Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 23 of 33)

Mrs. Jacob F. Moehring had one son by her first marriage, Harvey, who now lives in Liepsic. He married first Ada Foltz, and to this union were born three children, Myrtle, Harry and May. Myrtle is the widow of Charles AVhite and has two children, Henry and Josephine. Harry married Myrtle Heindlein and lives on a farm near Mr. Moehring, and has one daughter, Evelyn Ireta. May, the youngest child of Harvey Miller, by his first marriage, is the wife of Judson Blakeley. After the death of his first wife Harvey Miller married Rosa Ward, and to his second marriage have been born three children, Oliver, Roy and Refina McCleta.

Jacob F. Moehring and his family are loyal members of the Lutheran -church. They have traveled life's pathway side by side for nearly half a century, and are one of the most highly-respected couples in the township, where they have made their home so many years.

John Herman Meyer

The best history of a community or state is that which deals most with the lives and activities of its people, especially of those who, by their own endeavors and indomitable energy, have forged to the front and placed themselves where they deserve the title of progressive men. In this brief review will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active plodders on the highway of life, and achieved a career of marked success in agricultural affairs, and a name which all men who know him, delight to honor, because of his upright life and his habits of thrift and industry.

John Herman Meyer was born on April 7, 1866, a short distance southwest of Ottawa, near where he now lives. He is a son of George B. and Anna Mary (Moening) Meyer, who are referred to elsewhere in this volume.

John Herman Meyer was reared on the home farm, attending the district schools of his home township, remaining on the farm assisting his father until his marriage, which took jjlace in 1890, when he was united to Elizabeth Gertrude Kleman. She was born in the north part of Pleasant township, and is a daughter of Henry and Mary Gertrude (Kottenbrock) Kleman, born in Putnam county, of German parents who came here about 1835. Mrs. Meyer was reared south of Ottawa, in Pleasant township, coming to Glandorf, at the age of thirteen, with her parents. Henry Kleman made his home on a farm in Pleasant township, after his marriage, and lived there the remainder of his life. He was killed by lightning when Mrs. Meyer was only three months old. Her mother afterwards married Anton Unverferth, m 1880, and they made their home in Greensburg township. By her first marriage, Mrs. Meyer's mother had eight children, of whom six are still living. No children were born to the second marriage. The six children now living, who were born to her first marriage, are John, Henry, George, Ben, Anna, now Rlrs. Unverferth, and Mrs. Elizabeth Meyer. The mother of these children died in Greensburg township in 1890.

After Mr. Meyer's marriage, he continued farming on land near the old home place, on what is known as the old Ellerbrock farm, and here has lived ever since. His father purchased the place when John H. Meyer was six years old. At that time the old house has been moved off and the old barn was practically worthless. Herman Meyer tore it down and has erected a nice, large and modern house, and has also put up a commodious barn. The latter was erected in 1894, and he has other numerous outbuildings in a good state of repair. Like his two brothers, Mr. Meyer has owned and operated a thrashing machine outfit for many years, his father before him having also conducted the same business. All the members of the family are interested in machinery. Mr. Meyer is well-known in Putnam county. He has a good farm of ninety-nine acres, and is a thrifty and enterprising nine children, three of whom are deceased. Charles C., who married Koerner, lives in the house next to his father, and has one son.

John Milton Smith

One of the successful farmers of Liberty township, Putnam county,. Ohio, is John Milton Smith, who was born on December 27, 1852, in Pleasant township, the son of William and Barbara (McLaughlin) Smith.

William Smith was born and reared in Licking county, Ohio, and theremarried. He came to Putnam county, about 1846, and located in Pleasanttownship where he entered governmient land and made his permanent home. Later, he bought more land. Plis wife died, leaving one daughter, Elizabeth,, the wife of Edward Mack of Leipsic.

After the death of his wife, William Smith went back to Licking county and was there a few years when he married Barbara McLaughlin, a native of Licking county. He returned to his old pioneer home in Pleasant township and lived there until 1866, when he moved to Liberty township and located in. the northeast quarter of section 27, where he bought one hundred and twenty acres and farmed it the remainder of his life. He took an active interest in public affairs and died in 1880, at the age of fifty-seven. His wife died in 1893.

John Milton Smith was married in t88i to Mary E. Henry. She was born on the farm where she now lives, in the southeast quarter of section 3, Liberty township, the daughter of John and Rebecca (Knop) Henry. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and came to Putnam county when a boy with his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Henry, who located first in Wyandot county, during the Civil War, and afterward in Putnam county in. Liberty township. Rebecca Knop was the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Knop, who came from Pennsylvania, settling in Liberty township.

John Henry farmed in Liberty township all of his life. He died in 1887,. and Mrs. Henry died during the early seventies, while Mrs. Smith was a. little child.

When Mr. and Mrs. Smith were married, he began farming for himself on the farm where he now lives, in Liberty township, and has farmed there ever since. He is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land consisting of two well-improved farms with good houses, barns and fences.

John Milton and Mary E. (Henry) Smith are the parents of three children living and one dead, Mark W., Clyde H., Clarence and Everett. Mark W. married Gertha White and is farming on one of his father's farms. They have three children, Marie, Dale and Forest; Clyde H. married Eva

Miller and lives on his own farm near Prentiss. They have two children, Domer and Ray ; Clarence died at the age of seventeen, and Everett is unmarried and at home.

During the last ten years, Mr. Smith has been a member of the school board and is also a trustee of Liberty township. He has given entire satisfaction in performing the duties of these offices. He is a member of the Republican party. Mr. Smith and his wife are members of the Evangelical church, earnest and active in their religious life. Mr. Smith is a progressive man of excellent standing in the community. He is quiet and unpretentious but, nevertheless, one of the substantial, citizens of Liberty township.

John F. Shafer

The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of an intelligent community, is a protracted and honorable residence therein. John F. Shafer has resided in this locality all his life, having been bom in Perry township, on the Layton farm, known as the Wilcox farm at that time, on June 4, 1846. His career has been a commendable one and well deserving of being perpetuated on the pages of a historical work of the nature of the one in hand. Knowing that the county was destined to take a high rank in the productive and rich locality of the North, Mr. Shafer applied himself very closely to his work and waited for the future to bring its reward, and today he is numbered among the substantial men of the county.

John F. Shafer is a son of John and Susan (Dickey) Shafer, the former of whom was bom in Fairfield county, Ohio, but who removed to Allen county, where he farmed for a number of years. Here he was married, and subsequently moved to Putnam county, to what is known as the Layton farm. When John F. Shafer was about two years old his father moved to Paulding county, and here John F. Shafer grew up and was educated. His father died in Paulding county, and John F. returned to Putnam county, and was tnarried here at the age of twenty-seven years.

John F. Shafer was married in 1873 to Ruth Varner, the daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Gu3'ten) Varner, who was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county. After his marriage Mr. Shafer rented a farm in Perry township of his father, and here he lived for seven years. At the end of this time he removed to his present farm of one hundred and sixty-eight acres, where he now lives. He first located on this farrn in 1881, and has since -added to it until he is now the owner of three hundred and twenty-two acres.

Just after attaining his majority Mr. Shafer worked out by the month for a short time. He also spent three months in the West, but did not Hke that country and returned to Putnam county, where he has since been engaged in general farming and stock raising. The second money he ever earned he invested in Shorthorn cattle, and for the past forty-seven years has made a specialty of this kind of live stock, and has met with commendable success m this line. He has always made it a rule to breed only thoroughbreds. He keeps very fine horses, cattle, hogs and sheep, and raises all kinds of live stock in considerable number. All of the forage produced on Mr. Shafer's land is fed to his stock. He ships his products throughout the entire country, but the greater part of it has been sold in the nearby markets. Mr. Shafer has made all of the improvements upon his land, including house and barns, with the exception of an old house on the farm, which was there when Mr! Shafer acquired it. The land was mostly cleared when Mr. Shafer purchased it, but he has added ditches and fences and improved it in many ways, makmg It one of the finest and most productive in this section of the county

John F. and Ruth (A^arner) Shafer are the parents of five children the first-born dying in infancy. The others are as follow : Mrs. Carrie Simon of Greensburg township, is the mother of six children, Paul, Helen Mary' George, Margery and Ruth Anna; Maud, now living at home, was formerly engaged in the teaching profession; Ralph, living on the home farm, married Blanche Simons, and they have two children, Geraldine and Howard; Dot who died at the age of fourteen years.

John F. Shafer is not a member of any lodge. He is a Republican in politics, and served his fellow citizens for three years as township trusteehas also served as a member of the school board for sixteen years althourfi not active at the present time. For two years he was ditch supervisor but is no longer active in this work. Mrs. Shafer is a member of the Mt Zion United Brethren church, as are the rest of the family.

John F Shafer was one of eight children, three of whom, besides himself, are still living: Jacob,- a farmer living in Paulding county, Ohio- William, of Dupont, Ohio, and Jefferson, also a resident of Paulding county

John F. Shafer is a congenial man and feels proud of his success, as a result of his careful planmng and frugal saving. He began life with absolutely nothing and now has a fine farm, with comfortable, well-painted and adequate bmldmgs, a fine herd of Shorthorn cattle and other live stock He IS a good judge of cattle and other stock and his advice is often sought by people of his community He has been a hard worker all his life, and his wife has been a faithful helpmate and aided him greatly in his success

Albert H. Thrailkill

Among the business men of Putnam county, Ohio, who have achieved no small measure of success in a personal way and whose relations with the public are founded upon cordial and honorable personal relations, is Albert H. Thrailkill, the general manager of the Leipsic Lumber & Coal Company, of Leipsic, Ohio. He is a man, who, at the present time, is in the prime of life, and who has before him many active years. His past accomplishments are to be accepted as a criterion of his future achievements. Few men will have accomplished more, when the time comes to give up the active cares of business, than the subject of this sketch. He has had a wide and varied experience in various enterprises, and these experiences have furnished a splendid equipment for the efficient management of the firm of which he is now the executive head. Mr. Thrailkill well deserves the confidence of the public and the patrons of his firm, since his conduct has ever been above reproach, thoroughly upright and honorable, judged by any standard.

Albert H. Thrailkill, son of Richard H. and Samantha (Mitchell) Thrailkill, was born in Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, January i, 1874. The father was born at Westminster, Allen county, Ohio, and was the son of Elias Thrailkill and wife. Richard H. Thrailkill was a valiant soldier in the Civil War, having served in Company E., Fourteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and having enlisted before he reached his majority. He had grown to manhood and had been educated in Westminster, Allen county. Having enlisted as a private soldier at Defiance, Ohio, he served a year and a half, and during this period was wounded at Jonesboro, Georgia, and confined in a hospital for some time. When well enough, he was sent home on a furlough and, after being home three months, he joined his regiment and served until the close of the war, being attached to Shermanfs army during its memorable march from Atlanta to the sea. Receiving his discharge in May, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio, he returned to Defiance, Ohio, to which the family had moved from Westminster, Allen county, when Richard H. was fifteen years old. After spending some time at Defiance, he moved to a farm in Fayette county, and being there six years, he returned to Defiance, Ohio, and was married to Samantha Mitchell, daughter of John and Jane (Fifer) Mitchell, who bore him two children, Albert H. and Frederick H., the latter of whom is now located at Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is a bookkeeper and collector for the Continental Oil and Well Supply Company, of that place. After his marriage, the father of these children removed from Defiance to Monroe township, Putnam county, and rented eighty acres of land which Benjamin Fifer, his wife's grandfather, had purchased from the government. After farming here for some two years, he removed to Gilboa, and there worked at the painter's trade. From Gilboa he removed to Columbus Grove, where he worked at his trade for twelve years; after this he worked at his trade for seventeen years at Ottawa, and finally moved to Fmdlay, Ohio, where he passed away, October 22, 1914, at the age of sixty-six years. Mrs. Samantha (Mitchell) Thrailkill, who was born in Allen county, Ohio, in 1854, and who, during her life, was a companionable wife and loving mother and wise helpmate, passed away, October 9, 1913, at Findlay, Ohio, a year before her husband. Richard H. Thrailkill, although he was not an office-holder, was an active Republican throughout 'life and was a member of the Church of God, at Findlay, Ohio, and a devout! earnest and God-fearing man. His wife was a member of the same church' The paternal grandparents of Albert H. Thrailkill, having been born in Pennsylvania, migrated to Ohio, and settled in Allen county during pioneer times. When they arrived in Allen county, the city of Lima was not as large as Westminster at the present time. Both lived and died in Allen county Their children were Mrs. Sarah Jane Bell, deceased; Richard H., deceased- Ehza, of Williams county, Ohio; Mrs. Isabelle Giltz, and one who died in infancy. By occupation, Mr. Thrailkill's grandfather was a farmer His great uncle, a brother of his paternal grandfather and one for whom his father was named, operated the famous old mill at Westminster, and having been ordained as a minister in the Methodist Protestant church, was actively engaged in this profession until some twelve years before his death. The church at Gilboa was one of those on the circuit where he preached He had come from Westminster, Allen county, to Gilboa, Putnam county. He was a man of charitable impulses and highly respected as well as widely and favorably known. About twelve years before his death, he had removed to Jersey City, in Wood county, and here he lived retired.

Albert H. Thrailkill's maternal ancestors came from Viro-inia John Mitchell and Jane (Fifer) Mitchell, his maternal grandparents, were natives of Rockingham county. The great-grandfather, Benjamin Fifer was a native of Rockingham county, Virginia. The maternal grandfather Benja mm Fifer, moved from Virginia to Illinois, and from Illinois to'Fayette county, Ohio, and from Fayette county to Putnam county, Ohio finally settling m Monroe township, where he was a farmer and cattle buyer In Monroe township, Putnam county, he owned eighty acres of land and was engaged actively as a farmer until his death, about 1872. He improved cleared and drained this land. They had a family of six children

Albert H. Thrailkill was only four years old when his parents left their farm in Monroe township, and removed to Columbus Grove. Receiving a' good common and high school education in the schools of Columbus Grove, and, growing to manhood in this city, he remained at home until his marriage, before which, however, he had learned the painter's trade, and had followed it in Ottawa, Ohio. Working as a clerk for some time in Ottawa, he was subsequently, employed as yard clerk for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad, and the Ft. Wayne & Western railroad, at Ottawa, and held this position during a period of four years. Taking charge of the Putnam County Telephone Company, at Ottawa, as manager, one year after his marriage, and immediately after he quit railroad work, Mr. Thrailkill Hved in Ottawa, from August 12, 1897, to 1900, resigning this position, he was transferred on August 12, 1900, to the managership of the Leipsic Telephone Company and remained until June i, 191 1, after he spent four months in railroad office work at Leipsic Junction, and then resigned to become manager of the elevator at Miller City, Ohio, owned by J. O. Cruikshank, after which he was transferred to the elevator at McComb, also owned by Mr. Cruikshank. From December, 191 1, until September, 1912, he was in the elevator business at Miller City and McComb. He then resigned and moved back to Leipsic, where he became general manager of the Leipsic Lumber and Coal Company. This firm has a large trade in Putnam county in lumber, coal, lime and building materials of all kinds, and its growth and prosperity, during the last two or three years, are no doubt due, in considerable measure, to the efficient management of Mr. Thrailkill.

Albert H. Thrailkill was married, June 16, 1895, to Oread Sprague, who was born on December 6, 1873, in Columbus Grove, Ohio, and who is the daughter of Charles and Mary Jane (Slemmons) Sprague, the former- of whom was a native of Putnam county, a druggist at Columbus Grove and who died there in 1876, when Mrs. Thrailkill was three years old. He had been a partner with J. M. Crawford and they had operated a drug store under the name of Crawford & Sprague. Mrs. Thrailkill's mother was born at Kalida. She is now deceased. Mrs. Thrailkill is the only child born to her parents. After having graduated from the high school, at Columbus Grove, she taught several terms of school in Pleasant township, also in the grade school at Leipsic. Albert H. and Oread (Sprague) Thrailkill have two children, Naola, born on June 16, 1904, and Margaret E., May 15, 1906. Naola passed away on April 23, 1905. Margaret attends Leipsic high school.

Although not a member of any lodge, Mr. Thrailkill is an active Republican, and has served six terms as councilman at Leipsic. Both Albert H.

Thrailkill and wife are stanch and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Leipsic, and Mrs. Thrailkill is an active class and missionary worker in the church.

During his entire life, Albert H. Thrailkill's happy personal qualities have made him a popular citizen. His industry, enterprise and progressive spirit have been an influence for good in the various communities where he has lived. He is a worthy descendant of ancestors who were pioneers in this section of our great nation and who helped to lay the foundation of this thriving and prosperous citizenship.

John H. White

Among the substantial farmers of Liberty township, this county, there are few who are better known or who have a higher reputation for public spirit than John W. White, who, for many years, has been counted among the leading men of his section of the county. He has done well his part in life and it is but proper that he should be given fitting mention in this volume of biography relating to the men and families of prominence in Putnam county.

John W. White was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, on August II, 1854, the son of Robert and Nancy (Neely) White, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The Whites moved from Pennsylvania to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1855, and located in the town of Leipsic. Robert White bought a farm north of West Leipsic, but instead of living on this farm, rented for a time, continuing to make his home in Leipsic, but later moved onto his farm, where he made his home until the encroachment's of age warned him to retire from the active life on the farm. He moved back to his home in Leipsic, in 1877, and there he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring in 1882. His widow is still living, at a ripe old age, in Leipsic.

John W. White received his early education in the schools of Leipsic, which he supplemented with a course of three terms spent at the normal school in Ottawa, and at the age of nineteen began teaching school. For four years he served as a teacher in the schools of Liberty township, after which he decided to take up farfning as his life's vocation and, for a year before his marriage, in 1879, farmed on rented land in that township. In January, 1884, Mr. White bought a farm of eighty acres, one mile west of Prentiss, in section to, of Liberty township, a.nd moved there the second year afterward. Here he resided, until 1893, when he moved to the Denhard farm, three miles east of his home and two miles north of Leipsic, where he lived for three years. He moved back to his home place, west of Prentiss, m 1896, where he has lived ever since. He bought forty acres in the southeast quarter of section 14, of Liberty township, and later sold it and bought fifty-eight acres on the Ridge road, three miles northwest of Leipsic, which piece he sold in 1914. He also bought forty acres, known as the Egbert farm, across the road from his home and later bought thirty-five acres, known as the Leatherman farm, just east of the Egbert farm. Since then,' he bought twenty-five acres of what was known as the old Auseon farm, just east of the Leatherman tract, making one hundred and seventy-nine acres in his present home tract. After selling the farm on the Ridge road, in November, 19 14, he bought the old Heck farm of ninety acres about a mile northwest of Leipsic. All of this land now is in an excellent state of cultivation and Mr. White is widely known as a good farmer and prudent manager.

John H. White was united in marriage, in 1879, to Emma Jane Lenhart, who was born in Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, the daughter of Henry and Adaline (Bracht) Lenhart. Henry, a brother of former county treasurer William S. Lenhart, of Ottawa, was a son of Jacob and Lydia (Sprinkle) Lenhart, both of whom were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, Jacob Lenhart having been for many years a minister of the River Brethren church, to which service he devoted the best energies of his life. His house was used as a place of worship, and services were held there every alternate week for years, while he resided in Mahoning county, and later his place served the same purpose in the counties of Hancock and Putnam. Jacob Lenhart had a large family, consisting of sixteen children, two of whom died in infancy, the others growing to maturity and making useful citizens in their respective places of residence. Henry Lenhart had a twin brother, David C. Lenhart, the father of Harrison Lenhart. Mrs. White is a sister of Mrs. Edwards, widow of the lamented John Edwards, who for many years was one of the towering figures in the financial and industrial life of Putnam county, a biography of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume.

To John H. and Emma Jane (Lenhart) White were born eleven children, all of whom are living, as follow : Gertha May, married Mary Smith, a well-known farmer of Liberty township, and has three children, Marie, Dale and Forest; Lulu, married Jesse Roberts, also of Liberty township, and has two children, Kenneth and Mabel ; Bessie, married Clarence Kratzer living on the Ridge road three miles west of Leipsic, and has one child, a daughter, Roberta ; Velma, married Ernest Kratzer, living two miles west of Leipsic, and has one child, Vivian, living and two dead; Amzi, attending school at Defiance, Ohio; Henry, teaching school in Liberty township, this comity; Flossie; A^erda; Mabel; Dee and Russell, at home.

John H. White and wife are members of the Lutheran church and are active participants in the various beneficences of that congregation in their neighborhood. They formerly were members of the 'United Presbyterian church, to which they remained attached as long as there was a church of that denomination within reach. Mr. White is a Republican and takes a proper degree of interest in the politics of the county, being pai'ticularly interested in all matters relating to the government of his home township. He gives close attention to the educational interests of his home township and for ten years or more has been a member of the school board, in which capacity his service has been of large value to the schools of Liberty township. He and his family are regarded as among the leaders in their community and are deservedly popular throughout that section of the county.

John B. Schey

In the laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a substantial career on the part of the average farmer, there is little to attract the casual reader in search of a sensational chapter, but to a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence, there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual, who, with no other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgment, conquers adversity and toiling, wins not only pecuniary independence, but what is far greater and higher, the merited respect and confidence of those with whom his active years have brought him in contact. Such a man is John B. Schey, of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, a successful farmer and a well-known citizen of this section.

John B. Schey was born on November 20, 1865, in Franklin county, near Grove City, Ohio, the son of Philip and Catherine (Bouch) Schey, whose life histories are found on another page of this volume. Mr. Schey is also a brother of Peter Schey.

When the Schey family moved to Putnam county in 1868, John B. Schey was only three years old but, nevertheless, he has a vivid memory of their arrival at the log cabin where they were to live for a number of years.

John B. Schey grew up on this farm and saw it cleared and drained and made a profitable and productive property. He recalls also the huge swarms of mosquitoes from the surrounding swamps and the vexations suffered by the people who lived in their vicinity before the swamps were drained.

John B. Schey bought the farm where he now lives in section 3, of Liberty township in 1896, which comprises one hundred and twenty acres. When Mr. Schey purchased the farm it was an old dilapidated-looking place that had been deserted for some time. Mr. Schey cleaned up the house and put m doors and windows and lived in it for about fourteen years. He built the present handsome dwelling in 1908 and has also put up various outbuildings in the meantime, as well as fenced and drained the land. He has one of the finest farms in Liberty township. His land was among the first settled m this part of the county, and up to that time the old house had been used by cattle and sheep for shelter. When he purchased the land, the fireplace m the old house had fallen in, and the soil was worn out and blue. Mr. Schey went to work to improve the place and for years toiled to this end.

John B. Schey was married, in 1892, to Mollie Ginther, who died two years and six months after their marriage. She was the mother of one daughter who died about two months before the death of Mrs. Schey. During this period, Mr. Schey was farming the old home place, but about a year after his marriage, purchased forty acres in the southwest quarter of section 4, of Liberty township. This farm was mostly cleared and he lived here until he purchased his present farm, in 1896. Mr. Schey was married a second time, in 1895, to Emma K. Feight, who was born at New Bedford, Coshocton county, Ohio, along the line of Holmes county. She is the daucrfiter of William and Margaret (Laudenschlager) Feight, the former a native of Pennsylvania and a life-long farmer. Mrs. Schey's mother was a native of Coshocton county and is the daughter of Frederick and Catherine Laudenschlager, who came from Germany in their youth, but who were married in America and early settlers in Coshocton county. Mrs. Schey was about five years old when her parents moved to Elm Center, Liberty township, Putnam county, where they lived until about 1903, when they moved to Townwood m Van Buren township. They lived here until 1912, when they moved to Tecumseh, Michigan. Mrs. Schey was living at Elm Center when she was married.

To John B. and Emma K. (Feight) Schey ten children have been born one dying m infancy and two dying when a little more than a year old The living children are Rollin, Arthur, Dorothy, Clyde, Carrie, Victor and Gladys Another member of the family circle was Eva Crone, who was born west of

Glandorf and who had lived with Mr. and Mrs. Schey since she was eight years old, and until her marriage, March 22, 191 5, to Victor J. Feight. She is considered as one of the family.

John B. Schey is a member of the Grange at Leipsic and he and his family belong to the Lutheran church. Mr. Schey and family are highly respected citizens of Liberty township, where he has gained an enviable reputation for honesty, progressive spirit and enterprise in" his vocation. He is a man who, in every respect, merits the esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens.

Henry- W. Little

Indefatigable industry, sound judgment and wise management have been the elements that have contributed to the success achieved by Henry W. Little, for many years an enterprising and progressive farmer of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and who is now the county commissioner-elect of Putnam county. His farming lands have always been well improved and highly productive, and he is numbered among the best farmers of Palmer township. Because of his high character and unquestioned integrity, he enjoys, to a marked degree, the highest respect of the community. Mr. Little has not only been a successful farmer, he has erected buildings upon his land, improved the soil by careful cultivation and drainage and now has a splendid farm, excellently situated.

Henry W. Little is the son of Robert and Anna (Noriot) Little, and was born on December 19, 1871, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. Robert Little was the son of Robert Little and wife, who was born in' Crawford county, Ohio, and who moved to Putnam county, Ohio, about i860. They were farmers and pioneers in Palmer township where they settled. They had the following children, Robert, the father of Henry W. ; Marshall, Margaret, Isabella and Anna. They farmed for a time in Palmer township', and later, moved to North Creek, where they died.

Mrs. Anna (Noriot) Little was the daughter of Francis and Francois. (Raclot) Noriot, natives of Boncourt, France, and who were married in 1823, in Boncourt. They came to America on October 27, 1853, and landed at Findlay, Ohio, December 8, 1853. Francis Noriot and wife settled in Hancock county on a property, where they farmed for a time. Subsequently, they came to Putnam county, Ohio, where they lived, and later returned to Henry county, where he died on September 26, 1866. Lie was the mayor of

Boncourt, France, at one time. His wife, Francois, was born in December, 1800, and died on February 28, 1898. They had the following children, Francis, deceased ; Claude ; Anna, the mother of Henry W. Little ; Lawrence, deceased; Mary; Celestian; John, deceased; Velaria, and Magdelena, who died in France. Mrs. Anna Little was born in the village of Boncourt, France, and came to America with her parents at the age of twelve years. They settled in Hancock county, Ohio, where she grew up. Later, she came with her parents to Putnam county and also to New Bavaria, Henry county.

Robert Little, the father of Henry W., was educated in Crawford county, Ohio, and lived on his father's farm during his early years. Later, he came to Putnam county, Ohio, where he purchased eighty acres in Palmer township. Here he was married to Anna Noriot. After their marriage, they continued to reside on the farm in Palmer township. He later moved to North Creek, Palmer township, where he retired and died on September I, 1908. His wife died at North Creek, Palmer township, in 1909. Robert and Anna Little had seven children, Alexander, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Gump; Nicholas, deceased; Joseph, who lives in Palmer township; Mrs. Mary Lefever, deceased; Henry, the subject of this sketch; and Robert, who lives near Miller City, Ohio.

Flenry VV. Little was educated in Palmer township and lived there, during his early life, on his father's farm. He lived there, in fact, until he was twenty-one years of age, when he was married.

Henry W. Little was married on May 18, 1892, to Mary Burkhart, the daughter of John and Gertrude Burkhart, who were farmers of Palmer township, Putnam county. Both died in Palmer township. They had a family of twelve children, of whom William, Henry, Christ, Katherine and Mary are now living.

After his marriage, Henry W. Little continued to live on his father's farm for six months and then moved to a small farm, which he purchased, in Palmer township. He lived here for about four months and then moved to his father-in-law's farm, where he spent ten years. He purchased forty acres in section 14, of Palmer township, and later sold it, buying his present farm which originally consisted of thirty acres and which was inherited by his wife. Subsequently, he has increased the same to one hundred and forty acres. It is located in sections 12 and i, of Palmer township. Mr. Little has built all of the present buildings. He has improved the farm and erected many rods of fences. The land, however, was cleared when he moved to it. He has a fine farm and excellent soil, which is one of the best in the township.

Gordon, Bertha, Jessie, Ehvood and Pauline, all of whom are at home. Grace married Gilbert Hoffman, of Palmer township, and has one son, Harold. All of the children have been educated in the township schools and Bertha continued her education in the high school at Miller City.

Henry W. Little is not a member of any lodges. Throughout his life, he has been an active Democrat and served as township clerk for two terms and also as township assessor for two terms. On August ii, 1914, Mr. Little was elected as a member of the board of county commissioners of Putnam county.

Henry W. Little's fine farm shows his keen professional spirit. He has always been a hard worker, but, nevertheless, is a congenial man and well liked by his neighbors and the people of Putnam county. Mrs. Little is keenly interested in poultry and has come to be well known as a poultry fancier. She has a fine lot of over two hundred and fifty white Leghorn -chickens. The Littles are well known in this section of the county and merit the confidence and esteem in which they are held by their fellow citizens and neighbors.

The present generation of readers in Putnam county needs no introduction to Bostwick F. Burgess, former sheriff of this county, but in making up history the compiler is actuated by a sense of duty to future generations ; hence, no history of Putnam county would be complete without proper mention of the life and services of this former official of the county.

Bostwick F. Burgess was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, on February 18, 1846, the son of Archibald and Agnes (Brownlee) Burgess. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, born about the year 1803; and met a tragic death in this county in June, 1869, having been crushed to death by a train of cars near the town of Columbus Grove, Ohio. His mother was a native of Scotland and was born in the year 181 1 and died on November 5, 1858.

To Archibald and Agnes (Brownlee) Burgess were born the following children, James W., Alexander, Elizabeth, Robert, Andrew J., Bostwick F., 'William C, Charles, Mary, Letitia, John and Agnes. Upon the death of his first wife, Archibald Burgess married Mrs. Martha Davis, to which union were born two children, Dora and Ellen. Archibald Burgess came to Putnam county at an early day and purchased from the government two hundred

Bostwick F. Burgess was reared a farmer, receiving his education in the schools of Pleasant township where he remained under the parental roof until the year 1864. In February of that year he enlisted in. Company D, Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, in July, 1865. During his period of service, Mr. Burgess participated in a number of the bloodiest battles of the war, including Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Jonesboro, and other engagements of the Atlanta campaign, he having been with Sherman in the celebrated march to the sea. On December 16, 1864, while on a foraging expedition about four miles from Savannah, he was captured by the enemy and held a prisoner of war at Florence and Andersonville, until his release on February 26, 1865. At the time of his capture, Mr. Burgess weighed one hundred and ninetysix pounds, but such was the treatment he received, while in the southern military prisons, that -his weight at the time of his release had diminished to less than ninety pounds.

Following his discharge from the service of his country, Mr. Burgess returned to Putnam county and remained with his father on the farm in Pleasant township, until his marriage, in September, 1866, when he began farming for himself and in due time gained possession of a farm of one hundred and seventy acres of finely-improved land in Pleasant township. He remained on this farm for a period of twenty-six years, or until his election to the office of sheriff, in 1894, at which time he moved to the city of Ottawa, where he remained a couple of years following the expiration of his second term of office in 1898, returning to the farm in 1900. He, meanwhile, had added to his original home farm by the presence of an adjoining tract and now owns two hundred and forty-four acres in sections 15 and 22, in Pleasant township, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. Following his retirement to the farm, Mr. Burgess remained there for four years, after which he returned to Ottawa and has lived in the county seat ever since, being very comfortably situated in his modern home at the northeast corner of the public square.

During his two terms of office, sheriff- Burgess created a record of service in that office. It was during this time that the hard times of 1894 to 1898 precipitated the foreclosure of several mortgages in Putnam county.

upon the sheriff a most disagreeable duty. It was said, by competent authority, that during this period the sheriff was compelled to act in more foreclosure actions than had been brought during the whole term of sixteen preceding sheriffs. It also fell to his lot to take three of Putnam county's convicted officials to the state's prison at Columbus. Mr. Burgess's official activity has not been, confined to the shrievalty, he having served for seventeen years as a member of the school board of Pleasant township and for six years as a member of the city council at Ottawa, in which latter capacity he had much to do with public improvements in the county seat.

On September 6, 1866, Bostwick F. Burgess was united in marriage to Rebecca Norton, a well-known teacher of Putnam county, and to this union were born six children, two of whom, Zella L. and Margaret A., are deceased. Of the survivors, Eva A. married George Gettman, a prosperous farmer of Pleasant township, and has three children, all sons, Clifford, Loyd and George, the former of whom married Grace ' Teegarden, of Columbus Grove; Cora, who married O. L. Smith, lives at Leipsic, where Mr. Smith is engaged in business as a street building contractor, building stone roads and paved streets. During sheriff Burgess's incumbency, Mr. Smith served as deputy sheriff. He and Mrs. Smith have three sons, Gordon, Raymond and Fred; Francis N., the only son, who lives at Delphos, Ohio, married Ethel Heasley, daughter of Solomon Heasley and wife, and has two sons, Alva and Donald; Zoa, the youngest daughter, who is an accomplished musician, married J. F. Kline, a druggist, and lives at Spencerville, Ohio. The mother of these children died on March 7, 1914, and was widely mourned throughout the county, where she was held in the very highest regard by all. She was a member of the Methodist church and lived her goodness every day, always thinking of the welfare of others, always happiest when making others happy. She was a kind neighbor and friend of all, a faithful wife and loving mother. She was a member of the Pythian Sisters, in which lodge she was highly esteemed.

The parents of Mrs. Burgess were John and Elizabeth (McDole) Norton, natives, respectively, of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. The Nortons were an old New England family and the grandfather of Mrs. Burgess came to Putnam county as early as 1832, entering a tract of government land in section 13 of Pleasant township. This was the family home for many years and there Joel Norton, the grandfather died, and it was on the same farm that John Norton departed this life in May, 1866. Mrs. John Norton's parents were natives of Ireland and came to this country, following their marriage. Mrs. Norton died at her home, in Putnam county, in the year 1850, at the age of thirty-eight. To John and Elizabeth (McDole) Norton were born six children, as follow: Melissa J., wife of J. W. Fuller; Elizabeth, deceased ; Rebecca A., the late Mrs. Burgess ; Rosetta and Violette, twins,' the former of whom is the wife of George I. Best, of Columbus Grove, and the latter the wife of John Core, also of Columbus Grove; Margaret is the wife of David T. McCullough, of Gilboa. John Norton married, secondly, Elizabeth Frost, to which union were born five children, Sarah, Joel, John W., Hiram and an infant daughter, all of whom are now deceased.

Few men in Putnam county have as wide an acquaintance as former Sheriff Burgess and his genial ways, kindness of heart and substantial manhood have endeared him to all who know him. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Ottawa and a member of the Masonic and Pythian fraternities, in the affairs of which organizations he takes an active interest. He has been a life-long Democrat and his voice is not without its weight in the councils of that party in this county. His various official positions have brought him in close touch with the public and have given him a thorough acquaintance with its needs, and he is always found in the front ranks of those who are laboring for the best interests of the commonwealth.

Rudolph Newman

In these days of hustle and bustle for fame and fortune among our native born sons and daughters, it is refreshing to thumb the pages in the career of a venerable citizen of Putnam county, Ohio, now living in his beautiful country home and past the age of ninety years. That Rudolph Newman, who was born nearly a century ago in a foreign land, has been able, with no other assistance than the help of a willing and faithful wife, to acquire a large fortune in farm property in his adopted country, is a tribute to his economy, his industry and his wise and prudent management. In many respects, his career resembles the pages gleaned from some old volume of romance, rather than a statement of fact in the life of a man who still lives^ to bear testimony of his work as a citizen in this splendid country.

Born in Mecklenburg, Germany, August 9, 1825, Rudolph Newman, a well-to-do retired farmer of Putnam county, Ohio, is now the only member living of his father's family. John and Fred, two brothers, are deceased. His father having died early in his youth, he had little chance to obtain an_ education, and, at the age of eleven years was compelled to leave home and'

Married in Mecklenburg, German3^ at six o'clock in the evening of May 28, 1855, Rudolph Newman and his young bride, who, before her marriage was Elizabeth Genkel, born in Mecklenburg, Germany, November 8, 1824, sailed at midnight for America. The voyage to America constituted the honeymoon trip of this splendid German couple, who were very poor in purse, but who came to a new country to seek fame and fortune with good health and willing hands, as well as a determination that proved invincible. Steamships were by no means common in that day and the voyage, which was made on a sailing vessel and which was extremely perilous, required a period of eight weeks. Several severe storms were encountered during the voyage. Rudolph Newman and his bride had no relatives in the new country, but they were never beset with lonesomeness, for they were fond of each other and satisfied wholly with each other's companionship.

How Rudolph Newman and his young wife struggled from year to year, saving a little of each year's earnings, constitute a most interesting story. For a long time, however, all they had in money consisted of one copper penny, which they had saved and to which they added little by little, until it grew into a splendid fortune. Eventually, they were able to pay for five hundred and sixty acres of the best farming land to be found anywhere in Putnam county. The accumulation of this vast tract of land was the direct result of their own hard toil and frugality.

Landing in New York city, in the latter part of July, 1855, Rudolph Newman came direct to Arcadia, where he was employed for one hundred dollars a year. Out of this sum he was compelled to buy food for himself and wife. For nine years he continued in the employ of this man, and from his savings was able to purchase eighty acres of land, four miles east of McComb, to which farm he moved. Finding out, subsequently, that he could handle more land, he purchased the farm where he now lives, containing a hundred and sixty acres. There is little resemblance between the farm as it appeared then and as it appears now. Today it is one of the most attractive farms in Putnam county. Then it was little more than a vast forest, covered with trees on soil that was very wet. Excellent buildings are now standing on the farm; it is well drained, well fenced and well kept in every respect.

Rudolph Newman has given to each of his children a farm, and each is, therefore, provided with a home of his or her own. The Newman family consisted originally of six children, but two of them are now deceased. John Newman lived at home, working on the home farm and caring for his par- ents until the time of his death; Minnie died in infancy; Mary Newman lives at home and is at present caring for her aged father; Mrs. Ricca Imhoff lives near Leipsic; Mrs. Lena Shafer lives in McComb; and the other child is Mrs. Sarah Beisheim, of Bellmore. The mother of these children died, May 22, 1910, and on June i, 1912, John Newman, the only son and brother in the family, passed away. Rudolph Newman has lived on the farm he now' occupies for more than forty-three years. ,

In youth Rudolph Newman was baptised and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and remained a stanch Lutheran throughout his life. His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Newman, during her life, was a devout member of that church. Rudolph Newman has always been a Democrat, but he has never been especially active in politics, devoting his life rather to the interests of his family and his home. It seems eminently fitting, therefore, that in his declining years he should have, as he does, the loving care and kindness of the daughter who lives with him. He has been a good citizen of this great country, and a man eminently worthy of the generation in which he has lived.

George Ridenour

In the early days the' Middle West was often a tempting field for the ambitious and strong-minded men. Ohio was filled with them during the time she was struggling to a respectable position in the sisterhood of states. Before Ohio was admitted to the Union in 1802, a comparatively small number of people had settled within the boundaries of this state. There was a fascination in the broad fields of great promise which this new region presented to activity of men and which induced them to brave the discomforts of early life here for the pleasure and gratification of constructing their fortunes in their own way and after their own methods. It is this class of men more than any other who give shape, direction and character to the life of any community. It is an axiom of history that it is the strong-willed and most energetic men who lead the van of the frontiersmen in any new and undeveloped country. George Ridenour, the subject of this sketch, and a farmer well known in Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio, is descended from old pioneer stock, men who have had much to do with the early history of Putnam county.

and Fanny (Fretz) Ridenour. Jacob Ridenour was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on March 2, 1815, and spent his boyhood days on the farm. He did not attend school until eighteen years of age. When the gold fever was abroad in 185 1 he joined the caravan going west, and, traveling around the isthmus of Panama, finally reached California. Two years later he returned to Putnam county, where, on March 2, 1847, he had married Fanny Fretz, the daughter of John Fretz and wife, who was a Miss Shelby. Fanny Fretz -was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on August 27, 1825, and came to Putnam county with her parents when she was a small child. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania of Dutch parentage and settled in Putnam in 1835 on a tract of land which he entered from the government. Jacob Ridenour's father was John Ridenour, of Pennsylvania Dutch parentage, who came to Fairfield county in the early twenties, and in 1826 to Putnam county, where he entered several tracts of government land, or in all about four hundred acres. He built a log cabin on the Blanchard river and began carving out a home in the wilderness. He entered forty acres of land where the town of Dupont now stands, and also a tract in Paulding county, Ohio. The children of John Ridenour were Michael, Jacob, Daniel, Elinor, Mary and Priscilla. Elinor married Dewitt McGill; Mary married Hugh Scott, and Priscilla married Rev. P. B. Holden.

Jacob Ridenour divided his land among his children before his death. He died in 1888, at the age of seventy-two years. Although he had been -elected township treasurer at one time, he did not serve in this office. He was a Democrat in politics, and was not a member of any church.

Jacob and Fanny (Fretz) Ridenour were the parents of ten children: William, who died in infancy on October 11, 1849; Mrs. Jane Wollam, of Wichita, Kansas; John, who died in Perry township in 19 14; Albert, who died on March 9, 1899; Mrs. Mary A. Bibler, who lives in Perry township the homestead farm; Mrs. Elizabeth Marriott, who died on January 22, 1889, in Perry township; George, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Emma Shirley, who lives in Monroe township; Orlando, who died in February, 1889, and Clara, who died at the age of sixteen years, in 1887.

George Ridenour grew to manhood in Perry township, and, with the exception of a few visits, has never been out of the township. He left home after his marriage and removed to his present farm of two hundred and sixty acres. This farm comprises several dicerent tracts. Mr. Ridenour is a general farmer and made all of the present improvements upon his land, including the buildings. He has also cleared most of the land.

George Ridenour was married on December i, 1887, to Rona Simon, the daughter of Louis and Margaret (Dangler) Simon. Mrs. Ridenour was born on November 14, 1864, in Greensburg township, near Cuba. To this union two children, Lewis and Ottie, have been born, both of whom are living at home.

George Ridenour is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Continental, and is a Democrat. Mrs. Ridenour is a member of Mt. Zion Chapel, United Brethren church.

George Ridenour is one of the worthy citizens of Perry township. Although he has never been active in political affairs, he has been a leader in the civic, moral and educational movements of his township. Mr. Ridenour is a man who believes thoroughly in public movements and has been foremost in promoting them in his section of Putnam county. He is a man of splendid poise and a very fine sensibility. He is highly respected. by his neighbors and admired by a wide circle of frends and acquaintances.

Michael F. Dobmfyer

Success comes to the deserving. It is an axiom demonstrated by experience that a man gets out of his life just about what he puts into it, with a reasonable interest on his investment. The man who starts in the world largely unaided, and who, by sheer force of will, industrious habits and good management, forges ahead and takes a position of honor and trust and business responsibility among his neighbors and fellow citizens, is a man to be admired and honored. Michael F. Dobmeyer, a well-known hardware employe of Miller City, Ohio, is a man who has made a notable success in the business life of Palmer township. He belongs to that class of men who have contributed much to the bone and sinew of Putnam county, and added to the stability of government and its institutions generally.

Michael F. Dobmeyer was born on September 27, 1878, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, one and one-fourth miles northeast of Miller City. He is a son of Frank and Barbara (Steinbauer) Bobmeyer.

The maternal grandparents of Michael Dobmeyer were natives of Bavaria, Germany, and lived and died in their native land. His paternal grandparents were natives also of Bavaria, Germany, who emigrated to America in the early days and settled first near Columbus, Ohio, where they remained for about three years. Later they came to Putnam county, Ohio,

Frank Dobmeyer, the father of Michael F., was born in Bavaria, Germany, and grew to manhood in that country. After coming to America, he settled in Columbus, 'Ohio, where he remained for several years. He was married to Barbara Steinbauer, who was also a native of Bavaria, and who came to this country and located in Columbus, Ohio. She had come to America alone. After their marriage, they settled on a farm in Palmer township, in Putnam county, Ohio, which farm consisted of forty acres, and which had previously been purchased by Mr. Dobmeyer. Besides farming, he worked as a carpenter, which trade he had learned in his native land, and which he had followed to some extent in that country. His services in this line were in great demand in Putnam county, and he was considered a skilled workman. Prior to coming to Putnam county he worked as a car repairer, at Columbus, Ohio. He is now living retired in Miller City. He is a Democrat in politics and served as township supervisor. He and his family are members of St. Nicholas's Catholic church, at Miller City.

Of the children born to Frank and Barbara (Steinbauer) Dobmeyer, Frank lives at Oakland, California; John lives at Defiance, Ohio; Michael is the immediate subject of this sketch; Joseph is mayor of Miller City, and Mary died in infancy.

Michael F. Dobmeyer spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, remaining there until 1908. He received his education in the township schools. Michael F. Dobmeyer was married on May 31, 1905, to Emma Rechtine, who was born on September 26, 1887, in Ottawa township, south of Glandorf, the daughter of Anton and Mary (Kottenbrock) Rechtine.

After his marriage, Mr. Dobmeyer remained on his father's farm for three years, when he moved to Miller City, where he engaged in the retail liquor business for three years. He disposed of this business and served as marshal of Miller City for two years, and worked for the German-American Sugar Beet Company, of Paulding, Ohio. On June 15, 1914, Mr. Dobmeyer engaged in the hardware and implement business of Frank Giesken, as an employe, at Miller City, where he assists in the management of the business. This firm does an extensive business among the farmers of the surrounding community. At present Mr. Dobmeyer is in the restaurant business at Miller City, which is both increasing and prosperous.

Michael F. Dobmeyer and wife are the parents of four children, Cornehus, born on May 31, 1906; Clara, January 22, 1908; Raymond, June i, 191 1, and Arthur, September 16, 1913. Cornelius and Clara are attending school at Miller City.

Michael F. Dobmeyer is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Miller City. He and his family are earnest and devoted members of St. Nicholas's Catholic church. Mr. Dobmeyer is a Democrat, and has served as township supervisor and also as marshal. He still owns his farm of fortyseven acres in Palmer township, and is justly rated as one of the substantial and representative citizens of his part of the county.

John J. Miller

Among those men of high personal attainment and strength of character who have reflected honor on the community, and at the same time attained to a commendable position among their fellow men, is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this paragraph, a man who, in every walk of life, has performed his full part, and who has given his unreserved support to every movement for the public welfare.

John J. Miller was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, on May lo, 1872, and is a son of Jacob W. and Catherine (Best) Miller. Jacob W. Miller was born near Piqua, Ohio, on September 19, 1831, a son of Jackson and Margaret (Teegarden) Miller. Jackson Miller and wife were both natives of Pennsylvania who emigrated early in pioneer days to Piqua, Ohio, where they were married, shortly after which time they moved to Putnam county, locating on what became a part of Sugar Creek township, Allen county, where they spent the remainder of their days. Jacob W. Miller was married to Catherine Best when he was twenty-seven years of age. To them were born the following children: William, deceased; George, Sarah, deceased; John J., Jane, Ann, Margaret, deceased; Mary and Allen.

John J. Miller was reared under the parental roof and secured his education in the old Michael district school. Upon leaving school he applied himself to the operation of the home farm, where he remained until thirtyone years of age, when he was married, and then located on forty acres of the southvvest portion of the homestead farm, which has been his residence, continuously, since. He has made many permanent and substantial improvements on this place, including an eight-room residence, modern in every respect, a large and commodious barn and other necessary farm buildings. He has added ten acres to his home place, thus giving him an estate of fifty acres, and, in addition to this, he also farms forty acres adjoining him on the west. He has followed a diversified system of farming, giving proper attention to the rotation of crops and other improved ideas relating to successful agriculture and also giving some attention to the raising of live stock, breeding Polled-Durham cattle, of which he has some splendid specimens of thoroughbred stock. The general appearance of the place indicates Mr. Miller to be a man of good taste and splendid ideas and creates a good impresson upon the passers-by.

On January ii, 1903, John J. Miller was married to Ida M. Eastman, who was born on September 15, 1882, near Hamer, Jackson township, the daughter of Adolerous and Minerva (Cattels) "Eastman. Adolerous Eastman was born in Madison county in 1846, and his wife was born in Paulding county, Ohio, in 1859, ^i^d died on July 30, 1887. Mr. Eastman was married three times, his first wife being Lucinda Jane Olliver. To this union were born five children, Arabelle, Elma, Clinton, Maleon, Lucinda. Mr. Eastman's second wife was Minerva Cattels, and to them were born four children, May, Ida, Ethel and Goldie, the latter dying when three years of age. Mr. Eastman's third wife was Mary McDonald, and to this union was born one child, Fred. Mrs. Miller spent her early life in Putnam county, and was about twenty years of age when she was married to Mr. Miller. To them have been born two children, Virgil Emerson, born on June 25, 1906; and Clarence Ivan, born on November 15, 1909.

The Eastmans come from an old family, records of which can be traced back to 1602, in Southampton, England. The first Eastman, landing in 1638, at Salisbury, Massachusetts, was born in Southampton, England, in 161 1, and married Sarah Smith, who was born in 1621, and died on April II, 1697, both of whom were members of the Salisbury church, where is recorded, in 1694, the name of the first of the Eastmans to come to this country. Roger Eastman had two brothers who emigrated with him. Both died without having married. Ida Eastman, wife of the subject of this sketch, was the daughter of Adolerous, who was the son of Aplor, who was the son of John, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Peter, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Roger, the first Eastman to reach this country. The Eastman genealogical tree today spreads over every part of the United States.

Mr. Miller has always taken a deep interest in public afl^airs and has been allied with the Democratic party, though too busy to give much personal attention to local politics. He attends the Christian church, of which Mrs. Miller is a member. In touching upon the life history of the subject of this sketch, the writer has aimed to avoid extravagant praise, yet it has been a pleasure to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life. A man of broad ideas, kindly purpose and human sympathy, Mr. Miller has won and retains a host of warm personal friends throughout this section of the state, where his life has been spent.

Abraham P. Askins

One of the progressive farmers and highly respected citizens of Putnam county, Ohio, is Abraham P. Askins of Sugar Creek township. Possessing energy and determination, he has been very successful in making everything he undertakes result to his advantage. His success in his chosen calling is attested to by the fact that, having started in an humble way, he is now the owner of valuable real estate, and has accumulated this by his own personal efforts. In fact, Mr. Askins is one of the well-known and substantial citizens of this section of Putnam county, and is popular with a large number of people.

Abraham P. Askins was born on September 29, 1858, in the northwest part of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county. He is the son of Thomas and Rebecca (Funk) Askins.

Thomas Askins was born on January 2, iS'io, in Frederick county, Virginia, and he was the son of Posey and Nancy (Barnes) Askins, both of whom were Jiatives of Virginia. Posey Askins spent his early life in Virginia. He was a farmer by occupation, and enlisted in the War of 1812, but never saw service on account of the termination of the war. He came to Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1832, making the trip overland by wagon. Here he bought a farm east of Lancaster, and here he remained the rest of his life. He died in Lancaster at an advanced age.

Thomas Askins, who was one of a large family of children, was twentytwo years of age when he came to Ohio with his parents. He had received his early education in Virginia, where his childhood and youth were spent. After coming to Ohio, he remained with his parents in Fairfield county, helping his father on the old home place. Here he remained until after the death of his mother in 1852, when, at the age of forty-two, he came to Putnam county, where he was employed for about five years in Union and Jennings township, a part of the time for Hiram Sarber of former township. During his first five years, he purchased three tracts of land, one hundred and sixty acres in all, in Jennings township. At the age of forty-seven, in 1857, he was married to Rebecca Funk, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio,

February 13, 1825. She was the daughter of Abraham and Mary (Guile) Funk, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. They came to Fairfield county from Pennsylvania in the early days, and in 1840, the year in which Henry Harrison was elected president, came to Putnam county, settling in Union township. Here they remained for the balance of their lives. Rebecca Funk was one of five children, two sons and three daughters, and was a young woman when she came to Putnam county. Here she remained until her marriage to Thomas Askins.

After his marriage, Thomas Askins located on eighty acres two miles northwest of Rimer, to which farm he afterward added twenty acres. This farm had but a few acres cleared. It had a two-room hewed log cabin and a log barn. Thomas Askins proceeded to clear his land and succeeded in getting this work about half finished before his death, which occurred on November 2, 1875. He was a hard-working and industrious man, of a strongly religious nature, and with Baptist sympathies. He was a man who enjoyed the respect of his fellow citizens. Politically, he was a Republican. His wife, Rebecca, survived him a good many years, dying at the old home place September 3, 1902. They were the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters. Abraham P., the eldest, is the subject of this sketch; William lives at Toledo, Ohio; Mary E. married Robert Blakely of Tiffin, Ohio, and Nancy married Alexander Cromley, of Tiffin.

Abraham P- Askins was born on the old homestead, which is his present residence. Here he spent his childhood and youth. He attended the old McLain district school, and after finishing the common schools, he continued to help his father on the old home place. It fell to the lot of Abraham P. Askins and his brother, William, to clear the remaining half of the farm. When Abraham P. was seventeen years of age his father With his brother, he assumed charge of the home place.

Abraham P. Askins was married on March 25, 1880, at the ao-e of twenty-one years, to Martha Westenbarger, who was born on November 3, i860, in Fairfield county, Ohio, and died on June 25, 1894. She was a daughter of John and Mary Ann (Derrickson) Westenbarger, both of whom were natives of Fairfield county, Ohio. The former was of Pennsylvania German parentage, and the latter was a native of Delaware.

After his marriage Mr. Askins rented a farm, one-half mile northeast of the home place, for two years, after which time he moved back to the home farm, which has been his place of residence ever since. After settling on the home place, Mr. Askins finished clearing and draining the farm, and built a beautiful eleven-room residence, and a large barn and other outbuildings. He has one of the best-improved farms in Sugar Creek township. Mr. Askins has always done general farming, and has been verysuccessful.

To Abraham P. and Martha (Westenbarger) Askins nine children have been born: Pearl is the wife of George Ream and resides at Sugar Grove, in Fairfield county, Ohio ; James resides in Jennings township ; Harry resides on the old home place. He married Stella Lothes, of Licking county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Jacob and Minerva (Pyles) Lothes, and wasborn in Noble county, Ohio, January 26, 1888. Jacob Lothes was a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and his wife of Maxburg, Noble county, Ohio. Harry Askins and wife have three children, Harold Vernon, May 29, 1910; Bernard, June 30, 1912; and an infant, December 20, 1914. Maude married Effenger Neeley, and resides at Missoula, Montana ; Russell lives in Jennings township; Leona is the wife of Thomas Fairbanks, of Clarindon, Virginia; Myrtle is the wife of Anthony Klausing, of Delphos, Ohio; John lives in Jennings township; Sarah married Walter Blockberger and resides at Delphos, Van Wert county.

Abraham P. Askins is a Republican. He is one of Sugar Creek township's well-known and substantial citizens and farmers, and is well and favorably known in this and adjoining townships. He is a man of enviable reputation and deserves the esteem in which he is held by his neighbors.

The biographies of successful men are instructive as guides and incentive to those whose careers are yet to be achieved. The examples they furniah of patient purpose and consecutive endeavor, strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish. John T. Maag is a conspicuous example of one who has lived to good purpose and who has achieved a definite degree of success in the special sphere to which his talents and his energies have been devoted. Mr. Maag is a representative citizen of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, and one of its most successful farmers.

John T. Maag was born in 1864, in Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of William and Bernadina (Kahle) Maag, the former a native of Cincinnati, born in 1838, and the son of Theodore Maag, who came from Germany.

ably only a year old when the family moved to Pleasant township and where his father, Theodore Maag, purchased land and lived the remainder of his life. William Maag married Bernadina Kahle, a native of Greensburg township and a sister of I. N. Kahle, whose sketch is found elsewhere in this volume gives the family history. After the marriage of William Maag, he farmed in Pleasant township. He began with eighty acres and purchased land until fee owned three hundred and sixty-four acres. He was a successful man and was ably assisted by his son. His wife, Bernadina, was first married to Joseph Stechschulte, who died, leaving three children, Bernadina, Anna and Amelia. By her second marriage there were ten children who grew to maturity, Ignatius and Theresa dying after they were grown. The living children are, Mrs. Mary Schroeder, John C, Frank, William, Mrs. Bertha Scheckehoff, Mrs. Lena Fuerst, Joseph and Henry.

John T. Maag lived at home until his marriage, which took place on- August 21, 1889, when he was married to Elizabeth Lammers, who was bornin Ottawa township, near New Cleveland. She is the daughter of Henry and Gertrude (Siebeneck) Lammers. Henry Lammers was born in Germany and came to America when a young man. He came to Glandorf and there married Gertrude Siebeneck, who was born in Glandorf, and was the daughter of Bernard Henry and Gertrude (Inkrot) Siebeneck. Bernard Henry Siebeneck was born in Prussia and came to this country, about 1835, entering government land in Greensburg township. He remained in this country a year and then returned to Germany where he married Gertrude Gross Inkrot. They came here to live and spent the remainder of their lives in Greensburg township.

After Mr. Lammers was married, he began farming for himself at New Cleveland, where he purchased a farm and lived the remainder of his life. He owned two eighty-acre tracts of land and was the father of seven children, one of whom died in infancy. Henry died at the age of twenty-one years. The following are living : John, Mary, Anna, Gertrude and Elizabeth.

To John T. and Elizabeth (Lammers) Maag, eight children have been born, Amelia, who died at the age of ten years; Cornelius, who died at the age of four years; Urban, who died at the age of seven months; Mary, who died at the age of five months; Charles, August 24, 1890, who is twenty-four years of age and helps his father on the farm; Laura, January 23, 1893; Clara, March 6, 1897, and Cornelia, April 26, 1900, all of whom are at home.

After Mr. Maag was married, he began farming, three miles northwest of Leipsic, where he has lived since that time. Fie began with fifty-two acres, nearly all of which was covered with heavy woods and water. At this time, there was a small shack in which the family lived and a straw-shed was the only stable. Mr. Maag cleared, drained and improved the land, built a large and comfortable house, a large barn and other outbuildings. He has purchased more land, from time to time, until he now owns over one hundred acres, worth about two hundred dollars an acre. The Maag family have been hard-working, prudent farmers and have prospered as a consequence of these habits.

James A. Irwin

The flail of our fathers has given way to the threshing machine and the old-fashioned corn-cutter is laid on the shelf. Corn is now cut by machinery. The old-fashioned shucking-peg has given way to the modern corn-husker, and the farmer of today has all of the advantages which the inventive spirit of American industry has devised. The pioneer farmer is fast passing away and within the next few years they will be gone. James A. Irwin is one of the younger generation of farmers whose father, however, struggled against the privations and hardships of pioneer farm life during the early days of Putnam county's history. By adopting modern methods, James A. Irwin has come to be one of the foremost farmers and citizens of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio.

James A. Irwin was born on March 13, 1874, in Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is a son of Benjamin F. and Lydia Jane (Hayden) Irwin. Benjamin F. Irwin was born on November 30, 1821, in Fairfield county, Ohio. He came to Putnam county in 1832 and was the son of ' Josiah Kennedy and Catherine (Barkman) Irwin. Benjamin F. Irwin's first wife, Sarah J. Leese, was born on April 26, 1836, and died on June 28. 1861. By this first marriage, there were four children: Herman L., bom on June 16, 1855; Margaret A., September 5, 1857; Eva, August i, 1859; and Sarah J., June 28, 1861. Benjamin F. Irwin was married the second time on March 28, 1864, to Lydia J. Hayden, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, May 7, 1839, and who was the daughter of Nathaniel and Eliza (Brothers) Hayden. To this second marriage, the following children were born: Martha Emma, on March 9, 1865; Clement L., July 26, 1866, died on September 19, 1866; George T., September 20, 1867; Benjamin F., Jr., Augtist 25, 1869; Nathaniel K., January 20, 1871; James A., March 13, 1874, and is the subject of this sketch; Charles P., December 9, 1876; Kemmer L., May 16, 1879; Guy, of Pleasant township. Benjamin F. Irwin had an tnicle who served in the War of 1812.

After coming to Putnam county, Ohio, with his parents, who settled about three miles west of Columbus Grove, in Pleasant township, Benjamin F. Irwin grew to manhood on the old homestead of his parents. His father, Josiah Irwin, was one of the pioneer settlers and passed through all the experiences of the men of his day and generation. He lived to a ripe old age and died on the old homestead.

Of the children born to Benjamin F. Irwin's second marriage, Emma married George Barnt; George died at the age of twenty-nine; Benjamin F., Jr., and Nathaniel reside in Pleasant township; James A. is the subject of this sketch; Charles P. and Kenimere L. reside in Sugar Creek township; Guy resides in Pleasant township.

Benjamin F. Irwin was very successful in farming, as well as in raising horses and attributes a considerable of his success to this phase of his work. At one time he owned about six hundred acres of land in Pleasant and Sugar Creek townships. James A. Irwin spent his childhood and youth on the old home place in Pleasant township. He attended the old Turner district school and after finishing school, continued to help his father on the home place. After this he located on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, in the northeast part of Sugar Creek township. This farm belonged to his father. After the first year he farmed this place in partnership with his brother, Charles.

James A. Irwin was married, at the age of thirty, on September 7, 1904, to Rosa Caroline Miller, who was born in Allen county, January 28, 1875, and who was the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Sauer) Miller! Henry Miller was born on April 29, 1841, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and died on March 7, 1912, on the old Miller homestead in Allen county! Henry Miller came_to America with his parents at the age of nine years and settled in Monroe township, Allen county. Here he lived the remainder of his life. He was the son of Michael and Catherine (Kunkleman) Miller, and one of four sons. The others were John, Christian and Adam. Mrs! Mary (Sauer) Miller was born in Prussia, on January 21, 1847, and was the daughter of Frantz and Catherine (Harmon) Sauer. She came to America when seven years of age with her parents who settled first in Pickaway county, Ohio, and a few years later moved to Monroe township, Allen county. Here Frantz Sauer remained the rest of his life, dying in June, 1904, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife, Catherine, still survives and lives with her daughter, Mrs. Minerva Holmes, at Loomis, Michigan, Frantz and Catherine Sauer had three children, Mary, Louisa and Minerva, all of whom are living. Henry and Mary Miller had fourteen children,, all of whom are living and all of whom are married except three. They are as follow : Margaret, John, Emma, Anna, Alice, Sarah, Caroline (the wife of Mr. Irwin), Bertha, William Harmon, Louis, Clara, Grace and Arthur.

After Mr. Irwin's marriage, he took up his residence on the west half of the one hundred and twenty acres he had previously farmed, and herehe has erected a commodious residence of six rooms. Prior to his marriage he also had built a barn, thirty-six by fifty feet. Since that time he has added other buildings. He has always done general farming and paid especial attention to corn and hogs. In addition to his home place of sixty acres, he farms forty acres with his brother, Charles.

James A. Irwin and family attend the Christian church at Columbus Grove. Mr. Irwin is a Democrat. He is one of Sugar Creek township's substantial farmers, highly respected in his community, and honored for his industry, good management and genial disposition.

John Maidlow

"In Memoriam!" No two words in the English language combine in more meaningful phrase than these. How much of respectful consideration, how much of tender devotion and how much of sincere regard for the memory of one who has gone on before, is implied in the use of the term with which this paragraph is introduced. In a monumental work of the character contemplated by the compilers of this extraordinary volume it seems eminently fitting that there should here and there throughout these pages be presented for the consideration not only of the present generation of readers, but for those who perchance shall have occasion to review these pages in generations yet to come, a brief and modest summary of the lives of those depart-ed fathers of the commonwealth who long since have passed from the scenes of present activity. In following this design, the biographer

-surely would be remiss in his duty to the people of Putnam county if this -book were permitted to go forth without an epitome of the life and of the works of the gentleman whose name heads this particular chapter of the biographical section of this history of the county, a name which has the power to recall many pleasant memories on the part of those now surviving, who, in his day here, knew so well and respected so highly the subject of this respectful memoir.

John Maidlow, late deceased, in his time one of the best known and most influential farmers of Putnam county, Ohio, for many years a resident of Blanchard township, this county, where his death occurred on December 1889, was born in England on February ii, 1812, and he came to America with his parents in the year ,1820, when he was eight years of age. By reason of John Maidlow's tender age, at the time he arrived in this country, he truly might be said to have been an American in all save birth and it certainly is the truth that no native-born American ever loved the country more or took a greater interest in its development.

At the age of thirteen, John Maidlow moved to Knox county, Ohio, where he grew to vigorous manhood, acquiring, with a sturdy body, such education as the local schools of that period afforded and laying the foundation for an after life of much usefulness to his fellow men. On February 18, 1834, Mr. Maidlow was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda A. Douds, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, on February 17, 18 16, the marriage taking place at the home of the bride's parents, three miles north of Mt. Vernon. Three years later, on March 4, 1937, to be exact, Mr. Maidlow and his wife came to Putnam county, Ohio, and settled in Blanchard township. Where they spent the remainder of their lives, his death occurring on December 6, 1889, and hers on August i8, 1897. On this old home place, this honored couple lived to celebrate their "golden" wedding anniversary, February 18, 1884, on which happy occasion a very large party of friends and relatives was present, among these being twelve children, forty grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

. children : James A., who married Mary Ann Buckland ; Elizabeth Sophia, who married N. C. Conine; Ann, who married D. E. Sandles; C. Edmund, who married Belle Kline, now deceased; Chloe Rogers, deceased; William Franklin, who married Miranda Conine, now deceased; Rebecca Jane, who married E. H. Buckland; Agnes Padwick, who married Thomas Walford,

John Maidlow was an extensive and successful farmer and his lands were among the most highly cultivated of any in the county of Putnam. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and was widely informed on all matters pertaining to the general interests of his adopted country. He was a wide reader, not only of the newspapers, which kept him informed on current events, but of books, in the reading of which he had a very fine and discriminating taste. He was a pioneer in the matter of better highways, having been one of the most efficient leaders in the movement for gravel roads in the county, as well as being one of the earliest .and most persistent advocates of the necessity for a thorough and comprehensive system of drainage of lands, preaching in season and out of season the very high utility of such public improvements. If for no other reason than for the stimulating effect of his advocacy of these vital improvements, Putnam county owes very much to the memory of John Maidlow. In his personal relations with his fellow men, Mr. Maidlow was a man of generous impulses and of scrupulous honesty, and in the neighbohdood in which he lived so many years and in which he was so strong a factor for good, these lovely human traits in him are not forgotten to this day. In his good works, he ever was ably abetted by his good wife, whose memory also is held in the highest regard even to this day, in that neighborhood.

John Maidlow was active in the public affairs of Putnam county, his voice always being raised in behalf of such measures as seemed to him best fitted to advance the common weal. Despite the fact, however, of his continued and active participation in the political campaigns of his party - he was ever an earnest and consistent Democrat, - Mr. Maidlow persistently declined to accept nominations to public office, though his party frequently honored him by pressing upon him the desirability of his acceptance of such nominations. He did serve his party in 1868, however, by going as one of the delegates from the tenth congressional district of Ohio to the national convention of the Democratic party, in session that year in New York city.

John Maidlow was a Mason and took an earnest, part in the affairs of that popular ritualistic order in this county. In all the relations of life, he stood four-square with the world and his memory will not soon be permitted to perish in this county, whose best concerns he served so well and sofaithfully during his long and useful life.

Bernard I. Stechschulte

Mental and physical activity go hand in hand with material success in life. The success of individuals generally means the success and prosperity of the community. The community honors its most active men by entrusting to them the responsibities demanding careful and wise attention, and one of the most important positions is that of school trustee, and it is with great pride that we may mention here the work of Bernard I. Stechschulte, now president of the board of trustees of Liberty township.

Bernard I. Stechschulte, the son of Henry and Bertha (Kahle) Stechschulte, was born in Ottawa township, near Glandorf, Ohio, in Putnam county. The sketch of August Stechschulte, found elsewhere in this volume, gives in details the family history.

Bernard I. Stechschulte was married at the age of twenty-six years to- Thersia Morman. She was born in Greensburg township, about four miles west of Ottawa, and is a daughtr of John and Gertrude (Verhoff) Morman. John Morman was born in Hanover, Germany, and is a farmer of Greensburg township, in this county. His wife, Gertrude Verhoff, was born onemile west of Glandorf, the daughter of Frank and Mary Verhoff. Mrs. Stechschulte was reared on his father's farm in Greensburg township.

After his. marriage, Mr. Schechschulte farmed one year in Van Burea township on rented land, after which he bought sixty acres near Elm Center, in Liberty township, and has lived there since that time. He is now the owner of one hundred and ninety-six acres of fine farming land, having gradually added to his original purchase as his prosperity increased.

The farm premises of Mr. Stechschulte are neat and attractive, withgood buildings and modern equipment. He has recently engaged in the horse-breeding business and keeps a full-blooded Percheron stallion which is registered by the American Percheron Association and is of splendid pedigree.

Bernard L and Theresia (Morman) Stechschulte are the parents of four sons and three daughters, all of whom are living, while one child died' in infancy. These children are as follow: Agatha, the wife of Albert Karhoff, who lives in Ottawa township ; Amelia ; Lawrence ; John ; Gertrude ; Bernard and Frank.

Bernard I. Stechschulte is a Democrat, and is now serving as trustee of Liberty township. He has served in other important official positions, such as a member of the school board, and is now serving his third year as.

trustee and is president of the trustees of Liberty township. In all of his official duties, Mr. Stechschulte has discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of the people to whom he is responsible.

Bernard I. Stechschulte and family are all devout members of the St. Nicholas's Catholic church at Miller City. He is a genial, active and popular man in the community where he lives.

John M. Carder

The rich agricultural section' comprised within the bounds of Putnam county, Ohio, is replete with pleasant homes, housing a. happy and contented people. No spot in the great state of Ohio. is more favored in this regard than is the county with which this volume particularly treats, and in this county there are few spots more highly favored than is that section comprised within the borders of Perry township and the picturesque country surrounding- the pleasant town of Continental. Among the farmers in that township there are few who are better known than is John M. Carder, to a brief and modest biography of whom the reviewer here engages the attention of the

John M. Carder was bom in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, on December i, 1862, the son of John and Arminta (Baer) Carder, the former of whom was a native of Putnam county, who died in 1903, at the age of sixty-seven years, and the latter of whom also was a native of Putnam county, born near Ottawa, and who died in 1882 at the age of forty-seven years.

John Carder was reared upon the parental farm in Union township, this county, and farmed there for some time after reaching manhood, and . then moved to Perry township, where he spent the rest of his life. At the time of his death, the older John Carder owned forty acres of land in Union township and sixty acres in Perry township. He was a man of considerable substance and was a good citizen in all the name implies. For many years he was a member of the township school board and the influence of his sound judgment and deep interest in educational afifairs ever was exerted in behalf of the schools of the township, his work in that connection being an imperishable monument to his memory in that neighborhood. He was an earnest member of the Dunkard church and frequently occupied the local pulpit of that organization, his sermons being noted for their deep devotional character and their earnest expression of faith. He was a Democrat and his voice ever was lifted on behalf of good governi-nent, his influence in the counsels of his party in that part of the county having no small weight.

John Carder was united in marriage to Arminta Baer, a member of an old family in Union township, whose parents came from Stark county to Putnam county at an early ray and settled near Ottawa, where they engaged in farming, and where they spent the rest of their lives, being among the honored and influential residents of that section of the county. To John and Arminta (Baer) Carder were born three children: Mrs. Martha Prowant, who also lives in Perry township; John M., with whom this review treats, and Harvey, who died in 1884.