practicing his profession in that place since 1905. He comes, from a prominent family of Troy, Ohio, where his father has been engaged inthe practice of law since the close of the Civil War, in which struggle he was an honorable participant. Doctor Burns is a graduate of the high school at Troy and of the dental department of the University of Cincinnati, and, in addition, has taken special training in other dental schools. He is a young man of exceptional ability, and, since living in Leipsic, has taken a very prominent part in the civic life of that place, and is now serving in an efhcienti manner as mayor of the village.

Ewing V. Burns, who is the son of Charles N. and Eliza (Bailey) Burns, was born in Troy, Ohio, on January 21, 1882. He is one of two sons born to his parents, the other son being John C.

Charles N. Burns, the son of Robert and Eliza (Vance) Burns, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 21, 1839, on the site now occupied by the John Church Company, at the corner of Fourth and Plum streets. When- he was thirteen years of age, Charles N. Burns moved, with his mother, to Troy, Ohio, and there attended the common and high schools, graduating from the latter in three years. At the age of twenty-one he enlisted in an Ohio regiment and served until 1864, when he was honorably discharged on account of wOunds received in the service. Among other leaders in that great conflict under whom he served were Generals Burnside and McClellan. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Antietam, South Mountain and the second battle of Bull Run. After the close of the Civil War, he returned to his home in Troy, Ohio, and took up the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in a short time at Troy. He continued in the active practice of his profession until 1914, when he retired. Charles N. Burns was twice married, his second wife being Eliza Bailey, to whom he was married on October i, 1873. She was born at Sidney, Ohio, on January 4, 1841, her ancestors being English descent. The Bailey family of Ohio have traced their family record back to the landing of the "Mayflower," when a member of the family came to America. Eliza Bailey's father was born at Baltimore in 1799, while her mother, Lydia Day, was born at Frederick, Maryland, on December 28, 1806.

Ewing V. Burns was educated in the public schools of Troy, Ohio, and graduated from the high school. He took a prominent part in athletics while in high school, and was captain of the Troy football team in 1899. After leaving the high school he entered the Central Dental College at Indianapolis, Indiana, and remained there two years. He completed his dental course in the University of Cincinnati in the spring of 1903, and then took special work in Chicago, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati for the ensuing two years. He located at Leipsic, Putnam county, Ohio, in 1905, where he has huilt up a large and lucrative practice in his chosen profession.

Ewing V Burns, D. D. S., was married on August 11, 1909, to Bessie L. Davis, of Troy, Ohio, a daughter of J. O. Davis and wife, of that city. Doctor Burns is a member of the Eree and Accepted Masons and the Royal Arch, of Ottawa, the commandery at Eindlay and Zenobia Temple Mystic Shrine at Toledo. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Arcanum. He gives his hearty support to the Republican party and has been one of the leaders of his party in Leipsic since becoming a resident of this place. A striking evidence of his popularity as a public-spirited citizen is shown by the fact that he was elected mayor of Leipsic in November, 19 13, and is 'now performing the duties of this office in a very satisfactory manner. Doctor Burns is a young man with progressive ideas in regard to civic life and a man whose ideals are in accordance with the highest type of American citizenship.

John A. Walters

The prosperity and substantial welfare of a community depend very largely upon the character and enterprise of its business men, as much on those of the younger and rising generation as on those who have already achieved success and reached the goal of their desires. It is the progressive, wide-awake men of affairs who make the real histoi-y of a county or state and upon them also rests the responsibility of giving moral tone to the body politic, of directing thought and shaping opinion, and of taking the lead in all progressive measures for the public good. To this class of strong, virile young men belongs John Walters, of Riley township, Putnam county, a young man of sterling character and sttirdy worth.

John Walters was born on September 12, 1885, in Monroe township, Allen county, Ohio, a son of Jesse S. and Mary (Krass) Walters, the latter of whom was the daughter of Michael and Lyda Krass. Jesse Walters was bom in Fairfield county, Ohio, on February 15, 1839, and died at Bluffton, Ohio, June 24, 1914. He was a son of John Walters and wife, married first to Lila Ramsey, who died, after which he married Anna Moore.

Grandfather John Walters was a farmer and moved from Fairfield county, Ohio, to Hancock county, about 1849, when Jesse Walters was about ten years of age. There he bought a fai-m on the banks of the Blanchard river, between three and four miles west of Findlay, Ohio, and it was on that farm that Jesse Walters grew to manhood. John Walters was twice married, having had seven children by his first union, and three by his second. Jesse Walters was a son of the first marriage, his mother having died after he had himself married. John Walters died on July 15, 1864.

Jesse Walters attended a typical log-cabin school and helped his father on the old homstead. He was a great reader and improved his mind at every opportunity. After his marriage to Mary Krass he bought a little farm near the old homestead, where he and his wife lived for a few years, after which they moved to Monroe township, Allen county. It was on this fann that John Walters was born. There Jesse Walters bought a farm, which was nearly all timber, while a large portion of it was under water. Only sufficient land had been cleared for the erection of the house, a one-room afifair, built of planks. This served the family for several years, after which a somewhat more pretentious house was built. It was in this second house that John Walters was born.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Jesse Walters enlisted in the Twentyfirst Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at the first call for volunteers. He served throughout the entire war and, during his last years as a soldier wascommander of his brigade. He participated in several of the most important engagements of the war, including Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and the march to the sea.

To Jesse and Mary (Krass) Walters four children were born, as follow : Emma, who is the wife of John Gillespie, of Kent, Ohio, and to whom has been born three children; Mable, deceased; Howard and Melvin; Harmon, who lives in Beaver Dam, Ohio, married Sarah Stager and has five children, Florence, Charles, Lillie, Elmer and John; Mary (Mollie) who is the wife of Brake Fruchey and lives near Rockport, Ohio, is the mother of three children, Wilbur, deceased; Mary; Lawrence; and John, the subject of this sketch.

Jesse Walters and wife were both members of the United Brethren church, in which denomination Jesse Walters was a preacher, attached to> the church at Lewis Comers, Allen county, and to St. Paul's church, Riley township, Putnam county. He was a devout Christian and took part with Reverend Furgeson in several revival meetings. Mrs. Walters was likewise an active church worker and a beautiful Christian character.

When John Walters was about two years of age, his parents moved to near Rockport, Monroe township, a few miles from his birthplace. The family lived there for about twelve years, and. it was there the subject spent his childhood and attended the old Rockport district school. From that place, the family moved to Pandora in the fall of 1899, where Jes^e Walters lived a somewhat retired life until his death. It was there that Mrs. Walters died on September 20, 1910, at the age of sixty-one. In October, 191 1, Jesse Walters married a second time, his second wife being Mrs. Kate Putnam. They lived in Pandora for one year, and then moved to Bluffton, where Mr. Walters died, two years later.

John Walters did not go to Pandora with his parents, but came to that place in the spring of 1900. During the next two years, he employed his time in doing odd jobs, and, at the age of sixteen, obtained a position with the Pandora Overall Company, with which concern he has been associated, continually, since that time, with the exception of one year. His first employment with that company was that of a button riveter, and from that position he has risen steadily through all the departments of the manufacturing end of the business. He is at present in charge of the cutting department, a position which he has held for nine years.

on October i, 1880, a daughter of William and Hattie Agner. To this union have been born two children, Leonard and Raymond. Mrs. Walters spent her childhood with her parents, near Ottawa, where she attended both the -common and high schools. She remained with her mother until the time -of her marriage, her father having died several years previous to that time.

John Walters is a supporter of the Republican party and has always taken an intelligent interest in the political affairs of his community, although he has never aspired to public office. Mrs. Walters is a member of the Church of Christ, in which she is an active worker. Mr. Walters is one of the clean-cut and progressive citizens of Pandora, a man of excellent character, high ideals and unquestioned integrity. In business, his qualifications are best expressed by the appellation "live wire," so often used as the highest form of compliment in these days of hustle.

Howard Humphreys

There is no profession which is more closely interwoven with the intimate things of humanity or in which a follower must possess more of the milk of human kindness than in that of the undertaker. He is called into a house of mourning at a time when the inmates are bowed down by the first throes of their grief, when their thoughts cannot be centered upon the next steps to be taken and when, above all other times, they need the presence of a helping hand to which they can, with implicit confidence, entrust the cares and duties the occasion requires. At such times the undertaker enters the family circle, coming not in the guise of one who is to remove from it a beloved member, but rather as a true friend to whom may be trusted the care of the earthly remains of one who, at that moment, is held more dear than ever before. He comes without ostentation and with words of sympathy and comfort ready his lips ; he practically assumes, for the time being, all the responsibilities the bereaved family, and stands between its members and all jarring contact with the outside world. He is the friend in need and the trusted adviser, never conspicuous, but ever at hand to ward off from the grief-stricken family all outside influences which might threaten to profane these, the holiest moments of their lives. Small wonder it is that the men who perform such -offices should be among the most beloved members of their communities, and it is with such a man that this sketch deals.

Ohio, a son of William J. and Margaret J. (Davis) Humphreys. William J. Humphreys was born in North Wales on August 27, 1828, and died in Marion township, Allen county, Ohio, November 18, 1888. He came to America with his parents when he was thirteen years of age, and settled in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, where his father spent the remainder of his life. William Humphreys remained with his parents until he reached his majority, then he came to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked for a short time.

In Cincinnati he met and married Margaret J. Davis, who was born in South Wales, April 7, 1832, a daughter of Jabez Davis and wife. She died on October 8, 1874. Mrs. Humphreys came to America with her parents about 1S42, when she was ten years of age. The family settled in Jackson county, Ohio, where her father engaged in farming. There he lived and died at an advanced age, his wife having died several years previous to his death.

After his marriage, William Humphreys returned to Cambria county, Pennsylvania, where he remained for a few years, and then returned to Marion township, Allen county, Ohio. There he purchased eighty acres of land for himself and eighty acres for his father. Later, after his father's death, he purchased the latter's farm also. At the time of the original purchase of the farms the land was practically in a virgin state and Mr. Humphreys was obliged to expend much energy and hard labor in clearing it and preparing it for cultivation. The family lived in an old log house, which stood on the father's land, where seven of William Humphrey's ten children were born. The old log house was later replaced by a substantial frame structure, in which William Humphreys passed his declining years.

Ten children were born to William and Margaret J. (Davis) Humphreys, as follow: John W., who married Margarette Jane Evans, deceased, who had four children, one of which is deceased; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Noah E. Brenneman and the mother of four children, three of which are living; Harriett, who died at the age of twenty-eight; George W., who married Frances Ridenour and has two children; Howard, the subject of this sketch; Mary, who was taken to bring up by her father's sister, Ellen, of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, and who died at the age of six years; David, who married Delia Sherrick and has two children; William, who died at the age of twentytwo, and Emily, deceased, who was the wife of Daniel Huffer and who had one child, and Margaret, died in infancy.

Howard Humphreys remained on the homestead until he was twentyeight years of age. He attended the schools of his township and assisted his father in the work of operating the farm. In November, 1888, when he was twenty-six years of age, he married Myrtle Babcock, a daughter of William

Babcock and wife. Her parents were natives of Crawford county, Ohio, and later settled in Putnam county. Mrs. Humphreys died on November 26,. 1896. No children were born to that union.

Two years after his, marriage, in 1890, Mr. Humphreys bought a farm. in Washington township, Van Wert county, Ohio, where he remained four years. He then removed to Blufifton, Ohio, where he engaged in the livery business for two years. In the spring, after his wife's death, he moved tO' Columbus Grove, where he continued in the livery business for one year. He then purchased an interest in the furniture business of Hartman & Alstetter,, buying Mr. Alstetter's interests, the firm being then known as Hartman & Humphreys. He retained his interest in that business for three years and then sold his share to Mr. Hartman. His next business enterprise was when he purchased the interest of J. M. Crawford in the Columbus Grove Lumber Company, with which he was identified during the next four and one-half years. Six months after selling his interest in the lumber company, he bought a half interest in the furniture and undertaking business of C. B. Sterling. That was in 1906, and Mr. Humphreys has been identified with that businessup to the present time, having met with great success.

On October 9, 1899, he married a second time, his second wife being Emma R. Light, who was born in Putnam county, on August 13, 1873, a daughter of David and Rosanna Light. David Light was born on November 2"], 1840, in Richland county, Ohio, a son of David and Barbara (Fackler) Light, who came from Lebanon county, Pennsylvania. Rosanna (Bricker) Light was born on March 7, 1842, a daughter of Levi and Catherine (Warner) Bricker, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Howard Humphreys was educated in the common schools of Putnam county and in the high school at Columbus Grove. She later attended Fostoria Academy, where she took a normal course. Three children have been born to Howard and Emma. R. (Light) Humphreys, as follow: David Walter, William Howard and Norman Light, all of whom are living at home and are still attending school.

Howard Humphreys is a supporter of the Republican party and hastaken an intelligent interest in the political affairs of his community, althoughhe has never aspired to public office. He is a member of Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 376, of Columbus Grove, Ohio. Both Howard Humphreys and wife are members of the First Christian church and are active in church work, Mr. Humphreys having served the church as a trustee.

As a citizen, Mr. Humphreys ranks high in his community, where he is deeply respected by all who know him. He is a man of high ideals, strict business integrity and many sterling qualities.

John Barney Verhopf

It cannot be other than interesting to note, in the series of personal sketches appearing in this work, the varying conditions that have compassed those whose careers are here outlined. An effort has been made in each case to throw a well-focused light on the individuality and to bring into proper perspective the scheme of each career. Each man who strives to fulfill his part, in connection with human life and human activities, deserves recognition, whatever his field of endeavor. And it is the function of works of this nature to perpetuate for future generations an authentic record concerning those represented in its pages. The value of such publications is certain to be cumulative for all time, and will present for posterity the individual and specific accomplishment of each generation.

John Barney Verhoff, a well-known farmer in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born on his father's farm, April 15, 1875. He is the son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff, the former of whom was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, June 17, 1838, and the latter of whom was a daughter of Theodore Egbers, and a native of Germany. Theodore Verhoff and Elizabeth Egbers were married on June 18, 1861, and had twelve children. Theodore Verhoff was the son of Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff, the former of whose parents lived and died in Germany, and the latter of whom was the daughter of Theodore and Gertrude (Veraking) Kramer.

John Barney Verhoff attended school in Greensburg township, and worked on his father's farm. He performed the usual labor which falls to the average country boy, and was industrious from the time of his youth.

Mr. Verhoff was married on November 3, 1903, to Mary Lemper, who was born on September 5, 1872, and who is the daughter of William and Clara (Drop) Lampert, natives of Germany, where they were married. The children of William and Clara (Drop) Lemper were as follow: Mary, the wife of J. B. Verhoff; William, Clara, and Agnes. William married Lena Wortmann, and lives in Michigan. They have six children; Clara married William Edelbrock, and lives in Union township; Agnes married William Verhoff, and lives near Owosso, Michigan. They have seven children.

After his marriage, John Barney Verhoff moved to his present farm of eighty acres, in Greensburg township. Mr. Verhoff owns this farm, upon -which he has erected some fine buildings, and made many substantial and

John Barney Verhoff beheves in having good horses and hve stock. He ow^ns some splendid Belgian horses and is also contemplating getting into the full-blood cattle-raising business, at this time having some splendid Shorthorn cattle on his place. Taken all in all, his live stock may be counted as first-class in every respect. He has a fine substantial barn on his place. He is very industrious and a hard-worker, which indicates a successful future. He has well-grounded opinions on topics of the day, is devoted to his wife and family and they, with their children, fonn a very happy circle.

John Barney Verhoff makes a specialty of chickens and thoroughbred Duroc- Jersey hogs. He is township health officer of Greensburg township, and in politics is a stanch Democrat. He is a sturdy type of the young 'German farmer, ambitious and acquainted with all the problems touching not only his vocation, but the political affairs of his state and the country at large. Temperamentally, Mr. Verhoff is pleasant and agreeable. He is popular in the township where he lives, and is a man who has never been known to violate a spoken or written prom.ise. Mr. and Mrs. Verhoff and family belong to the St. Nicholas Catholic church, at Kalida. His wife has co-operated faithfully with Mr. Verhoff to his ultimate success. They have a charming family.

Christian Schumacher, Jr

Among the worthy residents of Putnam county, Ohio, whose presence has been an important factor in the development of this great county, is Christian Schumacher, Jr. Mr. Schumacher's success has been due in a large degree to his prodigious industry, good management and upright character. The business of farming demands confidence, and where that is lacking, business is liable to end. Christian Schumacher has always possessed the confidence of his neighbors and the men with whom he has had business relations. His immediate associates and acquaintances respect him, and the younger generation has taken his life as an example for their careers! He not only is a progressive man of affairs and successful in material pursuits, but is a man of modest and unassuming demeanor, well informed and a fine type of a self-made American, a friend to the poor, charitable to the faults of his neighbors and always ready to unite with every good work

Christian Schumacher was born on April 20, 1848, in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio. He is the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Suter) Schumacher, the former of whom was born in 18 19, at Basel, Switzerland,. Christian Schumacher, Sr., and Elizabeth (Lugibihl) Schumacher were the parents of Peter Schumacher.

Christian Schumacher, Jr., lived on the old homestead farm, in Putnam county, until he was twenty-one years of age. Prior to attaining his majority, he attended the typical log cabin school until he was fourteen years of age. When about eighteen years of age, he learned the carpenter trade, and, at the age of twenty-one, left home and followed his trade for one year.

When Mr. Schumacher was twenty-two years old, he was married to Regina Steiner, the daughter of Ulrich and Mary Ann (Moser) Steiner. Ulrich Steiner was a native of Alsace, France, and the son of Christian and Catherine (Lugibihl) Steiner. His wife, who was Mary Ann Moser, was the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Wolley) Moser, all of whom were natives of Switzerland. Christian Steiner came to America in 1835, and was one of the founders of the Mennonite church in Putnam county. His son, Ulrich, became the first bishop of the church. Jacob Moser and family came to America in the early part of the nineteenth century, settling first in Virginia. Later, they came to Wayne county, Ohio, near Dalton.

After his marriage, Mr. Schumacher located on a farm four miles west of Bluffton, in Allen county, where he remained for thirty-five years. He then moved to a farm adjoining Pandora on the north. This farm, to which he moved after his marriage, had eighty acres which he rented for five years, when he purchased it. Later, he purchased twenty-nine acres more, giving him in all one hundred and nine acres. He sold this farm in 1907 and moved to the farm where he now lives. This farm he purchased, two years later, and in 1908, he bought the Deiter farm in the southeast part of Riley township, which consists of eighty acres. In January, 1915, Mr. Schumacher purchased forty-five acres lying east of the present home farm, giving him eighty-five acres in this farm. He has always done general farming and has been quite successful. He and his wife have been hard workers all their lives and have earned an honorable competence.

Christian and Regina (Steiner) Schumacher have been the parents of fourteen children, Samuel is unmarried and lives in Arizona; Helena is the wife of Daniel Diller, and lives in Phoenix, Arizona, where they have children as follow : Oliver, Edith, Herbert, Eunice, Catherine, Rhoda, Goldie,

Lillian, Glenn, Robert, who died at the age of three, and a baby who died in infancy; Menno married Lena Diller, and lives in Riley township, where they have two children, Arthur and Edgar; Noah lives in Pandora, where he married Mary Kempf and they have three children, Glenn, Earl and Wayne; Reuben is unmarried and lives in Riley township; Sarah is unmarried and lives at home; Albert married Sarah VVeida and lives in Pandora; Cyrus married Olivia Hilty, they have one child, Paul; Franklin and William, twins, died in infancy; Orlin is unmarried and at home; Hirham lives at Napoleon ; Salina and Oliver also live at home.

Reverting to Mr. Schumacher's ancestors: Christian Schumacher, Sr., his grandfather, was born in Alsace-Lorraine at the town of Florimont, in 1789, and came to America in 1836, with his wife and four children, Barbara, John, Peter and Christian. Christian Schumacher, Sr., operated a gristmill at Basel, Switzerland, and was also a wine merchant in Alsace-Lorraine. He did a wholesale, or brokerage, business in wine. He had a little farm of sixteen acres, just outside of Basel, which he sold to wealthy land owners there, on coming to America. Christian Schumacher and wife were thirtysix days on the water on their voyage to America, and a week in coming from New York City to Wayne county, Ohio. Part of the trip was made by canal boat. They remained in Wayne county, Ohio, about two weeks, visiting relatives, and then proceeded to Richland township, Allen county', formed a part of Putnam county, and here settled on a farm of two hundred and thirteen acres, three and one-half miles north of Shannon, later Bluffton, which he purchased of a man by the name of Gray. He later bought another farm of about two hundred acres southeast of the old homestead, from a man by the name of Sackett. In addition to this land, he entered other land from the government and had in all about nine hundred acres.

Christian Schumacher, Sr., was considered pretty well-to-do when he settled in the new country. He first lived in a log cabin, however, which was on the place, but soon afterward built a pretentious house of eight rooms after the colonial style. This house is still standing and is in a good state of preservation.

One of Christian Schumacher, Sr's, daughters, Barbara, was married to Peter Sterner before coming to America, he coming with the rest of the family.

Peter Schumacher, the father of Christian, Jr., was sixteen years old when he came with his parents to America. It was on the old homestead that he grew to manhood, where he was married, at about the age of twentyone, to Elizabeth Suter, the daughter of Christian and Magdalene (Steiner)

Suter, who was born on December 6, 1821, and who died on October 12, 1897. The Suters came originally from Berne, Switzerland. From there they moved to Alsace-Lorraine and it was there that Elizabeth Suter was bom. The family first settled in Rockingham county, Virginia, after coming to America, but remained only two years when they came to Holmes county, Ohio, remaining there but a short time, finally arriving in PutnaiTi county, Ohio, where they settled, one and one-half miles southeast of Pendleton, now Pandora. Here Peter Schuiiiacher continued to farm the old homestead, until his death on May 28, 1881, at the age of sixty-two. In addition to the two hundred and fourteen acres, in the original Schumacher homestead, which he inherited from his father, Peter purchased ninety acres from his brother John's son. Christian, which adjoins the old place on the south. Peter Schumacher lived on the old homestead all his life. In addition to being a farmer, he was a minister in the local Mennonite church. He was a well-educated, self-made man and spoke three languages fluently, German, French and English. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Among his other accomplishments, he taught school for three years and was appointed, on various occasions, to act as administrator and executor of estates. He was frequently called upon to draw up legal papers and to settle differences between his neighbors. In many ways he was easily the leader in the community. He was a man of high ideals, of sterling integrity and, in every way, a most excellent character.

Peter and Elizabeth (Suter) Schumacher had sixteen children, all of whom grew to man and womanhood, and all of whom reared large families. Barbara first married Christian Amstutz, and after his death David Basinger ; Magdalene married Abraham Bixler; Fannie is the wife of Peter T. Steiner; Mary married Christian Lugibihl; Elizabeth married Benjamin Hilty; Christian is the subject of this sketch; John married Barbara Geiger; Catherine became the wife of Jacob Steiner; Peter married Elizabeth Moser; David married Marian Geiger; Adam married Sarah Welty; Daniel married Sarah Gillion; Benjamin married Sarah Miller; Sarah became the wife of E. D. Kohli; Susan became the wife of Ulrich Steiner, and Lydia married Noah Moser.

In a large degree. Christian Schumacher has followed in the footsteps of his worthy father. He stands high in the community where he lives and commands the respect of everybody. He enjoys the reputation of being an upright citizen and one who has done very much for the community where he lives. Mr. Schumacher is a Democrat. He is a member of the Grace

Mennoiiite church, of which his son Albert is now the pastor. Formerly, Mr. Schumacher was a deacon in the Ebenezer church for ten years. He is. a man of strong religious convictions and faithful to every religious trust and duty.

Philip Neuenschwander

^ It is by no means an easy task to describe, within the limits of this review, the life of a man who has been eminently active and useful, and who by his own exertions, has reached the position of honor and trust in his business and in the political life of his community. But biography finds justification, nevertheless, in recording such a life history, since the public claim a certain interest in the career of every individual. The time invariably arrives when it become advisable to set forth the facts in a man's career. It IS with a certain degree of satisfaction that the chronicler essays the task of touching briefly upon the record of Philip Neuenschwander, a well-known citizen of Pandora and the proprietor of an automobile garage at this place. Philip Neuenschwander was born on July 23, 1861, in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio. He is the son of Isaac and Mary (Steiner) Neuenschwander. Isaac Neuenschwander was born in 1820, at Basel, Switzerland, and, in 1825, came to America withhis parents when five years of age. They were seventy-eight days on the voyage, and, upon arriving in this country, came first to Wayne county. There were five children in the family, three sons and two daughters, all of whom were born in Switzerland. They entered government land in Wayne county, the deed for which was written on leather. Here Isaac Neuenschwander spent his childhood on the homestead, and, when a young man, came to Richland township, Allen county, where he made his home with his brother, John, who was firming about four and one-half miles northwest of Bluffton. He remained with his brother about ten years when he was married to Mary Steiner. She was born in Richland township, one and one-half miles northwest of Bluffton about 1827, and her parents were pioneers of Allen county. After his marriage, Isaac Neuenschwander located on a fami five and one-half miles west of Bluffton, which comprised one hundred and sixty acres and was heavily timbered and largely covered with water. Here he lived until his death, in 1890. He passed through all of the pioneer experiences. He built a one and one-half story log cabin, which later burned in midwinter when there was a heavy snow on the ground. It was replaced by another, which served for a number of years, or until Mr. Neuenschwander built a tenroomed brick house, where Philip Neuenschwander was born and where he spent his childhood and grew to manhood. He attended the district schools in winter and helped his father and brothers clear the land during the summer. He remained on the old home place until twenty-three years of age.

Philip Neuenschwander was married in January, 1885, to Maggie Bixel, the daughter of Peter and Fannie (Suter) Bixel, the former of whom was a native of Wayne county and descended from Swiss pioneer stock, and the latter born two miles southeast of Pandora also of Swiss stock. After his marriage, Philip Neuenschwander located about two miles east of Pandora on the Ridge road, on the old Lenhart farm of eighty acres, and which he purchased, living here from 1885 until 1909. When Mr. Neuenschwander purchased this farm, fifty acres were cleared. He cleared the remainder of the land with the exception of seven and one-half acres. On this farm three children were born and reared. 'Five years after his marriage, he suffered the greatest misfortune of his life when his wife, who had been faithful and devoted to her husband, died on January 11, 1890.' She was a member of the Mennonite church and a young woman with a beautiful Christian character. Philip and Maggie (Bixel) Neuenschwander were the parents of three children, Willis Lee, who' is a student at Oberlin College, where he is preparing for the ministry; Waldo Milton, a graduate of the Ohio State Veterinary College, who was employed by the state for one year, when he located in Bluff ton, where he now enjoys a growing- practice in his chosen profession. He married Elma Steiner and they have one daughter, Elenora; Magdalena is still single and at home.

Philip Neuenschwander has been a very successful farmer. He retired from the farm in 1909, and moved to Pandora. Two years later, he disposed of his farm. After moving to Pandora, he was appointed township road supervisor and held this position for one year. After this, he bought an interest in the Pandora Cement Block Company and acted as manager of this firm for four years. He disposed of his interests in 19 14, and purchased the garage of Henry Suter. In company with L. G. Steiner, he has operated this garage since 19 14, which is known as the Pandora Auto Company. It has up-to-date equipments, a splendid salesroom and a large patronage.

Philip Neuenschwander is a Democrat, has been a member of the Riley township school board for five years, during which time the Pandora high school was built. He is a member of the Grace Mennonite church and a trustee of that denomination. There are no better men in Riley township than Philip Neuenschwander and few citizens who are more progressive and up-to-date than he. As a man, he enjoys the respect of all who know him, for he has a clean character and his integrity is unquestioned.

Edmund L. Laibe

It cannot be other than interesting to note, in the series of personal sketches appearing in this work, the varying conditions that have compassed those whose careers are outlined, and the effort has been made in each case to throw well-focused light upon the individuality and to bring into proper perspective the scheme of each respective career. Each man who strives to fulfill his part in connection with human life and human activities is deserving of recognition, whatever may be his field of endeavor, and it is the function of works of this nature to perpetuate, for future generations, an authentic record concerning .those represented in its pages, and the value of such publications is certain to be cumulative for all time to come, showing forth the individual and specific accomplishments of which generic history is ever engendered.

Edmund L. Laibe was born in Buffalo, New York, on November 7, 1854, and is the son of Marcus and Catherine (Basinger) Laibe, both natives of the old country from the Province of Alsace-Lorraine, and where the paternal and maternal grandparents lived and died. The maternal grandfather was a soldier under the great Napoleon, accompanying him on the march to Russia, and was present at the siege of Moscow. He was one of the few who returned to France after the great campaign of that year. Of the paternal grandparents' children, there was a son, John, besides the father of the subject of this review, who came to this country, and later died in the state of Michigan.

Marcus Laibe came to this country when he was twenty-one years of age, and, having learned the blacksmithing trade, entered into that business in New York and carried it on until about the time he met his future wife. Catherine Basinger left the province of Alsace-Lorraine when a very young girl, and was forty-eight days on board ship crossing the Atlantic ocean before her arrival in New York. After her marriage to Marcus Laibe, they continued to reside in New York, where he engaged in the baking business, laving learned the baker trade in the old country, which business he con- tinuecl for several years. Having decided to remove to the city of Buffalo, Nev\f York, where he located and established a blacksmith shop on Walnut street, he remained there for three or four years, then removed to the town of Pandora, Putnam county, Ohio, where he also engaged in blacksmithing, erected a shop for that purpose, and continued for a period of fourteen years. After these years, Edward Laibe's father acquired a farm consisting of eighty acres in Riley township, this county, which he cleared for general farm purposes, besides conducting a blacksmith shop in connection therewith, when he, subsecjuently, purchased one hundred twentyfive acres additional land. Having successfully farmed and served the community by blacksmithing for a period of twenty years, he decided to take up his residence near the town of Ottawa, Ohio, where he purchased five acres of land and built a substantial home, in which he and his wife resided until their deaths. To them were born the following children : Amelia, Edmund, Ely, Edward, William, George, Frank Mark, and an infant, which died without name. The deceased parents were highly esteemed citizens of sterling worth, and, together with the family, are members of St. John's Catholic church of Ottawa.

At the time Edmund L. Laibe's father and mother removed from the city of Buffalo, New York, and settled in Putnam county, Edmund L. was. about one year old. In his youth he attended the school in Pandora, this county, and lived under the parental roof until the time of his marriage to Magdelene Croft on November 11, 1876, who was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Croft, natives of the Province of Alsace-Lorraine, and who settled in Ottawa township, Putnam county, in a very early day. Besides the . wife of our subject, there was born to that union, Joseph, Mary, Katherine, Mary Magdelene, John, Jacob, Matthew, George and Frank.

After his marriage, Edmund L. Laibe removed to a farm in Riley township, containing one hundred and twenty acres, which he purchased and cleared, erecting a number of farm buildings and, in general, putting the place in first-class condition. After residing on this place for twenty-one years, he decided to move to Ottawa, where he built a residence near that of his father's and engaged in the meat business. Later on he discontinued this for the purpose of devoting his entire time and attention to the buying of live stock, in which line he has been very successful, and is at this time--.. engaged. The residence erected in Ottawa remained his home for nineteen years. He is now pleasantly domiciled in a substantial home just north of the town. To Edmund L. and Magdelene (Croft) Laibe have been born the following children : Mary, who is married to Benjamin Herringhaus,.

resides in Ottawa, and have thi'ee children, Francis, Cornelius and Robert; Frank, the husband of Cordeha Kahle, an enterprising druggist of Ottawa;, Blanche, the wife of Cornehus Ellis, who lives in Bloomington, Illinois, and where he makes his headquarters as a traveling salesman. They have two children; George married Laura Kahle and they have two children, and reside in Ottawa, where he is occupied as a traveling salesman. Of Edmund L. Laibe's children, Frank, Blanche and George received their education in the schools in Ottawa, to which George added a course in a business college in Lima, Ohio; William attended college in Rensselaer, Indiana, and Mary was a student at the Ursuline convent in Toledo, Ohio.

Edmund L. Laibe, wife and family, are members of St. John's Catholic church at Ottawa, and Mr. Laibe is regarded by all as being one of the foremost citizens of this community, having established a firm reputation for honesty of purpose in all his dealings with his fellow men, and by being the advocate of clean and wholesome principles in the home, society and politics. Because of his splendid character and good business ability, he has earned and enjoys the sincere respect of all who know him.

Charles W. Draper

A representative of the younger modern business man, is Charles W.. Draper, of West Leipsic, Ohio, who displays, to a marked degree, those qualities which accentuate the men who are at the head of affairs today. Mr. Draper is thoroughly aware, of the opportunities which confront him and in his business he welcomes any innovation which is practical and suits, his needs.

Charles W. Draper was born on September 23, 1879, in Hancock county, Ohio, and is the son of Warren C. and Almira (Hosier) Draper, who were the parents of four children, Charles Warren, Belle, Harry H. and Bernice.

The father of Mr. Draper, Warren C. Draper, was born in Summit county, Ohio, on January 2, 1853, the son of Warren Luke and Louisa^ (Loracole) Draper, who were the parents of the following children; Sarah- Ann, Warren C, Salina Elizabeth, James Edward, Maretia J., Charles. Warren C. Draper was reared in Hancock county and lived at home until hewas twenty-three years of age, when, on December 23, 1876, he married' Almira Jatie Hosier, the daughter of John and Isabella Hosier, who were pioneers of Hancock county. Warren Draper, after marriage, lived four years near Arcadia, Hancocii county, and then moved to within three miles

(northeast) of Gilboa, Putnam county. He bought eighty acres, which were but partly cleared, although the land is practically all cleared now. Mr. Draper is a general farmer and stock raiser.

The education of Charles Draper was obtained in the common and high schools, also in Crawfis College, from which he graduated, and after which he took a business course of shorthand and accounting in the Lima Business College, Lima, Ohio. Later, Mr. Draper taught school in Putnam -county for four years. After this he spent four years in the lumber business in Arkansas. He returned to the North and was employed by Hixon & Company, a lumber firm, in Toledo, Ohio, as superintendent of their yards at Glandorf, in Putnam county and at Winchester, Indiana, where he worked three years. He came to Leipsic about 1909, where he was employed as manager of the Lucas Produce Company, of West Leipsic, which position he now holds. The Lucas Produce Company is a New York concern, which buys poultry and ships it dressed.

- On June 20, 19 10, Mr. Draper married Edith Terflinger, whose father, J. P. Terflinger, was a native of Virginia and his wife was a native of Allen county, Ohio. Charles W. and Edith (Terflinger) Draper are the parents of three children, James Edward, John Warren and Richard Charles. The Leipsic chapter of the Knights of Pythias consider Mr. Draper as a valuable member. In his politics, he is a Republican, while he and his family are members of the Lutheran Evangelical church. Mr. Draper is friendly and congenial, and endowed with a happy disposition, which has gained for him a wide circle of friends. At the same time his recognized ability and trustworthiness enables him to maintain a high standing in his sphere.