Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 19 of 33)

Herman B. Schmenk

Herman B. Schnienk, son of Louis and Dorothy (Lammers) Schmenk, was born on May 8, 1872, in the southeastern part of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio. His father was born in Liverpool, Ohio, August 8, '1849, whose parents, Herman and Lydia Schmenk, were natives of Germany', where they were engaged in farming, but, later immigrated to this country and settled in Putnam county, Ohio. Four children were born to this linion : Henry, Jennie, Catherine and Louis. The parents are now deceased.

Soon after the marriage of Louis Schmenk and Dorothy Lammers, who was the daughter of Bernard and Lydia Lammers, of New Cleveland, they moved to Liberty township, Putnam county, where he engaged in the manufacture -of brick and drain tile. The tile factory was located near the town of Leipsic and was operated for about ten years. Concluding to discontinue the manufacturing business, Mr. Schmenk then purchased a sixty-acre tract of land in Liberty township, to which twenty acres were added at a later date. To Louis and Dorothy Schmenk were born three children : Herman, Bernard and Mary; and, by a second marriage, to Elizabeth Winkler (deceased), ten children were born : Casper ; Henry ; Addie, deceased ; Adolph ; John ; 'Gertrude ; Walter ; Amelia ; Romana and Louis.

Herman Schmenk's mother died when he was in the fifth year of his -age, and his early life was spent about his father's farms. Upon attaining the age of nineteen, he concluded to leave the farm and found occupation with a railroad company, working in the capacity of a section hand. After eighteen months' experience in this class of labor, performing the hardest kinds of manual work and receiving but little compensation, he was taken severely ill and was obliged to give up. As a result of this arduous employment, he acquired habits of industry and extreme frugality, which proved a valuable asset to him in his later undertakings.

Herman B. Schmenk was married in 1899, to Catherine Wischmeyer, of Ballman, Ottawa township, Putnam county, daughter of Ferdinand and Catherine Wischmeyer, who were natives of Germany. Immediately after his marriage, he removed to Fulton county, Ohio, where he opened up and a restaurant business for a short time. Not being entirely satisfied with this occupation, he discontinued it, and then secured a place in a saw-mill. This change resulted in such a severe accident that he was disabled for four years, occurring but six months for the time of his marriage. Misfortune seemed to follow him, and at the time of his recovery from the in the saw-mill, he contracted typhoid fever, which kept him down for some time.

While these happenings greatly affected him physically, and depleted him financially, he was not daunted from striving for success. Through all his misfortunes he was constantly encouraged by his ever-faithful, loyal and loving wife, whose close attention to him gave him inspiration to forge ahead. After the last illness, he went to Ottawa, where he secured employment in a restaurant, and, on regaining his strength, he went to work in a tile factory, where he earned fair wages and began to accumulate funds -which would give him a new start in life.

It was in the year 1910 that he secured a position on the road with a dealer in produce as a salesman. Having given this business his close and undivided attention, acquiring a keen knowledge of the details, he decided, after two years in the service of his employer, to embark in a similar line for himself. Establishing as a dealer in poultry, butter and eggs, a buyer and shipper of cream and other products, Mr. Schmenk has placed himself in an enviable position, has proved himself highly successful as a business man. His business has grown to such proportions that it is necessary for him to employ numerous purchasing agents, who cover the surrounding territory in wagons. All this has been accomplished within the time of a very few years, despite continued reverses, gaining for himself and family a most substantial business, a comfortable home situated on four and one-half acres of the choicest land, valued at about three thousand five hundred dollars.

To Herman B. and Catherine (Wischmeyer) Schmenk were born four children : Hugo, Harold, Ilva and Alveda. All are members of Sts. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic church at Ottawa. The ever good, loving, faithful and true wife and mother, unfortunately, was called from this' world on January 2, 19 15.

John Henry Hartman

Nothing is so essential to a lasting business success as absolute integrity and this is undoubtedly the cause of the prosperity attending the business of John Plenry Hartman, of Columbus Grove. His honesty is unquestioned and he has the confidence and esteem of his fellow men.

It was in Monroe township, Allen county, on September 8, 1857, that John Henry Hartman came into this world. He is the son of John S and Elizabeth (Morris) Hartman, who were the parents of the children briefly mentioned as follow: Mrs. Levina Jennings lives in Lima, Ohio- John H. is the subject of this sketch; William lives in Allen county, Ohio' Joseph IS on an Allen county farm; Mrs. Maggie Hufifubuat lives in Allen county, as does George Hulbert; Mrs. Ella Blosser resides in Cloverdale Ohio, and Mrs. Cora Snyder lives on the homestead.

John Henry Hartman's paternal grandfather, Godfrey Hartman was a native of Germania, Pennsylvania, who entered government land 'ei-ht miles north of Lima, Ohio, when his son, John S., was two years of age to which land he came from Pennsylvania in a wagon drawn by oxen He was a successful, hard-working man and a power in his community He died on the homestead in 1873, when John H. was sixteen vears of age

John S. Hartman worked on the home farm until he was married, when he bought forty acres of wild land for four hundred dollars, the land being located three miles southwest of Columbus Grove, in Allen county. He spent his life on this farm, which he greatly improved, and where he died in March, 1906. He was a member of no lodge of a fraternal order, and never sought political honors, although he was township trustee for a time and held several other offices elected on the Democratic ticket. He was a devout tnember of the Christian church at West Cairo, Ohio. His wife is a native of x\llen county, Ohio, and was born in October, 1835, the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Weaver) Morris, and she still lives on the home farm, at the age of seventy-nine years.

As it was necessary that he work on the home farm, John Henry Hartman was poorly educated, attending the township schools as opportunity offered. He lived at home until his marriage and then bought a farm three miles west of Columbus Grove, Ohio, which he cultivated for six years, when he moved to Columbus Grove, where he successfully maintained a livery stable for three years, after which he sold out and moved back to Allen county, where he rented a farm for a short time and then bought it. Later, he bought his father-in-law's place, which he farmed for about four years and then sold out, moving back to Columbus Grove, where he established a furniture store, which he still operates in partnership with his son. Jay L., under the firm name of John H. Hartman & Son.

On November 18, 1879, John Henry Hartman married Martha Pettitt, the daughter of John and Jane (Severus) Pettitt, the former of whom was' a native of Pennsylvania and who settled in Coshocton, Ohio, at an eariy date, farming there until his marriage, when he moved to Putnam county, where he settled in the swamps near Ottawa, where he successfully developed a farm. He died in December, 1909. His wife was a native of county, Ohio ; she died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. H. Hartman, August 12, 1906, at the age of eighty-three.

To the union of John Henry and Martha (Pettitt) Hartman were born the followmg children : Lula, who married Orio Michael, lives at Van Wert Ohio, where he is employed in a furniture store, to whom were born two children, John and Martha Maxiam; Alta married Charles Jones, a Pleasant township farmer, and they have two children, Morris and Charies; Jay L married Clara Clevenger, a native of Kalida, Ohio, and they live in Columbus Grove, Ohio, where he has a half interest in a furniture store with his father, and they have two children, Louise and Richard; Ray married Elsie Bogert and lives in Columbus Grove, where he maintains a thriving ..rocery

John Henry Hartman is a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World, is a Democrat and has been on the town council for four years. He and his family belong to the Christian church, of which he has been trustee for twenty years. He was formerly Sunday school superintendent and has always taken a deep interest in church work. He is a good businessman and his well-known integrity assures him of universal friendship and respect.

There could be no more comprehensive history written of a city, or county, or even of a state and its people, than that which deals with the lifework of those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have placed themselves where they well deserve the title of "progressive," and in this review will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active and less able plodders on the highway of life, one who has not been subdued by the many obstacles and failures that come to everyone, but who has made them stepping stones to higher things, and, at the same time that he was winning his way in the material affairs of life, gained a reputation for uprightness and honor.

William Rampe was born in Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, on January II, 1853, and is the son of William and Theresa (Ellerbrock) Rampe, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio. The father was born on December 11, 1827, in the Province of Hanover, Germany, where he attended school and learned the shoemaker trade. When he was twenty years old, he decided to immigrate to America, and was joined in the trip by his two brothers. This was in the year 1847, and upon arrival in this country he decided to make his home in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he followed his trade for the ensuing two years. He made a trip to the town of Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, in 1849, which was known to be largely settled by natives of Germany, and remained there until the following year, when he went to Dayton, Ohio, for the purpose of establishing himself in business. Six months later, however, he decided to return to Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, where he went into the business of manufacturing and retailing shoes. In this business, he attained a widespread reputation throughout the northwestern portion of the state of Ohio, and many times found it necessai-y to employ nearly fifteen shoemakers to take care of the production and thus enable him to supply the demand for his goods. Mr. Rampe's shoe trade was handled through established shoe dealers throughout this region, and he maintained a retail business himself to supply the local inhabitants.

In the year 1850, William Rampe was married to Theresa Ellei-brock,. a daughter of William Ellerbrock and wife, who were among the early settlers coming to the town of Glandorf, Ohio, and to them were born twelve children. The wife and mother of these children was taken away by death on March 17, 1875. At a later date is recorded the second marriage to- Wilhelmina Schmidt, and that he died in Glandorf, Ohio, on November 28, 1893, after havifig spent a noble and most useful life with his family and the inhabitants of Putnam county.

William Rampe, Jr., went to school in the town of Glandorf, Ohio, and in his youth plied his trade, as a shoemaker, in the employ of his able father. Under his father's direction, he became a master workman in this line, and remained in the business for a number of years. At a later date, Mr. Rampe established himself in the retail shoe business, in the town of Ottawa, Putnam county, Ohio, where he was very successful, and after many yearsof service to the public in the sale of shoes, retired. Being a hustler and a man of sound business judgment and sagacity, having an excellent knowledge of actual real estate values throughout this and other counties and states, Mr. Rampe, could not content himself by leading the life of a retired merchant, and, consequently, decided to embark in the real estate business, making a specialty of dealing in farm property in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. In this line he has been a great success, possessing himself with largeholdings in the surrounding country, and being a public-spirited man, is Always ready to give just consideration to meritorious propositions for the advancement of the community in which he lives. His residence and chief place of business, is in the town of Ottawa, Ohio, where he is reputably known to have been associated with real estate transactions for the past twenty-five years.

William Rampe was married three times, first time to Agnes Nienberg now deceased, and by which marriage two children were born, Charies and Carrie; the second time to Anna Dummeldinger, now deceased, and by whom there were three children, Elnora, Lillian and Alfred; the third marriaoe was to Elizabeth McGeery, to whom one child, Mary E., was born Mary E is now attending school at the Ursuline convent, Toledo, Ohio- Charles w' is married to Emma Fisher, formerly of Toledo, who now resides in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. To this union there were born four children, John, Paul, William and Robert. The father is the treasurer and one of the original founders of the well-known 'Foster Nut & Bolt Company, of Cleveland, Ohio; Carrie took a course in the art of nursing and follows that profession in the city of Cleveland, Ohio; Elnora is the wife of J. J. Lynch, formerly city auditor of Toledo, Ohio, and now engaged as a solicitor for the Hocking Valley railroad, to whom one child was born, Elnora; Lillian is the wife of H. Stechschulte and they reside in Lima, Ohio, where the husband is occupied as manager of the clothing house of the B. R. Baker Company, clothiers. Two children, William and Mary, were born to this union; Alfred, at present a bachelor, is secretary and treasurer of the W. H. Coffee Company, of Toledo, Ohio, a high-priced tailoring establishment, and in which he is interested financially.

William Rampe, personally, is a man whom it is a pleasure to know, being generous-hearted, kind, helpful, honest in all his dealings with his fellow men and eminently worthy of the trust and respect- reposed in him, and he is today regarded as one of the county's most representative men. He is a member of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic church, of Ottawa, and an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

John M. Heck

One of the highly respected retired farmers of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, is John M. Heck, a loyal and courageous soldier in the Civil War, a successful farmer, prominent in fraternal circles in his community, and has been honored with positions of political and public responsibility.

John M. Heck was born in 1835, in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, the son -of Michael and Christina (Klotz) Heck. Michael Heck came from Wurtemberg, Germany, and lived in Tuscarawas county, until 1870, when he moved to Putnam county and settled in Liberty township at what was called Maderia, an old stage-coach stop that had hopes of becoming the county seat at one time. Here he was a fanner for about fourteen years when he moved to Indiana, and there spent the remainder of his life. Christina Klotz was also a native of Wurtemberg and came to America about 1830, at the age of seventeen, with her parents, Frederick and Catherine (Harr) Klotz. Cath- Harr, the maternal grandmother of John M. Heck, was born in Wur- temberg, Germany, the daughter of Jacob Harr, who kept a hotel at Breitenholtz called "At the Sign of the Lamb." He was a wealthy man and left a fund in perpetuity, the income of which was to furnish bread to the poor of that village. That fund is still in existence.

Michae' Heck was the son of Jacob Heck, whose father came from Holland to Switzerland and then to Wurtemberg, whence the family came to America. The name was originally spelled Hockh. Mr. Heck still has the certified copy of the parish record of the family's births, baptisms, and deaths with the seal on it. In that record the name is retained with the original spelling.

John M. Heck grew up in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and followed boating on the Ohio canal. Later, he managed coal mines, furnaces and public works. He served as a soldier in Company A, One Hundred and Sixtyfirst Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in the service untiljust before the close of the war.

He remained in Tuscarawas county until 1873, when he came to Leipsic He bought a farm one mile northwest of West Leipsic in 1872, and moved there m 1873. With the exception of two years, when he lived in Leipsic he has farmed on this farm.

Mr. Heck was married in 1861 to Louisa Eckfeld, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob and Margaret Eckfeld who were born and married in Oldenburg, Germany. Nine children were born to Jacob and Margaret (Eckfeld) Heck, of whom two died in infancy The other seven living children are George Frederick, Susan Amelia, Louisa Chnstma, Harvey Michael, Emma Catherine, Nellie May and David Nelson George F. married Lillian Thompson and she died, leaving three children who were reared in Mr. Heck's home; Susan married George Hollabaugh of West Leipsic, and has eight children; Louisa married Henry Boeard' who died in October, 1909, leaving six children; Harvey, who is unmarried" lives at Ottawa; Emma married Calvin Nemire, of Leipsic, and has four children living and three dead; Nellie married W. H. Reichelderfer, of near \ Wayne, Indiana, and has three children. They live on the Heck farm and Nelson, who married Laura Arnold, lives in Leipsic and has one child.' William H Reichelderfer, who married Mr. Heck's daughter, Nellie was born near Harlan, Indiana, the son of Jacob and Sarah (Harter Reichelder er. Jacob Reichelderfer was born and reared on the farm where he now lives near Harlan and has lived for eighty years. William H Reichelderfer helped to build the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton railroad through West

Leipsic, in 1897 and 1899. For the first three years after he married NeUie Heck, they lived in Detroit, but came back to her old home, west of Leipsic^ and helped her father conduct the farm. Their children are: Forest, Lucile and Mildred. William Reichelderfer and wife belong to the Lutheran church and Mr. Reichelderfer is a member of the Masons, while he and his wife both belong to the Patrons of Husbandry.

John M. Heck served one term as trustee of Liberty township and discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of the people of that township^ Mr. Heck is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, having been a member since 1871, and a charter member of Leipsic Lodge No. 548. Mr.- Heck and his family belong to the Lutheran church.

Mrs. John M. Heck died on March 12, 1912. She was an earnest and devoted Christian woman, reading much in her German Bible and other good books and left to her children a noble example of Christian faith tried by affliction. She was an affectionate mother and a faithful helpmate to her husband to whom she was joined in wedlock for nearly fifty-three years.

Henry F. Light

No more comprehensive history could be written of a city or county or even of a state and its people than that which deals with the life works of its. people, who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have achieved success in their respective vocations. Henry F. Light is a man, who, in the business world, has outstripped his competitors on the highway of life, one who has never been subdued by obstacles and failures that come to every one, but he has made them stepping stones to higher things. At the time when he has been winning success in the material things of life, he has likewise won a reputation for uprightness and square dealings, no inconsiderable factors in the career of the present-day business man..

Henry F. Light was born on August 19, 1858, at Columbus Grove,, Ohio, the daughter of John and Mary (Walters) Light. John Light was a native of Richland county, Ohio, born on February 15, 1834. He is still living on his farm five miles west of Lima, Ohio, in Allen county. He is now retired at the age of eighty-one years. He has been a farmer most of his life, and during that time has conducted a grocery and meat market,, having come to Putnam county at the age of twenty-one years. Here he engaged in farming until 1902, when he moved to Lima, Ohio. John and!

Mary Light celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary on December 14, 1914. Jolin Light was a township trustee of Putnam county, and has held other minor township offices, has been an active Democrat throughout his life, and is a member of the Methodist church at Helsel Chapel, Ohio. During his active career John Light was much interested in the work of his church and was a liberal donor to its enterprises. Very few obstacles could prevent his attendance at church. He has been a well-known man in his community. His wife, who before her marriage was Mary Walters, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1836, and came to Richland county, Ohio, with her parents at an early age. She is still living in Allen county at the age of seventy-nine years. Her father owned eighty acres of land, which he purchased when he came to Defiance county in 1855. Mrs. Light has been a kind and loving mother, and she and her husband have been the parents of four children: George W., who died in 1890; Henry R, whose history is here presented ; Alfred H., who lives on the homestead farm in Allen county with his parents, and Frances B., who married Edward Norris, the owner of a livery barn in Ohio City, Ohio. She owns a millinery store in that city.

Heniy iF. Light spent his boyhood days in the vicinity of Columbus Grove, Ohio. Until his marriage he lived with his parents on the homestead farm in Putnam county. About one year before his marriage he learned the drug trade with J. M. Crawford, who became his father-in-law. He worked here as a clerk for about five years, and for the next five years worked in different business places in that capacity. Subsequently he took the examination for railway mail clerk and was appointed as clerk on the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton and later on the Pennsylvania railroad, servmg in this capacity, altogether, two years. He resigned to enter the drug business at Columbus Grove with his brother-in-law, W. L. Crawford. They continued in business for three years, when Mr. Light sold out to Mr. Crawford and engaged in the hardware business at Columbus Grove with his father-in-law, John M. Crawford. This partnership continued for about four years, when they both sold out, and together they entered the lumber busmess. Mr. Light is still active in this business and has been for the past seventeen years.

Henry F. Light was married on May 5, 1881, to Minnie E. Crawford the daughter of John M. and Sarah A. (Martin) Crawford. They have had two children, Archie L. and Cathaline, both of whom are deceased Mr and Mrs. Light adopted a daughter from the Orphans' Home at Cincinnati

Henry F. Light, who was associated with John M. Crawford so long in business, is himself a member of the Methodist church, as well as his family. Mr. Light is now a trustee of the church and teacher of the men's Bible class in the Sunday school. He is an active Democrat and can always be depended upon when support is needed. Mr. Light is a member of Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 376, of Columbus Grove. He has served as mayor of Columbus Grove for one term, a member of the board of public affairs for several terms, town clerk for two terms and member of the school board for two terms. Henry F. Light is a congenial man and has a host of friends in and around Columbus Grove, where he is widely known.

Samuel H. Keirns

Whether the elements of success in this life are an attribute of the individual, or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial development, it is impossible to determine clearly. Yet the study of a successful life, whatever the field of endeavor, is none the less interesting and profitable by reason of the existence of this uncertainty. In the life career of Samuel H. Keirns, who for many years has been identified with the various interests of Putnam county, Ohio, we find many qualities in his makeup that always win definite success. The splendid success which has crowned his efforts has been directly traceable to the fundamental elements of his character. He started in life at the bottom of the ladder and has mounted it unaided. He comes of a splendid American family, one that has always been devoted to right living and industrious habits, to education and morality, to loyalty for the national government and for all that contributes to the welfare of a community. Samuel H. Keirns is a man who saw gallant service during the Civil War and who is honored today for the part he had in preserving the union of the states.

Samuel H. Keirns was born on February i, 1845, i" Monroe township, Allen county, Ohio. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Strawsnider) Keirns. John Kfeirns was born in 1791 in Pennsylvania and was the son of Jonathan and Catherine (Kenter) Keirns. John Keirns died in October, 1870, at the age of seventy-nine. His father, Jonathan Keirns, was born in Ireland and came to America with the British army as a British soldier. He served in the Revolutionary War on the side of the British. Jonathan Keirns was born on January 17, 1761, and was married in 1781, at Bloody Run, Pennsylvania, to Catherine Renter. He settled in Pennsylvania and was engaged in the promotion of public works, especially in the iron and ore industry. After living in Pennsylvania for a time, he left for West Virginia to seek a new location. Finding a location in West Virginia, he sent for his wife and their four children, who came to him overland on horseback. The wife carried the children in sewed pockets of bed ticks, two children on each side. She walked a part of the way. Here Jonathan Keirns and his wife lived and died, on Big Sandy creek, West Virginia. He died on January 26, 1853, at the ripe age of ninety-two. They had four children : William, John, George and Sarah, all deceased.

John Keirns came to West Virginia, with his mother, as an infant, and grew up there. Subsequently, he came to Marietta, Ohio, and there was married to a Miss Ellenwood, who bore him nine children, Mary, Lampsin, George and Elizabeth, all deceased, and five others whose names are hot known. John Keirns first wife died, after which he married Elizabeth Strawsnider, who bore him ten children, William R., Carlista, John W., and Benjamin F. are deceased; Samuel H., who is the subject of this sketch, and five whose names are not known. John Keirn's second wife died in 1852, when Samuel H. was only five years old. She was born on May 10, 1828. Later, John Keirns married his third wife, Mary L. Hicks, a native of Kalida, Ohio, who bore him five children, James Alfred, George, two who died in infancy, and Charles Abraham Lincoln are all now deceased. John Keirns was the father of twentyfour children by his three marriages, ten of whom died in infancy. He left Marietta, Ohio, for Allen county, and here purchased a farm and operated it for a time. He also ran a corn-mill with a horse tread-mill. After living here for a number of years he came to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, in May, 1846, and purchased a grist and saw-mill operated by waterpower, and about fifteen acres of land. He came from Allen to Putnam county by wagon on a trail path. He remained in Putnam county, farming and operating the mill until i860, when he suffered a stroke of paralysis and was compelled to retire from active work. He died ten years later.

Samuel H. Keirns grew up in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio. He was but a year old when his father left Allen county and as time passed was educated in the township schools. He left home on August 16, 1862, to enHst in Company D, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Vaughnsville, Ohio. His enlistment was for' three years' service. He served partly in the Army of the Ohio and partly in the

Army of the Tennessee. He was under Burnside a while and, later, under Sherman. He participated in the battles of the Twenty-third Army Corps and with Sherman's army marched to Atlanta, which corps was sent back north to offset Hood's army. The balance of the army marched with Sherman to the sea. Mr. Keirns was engaged in the battles of Mosey creek in east Tennessee, the first battle of Resaca, Georgia, and in a number of serious fights of the Atlanta campaign, including the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. After the fall of Atlanta, Mr. Keirns was engaged with the Union army which fought Hood at Columbia, Tennessee, and at Duck river, Franklin and Nashville. After the defeat of Hood's army, he was transferred to Washington and from there placed on a vessel at Alexandria, Virginia, which ran to the southern coast of North Carolina. He was five days on the water, landing at Smithville, North Carolina. His party made a one-day march and met the rebels at Fort Anderson. They took the fort, after a two days' severe fight, and also took Wilmington, North Carolina, after shelling the town onehalf day, then came on to Raleigh, North Carolina. In the meantime, Lee had surrendered to Grant. Mr. Keirns was then transferred to Salisbury, North Carolina, where he remained for several weeks. He was mustered out on June 24, 1865, paid ofif and discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, July 9, 1865. At the close of the war, Mr. Keirns returned home and, on July 10, 1865, arrived at the old home place.

Samuel H. Keirns was married on June 28, 1866, to Emily J. Deffenbaugh, the daughter of John and Anna (Parshall) Deffenbaugh. Mrs. Keirns was born on June 10, 1847, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio. Her parents came to Putnam county in 1835, from Pennsylvania.

To Samuel H. and Emily J. (Deffenbaugh) Keirns six children have been born, the first died in infancy; Anna M., on April 3, 1869, died on April 28, 1869; John M., April 29, 1870, now lives in the West and is engaged in the railroad service; Edgar L., December 15, 1872, is a rural mail carrier out of Columbus Grove; Cora B., February 16, 1876, married T. M. Teegardin; the sixth child died in infancy.

After his marriage, Mr. Keirns moved to Kansas, where he remained for six years. Subsequently, he returned to Ohio and on December 8, 1874, settled at Gomer, Allen county, Ohio, where he lived for two years. He then returned to Putnam county and settled on a farm of eighty acres on November 28, 1876, which tract of land he farmed for more than twenty-two years. During a part of this period, however, he operated a threshing machine throughout the county. He was also engaged in the same business, while a resident of Kansas.

Subsequently, Mr. Keirns sold his farm in Putnam county and removed to Columbus Grove on April 25, 1899, where he has lived since that date. For about three years he was in the implement and buggy business in Columbus Grove, from 1905 to 1908. Continuing alone he handled this business tmtil the spring of 1913, when he retired and became actively engaged in the real estate business. Mr. Keirns has also been a notary public for years. He holds a commission from several Ohio governors. Likewise, Mr. Keirns is a pension attorney and is actively engaged in this profession. For many years he was the only pension attorney in Columbus Grove.

Samuel H. Keirns is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Oglevie Post, No. 64; also of the Knights of Pythias No. 2)1^, at Columbus Grove. He was a justice of the peace of Sugar Creek township and has served as assessor for a number of terms. At one time he served on the town council of Columbus Grove. He held this office two terms. Mr. Keirns is a stanch and active Republican. He was at one time a candidate for county commissioner and was defeated by a small margin. He is a member of the Christian church, a deacon and a financial secretary of that church and takes a great interest in church work and is one of the Sunday school teachers. Likewise, he is assistant chorister. All the members of the family, except the eldest son, are members of the same church.

Samuel H. Keirns is president of the Mutual Farmers Telephone Company and one of the directors of this concern. He is a man of sterling character and stands high in his community. He has been a hard worker and a good booster for all that seems good and just. He is widely acquainted, although a quiet and unassuming man, kind and generous and true to his convictions, - as to honesty in as well as outside of business.

Francis X. Annesser

Francis X. Annesser is one of those strong, self-reliant and determined characters who are occasionally met with and who are of such a distinct type as to appear leaders of their fellow men. Not that Mr. Annesser courts this distinction, for he is entirely unassuming, but his great force of character and his zeal and energy in whatever he undertakes, naturally place him at the head of the class. He has been a potent factor in the development of Putnam county, where he has long maintained his home and where he is known to all classes for his honorable and industrious rise in both private and public life.

Francis X. Annesser was born on October 3, 1863, in Auglaize county, Ohio. He IS the son of William and Mary M. (Fisher) Annesser. William Annesser was born in 1834, in Seneca county, Ohio, and came to Auglaize county, when a young man, with his parents. He was a farmer and followed that vocation with his parents, until his marriage. He traded a one-hundredand-sixty-acre farm for a mill at Wapakoneta, Ohio, which he operated for about three years. He sold out on January 18, 1879, and removed to Ottawa Ohio, when he bought the Ottawa mill from William Agner. It was known as the Ottawa Flouring Mill. His family was moved to Ottawa and here William Annesser followed the milling business for twenty-eight years. He retired in 1906. He was a Republican and was rather active in the councils of his party. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons at Ottawa first vice-president and director of the First National Bank when it was organized at Ottawa, and is still a director. His wife, who, before her marriage was Mary Fisher, was a native of Baden, Germany, who came to the United States with her parents. They purchased property in Auglaize county and probably entered land from the government. Mrs. William Annesser whose parents were B. S. and Mary (Bush) Fisher, was born on April 11, 1833 She IS still living at the age of eighty-two.

William and Mary (Fisher) Annesser have been the parents of nine children, William B., born- on November 23, 1856; Andrew, February 13 1858- George, July 26, 1859; Charles, November, 1861 ; Francis X., the subject of this sketch, October 3, 1863 ; John M., March 3, 1886; Joseph, April 11 1868 - Mrs. Rosa Sherloh, wife of George Sherloh, May 25, 1873; Louis F., February 26, 1877. William B. lives in Canada, John in Michigan, Charles' in Missouri, Joseph, Mrs. Sherloh, and Louis in Ottawa. George and Andrew are deceased. The former died in Texas in 1888.

The grandparents of Mr. Annesser were Michael and Mary (Sholl) Annesser, both natives of Alsace-Lorraine, who were reared and who married m their native country. They came to the United States in 1830 and iirst located at Hagerstown, Maryland. Three years later they came to Seneca county, Ohio, which was their home until 1844, when they removed to Auglaize county. Michael Annesser was a tailor in Germany, but became a farmer after arriving in the United States. He died about 1874, and his wife ten years later. They were the parents of seven children, Tohn ; Joseph - Michael deceased; William; Margaret, the wife of V. Blume; Mary, deceased and Veronica. John and Joseph served in the Civil War, Joseph in the Fifty- seventh Regiment, Ohio Vohinteer Infantry, and John in an Ohio regiment. Wihiam Annesser was born July 8, 1834, and was married to Mary M. Fisher on October 8, 1855.

Francis X. Annesser spent his boyhood days with his father on the homestead farm and learned the milling trade with his father at the Ottawa mill. He was educated in the township schools of Auglaize county and the AVapakoneta high school. While in the milling business with his father at Ottawa,, he became interested in the Columbus Grove mill, which he purchased in 1907! He moved his family to Columbus Grove in 1908, and is now active in the operation of the Columbus Grove mill. He has one of the best mills in Putnam county. Mr. Annesser started in the milling business at the age of eighteen years. He is one of the most successful millers in Ohio and knows his business thoroughly.

Francis X. Annesser was married on June 12, 1888, to Margaret S. Ault, a native of Ottawa, Ohio, and the daughter of William and Pauline (Zink) Ault. Francis X. and Margaret S. (Ault) Annesser have two children Paulme and Elizabeth, both of whom are at home.

Francis X. Annesser is a Democrat and has always taken an active interest m his party's cause. He is a member of St. Anthony's Catholic church at Columbus Grove, as well as his family, all of whom are active in church work Mr. Annesser is a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio. He is an active man and takes pride in his mill. He is well known and widely admired especially by his patrons, who have learned to honor and respect him He has quite a reputation in Putnam county for honesty and square dealin<^ which accounts, in a great measure, for his large and growing business

Ralph Parlet Killen, D. D. S., an efficient and successful dentist of Columbus Grove, is a native of Putnam county, Ohio. Doctor Killen, although m the prime of life, has achieved a success which comes to few men of his years. While it is not easy to discover and define the hidden forces which move a life to ceaseless activity and large professional success, Doctor Killen's well-defined purpose, professional training and intellectual discipline contribute, m a large measure, to explain his splendid success as a dentist

John Killen was a blacksmith by trade and on coming to Putnam county, Ohio, located at Pandora, where he conducted a blacksmith shop for two years. He sold out his shop, at the latter place, after which he came to Columbus Grove, where he engaged in the same business, continuing at his trade as a blacksmith until his death, in 1848. He was considered a skilled workman, enjoyed a prosperous business, and won many friends by his fairness, frankness and honesty. His wife, who was Rebecca Alberts, was born in 1805, and died on December 25, 1892, at the age of eighty-seven.

Norris Killen, the father of Doctor Killen, spent his entire life at Colum- "bus Grove. He was engaged in the buying and selling of timber for many years, and was highly successful. He operated a saw-mill at Columbus Grove, -but sold the mill and engaged in the hardware business, in which he continued successfully for several years. From hardware he turned his attention to the -shoe business at Columbus Grove, and was engaged in this for six years, selling out at the end of that time and retiring from active business life. Norris Killen was a cjuiet, unassuming, but keen business man, and a friend to all, especially to his close neighbors and to his children. He was a kind and loving father and a booster for all civic improvements. Norris Killen enlisted for service in the Union army in Company I. Eighty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but did not see active service, since he was detailed to guard prisoners at Columbus, Ohio. His regiment was known as the "Bloody Eighty-eighth." He enlisted as a private at Columbus Grove for a period of three years, but, through his efficient record, was promoted to second Heutenant before leaving the service. He was discharged in 1865 at Columbus, Ohio. He was a charter member of Lodge No. 309, Free and Accepted Masons, of Columbus Grove, Ohio. Norris Killen and wife were the parents of five children: Mrs. Alfred R. Willis, of London, Kentucky; Mrs. Carl M. Wells, of Ada, Ohio; True, of Lima, Ohio; Guy B., a resident of Wyoming, and R. P. Killen, D. D. S., with whom this narrative deals. Norris Killen was also an enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Lima, Ohio, where he now resides, and served as a member of the school board of Columbus Grove for several terms, as well as on the town -council, where he gave efficient service. He was an active worker during his life in the ranks of the Republican party and considered himself a "standpatter." His wife, who, before her marriage, was Mary Van Meter, died at Columbus Grove, September 16, 1908, at the age of seventy.

where he received his early education, graduating from the Columbus Grove high school in 1894. Subsequently, he attended the Indiana Dental College, graduating from that institution with the class of 1897. Doctor Killen began the active practice of his profession at Lima, Ohio, where he remained for six months. He then came to Columbus Grove and established a place of business. He is still active and one of the leading dentists in Putnam county. He enjoys a large and lucrative practice and has a host of friends in Columbus Grove and vicinity. He is a genial man of excellent character and stands high in his community. He is a booster for all civic improvements and has been of much value to the town in which he lives.

Doctor Killen was married on July 26, 1898, to Edna R. Pease, the daughter of Monnie and Sarah F. (Thrapp) Pease. One child has been born to this union, Florence, who is living at home with her parents.

Ralph P Killen, D. D. S., is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Dental Association, likewise the Ohio State and National Dental Associations. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Columbus Grove, and has passed through all the chairs of that order. He also served on the board of education for nine years, and was mayor of Columbus Grove between 1909 and 1913. He is an active Republican and is always to be found at the helm when he is most needed. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Doctor Killen has two interesting tax receipts in his possession which he values very highly. They were handed down by his father. One is dated 1837, is for ninety-nine cents, and is signed by Moses Lee, who was treasurer of Putnam county at that time. The other is dated 1844, for seven dollars and fifty-six cents, and is signed by C. M. Godfrey, then treasurer of Putnam county.

James C. Roblnson

The year 1889 marked the beginning of the connection of James C. Robinson with the history of Putnam county, Ohio. In that year, he was married and located in Van Buren township, where he worked in a saw-mill, at Townwood, for a few years and then engaged in farming. For more than a score of years he has engaged in general farming and stock raising in Van Buren township, while, at the same time, he has taken an active part in the civic life of the community. He has served his fellow citizens in various capacities in an official way and has executed every trust which has been imposed upon him in a satisfactory manner.

James C. Robinson, the son of William and Mary (Kahl) Robinson, was born near Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, October 28, 1861. His. father was born in Weller township, Richland county, Ohio, and was a son of Thomas and Jennie Robinson, natives of England. Thomas Robinsoncame to America in 1819, and located in Richland county, Ohio.

William Robinson was reared on his father's homestead in Weller township, in Richland county, Ohio, and, after his marriage, bought a farm in Franklin township and lived there for about fifteen years. He then bought the old homestead, in Weller township, from the heirs and lived on this farm until his death, dying almost on the same spot where he was born. William Robinson was married, in 1855, to Mary Kahl, a daughter of Henry Kahl, and to this union ten children were born, Clara, who married Ira Q. Haverfield, and has three children, Vernot, who died in infancy; Ray, who died at the age of seven, and Mary; Florence, unmarried; Charles, who married Isabelle Pittinger, and has two daughters, Helen and Opal; James C, of Van Buren township; Frank, who married Nannie M. Davis; Jennie, deceased, who was the wife o^f M. H. Shively, and the mother of two boys, Tolo and Harry; Kate, the wife of Paul Rothlesberger ; Ella, who married Walter McGuire, and has one son, Harold; George, who married EHza Meyer, and has three children, Hester, Isabelle and Irene; Walter, who married Irene Pittinger, and has two sons, Roy and an infant. The father, of these children died on the old home place in Richland county in 1898, his wife having passed away during the winter of 1895.

James C. Robinson spent his boyhood days on his father's farm in Richland county, Ohio, and attended the common schools of his home neighborhood. He went to Hancock county in 1883, where he worked on a farm until 1889, in which year he married and located at Townwood, Putnam county, where he worked for years in a saw-mill. Fie then began to farm' for himself the tract of land where he is now living and has met with unusual success in his agricultural operations.

James C. Robinson was married in 1889, to Flora L. McClish, who was born in Hancock county, Ohio, June 16, 1864, and is a daughter of Noah Bishop and Louise McClish. Mr. Robinson and his wife are the parents of seven children, all of whom are living at home with the exception of William, who lives in Chicago, and Charles, who died at the age of two. The other five children are Nellie, Paul, James, Waldo and Olive.

James C. Robinson is a stanch Republican, has served in this township as trustee for five terms, and is now completing his tenth year in the office. Fie has also served on the school board of his township for a number of years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Townwood, and the encampment at Leipsic. Mr. Robinson is a wide-awake man and has taken an active part in the life of the community about him, and is deserving of a place among the representative men of his township and

John M. Crawford

Distinct business qualifications, tangible religious conviction and an element of concentration, bring before the reader, in the panorama of the business life of Putnam county, a man, in every sense of the word, competent to advance the best interests of his environs and of his home. John M. is a fine example of the truth that because a boy is born under unfortunate circumstances, in meager surroundings, it is not necessai-y for him to become a failure in life. "Old Abe" Lincoln figured many of his mathematical problems on the back of an old shovel by the light of a grease candle light, and he became the benefactor of a great people. Here we find that the elements which entered into the making of a fine business man were the stepping-stones to an achievement that has doled out to an appreciative community many deeds for the advancement of not only his, but the interests of others as well, where sound business judgment, practical commonsense and aggressiveness are the prime factors in the building of a county. Mindful of the needs of his fellow men, Mr. Crawford was well qualified to become a leader, not only in the financial, but also in the business, social and religious afifairs of his community as well.

John M. Crawford was born in Delaware county, Ohio, on November 2, 1841, and was the son of Calvin C. and Elizabeth (Martin) Crawford, both of whom were natives of Marion county, Ohio. Calvin Crawford was bom in 1818 and his wife in 1820. They were married in Marion county in 1839, and, after living a few years in Delaware county, they moved, in 1849, to Brown county, Illinois. Calvin Crawford died in Illinois -in 1850. He and his wife were the parents of six children, and the young mother had the care and responsibility of this large family, -but found great consolation in the aid and help of her son, John, who remained true to his post of duty in helping care for the family until about the age of twenty.

John M. Crawford was one of eight children : One son and a daughter who died in infancy; William H., who enlisted in the Tenth Ohio Cavalry and who died in St. Louis; Dewitt C, who was for many years a resident of Henry county and who died in September, 1910; Lawrence L., of Colorado; Mrs. Dorcas Martin, of Napoleon, and Mrs. Alletta Russell, of Liberty Center. The last three children were living at the time of John M. Crawford's death, May 22, 191 1. At the time of his death Mr. Crawford was sixty-nine years, six months and twenty days old.

John M. Crawford was married on September 15, to Sarah A. Martin, the daughter of Rev. Wilson Martin. Four children were born to this marriage: William L., deceased; Minnie E., the wife of Mr. Light; Delia E., who married E. E. McLaughlin, of Denver, Colorado, and Wilson M., of Columbus Grove.

John M. Crawford spent his early married life in Henry county, where he cleared a farm of sixty-five acres, which was his first business undertaking. He later moved to Columbus Grove and lived there for the last thirtynine years of his life. Mr. Crawford possessed business qualifications of a high order. His early training and close application to business, despite his meager education, eminently fitted him for a most successful business career. By close application and careful management, he became one of the most successful merchants and bankers of Putnam county. Mr. Crawford rented his farm in 1872 and removed to Columbus Grove, where he engaged in the dry goods business with Wilson Martin and Joseph Justice, under the firm name of W. Martin & Company. Six months later Mr. Martin withdrew and Messrs. Crawford and Justice continued the business for one year, when they traded the business to T. M. Day. Mr. Crawford then engaged 'in the grocery and bakery business in Columbus Grove and was in that for one year. He next engaged in the lively business for about three months, after which he entered the drug business, in which he continued for about ten years. He entered the hardware business in partnership with George Arnold in 1880, who was succeeded by John Light about nine months later. About a year and a half after this Mr. Light was succeeded by D. M. Foltz, and the firm of Crawford & Foltz continued for about seven years. At the expiration of this time, or in 1890, Mr. Crawford sold out to Mr. Foltz, and one month later he purchased the hardware stock of Norris Killen. Mr.' Crawford was engaged in the saw-mill business with G. S. Gander under the firm name of Crawford & Company, for seven years. This firm' owned and operated mills at Columbus Grove, Ottawa, Avis and Pandora In 1894, Mr. Crawford purchased an interest" in the pine lumber business in Columbus Grove, the firm being Palmer & Crawford. In June, 1895 Mr Crawford purchased the Columbus Grove machine shops, and on Septem- x\t the age of thirty-six John M. Crawford became a member of the United Brethren church, under the pastorate of Reverend Eastman. He later became a member of the Methodist church, in which his wife was affiliated. For many years he was a member of the official board of the Methodist church. He was wise in counsel and liberal in financial support. He was a constant reader, not only of church periodicals, but sermons of John Wesley, Dwight L. Moody, Spurgeon, Bishop Simpson, L. A. Bantsand Evangelist John McNeal. Perhaps no man in Columbus Grove spent more time in reading such literature during the latter years of his life than did Mr. Crawford. During the last five months of his life he was a constant sufferer, yet bore it without murmur or complaint.

William A. Beutler

In the history of Leipsic, Ohio, the name of William A. Beutler occupies a conspicuous place for veracity, integrity and thrift. During a number of years he has been the agent for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad in this town. Mr. Beutler is one of the city's progressive, enterprising and persevering citizens. Such qualities always win success sooner or later and to Mr. Beutler they have brought a satisfactory reward for his well-directed efforts. While he has benefited himself and the community, in a general way, he has also been an influential factor in the moral, educational and social progress of the community.

William A. Beutler was born on November 12, 1882, in Ottawa, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Fipp) Beutler, whose life histories are contained elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Beutler grew up in Ottawa and there spent his boyhood days. He received a good common school education and spent two years in the Ottawa high school. He quit school two years before graduating and began working for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad at Ottawa. He was first freight clerk and later a telegraph operator, at which latter position he worked for about seven and one-half years. From this position he was promoted to agent for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad Company at Leipsic. Here he has been stationed for the past nine years, or since 1906. He is now station agent, freight agent and operator.

William A. Beutler was married on September 28, 1904, to Martha Altekrause, the daughter of William and Theresa (Altekrause) Altekrause. To this union three children have been born, Wilfred, Louise and Karl. Mr. Beutler is a Democrat. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus at Ottawa and Catholic Knights of Ohio, of Leipsic, and has been president of this order for the past two years. Mr. Beutler is also a member of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, with which he has been identified for ten years. He and his wife and family are members of the St. Mary's Catholic church at Leipsic.

William A. Beutler is a booster for the town in which he lives, and, although his work confines him closely to his post of duty, he is known as a promoter of the public good. He is welliiked by the people of Leipsic and -vicinity and has a most pleasing personality.

Frank B. Hermiller

Some of the richest land in Putnam county, Ohio, at one time was so thoroughly covered with water and brush and appeared in such confusion that the land beneath seemed too poor to cultivate. Those who had the energy to clear and drain this land now possess some of the finest "farms in Putnam county. Among the many prosperous and progressive farmers of this county who have acquired some of this land, which a generation ago looked hopeless, is Frank B. Hermiller.

Frank B. Hermiller was born on April 22, 1865, southeast of Ottawa, in Ottawa township. He is a son of Bernard and Bernardina (Nadler) Hermiller. Bernard Hermiller was born near Glandorf, in Hanover, Germany, and lived there until twenty-eight years of age. He came to America about 1850, locating first in Brooklyn, New York, where he was employed in a sugar refinery. He began working for thirty-eight cents a day, and thought this was good pay. He remained nine years at this one place, and when he left there, was receiving sixty cents a day. In New York he was married to Bernardina Nadler, a native of his home district, near Glandorf, Germany. He moved to Putnam county, Ohio, in the early sixties, and purchased one hundred and forty acres of land southwest of Ottawa. This land was all in woods, except five acres, and had only an old log house on it, in the way of improvements. The former occupant moved off the place to higher land north of Ottawa to escape the surface water on the land. This gave Mr. Hermiller fine land when it was cleared and drained. He afterward purchased two other famis, one consisting of eighty and the other of one hundred acres. He farmed here the rest of his life, and died in June, 1884. His wife died at the age of eighty-three, November lo, 1910.

Frank B. Hermiller was one of seven children. He grew up on the home farm and, in April, 1890, was married to Mary Bloemer. She was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, and is a daughter of Bernard and Josephine (Kenkal) Bloemer.

Bernard Bloemer and his family, at that time, consisting of two children, Johanna and Mary, left Germany and came to America about fortyseven years ago and settled on a farm in Ottawa township, Putnam county, on a farm. They lived there for eight years and then moved to a farm which he purchased in Jennings township, consisting of one hundred and eighteen acres. He erected a number of splendid buildings. Five children were born to Bernard and Josephine (Kenkal) Bloemer in this county, and three were bom in Germany, Johanna, who died in Germany; Mary, Johanna, Elizabeth, Anna, Bernard, deceased; Christina, and Emma, deceased. Mr. Bloemer and wife lived on their farm until their death. He died on April 13, 1914- His wife died on January 12, 191 5. They belonged to the Christian church at Ft. Jennings and were highly esteemed for their many fine qualities. ^

Frank B. Hermiller has farmed ever since his marriage in the locality where he was born and reared. He built a splendid brick residence on the Pandora road, southeast of Ottawa, overlooking the Blanchard river, in 1807 He IS the owner of one hundred and sixty-eight acres of land, all in one body also sixty-three acres near Miller City. His house is thoroughly modern' and IS equipped with a private lighting plant, a furnace, and all other modern conveniences. It is also very well furnished.

Frank B. Hermiller and wife are the parents of four children, Edward at home; Emma, the wife of Harry Kahle, lives in Ottawa, and is the mother of one daughter, Alice Rosemary; Frank, a student in the high school and Mary Josephine, living at home.

Frank B. Hermiller and family are devout members of the Catholic church at Ottawa. Mr. Hermiller is a progressive farmer of an affable disposition, and is clear-minded and strong-hearted. He is one of those men who always knows just what he is going to do and how he is goino- to do It. He IS methodical, precise, and exact in everything that he does, a man who has been able to translate brains into the business of farming Mrs 61 ^

Hermiller is a charming woman of gracious manner, kind and hospitable. She is very intelligent and has proved a loyal and helpful wife, who has contributed much to his success.

George I. Best

Among the comfortably situated retired farmers of Putnam county, few are better known, or more generally popular, than the genial George I. Best, of Columbus Grove, to a brief sketch of whose career the biographer here engages the attention of the reader of this comprehensive history of this county, a compilation which would not be complete without fitting reference to the gentleman whose name serves as the caption of this particular bit of biography.

George I. Best was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, May 4, 1847, the son of George and Hannah (Sneary) Best, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, but who had lived in Ohio from the days of their childhood.

George Best, father of George I., came to Ohio from Pennsylvania with his parents when a lad and grew up in Tuscarawas county, where he received the benefits of the excellent schools of that county and where he learned, under his father's direction, the general principles of agriculture, his father having been a successful farmer of that county. Pie married in that county and, about the year 1851, when George I. was but three years old or thereabout, moved to Putnam county, settling in Union- township, where he bought a farm of eighty acres, on which he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring in the year 1865, when he was sixty-five years of age. George Best's wife, the mother of George I., who also was born in the Keystone state, became a resident of Ohio at an early age, having moved with her parents to Tuscarawas county^ when she was a little girl. There she grew to womanhood, enjoying the educational advantages of the district schools, and there she married George Best, whom she made a faithful and competent helpmate, and whom she survived many years, her death not occurring until the year 1881.

George and Hannah (Sneary) Best were the parents of ten children, James, David, Catherine, Elizabeth, George I., Sarah Jane, John, William, Jacob and Ella. Of these there are now surviving but three, Mrs. Elizabeth Stevens, who lives at Kalida, this county; George I., the immediate subject of this sketch, and Jacob, who also lives at Kalida.

his education in the district school in his neighborhood and a careful training m the rudiments of farming under his father's thoughtful direction. ,On March 2, 187 1, he was united in marriage to Rosetta Norton, a native of Putnam county, who was born on July 14, 1849, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (McDowell) Norton, well-known residents of this county. For further details of the Norton family, the reader is referred to the interesting biographical sketch presented on another page of this volume, relating to B. Burgess, whose deceased wife was a sister of Mrs. Best.

To George I. and Rosetta (Norton) Best were born eight children, Harry IS a successful farmer living in Monroe township, Allen county; Herbert who also lives in Allen county; Maude, who married Oliver Logan, lives in Bodkms, Ohio, and has one child, a daughter, Irene; Mina, who married Charles Reeder, a farmer of Pleasant township, this county, and has two children, Herbert and Leon; Eva, who died young; Orpha, who married Louis Zimmerman, of Lima, Ohio, and has one child, a daughter, Esther Besides the foregoing there were two of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Best who died in infancy. '

In addition to the vocation of general farming, which Mr Best made the principal business of his life for so many years, he also gave much attention to the breeding of fine horses. He always has been a lover of horses and has a more than local reputation as a good judge of horse flesh and his breeding stables in Allen county, for many years were popular among the farmers throughout that section. Since moving to Columbus Grove Mr

Best has maintained an excellent breeding stable there, the quality of the service extended recommending them highly to the consideration of the farmers hereabout.

George I. Best is a Democrat and gives such attention to the political affairs of the county as is the duty of all good citizens, but has never been included in the office-seeking class, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his own personal affairs, though his judgments in political matters are regarded as sound and his counsels along these lines carry no small w^eight among the local party managers. Mr. Best and wife are members of the Christian church at Columbus Grove, Mr. Best having served the congregation of that church in the capacity of a deacon, for some time past. He and Mrs. Best are active participants in the local beneficences of the church and are likewise interested in all movements looking to the general welfare of the community in which they are so well liked, the geniality and friendliness of their manners having made them popular with all with whom they come in contact.

Science has taken hold not only of business but of all professions 'as well and veterinary surgery is no exception. The practice of this profession is regulated by law in most states and elaborate courses of instruction must be followed, before the practice is permitted. Jesse N. Heischman, D. V. S., a veterinary surgeon of Columbus Grove, Putnam county, Ohio, entered his profession, well-equipped in every respect. Not only are his professional attainments superior, but he is personally popular throughout Putnam county and has always enjoyed a large and lucrative practice.

Jesse N. Heischman, D. V. S., is the son of a well-known physician and veterinarian, now deceased, and was born on April 27, 1872, in Franklin county, Ohio. His parents were Theodore and Melissa (Smith) Heischman. Theodore Heischman, M. D., D. V. S., was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1848, and was the son of John Heischman, who was born in Virginia and who came to Franklin county, Ohio, where, for some time, he was a farmer. Later, John Heischman came to Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and settled on a farm close to North creek, where he farmed one hundred and sixty acres of land, until his death. Theodore Heischman grew up in Franklin county, Ohio, where he received his early education. He was trained for veterinary surgery at Ohio State University and for the practice of general medicine at the Chicago School of Medicine and practiced both in different parts of Frankhn county. He practiced medicine at Bucvrus and Deiiance Ohio, and later, went west to Ft. Scott, Kansas, where he practiced veterinary surgery for some time. Returning to Putnam county, he farmed in Palmer township until a short time before his death, in 1892, at the age of fortyfive. He died of lung trouble of which he had failed to gain relief on his trip to the West. His wife, who, before her marriage, was Melissa Smith was born m Licking county, Ohio, November 25, 1844, and died in 1903' She was the daughter of Archibald and Mary (Beach) Smith

Theodore and Melissa (Smith) Heischman were the parents of four children, Dr. Jesse N., twin sisters who died in infancy, and Homer, who lives at Fmdlay, Ohio. Theodore Heischman, M. D., D. V. S was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pvthias at Bucyrus, and a Democrat in politics.

Jesse N. Heischman was reared in Franklin countv, Ohio, where he lived until ten years of age, when he removed, with his parents, to Bucvrus Ohio. His early education was received at Bucyrus and Defiance He acconapanied his father on his trip to Ft. Scott, Kansas, and returned with him to Palmer township, Putnam county.

Doctor Heischman was married on May 11. 1892. to Catherine Beck the daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Etchen) Beck, the former of whom was born on August 18. 1829, in Bavaria, and who died on August 9 1899 His wife was born on December i, 1836. and died on July 6, 1905 ' Jacob Beck and wife had thirteen children, Frank, born on July 11, '1854; John, January 6, 1856; Nicholas, died in infancy; Jane, October 6, i860; Mary April ^o 1862, died in August, 1906; Clara, March 12, 1863; Nathaniel Joseph' November 8. 1865 ; William A., September 6, 1867 : Catherine, the wife of Dr' Heischman; Elizabeth. October 16, 1871 ; Louise M., February 4 1874' Henry L., March 20, 1878, and Albert J., June 9, 1882. died in September of the same year.

Mrs. Jesse N.. Heischman was born on November 13, 1869 She has been the mother of four children, Ruth Hazel, born on May 3 1893 who married N. S. Robbies and lives in Van Buren, Ohio; Russell Newton Tulv 3, 1895; Barbara Jane, December 3, 1899. and John Theodore, September 21, 1904. ^

Jesse N. Heischman, D. V. S.. attended the veterinary college, at Toronto, Canada, but did not graduate there. He finished his work at Grand Rapids Veterinary College, at Grand Rapids, Michigan, with the class of 1900. He also took a course in veterinary dental work at the Ontario Col lege, at Toronto, and finished this course in 1893. Doctor Heischman is a registered doctor of veterinary surgery in both Ohio and Michigan. After finishing his course, in 1893, he came to Continental, Ohio, where he practiced for five years. After graduation from the Grand Rapids school, he returned to Columbus Grove and began practice. He is the only veterinarian in this vicinity and has a lucrative practice. He is considered one of the most successful veterinarians in this section of Ohio.

Jesse N. Heischman, D. V. S., is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Continental. He served as mayor of Columbus Grove for two terms, from 1906 to 19 10, and is the present health officer for the corporation as well as the humane officer. He is a Democrat and, throughout his life, has been active in behalf of his party. He is, however, a booster for all- civic improvements, regardless of part)^. He is now the Putnam county representative for the Indiana and Ohio Live Stock Insurance Agency and patentee of the Heischman Colic Cure, a remedy which is famous for its results and which has a large sale. Doctor Heischman is no longer interested, financially, in this remedy, having sold his interest to outside parties.

Doctor Heischman is a man of splendid approach, likeable and congenial, well spoken of, of pleasing personality and bears an excellent reputation in his community.

Warren C. Draper

Warren C. Draper was born on January 2, 1853, in Summit county, Ohio. He is a son of Warren Luke and Louisa (Savacole) Draper. Warren Luke Draper was born on October 6, 1823, in Washington county, New York. He was a son of Moses and Sabrina Draper, who were natives of Washington county. New York. Moses Draper and wife came to Ohio about 1829, and settled at Hudson, Summit county, and here they reared a family of nine children, eight sons and one daughter. Warren Luke Draper was the second child. Moses Draper and wife spent the remainder of their lives in Summit county. Warren Luke grew up on the old homestead and was married, in Summit county, to Louisa Savacole, the daughter of Samuel and Sarah Savacole, who were pioneer settlers in Summit county, Ohio.

When about thirty years old, Warren Luke Draper removed to Hancock county, Ohio, where he purchased a farm in Allen township, five miles northeast of Findlay. He was the owner of one hundred and eighty acres and was a prosperous farmer and stock dealer. He and his wife were the parents of three sons and three daughters: Sarah Ann, the wife of

Eli W. Pepple; Warren C, the immediate subject of this review; Salina Elizabeth, the wife of Sanford Lemon; James Edward, who married Lela Lepper; Martha J., the wife of Armenius King, and Charles, who died at the age of one and one-half years.

Warren C. Draper grew to manhood in Hancock county, and remained -on the home farm until he was twenty years of age. He was first married December 23, 1876, at the age of twentythree, to Myra Jane Hosier, the daughter of John and Isabel Hosier, who were pioneers of Hancock -county, and who came from York county, Pennsylvania, in an early day.

After his marriage Mr. Draper lived for four years near Arcadia, in Hancock county, Ohio, and then removed, in the spring of 1881, to Blanch- .ard township, Putnam county, three miles northeast of Gilboa, where he purchased eighty acres of land, only twenty acres of which were partially cleared. Since this time he has cleared the remainder of the farm and has surrounded himself with substantial improvements. He has always made a specialty of raising high grade Hve stock, and has been veiy successful as a farmer.

By his first marriage, Mr. Draper had four children, Charles, Belle, Harry and Bernice. Charles resides in Leipsic, Ohio. He married Edith Tafflinger, and they have three: sons, James, John and Richard. Belle is the wife of Frank Miller and resides at Tiflin, Ohio. Harry H. married Edna Wight, and they reside at Lewiston, Montana. They were the parents of one child who died in infancy. Bernice is unmarried, and at present is attending the academy at Tiffin, Ohio. Mrs. Draper died on August 8, 1908 and on June 6, 191 1, Mr. Draper married Mrs. Malissa Slosser, of Toledo! Ohio, a sister of his first wife. She lived only eight months after her marriage and died on February 6, 1912.

Warren C. Draper's father, Warren L. Draper, was married the second ' time, to Hannah King, the daughter of John King and wife, and to this Tinion were born two daughters, Emma, who became the wife of a Mr Russell, of Minerva, Ohio, and Belle, the wife of George Burrell, of Continental, Ohio.

Mr. Draper is a Republican. He has been influential in the educational circles of his township for many years, and has served as a member of the school board. Throughout his life he has been an active member of the United Brethren church, and a trustee in this denomination.

Warren C. Draper is a man highly respected by the citizens of his community, and is known as an enterprising farmer, a good neighbor and a kind and considerate father.

Benjamin F. Eck

Many farmers owe their success to a steady determination formed early in their careers. Where industry is required they are not afraid of toil; where economy is necessary they do not hesitate to practice frugality; where careful management seems the keynote to affluence, they are painstaking in their attention to details. Benjamin F Eck, of Riley township, is a successful farmer, because he has strictly adhered to the principles which, if strictly followed, insure success. He is one of those men who are able to identify their ancestors with one of the earliest wars fought by this country when the country still wore its swaddling clothes. Frederick Eck was a soldier in the War of 1812 and during his service in this war, came to northwestern Ohio as an Indian scout.

Benjamin F. Eck was born on May 8, 1872, in Riley township, Putnam, county, Ohio. He is the son of Benjamin and Catherine Ellen (Sanderlin) Eck. Benjamin Eck was born in Richland county, Ohio, on January 23,, 1827, the son of Frederick and Nancy (Newcomer) Eck. Frederick Eck was born in Pennsylvania, about 1788, and died at the age of eighty-eight, in 1876, in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio.

It was Frederick Eck, who, as a young man, enlisted in the War of 1812 and, during his services as a soldier, came West as an Indian spy. On this trip, Frederick Eck had ample opportunity to observe the new country and it was then that he resolved to cast his lot with this frontier country. After the war, he returned to Pennsylvania and was married in Franklin county, of that state. Thereupon he moved to Richland county, Ohio, and there hesettled. But he remained there only a few years, coming to Putnam county in 1835. It was in Richland county, however, that his children were born. There were seven of them, five sons and two daughters, one daughter dyingin infancy. Benjamin Eck, Sr., the father of Benjamin F., was next to the youngest child.

After coming to Putnam county, in 1835, Frederick Eck lived in a cabin on the farm of Samuel Hall, just east of Gilboa, until the following spring. Some time before bringing his family, he made a trip from Richland to Putnam county and entered forty acres of land in section i, of Riley township. Benjamin F. Eck, Jr., still has the deed made out at this timefor this land. The deed was dated on October 7, 1835, and is signed by Andrew Jackson, then president of the United States. The following spring, Frederick Eck moved his little family to their new home where he had built a cabin during the winter and it was on this old homestead that the childrert grew to maturity. In addition to this forty acres, Frederick Eck purchased eighty acres adjoining the original homestead on the south, giving him one hundred and twenty acres in all. This eighty-acre tract was purchased on January ii, 1849.

Frederick Eck was a Democrat and served as road supervisor for several years. His grandson, Benjamin F. Eck, has a collection of receipts, and other interesting papers, pertaining to his of^fice. One is a receipt issued to John Smothers, October i, 1841, for labor performed in Riley township, the value^ of which, as indicated on the receipt, was nine cents and six mills.

It was on this old homestead that Benjamin Eck, Sr., spent his childhood. Here he has lived ever since. He passed through all of the pioneer experiences common to his day and generation and is now; eighty-eight years old. He distinctly remembers when the Indians roamed this part of the country and when he cut rails in the water. The compensation for splitting rails in those days was forty cents a hundred. Benjamin Eck had to gO' many miles, in those days, to mill.

Benjamin F. Eck, Sr., was married on August 28, 1856, in Wood county,, Ohio, to Catherine Ellen Sanderlin, who was born on September 18, 1836,, at Covington, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Seaton) Sanderlin. After their marriage, they took up their residence on the old homestead, where they have since resided. Mrs. Eck died in November, 1902. She was the mother of five children, Mary Isabelle, born on June 14, 1857; Eliza Amanda, March 18, 1859; Rebecca Ellen, March 14, 1870;- Benjamin F., the subject of this sketch, and William Noah, March 30, 1874. All lived to maturity but all are now deceased with the exception of Benjamin F.

Benjamin F. Eck, like his father, grew up on the old homestead of his grandfather. He attended two terms at the old Webster district school and then attended the old No. i district school. After finishing school, he worked out for two or three years, and then returned home to take charge of the home place, which he farmed for several years.

At the age of twenty-six, Benjamin F. Eck, Jr., was married on November 25, 1897, to Effie May Spitter, who was born on March 26, 1874, in Hancock county. She is the daughter of George F. and Kezia (Snyder) Spitter, both natives of Fairfield county. George F. Spitter's father was a native of Pennsylvania and his wife's father was a native of Fairfield county.

After his marriage, Mr. Eck continued to farm the old home place, which has been his residence up to the present time. He and his wife have been the parents of nine children, George F., born on September 3, if

Benjamin F. Eck is a Democrat. He is one of Riley township's sub- -stantial citizens and, having come from an old pioneer family, is well and favorably known in Riley township and, in fact, throughout Putnam county. He is a man who well merits the esteem and confidence placed in him by his fellow citizens.

Orville V. Todd

Among the families of Putnam county, Ohio, whose members have worthily discharged their duties to their fellows and to their community, no family takes higher rank than the Todds, who are today prominently identified with the business and social life of Putnam county. For many years the members of this family have stood for all that is best in business, educational, moral and social life, and they have wielded an influence that is potential in the development and welfare of their community. The members of the Todd family are numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of the county because of the prominence which the family has enjoyed and the close relations they have sustained to the welfare and prosperity of the locality which has been honored by their citizenship. They are, therefore, eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character.

Orville V. Todd, one of the younger representatives of the Todd family and the cashier of the Gilboa Banking Company, was born on December 23, 1869, in Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, the son of Joel and Eveline (Vaughn) Todd. The family history of Eveline Vaughn may be found in the life story of John W. Hixon, contained elsewhere in this volume.

Joel Todd was born in Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, on October 16, 1845, the son of Levi and Margaret (Bosler) Todd. Levi Todd was bom in Fairfield county, the son of Samuel Todd and wife, both of whom came from Pennsylvania in pioneer times and settled in Fairfield county, Ohio.

In those pioneer times before the railroads were built, Samuel Todd drove a six-horse freight team from Harrisburg to Baltimore. He hauled grain to the seaboard and brought merchandise on return trips. It is re- Hated that these teams were driven without lines, much as oxen were driven, the driver riding a saddle-horse on the near side of the wheel horses. After coming to Fairfield county, Ohio, where his son, Levi, was born, the latter took up the work which his father had followed in Pennsylvania, except that he drove from Harrisburg west to Pittsburgh, and on to western Ohio, as far as 'Findlay and Fostoria. Samuel Todd moved from Fairfield county to the northwestern part of Blanchard township, Putnam county, about two miles south of the present city of Leipsic. Here he spent the remainder of his days.

Levi Todd came from Findlay to Blanchard township and entered acres of land three and one-half miles northeast of Ottawa. Here he remained until the eighties, when he sold out and moved to two and onehalf miles south of Leip^sic, which farm he finally sold and after its sale retired, spending his declining years with his children. It was at the home -of one of his daughters, Mrs. Catherine Smith, of Syracuse, Kansas, that Tie died about 1897.

Joel Todd spent his boyhood in Blanchard township, Putnam county, and here he attended the common schools, also helping his father on the farm until twenty-three years of age. At this time he was married to Eveline Vaughn in 1868. She was the daughter of John and Johanna (Shriner) Vaughn. After their marriage, Joel Todd began farming for himself four and one-half miles southeast of Leipsic, on a part of the Vaughn estate. He and his wife still live on the farm, to which they moved after their marriage, forty-five years ago. They have been the parents of four children : Orville V., the subject of this sketch; Angle, who died at the age of two years and six months ;.Arlowa and Franville H. Arlowa is the wife of A. C. Bracy and lives three miles north of Gilboa. They have three children, Cloyd, Delia and Lena, all of whom are at home. Granville H., who died on November 26, 1910, married Constance Young, of Pocatello, Idaho, and lived only four months after his marriage.

Orville V. Todd spent his boyhood in Blanchard township and there attended the country schools until sixteen years of age. He then became a student of the high school, conducted in connection with Crawfis College, where he graduated with the class of 1884. Subsequently, he attended Otterbein University, where he took a special normal course. For fourteen years he was engaged in teaching, first in the country, and finally in Leipsic. Still later he became superintendent of the schools at'Bellmore.

After serving fourteen years as a teacher, Mr. Todd took a course in business at the Lima Business College and then took up commercial work for different concerns. On July 2, 1909, he was elected cashier of the Gil-

Orville V. Todd was married, at the age of twenty-nine, to Alice Elwell, of Columbus Grove, Ohio. She is the daughter of Hiram and Mary Jane (Ketchem) Elwell. One child, Leslie, has been born to this union.

Orville V. Todd is a Republican. He has been honored with different local offices in the community, all of which he has filled with credit to himself and to the people who elected him. Mr. Todd is a member of Ottawa Lodge No. 325, Free and Accepted Masons, and Gilboa Lodge No. 459, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Todd are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Todd is treasurer.

Not only is Orville V. Todd prominent in the business life of this section of Putnam county, but he and his wife are prominent socially in the community. He is an alert, up-to-date citizen, and is held in high esteem by his business associates and by the community of which he has become so important a factor.

Christian Beutler

To come to a new country from a foreign land as a fatherless boy of seventeen, and by sheer pluck and courage and wisdom and judgment to rise to the position of clerk of the courts of the county in which he lives, and to so administer the affairs of that office as to insure a triumphant reelection, to be honored by his fellow citizens by elevation to other positions of public trust and responsibility and to make for himself a place in the community second to none in his county, surely is an achievement that properly merits praise, and it is a pleasure for the biographer here to present in the history of Putnam county a brief review of the life in which these achievements are comprised.

Christian Beutler, former clerk of the courts of Putnam countv, was born in the republic of Switzerland in the year 1854, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Schideggar) Beutler, the former of whom died when Christian was eleven years of age. The mother and her five fatherless children came to America and located at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in 187 1, where the boy Christian "worked out" for about five years, and then, in 1877, came to Ottawa, Putnam county, where he and Joseph Meyer engaged in brickmaking, their first kiln being erected on the west side of the Blanchard river, near Glandorf, where they remained for four or five years, the industry thriving. At the end of that time, the brick yard was moved to the north end of Ottawa and Mr. Beutler continued in this business, at that point, until the year 1905, when he discontinued the brick-making business. In the meantime, he had been making good investment of the proceeds of his brickmaking industry, in 1897, having bought fifty-five acres of land inside the city limits at the north edge of Ottawa and forty-four acres about two and one-half miles northeast of Ottawa, to which he has given his close personal attention to the management of these farms ever since.

During all this time, Mr. Beutler's engaging personality was bringing him to the close attention of the people of his county, and it was not long until he was one of the best-known and most popular men in the county. He had allied himself with the Democratic party upon reaching manhood's -estate, and had taken a close interest in the affairs of his party during tfe various local campaigns in Putnam county. When his party, therefore, nominated him for the important position of clerk of the courts of the county, in 1894, his election was taken as a foregone conclusion. His administration of the affairs of this office proved so admirable that he was re-elected in 1897 and served his county in this capacity for a period of six years. In other public affairs, Mr. Beutler also took a warm interest and for six years served the public very acceptably as township clerk, while for sixteen years he served as a member of the town council of Ottawa, his acts in this connection always having the public welfare as their inspiration.

Christian Beutler has been married twice, his first marriage taking place in 1881, when he was united to Miss Elizabeth Fipp, the daughter of John and Mary Fipp, both of whom were natives of Germany, and the latter of whom was a well-known mill operator at Ottawa, this county. To this first union, seven children were born, William A,, who lives in Leipsic, this county, married Martha Altekruse and has three children, AVilfred, Louise and Carl; Christian ]., who died at the age of nineteen; Alexander G., who died at the age of seventeen; Elmer S., who lives in Ottawa, married Adeline Eberly and has two children, Norma and Sylvester John ; Joseph, who remains at home - Louis F., who resides in Detroit, Michigan, and Florence G., who is residing at home. The mother of these children died in 1900.

In the year 1902, Mr. Beutler married, secondly, Miss Caroline Kessler, who was born in Coshocton, Ohio, the daughter of Louis and Mary (Wupler) Kessler, who had moved to this county when Caroline was a little girl and located on a farm near Miller City, where they lived until her father was past middle age, when they moved into Miller City and conducted a tavern and

To Christian and Caroline (Kessler) Beutler four children have been born, Elizabeth M., Martha, Philomena and Lucille, who, with their parents, are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Beutler and wife are devoted to the good works of their parish and to all movements which have as their object the betterment of community conditions and are rightly held in the highest esteem by all their large circle of acquaintances. Mr. Beutler retains a large interest in public affairs and is regarded as one of the most substantial men in the county seat.

John G. Conrad

Among the many worthy citizens of Continental, Putnam county, Ohio, who have built up comfortable homes and surrounded themselves with valuable property, is John G. Conrad, a well-known butcher of Continental With few opportunities except what his own efforts were capable of mastering, and with many discouragements to overcome, he has made exceptional success in his chosen occupation, and acquired a substantial competence. He has the gratification also of knowing that the community in which he resides has been benefited by his presence and by his many good works.

John G. Conrad was born on March 30, 1864, at Avon, Lorraine county, Ohio. He is the son of John and Barbara (Rattelsdorfer) Conrad, the former of whom was born in Alsace, Germany, and the latter of whom was born on October 11, 1826, in Oberohendorf, Germany, and who came to America on May 10, 1847, at the age of twenty-one. John and Barbara (Rattelsdorfer) Conrad were married in the fall of 1847, in Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Conrad came to this country alone, her parents, Michael and Anna Elizabeth (Zenka) Rattelsdorfer, remaining in Germany. Mrs. Conrad came through from Germany by boat to Cleveland, Ohio, never having ridden on a railroad steam train until the age of sixty-seven. John Conrad, Sr., was sixty-seven years old at the time of his death, having been born in 1833, and having died on December 31, 1890. His wife was eighty-five years of age at the time of her death, having died on December 31, 191 1.

Mary Ann Conrad. They settled at Avon, Ohio, after their arrival and finished their .home, partially built, on the land which Mr. Conrad purchased. Here they resided until their death. The elder John Conrad's father, John Jacob Conrad, was a wagon maker, and followed that trade after coming to this country.

To Mr. and Mrs. John Conrad, Sr., nine children were born, Anna Mary, in 1850, died in March, 1912; Josephine, April 18, 1854, died on. February 12, 1880; Mary Ann, May 9, 1856, died on May 23, 1865; Anna Francisco, May 9, 1858, died on May 23, 1865 ; John, May 22, i860, died on January 7, 1864; Peter, September 12, 1862, lives at Avon, Ohio; John G., March 30, 1864; Anna, April 23, 1867, married Frank Alton and lives at Avon, Ohio; George J., February 12, 1869, lives at Peoria, Illinois. John G. Conrad was married on November 22, 1887, to Wilhelmina. Wagner, who was born on September 7, 1867, at Avon, Ohio, and who isthe daughter of John and Treacy (Seibert) Wagner, the former of whom is a native of Germany, and the latter of whom was born at Adrian, Leneway county, Michigan. John Wagner died on June 11, 191 1, at the age of seventy-one years and nine months, having been born on September 5, 1839 His wife, who died on May 20, 1880, was thirty-nine years old at the time of her death, having been born in 1841.