Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 22 of 33)

After John Kohls, Jr., was married, he lived one year and three monthsin section 35, and then moved back with his father and lived there until 1905, when he moved to Ottawa. He went into the hardware business with M. O. Agner and was there until Christmas, 1907, when he sold out and moved back to the home farm, where he built a new house. He suffered quite a loss from the great flood of 1913 and had thirty inches of water in" his house. The following fall he moved the house to the south side of the road, where he now lives. Some time before this, he had built a barn and other outbuildings. Mr. Kohls, Jr., now owns one hundred and forty-two acres of land. He lost much in the flood and was also hard hit by the hog cholera, but having good staying qualities, he pulled through and did well where others would have given up.

John and Maria Rose (Hohenbrink) Kohls have one son and two daughters, Margherata, Albert and Adelina. Margherata is the wife of Lambert A. Studer and lives at Townsend, Montana. She has one son, John. Kohls; Albert and Adelina are at home. Margherata's husband, Mr. Studer, has a fine hardware store and farm in Montana. John Kohls and wife took a trip to Yellowstone Park and through the West in 1914, and enjoyed the trip immensely. All of the Kohls family are members of the Catholic church and liberal contributors to its support. Few people are better known in this vicinity than John Kohls, Jr., and few are more deserving of the respect and confidence bestowed upon them by their neighbors and fellow citizens than he.

Benjamin F. Schafer

The biographies of representative men of a county, either of a past or present generation, brings alike many hidden treasures of mind, character and courage, well calculated to arouse the pride of their descendants and of the community. It is a source of regret that people are not more familiar with, the personal history of such men in the ranks of whom may be found farmers, mechanics, teachers, lawyers, physicians, bankers and members of other professions. Putnam county, Ohio, has been the scene of labor of many men who have not only led lives which should serve as a lesson and inspiration to those who follow them on the stage of life's activities, but who have also been of commendable service in other important avenues. Benjamin F. Schafer, the subject of this sketch, is a well-known and successful young farmer and stock buyer of Putnam county, Ohio.

Benjamin F. Schafer was born on August 11, 1882, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of William and Mary (Morris) Schafer.

William Schafer was born in Koenig, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, on February 4, 1839, and came to America with his parents in 1854. They 'settled in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, where he was married to Mary Morris, the daughter of Judge Morris, August 6, 1863. With his young wife, he moved to Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, in A/farch, 1864, and settled on the farm on which he and his wife resided' until their deaths. At the time he moved to Palmer township, it was almost an unbroken forest and abounded with all kinds of game and wild animals. He cleared the timber from most of the farm with his own hands. He was quite active in politics, being a Democrat. He held several offices of trust and, in April,

1867, was elected justice of the peace of Palmer township, which office he held for twelve consecutive terms, or until his death. He was twice elected township treasurer and once township trustee. He was elected county commissioner, in 1875, and held this office for six years. William Schafer was appointed postmaster at North Creek, Ohio, in March, 1879, and held this office until President McKinley was elected.

To William and Mary (Morris) Schafer were born twelve children, Henry P., on September 11, 1864; John S., February 18, 1866; Margaret Catherine, September 19, 1867; William W., December 17, 1869; George Lewis, December 12, 1871 ; Charles C, September 26, 1874; Sarah E., August 22, 1876; Mary Emaline, June 17, 1878; Ida Lavina, August 19, 1880; Benjamin F., August 11, 1882; Surikla Laura May, July 13, 1884, died on September i, 1903, and Joseph J., May 19, 1887. Five of the sons and one daughter reside in Putnam county and the others reside in different states. William Schafer died on January i, 1903, and his wife died on October 10, 1902.

Benjamin F. Schafer grew up on the homestead farm and was educated in district No. 3, of Palmer township. He has never left the original homestead farm owned by his father.

Amos Brecht was born on November 20, 1849, Seneca county, Ohio, and came to Putnam county with his parents who settled in Palmer township on a farm. His parents were Adam and Elizabeth Brecht, the latter whom was a native of Seneca county, Ohio, and the former of Hesse- , Darmstadt, Germany. He came to America with his parents when he was four years of age and they settled in Seneca county, Ohio, where they were farmers. Here, Amos Brecht grew up and was educated, and he, with his parents, came to Putnam county in 1862 and settled on eighty acres of land in Liberty township, where Amos farmed until his marriage, in August, 1 87 1, to Mary Fentermaker, who was the daughter of Gideon and Anna Elizabeth (Roat) Fenstermaker. Gideon Fenstermaker was born in Pennsylvania on August 22, 1825. He moved with his parents to Fairfield county, Ohio, when he was quite young and remained on the homestead farm until his marriage, August 17, 1851. He was reared a farmer and educated in Fairfield county. His parents both died in this county. After his marriage, Gideon Fernstermaker moved to Putnam county, Ohio, settling on one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Palmer township. This he cleared and improved. When he received the land, it was heavily timbered, and the bark of the wolves could be plainly heard at night. By rigid economy and persistent effort, he made out of this a good farm. He sold part of the farm, later, but kept forty acres, which he farmed until his death, June 22, 1894, at the age of sixty-eight years and ten months. He was a stanch Democrat and served as justice of the peace and township trustee for many years. He also held other minor oiBces. He was a member of the Disciples church. His wife, Elizabeth Roat, was born in Washington county, Maryland, March 10, 1834, and died March 5, 1907, at the age of seventy-two years, eleven months and twenty-six days. She came with her parents to Fairfield county, Ohio, at the age of four years. Here she grew to womanhood and was educated. She was a good woman and an active member of the Disciples church. Gideon and Anna Elizabeth Fenstermaker had ten children, Mrs. Mary Gustwiler, of Palmer township, Putnam county, who who first married Mr. Brecht; Edward; of Henrv county: Martin of Bellmore, Ohio; Mrs. Seluta Stall, of Hancock county, Ohio; Charles, of Lima- Caroline, who died at the age of ten years; John, of Dekalb county, Ohio' Mrs. Dallas Robinson, of Union county, Ohio; Mrs. Cora Harmon of Blanchard township; and Ora, of Hillsdale, Michigan.

Amos Brecht, the father of Mrs. Schafer, remained on his father's farm m Liberty township, Putnam county, for two years after his marriac^e and then purchased twenty acres in Palmer township, which he subsequently increased to one hundred and twenty acres by adding small tracts He improved the farm and built a fine residence. He was an excellent farmer and an industrious worker, paying close attention to the details of farm manao-ement. He was a well-to-do man, well known and well liked. He was" a stanch Democrat, although he never cared for office. He did. however hold minor township offices, such as township supervisor and school director' He was an active and devout member of St. John's Lutheran church He was a companionable man, a good father and a good provider. He had a family of nine children, Mrs. Laura E. Miller, of Dekalb county, Indiana; Gideon of Palmer township, Putnam county; Israel, of Liberty township- Amos 'de ceased; Mrs. Selvita Eveline Farney, of Blanchard township; Mary Ida' the wife of Mr. Schafer; Daniel LeRoy, of Palmer township; Mrs. Anna Le'vina Dobmeyer, of Palmer township, and John Dietrich, who is at home

After the death of Amos Brecht, his wife was married on July 2^ i8qto Louis Gustwiler, a native of Detroit, Michigan. They were married on the homestead farm of Amos Brecht.

Henry, in November, 1908, and Edith Frada, June 9, 191 1. All of thesechildren are at home. The three sons attend the same district No. 3 school, which their father attended during his youth.

Benjamin F. Schafer has erected practically all of the buildings on his farm of one hundred and seventy-three acres. He follows general farming and raises considerable stock, especially cattle. He is an extensive stockbuyer and feeds cattle. At the present time he has ten head of horses. He owns a registered Shorthorn bull. He is in a company of four persons who own two Belgian stallions, which he keeps on his farm. He sells an average of fifty head of cattle each year. Some time ago Mr. Schafer rebuilt one of the largest barns in Putnam cotmty. It is known as one of the finest in the county.

Benjamin F Schafer is not a member of any lodge. He is a Democrat in politics and is very active in the councils of his party. He has never cared much for office, although he has served as school director. He is especially a lover of horses and all live stock, of which he is an expert judge. Mr. Schafer is not a member of any church, but was reared in the Old School Baptist faith. Mrs. Schafer is a member of the Reformed Lutheran church, at Miller City, Ohio. Benjamin Schafer is a congenial man, quiet and unassuming, well liked and well accjuainted throughout Putnam county. He comes of excellent pioneer stock and is himself a worthy scion of a noblefamily.

Charles O. Pierman

Among the progressive farmers, of Ottawa township, Putnam county,. Ohio, is Charles O. Pierman, a man who owns a splendid farm, has a delightful home and is prudent and wise in the administration of his affairs.

Charles O. Pierman was born on February 25, 1871, in the southeastern part of Ottawa township. He is the son of Samuel and Margaret F. (Clark) Pierman.

Samuel Pierman died on January 7, 1904, at the age of seventy-six and his wife died on March 12, 1883. During his life, Samuel Pierman wasone of the most highly esteemed citizens of Putnam county. He was bom in Virginia about ten miles from the natural bridge, June 24, 1827, and whenyoung moved with his parents to Ohio in 1834. He was a son of James and Polly (Agner) Pierman. They settled about three miles east of Ottawa, iust west of the mouth of Riley creek. About ten years later they moved into the northeastern part of Pleasant township and Hved there the rest of their lives. Samuel Pierman grew up amid the hardships of pioneer life. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was a fearless man. Samuel remembered when, in his boyhood, the Indians got drunk and noisy and were led out of his father's cabin by the hair. Samuel was among the "fortyniners," going by rail to St. Joseph, Missouri, and from there walked across the continent to California. Three years later he came back home and bought one hundred and sixty acres in the southwest quarter of section 26, of Ottawa township. Later, he sold eighty acres and bought more land near the Blanchard river where it was cleared and the water did not stand so much as on the other land. He became owner of three hundred and thirty-six acres.

Samuel Pierman was married on June 26, t86o, to Mrs. Margaret A. (Clark) Merritt. She was born in Ottawa township, just east of the fair grounds on October 22, 1837, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Battlefield) Clark, who came to Putnam county, in 1833. Samuel and Margaret (Merritt) Pierman were the parents of nine children, all of whom survived him. When a good man, industrious and honest, dies, the community mourns. They miss his companionship and presence and pay worthy tribute to his memory. Samuel Pierman was a man highly respected and esteemed by a large circle of intimate friends.

Charles O. Pierman grew up on his father's farm. He was married on October 25, 1894, to Harriett Gertrude McDowell. She was born in Blanchard township and is the daughter of William and Eliza (Ridge) Mc- Dowell. William McDowell was an old and respected citizen of Putnam county, born in Hancock county, Ohio, and died in Ottawa, March 26, 1898, at the age of forty-nine. When very young, he came with his parents, John and Nancy (Mallahan) McDowell, to Putnam county. They located in Riley township, and here he lived until 1896. He married Eliza Ridge in 1 87 1. She was born, in Riley township, the daughter of William and Harriett (Catlett) Ridge, whose family came from Virginia. Mrs. Ridge is still living in Ottawa, at the age of eighty-eight. William McDowell farmed in Riley township, until 1896, and then moved to Ottawa, where he operated the City hotel until his death. He was well known throughout the eastern part of the county and had a very large circle of friends and acquaintances. Ever since his marriage, Mr. Pierman and his wife have lived in the community where he was born. He has a farm of one hundred and ten acres, splendid house and barn and is in every way a progressive citizen. Charles O. and Harriett G. (McDowell) Pierman have been the parents of seven

Identified with the Democratic party. Air. Pierman is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In every respect he must be classed as a representative citizen of Ottawa township, where he has lived for sa many years.

Jaaies M. Agner

In these latter days it is interesting to record the lives of men who settled a new country while the Indians were still roaming about. The progress of agriculture since those days has been most remarkable. The present-day farmer is no longer beset with the problems which faced the hardy pioneers of other days, but is now enabled because of improved methods to divide his time between his own vocation and public affairs, generally. Improved devices have placed the farmer in the front of our progressive citizens. One of the most progressive citizens of Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, and especially one of the most progressive farmers of this township, is James M. Agner.

James M. Agner was born on January 27, 1855, about two miles southeast of Ottawa along the Blanchard river. He was the son of George and Elizabeth (Sackett) Agner. George Agner was the son of George and Rachel (Mockerman) Agner and was born in Eairfield county, in 1818, and came with his parents to Putnam county in 1843. He married Elizabeth Sackett on October 21, 1847. Her parents were William and Rachel (Lile) Sackett, who came from Fairfield county and settled in Ottawa township in 1833. George Agner died September 2, 1878. His father entered the land on which was the site of the old Indian town of Upper Tawa and their burying ground was on his farm. Their graves being shallow, he gathered the bones and buried them, which act highly incensed the remaining Indians and they threatened his life. He left with his family for a time and when the Indians had removed he returned to his farm.

George Agner, Jr., was a child when his father came to Ottawa township and the boy found playmates with the Indian children in this vicinity. George Agner, Sr., and his wife, were Pennsylvania-Dutch and came from

James AI. Agner was married in 1879, to Sarah E. Crow. She was born five miles west of Ottawa and was a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Fretz) Crow. Stephen Crow was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on March 18, 1826, and came to Putnam county, in 1835, with his parents, James and Elizabeth (Moreland) Crow. He was married, in this county, October 28, 1847, to Elizabeth Fretz, who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1828, the daughter of John and Veronica (Shelby) Fretz, who settled in Putnam county in 1834.

Sarah E. Crow was eighteen years old when her parents moved to Riley township, Putnam county, and there she lived until her marriage to Mr. Agner. After this he continued farming on the land entered by his grandfather. Fie owns one hundred and twenty acres at home, and eighty acres, in Palmer township. Mr. Agner follows general farming and raises a good breed of live stock, and now owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. To James M. and Sarah E. (Crow) Agner five sons and two daughters have been born, Pratt E., Nora, Neva May, Jason, Raymond, Clyde and Clair. Pratt E. married May Allen and engaged in farming near the old home. They have two daughters, Mildred and Delilah Louise, and a son Richard, who died at the age of nineteen months; Nora is the wife of Homer Pierman and lives near the old home. They have five children, Gladys May, James Glenn, Marcene Lenore, William Corwin and Idonna-Dorine; Neva- May is still at home; Jason married Lucy Post and lives at Ottawa; Raymond married Edna Fensler, lives in Toledo and has one daughter, Ruby; Clyde and Clair are twins ; Clyde married Marie Conine and lives northeast of Gilboa in Blanchard township; Clair is still at home.

Mrs. James M. Agner died on Christmas day, 1898. She was a faithful and devoted wife and mother, rearing her children to be Christian men and women. She united with the Disciples church at the age of fourteen and remained faithful to this church all of her life. The last Great Call found her fully prepared for the everlasting life where no loving ties are severed. James M. Agner is identified with the Democratic party. He has served on the school board or as school director for about fifteen years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Agner is a public-spirited citizen, well known for his sterling integrity, his uprightness of character and is popular in the community where he lives.

Celestian Noirot, Jr

Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, has many excellent farmers and -many excellent citizens, among whom is Celestian Noirot, Jr.-, who owns a splendid farm in. section 13, in this township. Mr. Noirot is a native of the township where he now lives. Here he has spent all of his Ufe. He is widely acquainted in this section of Putnam county and is recognized as a citizen of high standing and intelligence in the community where he lives. Mr. Noirot has had much to do with the agricultural progress and prosperity of Putnam county, and, from any standpoint, is entitled to representation in 'a volume of this character.

Celestian Noirot, Jr., was born on December 23, 1869, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Celestian, Sr., and Victoria

Celestian Noirot, Sr., was born in the village of Boncourt, France, on August 10, 1835. He came to America with his parents, Francis and Francois (Raslot) Noirot, who were also natives of the village of Boncourt, France, and who settled in Hancock county on a farm. They lived here for a time and later moved to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1862, settling on forty acres in Palmer township, where the land was heavily timbered and in a swampy condition. Celestian Noirot, Sr., was a farmer. He accompanied his parents to Putnam county and farmed in a general way all of his life. He also learned the plasterer's trade in Hancock county and followed this, together with farming. He followed this trade in Putnam county and many buildings were plastered by him. The forty acres in Palmer township were, in time, increased to over two hundred. Celestian Noirot, Sr., followed his trade in Findlay, Ohio, walking back and forth to his farm in Palmer township. He was married in Findlay, Ohio, and after his marriage returned to Putnam county. He and his wife have been the parents of nine children: Joseph, deceased ; Celestian, deceased ; Mrs. Helen Kerns, of Miller City ; Victoria, deceased; Celestian, Jr., the subject of this sketch; George, who lives in Canada; Mrs. Emma Royal, of Dekalb county, Indiana, and Theodore, of Miller City. Celestian Noirot, Sr., served as supervisor and school director, and, with these two exceptions, has held no offices. He is a Democrat and is a member of the St. Nicholas church at Miller City. He lives with his son, Celestian, Jr., on the farm, but is retired. He is a man of good reputation and has done much for his children. He has been a hard worker and has seen many joys and sorrows. He is now past eighty years of age. The mother of Celestian Noirot, Jr., was born in Alsace, France, and came to America with her mother. Her mother became seasick on the vessel during the rough voyage and died five days after landing' in this country. Mrs. Noirot then came to Findlay, Ohio, with her brother George and others. She remained there for some time, and after her marriage came to Putnam county with her husband. She was born on August 15, 1841, and died on August 17, 1907, at the age of seventy-four years and two days. She was a devout member of the St. Nicholas church at Miller City.

Celestian Noirot, Jr., was reared a farmer and grew up on his father's fami in Palmer township. He was educated in the district schools of the township. Mr. Noirot was married on January 29, 1896, to Elizabeth Jones, the daughter of Joseph and Malinda (Lanning) Jones. Mrs. Noirot's father was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, and grew up on the farm there with his parents. He was educated and married in that county. After his marriage he went from Guernsey county to Illinois, where he remained for eight years on a farm. He then returned to Guernsey county and built a saw-mill, which business he followed for about two years. He then came to Putnam county and settled where Continental, Ohio, now stands. This land was heavily timbered and swampy at the time. Here he built a saw-mill, and, having brought the mill material with him from Guernsey county, began operating it. Mrs. Noirot was then ten years of age. Mr. Jones followed the saw-mill business here for some time and then in different parts of the state, wherever the timber was thick. He moved to Knockatee, Florida, in 191 1, where he is engaged in the saw-filing business. He is an expert at this trade. He also owns two orange groves in Florida. He married Malinda Lanning in Guernsey county. She is still living. She was born in Guernsey county, September 10, 1856. She grew up in this county and was educated there.

To Joseph and Malinda Jones the following children were born : John, who lives in Palmer township ; Elizabeth, subject's wife; Mrs. Emma Horning' of New Bavaria ; Charles, who lives in Alabama ; Jesse, of Salesville, Mississippi; Howard, of Holmesville, Ohio; Edna, of Coshocton, Ohio; Mrs. Blanche McKelrey, of Oriville, Ohio; Ida and Clyde, twins, the former of Palmer township and the latter of Knockatee, Florida; Hazel and Walter, both of Knockatee, 'Florida.

Celestian Noirot, Jr., grew up on the homestead farm in Palmer township and was educated in the district schools. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age. His father gave him eighty acres of land in sec- tion 13 of Palmer township before his marriage. He cleared about twenty acres of this farm before his marriage, and after his marriage rnoved to this farm, built the buildings, cleared, ditched and fenced the land.

Celestian Noirot, Jr., engages in general farming. He is not a member of any lodge nor has he held any offices. He is identified with the Democratic party. He and his family are members of the St. Nicholas Catholic church at Miller City. Mr. Noirot is a man of congenial temperament. He is a good farmer and industrious in his habits. He is a good provider and is interested in his home and family. He is well informed in all of the relations of life and keeps everything on his farm in good condition.

John Ball

John Ball, the subject of this sketch, has been a prominent factor in the development of Putnam county and especially of Palmer township, where he has lived so long. He is well known to all the people of Palmer township as an enterprising, industrious and successful farmer.

John Ball was born on January 20, 1854, in Stark county, Ohio, near Canton. He is the son of Ferdinand and Emehne (Gross) Ball. Ferdinand Ball was born on August 25, 1825, in Germany, and was the son of Barney and Mary M. BaU. P"erdinand came with his parents to America at the age of five years. They settled in Stark county, Ohio. Barney and Mary M. Ball were farmers and were early pioneers of that county. They had thirteen children: Barney, Jr.; George; Mathias; John; Ferdinand; Caroline; Eva, who lives in Henry county, Ohio : Mary, who lives in Defiance county ; Elizabeth, who lives in Washington, D. C. The first six children named are deceased, and Magdalene is also deceased and three others who are not now a matter of record.

learned the blacksmith trade and was an expert at this trade. His parents, Barney and Mary M. Ball, came from Stark county to Seneca county, where they farmed for a time and then moved to Carroll county. Later they came to Putnam coimty, Ohio, together with John Ball's father, Ferdinand, after his marriage. They settled on a farm of forty acres in section 7, of Palmer township. Barney Ball and wife died on this farm and Ferdinand, their son, farmed this forty acres. He also had a blacksmith shop on the farm and followed this trade along with farming. He, subsequently, increased this forty acres by hard work and rigid economy to nearly two hundred acres, all of which lay in Palmer township. He also had a farm of forty acres in Monroe township, Putnam county. He followed farming all of his life and retired from blacksmithing some time before his death, January 16, 1910. He was a man of strong physical proportions, a kind, careful, prudent' citizen and a good provider. He was not a member of any lodge and a man who cared nothing for political oifices. He devoted all of his time to farming and to his family. He always voted the Democratic ticket. He was a stanch member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church, at New Bavaria, Ohio, and gave three acres of ground for the building of St. Joseph's church at North creek, which he attended during his latter years. He also gave liberally to the support of the church and was a regular attendant. Both of his parents died on the home farm where John Ball grew to manhood.

Emeline Gross was born near Luxemburg, Germany, and came to - America with her parents when she was quite young. They settled in Stark county, Ohio. Tier parents were farmers in Germany and she grew to womanhood on a farm in Stark county. She was educated there. She was married to Ferdinand Ball, May 13, 1845. She was born on June 10, 1831, and died on December 26, 1895. She was a good mother, kind and patient,' and worked with zeal and effort to build up the home. She did her share toward improving the family fortune and honor. She was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church at New Bavaria and later of St. Joseph's church at North Creek. Ferdinand and Emeline Ball were the parents of the following children: Henry, who lives on the homestead farm; John, the subject of this sketch; George, a merchant at North Creek, Ohio; William of Palmer township ; Mrs. Mary Fugleman, of North Creek ; Catherine, deceased; and Susanna, who lives on the homestead farm.

Ferdinand Ball was a soldier in the Civil War, having enlisted at Defiance, Ohio, in the Sixty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Lifantry, 1864. He served until the close of the war and was a gallant soldier.

John Ball was educated in the old district No. 3 school in Palmer township and grew up on the homestead farm. He was reared a farmer and still continues to reside on the farm where he was born. His sister, Susanna, who is unmarried, lives with him and his brother, Henry, also lives with him. The buildings on the farm were erected by Ferdinand Ball. The house was built in 1880 and the barn in 1882.

John Ball was never married. He is not a member of any lodge and has held no offices except that of supervisor. He is a Democrat and is a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic church at North Creek. Mr. Ball follows general farming. He owns a thoroughbred Shorthorn cow and an imported Belgian mare.

Susanna Ball, his sister, was born on April 18, 1864, in Palmer township on the homestead farm. She lives with her brother, John, and was educated in the No. 3 school of Palmer township. She is a good, capable, companionable woman and a keen manager. John Ball is a congenial man. He is a good farmer and is prosperous and progressive.

Henry Ball, the brother of John Ball, and the son of Ferdinand and Emeline (Gross) Ball, was born on March 23, 1852, in Stark county, Ohio. He came to Putnam county, this state, with his parents at the age of six years, and was reared a farmer, grew up and was educated at the district No. 3 school in Palmer township.

Henry Ball was married on May 26, 1903, to Mrs. Mary (Welch) Burkhart, who was born in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and the daughter of James Welch and wife, natives of Ireland.

After the marriage of Henry Ball, he moved to sixty acres of land owned by his wife, in Liberty township, and farmed here for twO' years. His wife died on April 24, 1905, when the farm was sold. After this, Henry Ball came back to the homestead farm in Palmer township and here he has resided since that time with his brother, John, and sister, Susanna.

John Ball learned the carpenter trade when a young man and followed this trade for many years. He has erected many buildings in Palmer township. He helped to build the parish buildings at Miller City, Ohio. Mr. Ball also farms in a general way and has eighty acres in section i, of Monroe township, and here he raises sugar beets. He also has forty acres in section 7, of Palmer township, which his brother, John, farms.

Henry Ball has no children. He is not a member of any lodges. He was township assessor for one year, in 1882, and is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic church at North Creek. Henry Ball is well liked in the community where he lives.

George Kratzer

There is no better known or more highly respected citizen of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, than George Kratzer, who was born on October 17, 1845, at Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, the son of Charles and lAIargaret (Schumaker) Kratzer. Charles Kratzer was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and Margaret Schumaker was born in the same locality. They were married in America and lived in Fairfield county until George was past ten years of age. They next spent three years in Hancock county', Ohio, and, m February, 1859, moved to the Medary farm at Medary, Liberty township, Putnam county.

On this place, Charles Kratzer died, in 1862, leaving a wife and nine children. Catherine Barbara, Charles W., Sarah, George, Samuel, Henry, Jacob F., John M. and Louise. Of these children four are dead, who were Barbara, Louise, Henry and Charles. After the father's death, the mother bought forty acres of land in the northeast quarter of section 16 of Liberty township, where she lived from 1863 until her death, in 1895.

George Kratzer was reared on his mother's farm, after his father's death, and operated the home farm as long as his mother lived He was married in 1881 to Mary Margaret Mack. She was born in Fairfield county Ohio, and came to Putnam county in infancy with her parents, Christian and Mary (Stiger) Mack.

Christian Mack was born in Ohio and reared in Fairfield county He was both a farmer and a wagonmaker. His wife was Mary Stiger who was a native of Switzerland, and who came to America at the age of eight with her parents. They settled near Basil, in Fairfield county, Ohio in the early days, and purchased a farm south of that place. Christian Mack and family moved to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1858 and located in section 2^, just west of West Leipsic, where he bought a farm and there lived until his death He was township trustee several terms, also served as assessor of his township township treasurer, and a member of the school board for many years He was an active member of the Lutheran church and helped build the church of that denomination in Liberty township, as well as the one in Leipsic He died on February 15, 1894, while his widow survived him until May '1807 They were the parents of eight children who grew to maturity, Edward Henry, George. Frederick. Franklin. Mrs. Margaret Kratzer, Mrs. Catherine Kratzer and Mrs. Sarah Hammon.

1884, married Mame Hall and is living at Wheeling, West Virginia; Cora E. married Charles Rosenberger and lives in Blanchard township; Henry Glen, in 1893, is also at home.

George Kratzer is the owner of one hundred acres of splendid farming land, on which he carries on a diversified system of general farming and stock raising with pronounced success. He and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran church, and Mr. Kratzer belongs to the Maccabees lodge. He is an adherent of the Democratic party, is highly respected in the community where he lives, takes an active interest in public questions, and is well informed on all matters which pertain to the public welfare. For many years he has been a leader in Liberty township.

George Leinsetter

The Leinsetter family are of German ancestry and the first members are located in Putnam county, Ohio, about 1838, in which year the father of George Leinsetter entered a tract of government land in Liberty township. Mr. Leinsetter started out in the world in a very humble manner, working in his youth for fifty and seventy-five cents a day, which was considered big wages at that time. Many a day he worked from sun-up until sun-down, and in his early manhood cradled wheat day after day. He well remembers when his mother spun, wove and made his tow-linen clothes, and he was sixteen years old before he had his first factory-made suit. He has pulled, dried, broken and -hackled flax and sat by his mother while she spun and wove the cloth for the family wardrobe. He still owns an old coverlet which his mother wove with her own hands, that today is as bright as it was when it was dyed by her hands.

George Leinsetter, the son of John A. and Elizabeth (Krebs) Leinsetter, was born near the center of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, in 185 1. His father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and at the age of nine came to America with his parents. The family first located in Baltimore, later went to Pennsylvania, and, in 1838, made their permanent home in Putnam county, Ohio, in Liberty tounty.

John A. Leinsetter grew to manhood in Liberty township and hved for a time with his brother-in-law, George Hagely, and later bought a farm which was covered, with heavy timber. He cleared the land and lived in the same neighborhood the remainder of his life. His wife, Elizabeth Krebs, was the

of John and Anna Krebs, who came from near Lewiston, Pennsylvania, to Lorain county, Ohio, where she lived during her girlhood days. Her father was one of the first settlers in Liberty townshij^ in Putnam county, locating here about 1835, on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, where the Ottawa 'and Napoleon road crosses the Nickel Plate railroad. At that time the Lidians were still here, and it was not until two years afterward that they moved across the Mississippi. Bears, deer and all kinds of small game were still abundant in the woods. The Indians made maple sugar at a sugar grove not far from where the family located. John A. Leinsetter had -one hundred and twenty acres and farmed all of his life. He was a township trustee for two terms and a man who was highly regarded in the community where he lived. Seven children were born to John A. Leinsetter and wife, five of whom are living : George, John H., Jacob, Mrs. Anna H. Haughn and David. The deceased children are Catherine, who died at the age of two; Charles, who died on December 6, 191 o.

Charles C. Leinsetter, who was born on the home farm in 1864, grew to manhood there, and after his marriage rented the home place from his parents while they lived and from the heirs after the farm was divided. He married Mary Easton in 1903, who was a native of Liberty township, the daughter of James and Esther (Terflinger) Easton. Her father was reared in Liberty township, and was a son of George Easton, an early settler of the county. Charles C. Leinsetter died on December 6, 1910, and his widow rented out the farm for three years and lived with her sister and brother-iniaw. In February, 19 14, she was married to John H. Leinsetter, and since that time she has made her home on the old Leinsetter homestead. John H. Leinsetter was born, October 13, 1858, on the old home farm, worked at home until of age, and spent about a year in Michigan. He then went west -and spent five years and was in Oklahoma at the time it was opened for settlement. He made a little money by getting in early on the land opening, and came back to Putnam county and worked at the carpenter trade and made his home with his parents until they died, and afterward with his brother, Charles C. He owned land in Kansas, and now has a farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Howell county, Missouri.

George Leinsetter worked at home at all kinds of farm work, logging, -ditching, and all kinds of hard manual labor, working for fifty and seventyfive cents a day, considering it a good wage. He also spent about two years in western Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa. After his marriage, he started in with only about forty acres, half of which was cleared. Later, he put the remainder in cultivation and has made a good little farm out of it. About eighteen years ago, he bought forty acres more, across the road south from his original farm, and later secured thirty acres from his father. Soon after this he purchased the shares of the other heirs of the estate. He and his wife have two children, and his son has been a great help to him on the farm. George Leinsetter was married, in 1878, to Margaret Kuntz, who was born and reared in Switzerland, and came to this country with a relative when a girl soon after the Civil War. The two children of Mr. Leinsetter and wife are : Ida M. and Harvey A. Ida M. married Henry E. Mullett, and lives about three miles northwest of the old home. She has three children, Alvin, Bertha and Clarence; Harvey A. is helping his father with the work on the home farm. Mr. Leinstetter and his family are loyal members of the Lutheran church.

Philip Schey, Jr

The life of the farmer of today is the most independent existence that can be enjoyed. With all the modern inventions to facilitate farming, it is rapidly losing those objections which have always appeared so ominous to the average farmer lad. Again, the public school has taken cognizance of this subject, and today, in the schools of Ohio, farming is being taught and in many cases, given as much attention as arithmetic. Our colleges are granting degrees in agriculture, and farmers' short courses are being given everywhere. No better farming land can be found in the state than in Putnam county, and among the many good agriculturists of the county there is none who has made more of a success of this time-honored occupation than Philip Schey, Jr.

Philip Schey, Jr., was born, November 2,y, 1858, on Elm Creek, seven miles south of Columbus, Ohio. He is a son of Philip Schey, Sr., and Catherine (Bouch) Schey, the life history of whom may be found elsewhere in this volume.

Philip Schey, Jr., was ten years of age when the family moved to near Medary, Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio. Here the lad bore his full share in the toil and hardships of the early settlers of the Black swamp. He lived at home until his marriage, assisting his father with the farm work, and thus early learning all the principles of good farming.

Philip Schey, Jr., was married in 1884 to Pauline Yenner, a sister of John Yenner, whose biography tells of Mrs. Schey's parentage. Mrs. Schey died in 1885, leaving one daughter, Cora Louise, the wife of John E. Hat- horn, who is school supervisor in the northwest part of Putnam county, and who lives at Continental. They have two daughters, Pauline and Mabel. Mr. Schey was married a second time to Magdalene Wirth, in 1886, whowas born in Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, and who is a daughter of Samuel and Magdalena (Bauer) Wirth. Samuel Wirth came from Breis- Darmstadt, Germany, about 1850," and iirst located at Columbus, Ohio, where he worked for a time in the quarries, getting out stone for the state house. He came to Liberty township, in this county, about 1852, and located in the southwest part of Liberty township, where he purchased a farm, and here he lived until about twelve years ago, when he moved to Holgate. Later he moved north of Holgate, where his wife died in 1906, after which Mr. Wirth spent the remaining years of his life with his daughter, Mrs. Schey, and died at her home, in October, 1912.

When a youth, Mr. Schey purchased eighty acres of land, but later sold half of this tract and began farming on the remainder, where he is now living. This land was partly cleared, but not drained. From the time of his marriage, Mr. Schey lived on this farm, and from an humble beginning he has made his own way in the world, until he is now the owner of two hundred and sixty acres of fine farming land which is well improved with a neat and substantial brick house, equipped with a private lighting plant, with commodious barns and other outbuildings, making it one of the best farms in the county.

Seven children have been born to Philip Schey, Jr., by his second marriage : George, who married Olive Hyde, lives just north of his father, and has one daughter, Catherine; Walter, who married Jessie Pickens, lives on a farm adjoining his father's, and they have two sons, Woodrow and Donald : Will, who married Mabel Kratzer, lives at home ; Charles, of New Orleans ; while Homer, Samuel and Amelia are living at home.

Philip Schey, Jr., has always taken an interest in public affairs in his community, and has held nearly all of the official positions in his township. At present he is township treasurer. He is a busy man always and faithful in his endeavor to improve, not only his own condition, but that of the community as well. Mr. Schey and family are members of the Lutheran church, in which he especially is an active worker. He teaches a Bible class in both the Lutheran and Evangelical churches, the former in the morning and the latter in the afternoon of Sunday. In all respects he must be considered a representative citizen of Putnam county and one, therefore, entitled to rank among the progressive men of his day and generation, whose life histories

-are told in this volume. Mr. Schey is not only a man of influence in his community, but he is a man who has always wielded this influence for the public good.

Peter Schey

Though Nature affords excellent opportunity for carrying on certain lines of labor in every locality, there is demanded of every man great industry and diligence, if he succeeds. Competition makes him put forth his best efiforts and it requires great care to conduct any business enterprise along profitable lines. This is especially true of farming, and from the time of the earliest spring planting, until the crops are harvested, the farmer's life is a busy one. Even through the winter months, he prepares for the labors of the coming year and thus lays the foundation of his success for the ensuing season. Yet the farmer leads the most independent life and always has the satisfaction of getting a day off whenever he desires. Putnam county farmers are not excelled anywhere in the state, and among these excellent farmers is Peter Schey.

Peter Schey was born on July 14, 1862, at Elm Creek, Franklin county, Ohio, the son of Philip and Catherine (Bouch) Schey, the life history of whom is given on another page of this volume.

Peter Schey was a boy of seven years when the family moved to Liberty township, Putnam county. He lived on the home farm until he had attained his majority. He began farming for himself at this time and rented land for three years. Subsequently, he purchased forty acres in Henry county and lived there four years. He then moved back to Liberty township and sold out his farm holdings in Henry county and purchased the eighty acres where he now lives. At the time Mr. Schey purchased this land, there were few improvements on it. He erected a splendid house and commodious and -comfortable barns. Mr. Schey has made out of this land a good farm. He purchased eighty acres more about 1906, and in 1912 he added forty acres, making two hundred acres, all in one body and all good land; in fact, no more fertile or more productive land can be found anywhere.

When a young man, Mr. Schey did some ditch contracting and hauling timber; in fact, he has never hesitated to do any honorable work which might bring him success. His first eighty-acre farm was purchased for fortytwo dollars an acre in February, 1895 ; in 1907 he paid eighty-five dollars an -acre, and in 191 2 he paid one hundred and sixty dollars an acre, in all cases, getting practically no improvements except the bare land. Practically all of Mr. Schey's farm was a swamp and appeared absolutely worthless at the beginning, but since he has drained and improved it, no better land is to be found anywhere.

Peter Schey was married in March, 1893, to Lenna Hensel, who was born in Baden, Germany, and who is the daughter of John and Magdalene (Weaver) Hensel. She came to America with her mother at the age of eight years, her father having died in Germany, of smallpox, and her brother died on the way to America. The mother and seven children who arrived safely in America and located in Franklin county about twelve miles northwest of Columbus. There Mrs. Schey lived until her marriage. To this union five sons and one daughter have been born, John, Fred, Edward, Frank, Emil and Florence.

Peter Schey served three years on the school board and is now the trustee of Liberty township, Putnam county. He is also a trustee of the Mutual Telephone Company of Leipsic, a successful, co-operative company, the success of which has been due to a considerable degree to Mr. Schey's able directions, who, together with his family, are members of the Lutheran church. In Liberty township, where Peter Schey lives, his name means all of 'those things which stand for honor and respectability in the community. Mr. Schey and his brothers and all of their families are prominent in Liberty township and well known throughout Putnam county.

Henry Beckman

The rise from poverty to affluence has developed the character of many men living in Putnam county, Ohio. They have remained honest and loyal to their early interests, however, and are ever interested in the welfare of the community and in its progress. One of the most respected and progressive farmers of this county is Henry Beckman, who lives south of Ottawa in Ottawa township. Henry Beckman is a son of Bernard Beckman, Sr., and Hannah M. (Shonhofif) Beckman.

Bernard Beckman, Sr., was a poor boy, and was in debt for his passage to America when he landed here. He was born in Oldenburg, Germany, on August 24, 1828, the son of John B. H. and Elizabeth (Barlage) Beckman. He came to Putnam county, Ohio, in December, 1848, and lived for a time at Glandorf. He was married in December, 1850, to Anna M. Schonhoff, who Tvas also a native of Oldenburg, Germany, her birth having occurred there

After Bernard Beckman, Sr., was married, he bought forty acres of land on the south side of Ottawa township, which was partly cleared. He paid six hundred dollars for this land, on which was a house, but not much else in the way of improvements. A short time before that, he bought two other forty-acre tracts, one for two hundred dollars and the other for four hundred dollars. He spent Jiis life on his farm south of Ottawa. There were six children who grew to maturity, John, Bernard H., Henry, Mary B., Joseph and Elizabeth. The father of these children died on February 13, 1895, at the age of sixty-six, while his wife died on October 27, 1899, at the age of sixty-six. He and his family were devoted adherents of the Catholic church at Ottawa.

Henry Beckman grew to maturity on the farm where he was born. He was married on November 11, 1891, to Anna Kleform. She was born in Ottawa township, just south of Ottawa, the daughter of John and Catherine (Recker) Kleform. John Kleform was born and readed on the farm where Airs. Beckman was born. He was a son of Gerhardt and Elizabeth (Sponhoff) Kleform, who settled in Putnam county in 1837. Catherine Recker was born in 1850, the daughter of H. H. and Mary Recker, who came to Putnam county in 1835. John Kleform and wife were married at Glandorf in 1867, and spent the remainder of their lives on the farm where Mrs. Beckman was born.

Ever since Henry Beckman was married he has farmed the home place. His father was a cripple, for probably thirty-five years, before his death, and from the time Henry Beckman was sixteen years old, he has operated the farm. After his marriage, his parents lived with him until they died. Henry Beckman has followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and for seven years served as township trustee of Ottawa township, a position which he filled with exceptional ability, winning the approval of the citizens of the entire township.

Henry and Anna (Kleform) Beckman are the parents of five children living and two who died in infancy. Those living are Loretta, Philomina, Salome, Elmer and Hubert. Loretta is the wife of William Rieman, and lives northeast of Ottawa. She has one daughter, Lucile; Philomina is the wife of John Selhorst, and lives in Pleasant township.

Henry Beckman is a large, broad-shouldered man of splendid physique, candid and outspoken in his manner and more inclined to do a favor than to promise it. Naturally, he is a highly-respected citizen of the community where he resides. Mr. Beckman still has the spinning wheel which his mother used and also he has an old flail of pioneer pattern, which is always an object -of interest to visitors. He, with his family, are members of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic church at Ottawa. He at present farms one hundred and seventeen acres, all of which is located in Ottawa and Pleasant township. Air. Beckman raises a great deal of poultry and now has almost three hundred chickens on the farm of all kinds. Pie sells quite a number and has been very successful.

Philip Schey, Sr

A review of the life of the honored and lamented Philip Schey, Sr., must of necessity be brief and general in its character. To enter fully into the interesting details of his career, touching the struggles of his early manhood and successes of later days, would far transcend the limits of this article. He filled a large place in the range of the enterprising and public-spirited men of his day and generation, and the luster of his good deeds, and the memories which attach to his name and character form no inconsiderable chapter in the history of the community where he did his work and achieved his success. He is entitled to the honorable position he long occupied among the brave and energetic self-made men of Putnam county, Ohio, who, by enterprise and unswerving integrity, forged to the front, surmounting all opposition and winning for the grand old Buckeye state a place second to none in the bright constellation which comprises the union of American states. That he did his work nobly and well cannot be gainsaid, and though dead, he yet speaks in the work which he founded and in the many kindly deeds and noble influence which not only his friends, but the community as well, prize as a grateful heritage.

Philip Schey, Sr., was born in Preisen-Darmstadt, Germany, on September 22, 1832. He came to America first at the age of fourteen, and after spending several years in this county, returned to his native land, but again, at the age of twenty-five, returned to the United States, locating south of Columbus, Ohio.

It was while living here that Mr. Schey was married on November 25, 1856, to Catherine Bouch, who was also a native of Germany, her birth having occurred in Wurttemberg, June i, 183 1, and who was a daughter of Jacob and Magdaline (Walter) Bouch. She came to America with her brother, Philip Bouch, while a small girl.

Philip Schey's mother was Catherine C. Emer before her marriage, and Philip was one of nine children. His parents both died while he was a lad. When he came first to America he lost all trace of his relatives, and for more than forty years was unable to locate them. When past middle life he advertised in numerous newspapers, and as a consequence of this advertising, located an old school mate of his boyhood days. Through this old schoolmate he found some of his brothers.

A'Vhen he went back to Germany in his youth, he served in the German army, and while there learned considerable about veterinary practice. Upon his return to America, he also learned the trade of wagon-making, and, until he came to Putnam county, he practiced as a veterinary and also worked as a wagonmaker.

He moved to Putnam county in 1868, locating near where the old town of Medary once stood, in the north part of Liberty township. Here he purchased forty acres of land, on which was a log cabin. Very little of this land was cleared and almost all of it was too wet to produce anything. At that time, the family was poor, but Philip Schey was joined in the labors on the farm by his wife and eldest son. Mr. Schey himself worked for more fortunate people who owned farms on the ridge. Ague, at that time, was a veritable plague on account of the swampiness of the soil. After the stave factory came to Putnam county and created a demand for timber, Mr. Schey sold some timber and thus acquired the means to drain his land. This gave him a start toward material success. He soon purchased another eighty acres,, and his sons improved the land and made out of it a good farm.

There were eight children born to Philip, Sr., and Catherine (Bouch) Schey, six of whom are still living, Annie, the wife of J. T. Culver; Philip, Jr., who is referred to elsewhere in this volume; Mary, now deceased, was the wife of Samuel W. Gross; Peter, of Liberty township; John, of Liberty township; William A., deceased; Catherine M., the wife of William Heffner, and Caroline E., the wife of Frank Semler.

Philip Schey, Sr., died on November 17, 1879, while his widow survived him nearly twenty years, her death occurring in 1897. Both were earnest and active members of the Lutheran church, and took an active interest in its welfare.

Philip Schey, Sr., was a lover of all that was good and honest, a despiser of hypocrisy and shams of any sort. Pie was never able to obtain much education, but managed to acquire considerable information by home study and observation. He and his wife brought up a large family of children, whose lives prove that they were well reared and well trained in their youth. All have their homes and are useful and honored members of the community,, and all have an active part in the affairs of their respective townships, and for all of this, they are indebted to the good judgment and the loving kindness of their deceased parents, whom it is their delight to honor.

George W. Kneller

Young men who begin life with no pecuniary assistance and, who, without help, are able to get a good start while still young, surely are deserving of great credit. George W. Kneller is a young man who began life with no help from anyone and who has worked hard, lived frugally and saved. He now has a substantial competence, consisting of a well-improved farm in Liberty township.

George W. Kneller was born on May i8, 1872, in Fairfield county,. Ohio, the son of Frederick and Mary (Walker) Kneller. Frederick Kneller was born in Wurttemburg, Germany, in 1840, and at the age of six years came to America with his parents, Gottfried Kneller and wife, who settled in Hocking county, Ohio, where Mary Walker was born.

George W. Kneller lived in Fairfield county until 1891, when he came to Liberty township, Putnam county, and worked out as a farm hand. He was married on November 24, 1897, to Fstella E. Krause, the daughter of Philip M. and Alenath (Bagley) Krause. She was born in Liberty township, Putnam county. Philip M. Krause was born in Fairfield county and came to Putnam county with his parents, when a small boy. They located on the Medary farm, in the northwestern part of Liberty township, butlater bought a farm upon which George W. Kneller now lives. Here, Mr. Krause grew up and married Alemath Bagley. She was born at Bluffton, Allen county, Ohio, and was the daughter of Joseph Bagley and wife. Mr. Krause farmed on the home farm in Liberty township, until 19 10, when hemoved to Findlay, Ohio, where he bought another farmland resumed his occupation. George W. and Estella E. (Krause) Kneller have three children, Gladys Lorene, Orville Frederick and Willetta Grace.

After George W. Kneller's marriage, he bought the old Squire Krause farm, where he lives in section 9 of Liberty township. He started in this county with no money and worked for fifteen dollars a month. His farm he

George W. Kneller is a Republican and takes an active interest in the councils of that party. He is a member of the local school board. He and his family belong to the Lutheran church and contribute of their means to the support of this denomination.

Samuel Myers

To imke a success of farming, it is necessary to be something more than -a hard worker. A farmer miglit labor from dawn to twilight, every day in the year, and yet fail to accomplish much. There must be sound judgment and discretion exercised at the same time, a knowledge of soil, grain, live stock, and, in fact, general business. The man who accomplishes much as a farmer in these days should be accorded a place along with the men who succeed in other walks of life, for often it requires more ingenuity and courage to be a farmer than anything else that claims the attention of men in the world of affairs. A brief review of the life of Samuel Myers, a well-known retired farmer of Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio, will suffice to show that he has achieved success in his life work because he has worked for it and partly because what he made has worked for him.

Samuel Myers was born on February 22, 1840, in Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Samuel, Sr., and Margaret (Hardin) Myers, the former of whom was born in Washington county, Maryland, on April 21, 1793, and the latter born in Licking county, Ohio, on May 8, 1816.

Samuel Myers, Sr., was the son of John and Mary (Dillon) Myers. John Myers was a native of Maryland, of German descent, and a wealthy fanner and landowner. He also owned a mill and distillery. His children were fourteen in number, six of whom are now living: John, Jacob, Mrs. Mira Shank, Mrs. Barbara Shank, Henry, Samuel, Sr., and Mrs. Anna Stauffer. Mary Dillon was a native of Pennsylvania and a member of the Mennonite church, dying at a ripe old age. John Myers was a stanch Democrat and an influential citizen in the community where he lived. Mrs. Margaret (Hardin) Myers was the daughter of Abraham and Catherine (Wishart) Hardin, the former of whom was a son of William Hardin, who sei-ved seven years in the Continental army during the Revolutionary War and who died at the age of one hundred and four years. Abraham Hardin served in the War of 18 12, from Licking county, Ohio, under General Wayne. Mrs. Margaret Myers' grandfather Wishart was born in Scotland and settled in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where he lived to be ninety-eight years Samuel Myers, Sr., and Margaret Hardin \yere married on Christmas day, 1832. They had ten children: Adelina, who married Joseph Boxwell; Mrs. Anna A. Ayers, of Columbus Grove; Samuel, Jr., the subject of this sketch; Jacob, who was wounded June 27, 1864, at Kenesaw Mountain and died on September 27, 1864, from the effects of the wound received at that time; Abraham, who died at Nashville, Tennessee, during the Civil War; Susannah, who married G. D. McClure, of Jackson township, Putnam county ; Margaret, deceased, who married Daniel Wilser, also deceased; David, who died in infancy; Huldah, deceased, who married Godfrey Guyer, of Leipsic, -Ohio, and Malinda, deceased, who married Sam Price. The great-grandfather of these children. Dr. David Wishart, was a celebrated physician in the state of Pennsylvania.'

Samuel Myers, Sr., was educated in the state of Maryland and came to Putnam county in 1829, where he purchased a tract of land in Greensburg township, on the Blanchard river. Here he buih a house, and subsequently sent for his family, including his father, mother, three brothers and three sisters, Jacob, Joseph, John, Maria, Barbara and Fanny. Soon after their arrival two other brothers, Peter and Henry, came. Mrs. Margaret Myers was the first white woman married in Putnam county. Samuel Myers, Sr., built a dam for a saw-mill in 1834, and also a grist-mill, completing the latter in 1843. He operated the grist-mill for many years and performed a great ileal of the labor himself. He took great pride in the construction of this mill, which was exceedingly well built of heavy hewed timber. It was a threestory mill with a hip roof. A patent was later given on this style of roof. The frame timbers were fourteen by thirteen inches, the first floor beams were twelve inches, the second floor ten inches and the third floor eight inches. The buckets for the mill were scrolled out by a millwright named Graves, and in later years -a patent was issued to a man by the name of Ross for similar wheel buckets. The mill had undershot wheels. It was built in 1840, and was torn down in January, 1915. The timber was in an excellent state of preservation and was used in a barn in the neighborhood The timber was cut iM February, in the dark of the moon, as tests prior to this show that this timber lasts longer.

Samuel Myers, Sr., was not only an early pioneer, but a man of excellent busmess ability and of sound business principles. Besides farming, he could do many other things. He was a stonemason, a carpenter, a blacksmith, a fuller in wool factories and was well acquainted with all of the intricacies of the lumber business. He died on August 27, i860, at the age of sixtyseven years, and his wife died on May 16, 1901, at the age of eighty-five. Samuel Myers, Sr., was a man of broad views and was extremely publicspirited. He built three miles of plank road in Putnam county and contributed one thousand dollars toward its construction. In politics, he was originally a Whig and was honored at various times by election to local offices. He was one of the first county commissioners and was the first school examiner. He was trustee for many years and built the first school house in the township. Religiously, he was an influential member of the Mennonite church and a liberal contributor to the church. To Samuel Myers, Sr., the people are greatly indebted for much of its early development.

Samuel Myers, Jr., was reared on his father's farm and educated in the old log schoolhouse in Perry township, near his liome. He worked on the farm until he was twenty-two years of age and then became a boatman on the canal. Dtunng the summer he performed odd jobs in connection with his work as a boatman. He followed this vocation for about three years. In December, 1862, Mr. Myers purchased the farm of eighty acres in Paulding county, Ohio, and farmed there until February i, 1864, when he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a privateA This company was attached to the Second Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth AiTiiy Corps, under Sherman. Mr. Myers was in the army with Sherman which marched from Atlanta to the sea. He assisted in the capture of Fort McAllister and took part in fourteen battles. In fact, he fought with Sherman until the close of the war. He was known for his courage, efficiency and valor. He was discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas, August 15, 1865. Among the battles in which Mr. Myers participated were those of Resaca, Dallas, Dal ton. Buzzard's Roost, Nickajack Creek (where he was wounded in the hip by a shell). Big Kenesaw Mountain, Little Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Fort McAllister, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Columbus, South Carolina. He participated in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C, at the end of the war.

Having sold his eighty-acre farm before he went to the war, he returned to Paulding county, Ohio, and rented a tract of land for three years, later selling his lease, and then removed to his present farm of eighty-five acres, on June 6, 1866. He has added to this farm until, at one time, he owned more than three hundred and fifty acres. During late years, however, he has sold most of it because of his failing health and age. Mr. Myers.

has fifty-live acres adjoining the thirty where he resides. He also has forty acres in section 28 of Perry township. Throughout his Hfe, Mr. Myers has followed general farming. He was active until 1888, when he was injured in a railroad wreck at Anthony, Ohio, near Springfield.

Samuel Myers has also followed road contracting and has buih many roads in Putnam county. He owned a stone-crusher at one time, but sold it to John Blosser, of Cloverdale, Ohio. He has also been engaged in the timber business, more or less, since 1866.

Samuel Myers, Jr., was married on April 14, 1862, to Mary Elizabeth Mercer, who was born at Cuyhoga Falls, near Cleveland, Ohio, on August I, 1842, the daughter of Steven and Catherine (Dillworth) Mercer. Mr. Myers got his license from the probate judge of Paulding county, Ohio, and was married by the justice of the pea'ce, J. R. Cushman.

Samuel and Mary Elizabeth (Mercer) Myers have had three children: Abraham H., who was born on November 19, 1863, died on March 20, 1899;, Margaret Catherine, born August 22, 1866, married George Curtis, a farmer of Washington township, Paulding county, and has seven children, Mrs. Julia McCuUough, Samuel, John, Bertha, Mary, Merle and William Bi-yan; Susan, May 24, 1868. who married Andrew J. Ladd, a fanner of Brown township, Paulding county, Ohio, and had four children by this marriage, Flossie and Florence, twins, and Henry and Samuel. Florence is deceased. Susan had previously married Clyde Hamilton, who died, and to this union there were born two children, George, deceased, and Mrs. Malinda Bright. Abraham, the eldest child, who died in 1899, was married to Sarah E. Combs and had four children, Walter, Bertha, William J. and Abram.

Mrs. Samuel Myers, as heretofore noted, is the daughter of Steven and Catherine (Dihworth) Mercer, the former of whom settled in Williams county, Ohio. He was' the son of John Mercer, also a native of Pennsylvania. From Williams county, Ohio, Steven Mercer came to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where he was married. After living here for a time, they moved to Providence, Henry county, Ohio, across from Grand Rapids, Ohio, on the Maumee river, where he lived until his death in 1850. He was a stone mason by trade and followed this trade all of his life, although he was reared on a farm. His wife is still living with her son, Abraham, in Michigan. She is a cousin of William McKinley and is now eighty-seven years of age. Steven and Catherine Mercer had four children: Mary E., the wife of Mr. Myers; Francis, who was killed in the army; Thomas, who lives at Alverton, Williams county, Ohio, and Isaac, who died on December 25, 1913. After the death of Steven Mercer, his wife was married again to William Richardson, and

Samuel Myers is a man of congenial temperament, is frank in his manners and is well informed regarding all current, political and economic issues. He is a man of unquestioned honesty and his word has never been doubted. Mr. Myers has seen many changes in the county and township where he lives and has undergone many hardships during his life. He has seen much happiness and much sorrow. He is a man widely known throughout Putnam county as one of the pioneer citizens, and no history of Putnam county would be complete that did not make specific mention of his life and his work. He has been a Republican in politics and has served in various minor offices, including that of township trustee. During the time when the national Grange flourished in Putnam county he was prominent in the work of that organization. He is also a member of Weiser Post No. 63, Grand Army of the Republic.

Matthias Schroeder

The Schroeder family located in Putnam county, Ohio, in 1834, a year or so after the first German settlers came to this county. At that time the whole county was a heavily-timbered swamp, and many years were to elapse before much of this was under cultivation. Matthias Schroeder bought his present farm more than a quarter of a century ago, and has gradually improved it until he has a well-cultivated farm which yields a comfortable living for his family. He is an energetic and enterprising farmer, and while he has devoted himself primarily to his own interests, yet he has not neglected to take his share in the life of the community about him.

Matthias Schroeder, the son of Henry and Catherine (Hohenbrink) Schroeder, was born on January 23, 1856, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio. His father was born in Glandorf, Germany, in 1821, and his wife was born in the same place.

Henry Schroeder came to America at the age of thirteen, with his parents, Nicholas and Anna (Trame) Schroeder, and located in Greensburg township. There were very few settlers in the county at that time, the German emigration to this county having commenced only two or three years before this time. Henry Schroeder grew to manhood in Putnam county and married Catherine Hohenbrink, who was about twenty years of age when she came from Germany to Putnam county, with her parents, William

Hohenbrink and wife. Her parents settled in Glandorf, in this county, and later, bought land in Pleasant township, where they lived the remainder of their lives. Henry Schroeder and his wife lived and died in Greensburg township, and there reared a family of thirteen children, five of whom are deceased. The deceased children are as follow : Wilhelmina, who died at the age of nine; Clara, who died at the age of eighteen; Mary, who died in 1906, leaving her husband, Joseph Dreling, with nine children; Dorothy, who died about the year 1903, leaving her husband, August Jostpill, with six children; and Ignatius, who died in 1904, as the result of a fall from a tree, leaving his wife and five children. The living children are John, William, Charles, Matthias, Frank, Mrs. Anna Duling, Mrs. Theresa Alker and Mrs. Catherine Stechschulte.

Matthias Schroeder was reared on his father's farm and received such education as was afforded by the district schools of his township. After his marriage, in 1883, Mr. Schroeder lived in Greensburg township until 1889, and then bought his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Liberty township, two miles north of West Leipsic. The farm was not very much improved when he bought it, but under his good management it is one of the most productive pieces of land in the township. He placed- the comfortable home, in which he is now living with his family, on the farm, built a large barn and otherwise improved the place. As he prospered from year to year, was able to make extensive improvements and also add another forty acres to his original purchase.

Matthias Schroeder was married on May 3, 1882, to Mary Ellerbrock, who was born at Glandorf, in this county, on November 17, i860, and is a daughter of William and Marianna (Udendorf) Ellerbrock. The history of Mrs. Schroeder's father's family is given elsewhere in this volume. Matthias and Mary (Ellerbrock) Schroeder are the parents of ten children, all of -whom are still living; Adeline, born on March 27, 1883 ; Philomena, March 5, 1885; Elizabeth, April 6, 1887; Harry, June 26, 1889; Frances, May 3, 1 891; Emma, May 21, 1893; CorneHa and Julius, twins, on February 26, 1896; Vincent, May 24, 1900, and Helen, July 6, 1902. Adeline is the wife of Frank Niese, a farmer of Liberty township, and- has four children, three of whom are living, Vincent, Norbert and Frances ; Philomena is a nun in the Franciscan convent at Tiffin, Ohio; Elizabeth is the wife of Lawrence Niese, a farmer of Palmer township, and has two children, AValdo and Mary; Harry is a farmer of Liberty township and married Mary Kohls; Frances married Howard Niese, a farmer of this township and has one son, Matthias; Emma married Fred Kaufman, a farmer of this county and has

The family are all loyal members of the Catholic church. Matthias Schroeder is a Democrat, and although he has never been an aspirant for public office, he takes an intelligent interest in the political affairs of his party. He is a man of industry and integrity and has so lived as to commend himself to all those with whom he has been associated.

Ludavig Stuber

The whole career of Ludwig Stuber has been spent in Putnam county, Ohio, where he was born more than half a century ago. His parents were of German ancestry, his father coming direct from Germany to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1855. Mr. Stuber has been a life-long farmer and started in a very humble way, after his marriage, and year after year has seen him more prosperous, and his present farm of two hundred and twenty-six acres is abundant proof that he has not labored in vain. He has been progressive in his methods, and by unceasing industry has asquired a very comfortable competence for himself and famnly.

Ludwig Stuber, the son of Christian and Catherine (ICleopfer) Stuber, was born in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, in 1864. His father was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, and married a Miss Fritz, in his native land. He came to America in 1855 and located in Putnam county, where he bought eighty acres, and there his first wife died, leaving one son. Christian Stuber, Jr. Christian Stuber moved to Crawford county, Ohio, about 1856 or 1857, and shortly afterward to Seneca county, this state, where he married Catherine Kleopfer, who was born in Oberholm, AA^urttemberg, Germany, and came to America with two brothers and one sister, settling in Seneca and Paulding counties, Ohio. Christian Stuber moved back to Palmer township, in this county, in 1857, and lived there the remainder of his life, dying on April 22, 1907. At the time of his death he owned four hundred and fifty acres of land. His widow survived him until September 19, 1913.

Ludwig Stuber is one of four sons and two daughters born to his father's second marriage. The other children are: Mary, Lida, Daniel, John and Henry. Ludwig grew to maturity on his father's farm in Palmer township, and after his marriage, in 1890, he moved to his present home in the southwestern part of section i, of Liberty township. About forty acres of the farm were cleared and partly tiled, but a large part of it was still cov-

with primitive forest. He cleared and drained the land and, in 1897, put up a good barn with slate roof. Since that time, he has built many other good buildings and. now owns one hundred and ninety-six acres of land, where he lives, and thirty acres along the Nickel Plate railroad on the west side of Liberty township. He is a genial farmer, dividing his time and attention between stock and grain raising, so as to get the best results from his efforts.

Ludwig Stuber was married on August 10, 1890, to Ella Gottmeier, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and, is a daughter of Fred and Sarah (Schweitzer) Gottmeier, and to this union eight children have beeen born, five of whom are living: Alvin, on May 30, 1894; Homer, December 25, 1895; Ruth, September 16, 1897; Winifred, March 14, 1900, and Helen, December 26, 1903. The three children deceased are as follows: Lillie, who died at the age of two ; John, who died at the age of two weeks, and Mabel, who died on October 3, 1908, at the age of fifteen years and six months.

Frederick Gottmeier, the father of Mrs. Stuber, was born on January 14, 1841, in Baden, Germany, a son of Philip Gottmeier and his first wife. Frederick was a babe in arms- when his mother died, and his father later married Christina Sey fried, and came to America in 1844. He spent the first year at Easton, Pennsylvania, and then located at Lancaster, Fairfield county, where he lived until Frederick grew up and married. Frederick Gottmeier was married a few months before he was twenty-one, to Elizabeth Dimple, who died six years later, leaving two daughters, Louise and Elizabeth. A son, John, died before his mother. Louise is the wife of Jacob Kratzer, of Liberty township, and has eight children; Elizabeth married Aaron Charles, of Liberty township, and has three children living and one deceased. On June 10, 1869, Mr. Gottmeier married Sarah Schweitzer, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, December 28, 1852, a daughter of Michael and Rose (Wolflinger) Schweitzer, both natives of Switzerland, who lived and died near Lancaster, Ohio. Frederick Gottmeier and wife moved to Putnam county and settled in Liberty township in 1871, where he bought a farm and lived until about 1895. He then retired and bought a home at Leipsic Junction, and died on May 24, 191 5. Five children have been born to Frederick Gottmeier by his second marriage : Mrs. Ella Stuber, Mrs. Rebecca Mack, Samuel, Mrs. Emma Miller and Mrs. Myrtle Compton. Mrs. Stuber was a year old when her parents located in Liberty township, in this county, and here she has since resided.

Charles T. Henry

A man of unusual energy and ability who has lived practically his whole life in Putnam county, Ohio, is Charles T. Henry, a substantial farmer of Liberty township. Born in Fairfield county, Ohio, he located in this county before he was three years of age with his parents, and here has since made his home. As a young man, he taught school for a few years and since that time has engaged in general farming. About twelve years ago he lost one of his arms in a corn shredder, nevertheless, still feeds a corn shredder with his one remaining hand. Such a disaster would dishearten many men, but Mr. Henry has probably been more successful since the accident than before because he draws on the resources of a sound intelligence to aid him in his daily labors. He has been active in the affairs of his county and held various official positions, in all of which he has given eminent satisfaction.

Charles T. Henry, the son of Levi P. and Jennie M. (McCandlish) Henry, was born on September 15, 1871, in Fairfield county, Ohio. For history of subject's parents, reader is referred to sketch of Levi Henry, which appears elsewhere in this volume.

Charles T. Henry was about eighteen months old when his parents moved to their present home in this county northwest of Leipsic, and on that farm he grew to manhood. He received a good common school education, and later, taught two years in the public school of this county, one year each in Blanchard and Van Buren township. After his marriage, Mr. Henry took charge of his father's farm and, in 1900, bought a farm adjoining his father's on the north. He has erected a fine country home and an excellent barn and various outbuildings on this farm, and now operates it together with the old home place.

Charles T. Henry was married on September 24, 1896, to Mary Mahala Neeland, who was born near Rick's Mills in Muskingum county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Andrew and Amelia (Ledman) Neeland, and to this union three children have been born, Gladys Edith, Robert P. and Jennie Amelia. The eldest daughter is attending high school and the other two children are still in the grades.

Mrs. Charles T. Henry's father was born at Clayville, Guernsey county, Ohio, and was a son of James Neeland and wife, an old and prominent family of Irish descent. The family, for two or three generations, were blacksmiths in Guernsey county. Amelia Ledman, the mother of Mrs. Henry, was a daughter of James and Massy Mahala (Cassidy) Ledman, and was reared near Rick's Mills in Muskingum county, Ohio. Andrew Neeland was a blacksmith in early life and, after his marriage, farmed in Muskingum county. The Neeland family located three miles east of Leipsic along the Nickel Plate railroad about 1879, this railroad being built through the county during that year. Mrs. Henry has a distinct recollection of seeing the first engine run by her father's farm. Mr. Neeland continued farming near Leipsic until two or three years ago, when he retired from active work on account of old age and is now making his home with Charles T. Henry and wife. Mrs. Neeland died in March, 1906. He died on December 6, 1914.

Charles T. Henry takes an active interest in the Democratic party, and' has served as clerk of Liberty township for five years, and for the past four years has served as a member of the county fair board. He is now serving his second term as a member of the school board of his township. In the spring of 1912, he was a candidate for recorder of Putnam county, but ashe was a strong temperance man and votes "dry" whenever occasion offers, he lost the support of the liquor interests and, consequently, the election.- Alr. Henry is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and he and his family are loyal members of the Presbyterian church, formerly holding their membership in the United Presbyterian church, which is now discontinued in Leipsic. Mr. Henry is a man of excellent character and is regarded as one of the leaders in all public-spirited movements in his township.

Henry Ward

The United States is the most cosmopolitan nation of the earth. Hercitizens are drawn from every country and every clime. A residence of a. few years in this country so imbues these people with the American spirit that they become our best citizens. No country has furnished better or more substantial citizens to the United States than the Emerald Isle. From this island have come many families who have won prominent places in the communities where they settled. Among the many immigrants of Irish descent, who have come to Ohio, there is none who are more loyal to their adopted country than the Ward family of Putnam county.

Henry Ward, one of the well-known farmers of Liberty township, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, on June 8, 1872, the son of Francis and Sarah E. (Bibler) Ward.

trict of Kildare, near King's county, Ireland. He came to America when a lad of fifteen, in 1847, and the family were on a sailing vessel seven weeks on the voyage to America. At New York, both parents and one daughter died of typhoid fever within two or three weeks after landing. The seven orphans had an uncle in Licking county, Ohio, sixteen miles east of Columbus, who wired the authorities to send them to Cleveland. He met them in Cleveland and the children were divided among his married sons and daughters.

Francis Ward came to Ohio in September, 1847, and settled first in Licking county. Soon after the close of the Civil War, he settled in Hancock county, southwest of Findlay. In that county, he married Sarah E. Bibler and settled along the county line north of Bluffton. His wife was horn ten miles southeast of Findlay and was the daughter of David and Elizabeth (Orvick) Bibler. Elizabeth Orvick was born in York county, Pennsylvania, on July 14, 18 18, and came to Hancock county with her parents in October, 1835. She married David Bibler, August 27, 1840, and began housekeeping on the farm where she and her husband reared their family and spent all of their days. She died on April 7, 1900, at the age of

Sarah E. Bibler lived nearly ah the remainder of her life, after her marriage, in Hancock county. She was the mother of three children by her marriage to Francis Ward, LiUie Belle, who married Clem Ward and lives in Lincoln, Michigan; Rhoda Jane, who married Robert Semler and lives between Findlay and Arcade, and Henry, who is the subject of this sketch.

The family moved to Putnam county in 1873 and located in Liberty township. On September 2, 1874, Mrs. Ward died, and after her death, Mr. Ward returned to Hancock county. He married Mrs. Catherine Payne (nee Treece) in 1876, and the year following this marriage, returned to Putnam county, where he resided until his death, August 13, 1902. He left two children by his second marriage, Mrs. Sarah E. Swihart and Mrs. Luella Wagner. The mother of these children died in March, 1909.

Henry Ward came to Putnam county with his father and after the death of his mother, lived with his maternal grandfather until his father married again, when he came back to Putnam county and lived on the home farm until his marriage.

Henry Ward was married on December 27, 1894, to Virdie Casteel, who was born in the northeastern part of Liberty township and who is the daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Sterret) Casteel. Mrs. Henry Ward lived xipon the farm with her parents until her marriage.

He is the son of Thomas and Salome (Livingstone) Casteel. Andrew Casteel was reared on a farm and, at the outbreak of the Civil War, enlisted in the First Ohio Cavalry, in Company D, and served until the end of the war. He was with Sherman's army, in Tennessee, and in the battles of Stone's River, Lookout Mountain, Shiloh, Chickamauga, and Missionary Ridge, as welj as a number of other important battles fought by the western army. He was never wounded or captured. At the end of the war, Andrew Casteel came to Putnam county and purchased land in Liberty township. He now owns about four hundred and seventy-six acres, sixty of which are in Michigan, and has farmed all of his life. He was married, in 1865, to Margaret Sterret, a native of Licking county and a daughter of Robert and Nancy (McLaughlin) Sterret. Andrew and Margaret (Sterret) Casteel have been the parents of three sons and five daughters, Delia, who lives at home and keeps house for her father; Nancy Alice, who is the wife of Joseph Bishop, of Henry county, and has six children; Minnie Virginia, who is the wife of Mr. Ward; Wesley, who lives in Henry county, married Belle Leary, and has three children; Andrew Smith, who died in April, 1905, married Cora Bishop and had five children; Laura Ellen, the wife of Orville Lazenby, who lives on the east line of Liberty township and has three children ; Leroy Gibson, who lives at Quincy, Michigan, married Rhoda Newell and has five children; Salome Elizabeth, who died in February, 191 1, was the wife of Charles Lazenby, of Henry county, and had two daughters. Mrs. Andrew Casteel died on November 6, 1906. She was a member of the Disciples church, which she joined in Licking county when a young woman. Here she belonged to the West Bellmore church. Mr. Casteel is one of the oldest living residents of Putnam county, now being past eighty years of age, but still does his own work. His sight is still very good and he often reads by lamp light until ten or eleven o'clock at night. He has kept up with the times in every particular and is a well-informed man.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Heniy Ward, he farmed in Henry county two years and then came to the Casteel farm where he lived for eight years. In the fall of 1905, he bought eighty acres in Liberty township, south of Prentiss, where he now resides.

To Plenry and Virdie (Casteel) Ward, seven children have been born, Francis, who is now attending the high school at Leipsic; Byron; Leroy; Clyde ; Lloyd ; Burl and Irven. Francis took part in the corn contest in the fall of 1914, and raised one hundred and twelve bushels to the acre and fift}-- six pounds to the bushel. One hundred pounds of this corn was shelled and produced «ighty-four pounds of shelled corn and only sixteen pounds of cobs,

Jacob Frederick Moehring

When Jacob Frederick Moehring came to Putnam county, Ohio, with his wife, in 1868, he had no money to invest in land and started in to' work for seventy-five cents a day, and within a couple of years he was able to buy a farm of forty acres and it was indeed a desolate looking place. Pondsalternated with knolls of dry land, and old stumps had floated down and scattered themselves promiscuously over the farm. Under such conditions, Mr. Moehring began farming for himself, and as the years went by, he had the satisfaction of seeing his farm under cultivation. Since 1870, he'has doubled; his acreage and this same swampy land on which he located forty-five years ago, is now worth at least two hundred dollars an acre. The story of the reclamation of this swampy farm from its primitive condition to one of the most productive farms of the county, covers the active period of Mr. Moehring's life.

Jacob Frederick Moehring, the son of Christopher and Mary (Wolfinger) Moehring, was born in 1840, in Fairfield county, Ohio. Both of his parents were born in Germany, his father coming to America when a young man and locating in Fairfield county, Ohio. In that county he married and spent the remainder of his life on a farm.

Jacob F. Moehring was reared on his father's farm in Fairfield county arid received the limited education which was provided by the district schoolsof his hoipe township. He remained at home until his marriage in 1862, and then spent the first two years of his married life in Fairfield county, wheri' he came to Putnam county and located in Liberty township, where he worked on a farm by the day for the first two years. He saved his money and wasable to make a payment on a forty-acre tract of land which cost him forty dollars an acre. He gradually brought this under cultivation and, a few years later, bought another forty acres, paying fifty dollars an acre' for hissecond purchase. Each succeeding year has found him more prosperous and his farm more productive. Every improvement which is now on the farm lias been placed there by him and today there is not a better farm in the township. Good management and ceaseless industry have been the keynotes to his success while thriftiness has enabled him to prosper to an unusual degree. For nearly fifty years he and his good wife have labored together, shared each other's trials and sorrows and lived such a life as has endeared them to everyone with whom they have come in contact.

Jacob F. Moehring was married on January 28, 1856, to Mrs. Rebecca 1.. (Miller) Miller. She was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, near Lancaster, and is a daughter of John C. and Rebecca (Ridenour) Miller. Her father came from Germany when he was three years of age with his parents and located in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he lived the remainder of his life.