Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 25 of 33)

John A. Simon was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on his father's farm on March 23, 1866. He was the son of Lewis and Margaret (Dangler) Simon, the former of whom was born in Putnam county on April 24, 1838, and who in turn was the son of John P. and Savilla (Genshimer) Simon. John P. Simon was born in Germany, on the Rhine, and there was married to Savilla Genshimer, a native of Germany, born in 1812. John P. and Savilla (Genshimer) Simon were the parents of the following children : John, a farmer of Dupont, Ohio ; Catherine and Philip, both deceased; Lewis,' the father of the late John Simon, the subject of this sketch; Jacob, who died in childhood; Barbara, wife of Michael Rinkle, of Dupont ; Louisa, deceased ; Sophia, who married the Rev. Philip Kesler, of Dupont; Mrs. A. L. Hauck, of Ottawa; Anna, who married \V. J. Varner, of Greensburg township ; Savilla, who married J. W. Parnell, of Greensburg township; Elizabeth, deceased, and John Adam, who died young.

John P. and Savilla (Genshimer) Simon emigrated to the United States and first located at Philadelphia, where they remained a short time. Later they removed to Richland county, Ohio, where they were pioneers and where they purchased a tract of land. After living there until 1S36 they removed to Putnam county, Ohio, where he purchased a tract of land in the woods, built a log house, cleared and drained his land. They lived on this farm until 1863, when, on account of failing health, John P. Simon moved to Ottawa, where he' was engaged in the mercantile business. John P. Simon was a Mason, having joined the lodge at Kalida. He was a commissioned officer in the state militia and was a foremost citizen in the community where he lived and stood for law and order. He died on April 29, 1888, at which time he was a devout member of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Savilla (Genshimer) Simon died in 1856, and subsequently Mr. John P. Simon married Mrs. Margaret M. Landis, who bore him one son, Adam, in 1859. After her death, Mr. Simon married Mrs. Margaret Hedges, who died on March 25, 1895.

The late John A. Simon's father, Lewis Simon, a venerable resident of this county, was reared on a farm and educated in the old-fashioned log schoolhouse. He was married to Margaret M. Dangler on April 13, 1861. She was the daughter of George and Fannie (Fender) Dangler, and by this union four children were born: Anna, who married H. J. Kirkendall; Veronica, who married George Rinedour; John A., the subject of this sketch, and Barbara, who died in infancy. Mrs. Simon died on May 11, 1868. Mr. Simon was married, the second time, March 18, 1870, to Jennie Apger, daughter of John R. and Elizabeth Apger, who was bom on Feb- ruary lo, 1847. To this second marriage seven children were born : Mary L., who died on October 31, 1876; Charle E., Chester L., Ora A., Lewis W., Blanch, Ralph B. and an infant who died unnamed. Lewis Simon is still living in Putnam county, and, although disabled, is a man who retains all of his mental faculties. His life has been eminently connected with the history of Putnam county and he is a man highly respected throughout the county. He is a member of Masonic lodge No. 325, at Ottawa, and is also a member of the United Brethren church.

The late John A. Simon was educated in the Greensburg township public schools and lived on his father's farm until early manhood. He was married on October i, 1891,- to Millie Mullet, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Crow) Mullet. Jacob Mullet was born in Switzerland, in 1840, and was the son of John and Maria (Ratz) Mullet. About 1847 they came to America. They were three months making the voyage on a sailing vessel. John Mullet, after spending about a year at Cincinnati and a few years at Columbus, Ohio, located near Elm Center, about 1852, while the land was still covered with timber. Later, when the Nickel Plate railroad grade was made, it gave the people work and the land upon which he settled became the finest to be found anywhere in Putnam county. Here Jacob Mullet grew to manhood, and, in 1864, he married Elizabeth Crow, who was born in the northeast part of Greensburg township in January, 1842, and who was the daughter of W. R. and Bersheba (Brower) Crow. W. R. Crow came from Columbiana county, Ohio, where he was born on April 12, 1821, and he was the son of James and Elizabeth (Morland) Crow, who settled here in 1835. James Crow was the son of Abraham and Rachael (Craven) Crow. Abraham Crow was born in 1748 and was among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. He was married in Berks county to Rachel Craven and moved to Pennsylvania in 1787, settling in Washington county. They removed to Columbiana county, Ohio, about 181 5. A brother of Abraham Crow was killed in the battle of the Brandywine. Abraham and Rachel (Craven) Crow had eleven children. Abraham, Jr., married Sarah Thompson and was a pioneer settler in Greensburg township. He left numerous progeny and died in his ninety-seventh year. W. R. Crow's wife, Bersheba Brower, was born in Randolph county in 18 19, and was the daughter -of Frederick and Helena (Staley) Brower. Frederick Brower was born in North Carolina and was a son of Adam Brower, a native of Pennsylvania. Adam's father was the founder of the family in America. Frederick Grower was born and reared in North Carolina and there learned shoemaking and tanning. He married Nellie Staley, in Randolph county. North

Carolina. Her father was a cousin of the royal family of Germany. Frederick Brower moved to Florida and thence back to Ohio, and thence to Ft. Wayne, Indiana. After several other moves, the family came finally ta Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, and entered ninety-three acres of land. He was the fourth settler in Greensburg township and when he came to Allen county he brought with him a hand-mill which he used to grind corn. In time he became the owner of four hundred and ninetythree acres and cultivated it until his death, in June, 1875. His wife died in 1889. He was the first justice of the peace in Greensburg township, and also the first trustee in that township. After Jacob Mullet's marriage, he first engaged in the butcher business, in Ottawa, and then spent a short time on a farm in Greensburg township. Subsequently, he removed to Leipsic and engaged in the butcher business for six years, after which time he moved back to Greensburg township and farmed until his death. He and his wife owned one hundred and sixty acres of land. Mrs. Jacob Mullet died in 1887, and he died in 1900. They had eight children: William G., of Greensburg township; John A., of near Continental; Amelia B., the widow of John A. Simon, the subject of this sketch; Anna Florence, the wife of William H. Wistermah, of Toledo; Mary Emma, the wife of Amos Ridenour, who lives near Wabash, Indiana; Luther H., of Toledo; Frederick, of Three Rivers, Michigan, and Everett, who lives near Butler, Indiana. After the death of his first wife, Jacob Mullet married Mrs. Sarah Shardeman, and one child was born to this marriage, Jacob Mullet, Jr.

After the marriage of the late John A. Simon and Millie Mullet they moved to a farm in Palmer township, consisting of eighty acres, which farm had been given to Mr. Simon by his father. Here he built several buildings, drained and cleared part of the land, and later acquired forty acres, which he added to his original purchase: He continued to live on this farm until his death, which occurred on November 29, 1910. He isburied in the Varner cemetery, in Greensburg township. To the late John A. Simon and wife was born one child, Leonore, in 1897, who was educated in the district schools and in the high school. She also took a course in music in Taylor University and later took a course in the Toledo Conservatory of Music. She is a splendid pianist and has also taught music. She has a splendid reputation in musical circles. Miss Simon's friends predict for her a brilliant future in the profession to which she is so keenly devoted.

charm and grace of manners. She has .splendid business quahfications and has made a remarkable success of the farm since the death of her husband. They are the center of a wide circle of friends and are beloved by all the people of Palmer township.

The late John A. Simon was a Democrat. He served as supervisor and school director of Palmer township. He was an earnest worker and a highly honored citizen, a good husband and a kind father. The late John A. Simon belonged to the United Brethren church. Mrs. Simon and her daughter are also members of this church.

William T. Remlinger

Putnam county, Ohio, has been especially favored in character and success of its pharmacists and druggists. Among the representatives of this profession in Putnam county is William T. Remlinger, of Ottoville, Ohio. Mr. Remlinger, as a conseciuence of years' experience in business for himself at OttoVille, has not only won for himself a rather large measuse of success, but has, through his personal influence, stood for the best things in the community life, and is now regarded as one of the active, progressive and successful business men of Monterey township. He is one of the best citizens in this community from whatever standpoint he may be judged.

William T. Remlinger, the subject of this sketch, was born on March 23, 1873, in Pleasant Valley, Jennings township. He is the son of Andrew and Mary (Hefifel) Remlinger. Andrew Remlinger was born on November 30, 1836, in Lorraine, then a part of France. His wife, who before her marriage was Mary Hefifel, was born in Huron county, Ohio, on March 21,.. 1843. Her parents were natives of Germany. Andrew Remlinger came to the United States with his parents in 1847 ^"^ located at Milan, Erie county, Ohio. From this place the family moved to Wyandot county, where they purchased a farm and lived until 1865, when they moved to Putnam county. They purchased a farm in this county and lived there the remainder of their lives. Here, also, the paternal grandparents of William T. Remlinger lived the remainder of their lives. His grandmother died on- February 14, 1877, and his grandfather, who was Sebastian Remlinger, died on November 28, 1890. Both are buried in the Ft. Jennings Catholic cemetery.

learned the ship-builder's trade and followed this from 1853 ^ 1865. During this period he was employed by the United States government as a shipbuilder at Nashville, Tennessee, and at Bridgeport, Alabama. In February, 1865, he was employed in the federal service on the Tennessee river and continued in this service until the close of the Civil War. In May, 1865, he removed to Toledo, Ohio, where he worked until the fall of that year. He then removed to Fremont, Ohio, and, leaving Fremont, he went to Norwalk, Ohio, where he worked for five years in the railroad shops. Subsequently, he located on a farm in Erie county, Ohio, and, on June 19, 1866, he was married to Mary Heffel, the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Beyer) Heffel. They had five children, four of whom are now living: Louis P., who died at the age of thirty-six years; Charles P., who lives at Milan, Ohio; William T., the subject of this sketch; Cornelia, the wife of Louis H. Grote, of Ft. Jennings, and Henry, who lives on the old homestead.

Andrew Remlinger moved to Jennings township in 1871 and purchased eighty acres of land, farming this for three years, when he sold it and purchased a farm of ninety-eight acres. Later, he purchased forty acres more and lived on this farm the remainder of his days. He died in 1897, a-"d Ills wife died in 19 14. Andrew Remlinger was a Democrat and served as township trustee for a number of years. He and his wife were both devout

William T. Remlinger received his education in the schools of Jackson township. He also attended Crawford College for one year and then taught school for thi-ee years. He took up the study of pharmacy in the Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio, in 1893, graduating from this institution on March i, 1894. On April 25, 1894, he purchased a drug store in Ottoville, where he has been engaged in business ever since. It is one of the best drug stores in Putnam county.

William T. Remhnger was married on June 17, 1896, to Nellie G. Huysman, the daughter of Walter and Henrietta (Blockberger) Huysman. Walter Huysman was born in Holland and his wife in Saxony, Germany. Both came to the United States when they were small children. Mrs. Remlinger was born and reared in Putnam county, Ohio, and is one of a family of eight children. To William T. and Nellie G. (Huysman) Remlinger two children have been born, Walter and Harold. Walter, who was born on May 8, 1897, is a graduate of the Ottoville school and also of the Delphos high school. He entered the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, in September, 1914, and is now a student at this great institution, and Harold, Tvho was bom on May 25, 1900, is attending the Ottoville schools.

Fraternally, William T. Remlinger is a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio and the Catholic Knights of Columbus. He is a Democrat and is a member of the school board of Ottoville, and is clerk and treasurer of this board, which office he has filled since 1898. Mr. Remlinger is president of the Ottoville Loan and Savings Company. He was vice-president in 1898, and became president in 1900, having served in this position ever since. Mr. Remlinger is also president of the Mutual Life Insurance Coriipany, of Ottoville, and treasurer of Monterey township, now serving his first term. Mr. Remlinger and all the members of his family are devout members of the -Catholic church.

George E. Altenburger

The record of George E. Altenburger is that of a man who, by his own unaided efforts, has worked his way from a modest beginning to a position of influence in his community. His life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance. The systematic and honest methods he has followed have won for him the unbounded confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens in Putnam county, whose interests he has ever had at heart and for which he has always labored. George E. Altenburger is a well-known business man of Ottoville, Monterey township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is interested in the real estate, loan and insurance business, and, during recent years, has built up a comfortable and growing business.

George E. Altenburger was born on August 27, 1867, in Auglaize county, Ohio. He is the son of Peter and Mary (Miller) Altenburger. Peter Altenburger was a native of Alsace, France. His wife, who before her marriage was Mary Miller, was born in Alsace and came with her parents to the United States at the age of two years. They settled at Waynesburg, Ohio, in Stark county. Peter Altenburger came to this country about 1838 and settled in Stark county. He was born in July, in 1818. His wife was born in 1830. Peter Altenburger served in the regular army of France for six years and three months. He and his wife were married in Stark county, Ohio. They were- the parents of eleven children, nine of whom are living, one dying in infancy; John died at the age of fifty; Louis lives at Delphos, where he is a retired farmer; Magdeline is the wife of Joseph Krabach. They live at Wapakoneta; Joseph lives in Monterey township; Peter, Jr., lives at Bodkins, Ohio, where he is a contractor and builder; Mary is the wife of John Hohlbein, and they live in Jackson township; An- drew lives in Cloverdale, Ohio; George E. is the subject of this sketch; Flora lives at Ottoville vi^ith George E. ; William died at the age of two years; F. X. Altenburger lives at Delphos, Ohio, where he is in the real estate and insurance business.

Peter Altenburger was a farmer and followed this occupation in Stark county, Ohio. After living for some time in Stark county, he removed to Auglaize county, where he was engaged in farming until about 1877, when he removed to Van Wert county. There he followed farming until about 1898, when he retired and moved to Ottoville. He died in Ottoville in August, 1905. His wife died on April 14, 1910. Both were devoted members of the Catholic church. During the Civil War, Peter Altenburger drilled two companies at Waynesburg, Ohio, and was appointed captain, but was unable to serve.

George Altenburger received his education in the public schools of Van Wert county and in iS'94 began clerking for the iirm of Winkelman & Vincke, at Ottoville, where he was employed for about ten years. He opened a general insurance office at Ottoville in 1904, where he also conducted a real estate and loan business. Mr, Altenburger is a justice of the peace, notary pubHc and secretary of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, at Ottoville. He assisted in the organization of this company, in 1904, and has been secretary since that time. Mr. Altenburger is a director and vice-president of the Building and Loan Savings Company at Ottoville.

George E. Altenburger was married on September 29, 1897, to Dora Schlagbaum, a daughter of Bernard and Clara (Helmkamp) Schlagbaum. To this union five children were born. Alberta was born July 4, 1898. Clara was born May 2, 1900. George was born May 17, 1903. Lovena was born November 27, 1914. Watler was born December 25, 1906. Mrs. George E. Altenburger died April 4, 1907.

Bernard Schlagbaum, the father of Mrs. George E. Altenburger is a successful farmer of Monterey township. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, February 26, 1840, and here his parents were married. They were both natives of Germany and had ten children, Bernard Schlagbaum, the father of Mrs. Altenburger, was brought to Putnam county by his parents when three years of age. They settled on a farm of eighty acres, one mile east of Ottoville where the father and sons worked to clear the timber off the land. Mrs. Altenburger' s father was hiarried on February 12, 1874, to Clara Anna Helmkamp, who was born in Hanover, Germany, July 24, 1846, her maiden name being Grave. Her parentscame to the United States at an early date and settled at Delphos, Ohio. She first married Bernard Helmkamp and

George E. Altenburger is an ardent Democrat, has served as assessor of Ottoville and of Monterey township, and has discharged the duties of these ofiices in a most creditable mpi^ner. Fraternally, he is a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio, a/ul a member of the Eagles, at Delphos, Ohio. All of the members of the Altenburger family are devoted to the Catholic church. They are liberal contributors to the support of this church and influential in its membership.

Frank Pahl

The man whose name forms the caption of this review is one of those men of enterprise and perseverance who has succeeded in his chosen vocation and, by careful management, has become one of the leading agriculturists, and at the same time has been of good service to the community in matters of civic welfare by advancing public interests and proving himself worthy of the trust and confidence reposed in him by the people. In consequence of his good citizenship and the high regard in which he is held by all who know him, he is entitled to recognition and commendation in a work of this nature.

Frank Pahl was born near the town of Norwalk in Huron county, Ohio, July 14, 1852, and is the son of Frank and Marie (Simons) Pahl. Frank Pahl, Sr., was born in Baden, Germany, and was quite young when he accompanied his parents to the United States where they first settled in the city of Bufifalo, New York. This was in the year 1832, and after remaining in Buffalo for about twelve months, they decided to remove to Huron county, Ohio, where they engaged in farming. The mother of Frank Pahl also was born in Germany, in the town of Beyers, and immigrated to this country with her parents when she was but three years of age. Her parents settled in Seneca county, Ohio, and it was here that Frank Pahl's father and mother were married, and to them were born nine children, Elizabeth, deceased; Mary, deceased; Helen, wife of Jacob Hubert who lives near Fremont, Sandusky county, Ohio; Frank, the subject of review; Peter, who resides in the state of Michigan; Rose, the wife of Ferdinand Esker, who lives in Norwalk, Huron county, Ohio, and three other children who died in infancy.

Frank Pahl, Sr., was engaged in farming through his entire life and his wife died about the year 1857. His second marriage is recorded to Helen .Simons, to which union there were born ten children, all of whom are living except one. In the order of their birth they were as follow: Louisa, wife of Joseph Brown; Frances, the widow of Louis Lodgson; Henry; Emil;. William; Mary; John; Charles; Jerome and Helen. All of these children live in or near the town of Terry, Wyandot county, Ohio, exception being made of Charles who is engaged in the undertaking business in Tiffin, Ohio^ Jerome who lives near Akron, Ohio, and the last named, Helen, is deceased. Their father died on January 22, 1910.

Frank Pahl, the subject, received his early education in the township schools and on reaching maturity his father turned the farm over to him for management on the basis of one-third shares from the crops. On March 4, 1879, Frank Pahl was married to Amelia Broadman, who was born in February, 1852, the daughter of Nicholas and Gustina Broadman, both of whom were natives of Germany and from where they came to this country with their respective parents when they were very young. They grew to maturity in Huron county and were married there, also started housekeeping, but, at a later date, decided to move to Wyandot, where they engaged in farming until the time of their deaths.

Soon after their marriage Frank Pahl and wife left Huron county and came to Putnam county, Ohio, where in the spring of 1893, he purchased a farm consisting of one hundred acres of partly cleared land in section 36 of Monterey township, and has made this place his permanent home. When Frank Pahl first settled on this farm, it was not in very good -condition for the raising of crops and besides required considerable clearing. After cutting a part of the timber, ditching and systematically using drain tile, this farm has become highly productive and profitable, and is now under the management of one of his sons who farms it successfully on shares. After spending a great many years on the home place, Mr. Pahl decided to retire from active farm life and purchased two lots in the town of Ottoville, this county, upon which he has erected a very substantial and comfortable dwelling where he and his wife make their present home, retaining their interest in the farm. To Frank and Amelia (Broadman) Pahl have been born eight children, six of whom are living. They are Ralph, who lives on the homestead in Monterey township and who was married to Addie Wright, to whom were born two children, Leroy and Lyle; Dora, the wife of Joseph Bauman, who lives in Jennings township, and who have three living children, Hilda, Mersella, and Rosalie ; Lawrence who died at the age of six years and twoothers that died in infancy; William, who married Elizabeth Fosel who had one daughter by this marriage. William's first wife died and he was married a second time to Rosa Schectal and they have two sons. William Pahl and family now reside in Michigan ; Tillie, the wife of Edward Kramer, who lives in Ottoville and where he is engaged in the lumber business. To them were born four children, Roman, Permillia, Welma and Norval; Clarence was married to Phine Carder and they live in Delphos, Ohio. Two children were born to them.

Mr. Pahl has always taken a keen interest in the welfare of the community and at all times stands for progressive legislation to the benefit of the commonwealth of the state of Ohio. He is prominently identified with the Democratic ticket in Putnam county and has served the people of his township as trustee for six years. He is also greatly interested in matters pertaining to education and for twenty-six years has served as director on the school board and is the oldest member of that board. The family are devout members of the Catholic church in Ottoville, to which they give their earnest support and contribute liberally. Personally, Mr. Pahl is a man held in the highest respect among his fellow men and has a reputation for being absolutely fair in all of his dealings. He is a man of kindly disposition, pleasant to all classes, honest and thoroughly trustworthy, and is much admired by all who know him.

Ernest Burill

One of the most enterprising of the younger generation of farmers in Putnam county who has worked diligently and whose future should be successful, if hard work and intelligence can make it so, is Ernest Burill. Ernest Burill has been a close student of everything that pertains to his work on the farm and from the beginning of his career has met with gratifying success. Judging from his past record, he will undoubtedly achieve much in future years and take his place among the leading farmers of Putnam county.

Ernest Burill was born on November 29, 1888, at Pleasant Bend, Henry county, Ohio. He is the son of Henry and Katherine (Morris) Burill, an account of whose lives is given elsewhere in this volume.

Ernest Burill was educated in the Palmer township schools and lived on the farm until his marriage, April 23, 191 1, to Ruth Baker, who is the daughter of Fred and Minnie (Engle) Baker. Fred Baker was born in Henry county, Ohio, and died in May, 1904, at the age of thirty-three years. His wife was born in Defiance county, Ohio, and after their marriage, Fred Baker and wife moved to a farm in Henry county near Holgate, Ohio. Later, they moved to Holgate, Ohio, where he engaged in the liquor business. He continued in this business until his death. His wife still survives and lives in Holgate, Ohio. She was married a second time to Frank M. Smith. Fred Baker was not a member of any lodge and had held no public offices. He was a member of the German Reformed church. Fred and Minnie Baker had three children, Emma, William and Ruth, the wife of Mr. Burill ; Emma married John Aden and lives at Holgate, Ohio, and William also lives at Holgate.

After his marriage, Mr. BuriU moved to a farm in Palmer township, where he worked by the year for Benjamin F. Shafer. Later, he moved to Holgate, Ohio, and was employed in the tile-mill there. Subsequently, he moved to a forty-acre tract of land in section 6, of Palmer township, onehalf mile west of his father's homestead farm, which forty acres was later deeded to him by his father. He came to this farm on December i, 19 14, cleared a portion of it and is contemplating the erection of a home. The farm is well located and consists of good soil.

Ernest Burill is an ardent farmer. He is not a member of any lodge and has held no offices. Mr. Burill is identified with the Democratic party, but has never been active in its councils. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed church. Ernest is a progressive young farmer, a hard worker, congenial and well-liked by the people of his neighborhood. He is a young man who deserves special recognition in a work of this character.

Robert Bennett Layton

One of the best-known and most enterprising of the younger farmers of Putnam county, Ohio, and Perry township, is Robert Bennett Layton, now in the very prime of life and usefulness. His influence as an honorable and upright citizen is productive of much good upon all with whom he comes in contact. His past success gives assurance of something yet to come. He is evidently destined to continue a potent factor for substantial good for many years to come. Mr. Layton owns splendid farming land in Perry township, which he operates in a manner that proves that he is fully acquainted with twentieth-century methods of farming".

Iiobert B. Laytox

tional Bank, of Upper Sandusky. John R. Layton was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Bedford county on August 13, 1831. His parents were Moses B. and Susan (Rohn) Layton. His father was of English and Scottish extraction and was a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared on a farm. He married Susan Rolin, and in 1832 emigrated to Knox county, remaining there for almost two years. About 1834 he moved to Erie county and rented a farm. He followed farming until in 1835, when his wife died. Putting his four children into homes in Sandusky, he went to Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and engaged in the butcher business until in 1840, when he went to Marion, Ohio, and purchased a farm, on which he remained until 185 1, when he sold out and again broke up housekeeping. Then, for five years, he was engaged in buying and shipping live stock. Coming to Upper Sandusky, he purchased a home and for a time conducted a hotel at that place. He was married again about this time, when he purchased a farm west of Upper Sandusky. This place he operated until i860, when he sold it to his son, John Rush Layton, but for a year longer he contmued to make it his home. In the fall of 1861, feeling that he was needed in the military service of his country, he enlisted in the Fifteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He was later made wagon master and served in that position for one year, when, on account of ill health, he was mustered out of service. A few months later, however, he re-enlisted, this time in the Sixty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in Virginia as ambulance master. After the battle of Gettysburg he was detailed to transport the wounded to Jersey City, New Jersey. Not long afterward, in 1864, he received an honorable discharge and returned to Ohio, making his home, as before, with John R. Layton, his son. The following year he went to Putnam county, where he purchased a farm, on which place he passed the remainder of his days. While on a trip through Pennsylvania, September 29, 1889, he was smothered by gas in his room in a hotel At the time of his death he was eighty-two years old. His remains were brought back to his Ohio home for interment. He was an active man self made, and though he made money, he lived fully up to his earnings He was a Republican, although not active in party matters, and was a member of the Christian church. The first wife of Mr. Layton and the mother of Tohn Rush Layton was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and died in Erie county, at the age of twenty-five as, the result of a severe cold Four chil dren were born to Moses B. and Susan Layton, as follow: Mary, who married a Mr Davis; Isabelle, who died in 1863; John R., the father of Robert B., and Matilda, a resident of Putnam county.

John Rush Lay ton was but five years of age when his mother died. He went to Hve with a man by the name of WiUis, at Sandusky, in whose family he remained for nearly two years, when his father took him to Mt. Vernon, where he remanied until the spring of 1840, at which time he went to- Indiana, locating near Covington, and the following winter chopped cordwood for fifty cents a day. The next spring he went to Illinois and for eight years rented a farm in Vermilion county, where he was fairly successful,, and by hard toil and rigid economy managed to save twenty-five hundred dollars. In December, 1859, he returned to Ohio and purchased his father's farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres, adjoining the corporation of Upper Sandusky. As his father did not have the farm entirely paid for, John Rush Layton was obliged to go in debt over three thousand dollars. He remained on this place and, by persistent effort, was able to pay off the indebtedness. When his fami was cleared of this incumbrance he branched out into the live stock business, which he not only bought, sold and shipped at dicerent times, but also bought considerable wool. He built an elevator and handled grain for twenty-five years, during all of which transactions he maintained an active supervision of his farm interests. He was one of the stockholders and organizers in the Ohio Thresher and Engine Company. Later he disposed of his stock in this company, and during the gas boom in his neighborhood sold ninety-seven acres of his land for two hundred dollars an acre, and afterward bought it back for seventy-five dollars an acre. He has also purchased other agricultural property, so that he now owns one hundred and ninety acres, comprising the home farm, one hundred and sixty acres, west of the first tract and two hundred and fifty acres in Putnam county.

On January i, 1895, John Rush Layton assisted in the organization of the Commercial Bank, a private banking institution of Upper Sandusky. On July 5, 1900, the institution was nationalized and opened for business under the name of the Commercial National Bank. Mr. Layton had for three years served as president of the old bank, and after the reorganization retained the position until January 8, 1902, at which time he tendered his resignation, that he might the better devote his time to private matters. When the old Wyandot Bank failed, Mr. Layton was appointed receiver and satisfactorily performed the onerous duties of that position. It required about six years to close up the affairs of the defunct bank.

John Rush Layton was married on January i, 1861, to Hannah I. Bennett, of Upper Sandusky. She was born on August 25, 1844, and was the daughter of David and Phoebe Bennett. This union was a happy one and was blessed by ten children : Laura, deceased, who married Milton M. Hoi- lanshean; John Brough, who is a merchant at Marion; Alonzo, who hves at Jefferson; Charles Henry, deceased, who was a bookkeeper in the Commercial National Bank at Upper Sandusky; Hugh Delbert, of Upper Sandusky; Robert Bennett, the subject of this sketch; Phoebe Grace, who married Arlington E. Coen, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Moses Bishop, who lives at Rathdrum, Idaho; Walter Earl, deceased, who attended Ohio Wesleyan University, and Mrs. Susie Blanche Gates, who lives at Detroit, Michigan.

Mrs. Hannah I. Layton survives her husband and lives in Upper Sandusky. She and her two daughters and two of her sons are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics, John Rush Layton was a Republican although he never took an active part in politics. The Layton family are all popular among their acquaintances. John Rush Layton tmly obtained an enviable standing among his business associates. He was the architect of his own fortune and builded wisely and well. The success which crowned his ettorts was richly deserved.

Educated in the Upper Sandusky schools, which course was supplemented by a course in the high school of Upper Sandusky, Robert B. Layton moved December 17, 1908, from his home place in Upper Sandusky to Perry township, Putnam county, where his father had acquired an extensive tract of land close to and adjoining the Blanchard river in section 14. Here Robert' B Layton has continued to reside. Subsequently he acquired land of his own and now owns and rents two hundred and forty-four acres. He follows general farming. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, when the call came for volunteers, Robert B. Layton was one of the first to respond He served during the term of his enlistment in a creditable manner

_ Robert B. Layton is active not only in agriculture but in the business affairs of the community. He is president of the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company and was recently appointed by Governor Willis as county district tax assessor of Putnam county. This was a deserved honor in consideration of the efforts of Mr. Layton in behalf of the success of the Republican pry On September 14, 1901, Robert B. Layton was married, in Greenville' Ohio, to Etta Elizabeth Kilgore, who was born in Bayonne, New 1': sey on March .^ x88i, and who is the daughter of IsaL Cl^pman ird Ka therine Ann (Harrison) Kilgore, the former of whom was born on M^^h 4, 1849, m Virgmia, and the latter born on January 8, 1861, in Bayonne New Jersey^ Both are still living. They were the parents of five children Fred erick Chapman Bessie May, Etta Elizabeth, Harrison Morton and Le^ Rb" ert. Mr. and Mrs. Layton have no children.

ligent citizen of Putnam county. He is socially agreeable and is well liked by the people about him, where he is well known. He stands high in the business and social life of the community, and has a fine farm, well located, which shows signs of careful farming. Mr. Layton's business address is at Continental, Ohio, where his plans contemplate moving his residence and renting out his farm.

Mr. Layton is identified with the Republican party, he takes an active and prominent interest in the affairs of this party, and though he is not a member of any church, he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 147. He is also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, No. 520, of which he has sei-ved as worshipful master in 1914. He also served as worthy patron in the Order of the Eastern Star, from 1912 until 1914, and is a member of Chapter 115, Council 69. He has taken the sixteenth degree of Scottish Rite Masonry and expects to complete the remaining degrees up to the thirty-second.

David G. Miller

A day's ride in Putnam county, Ohio, reveals, even to the casual observer, a splendid stretch of farming country. Whether the farms be large or small, there is a marked uniformity of excellence, not only in the land values, but also in the character of the industries promoted, and yet, the close observer will see that this prosperous condition is not accidental. He knows that it is the fruit of brawn and brain, the result of painstaking toil extending through the years, and thought concentrated upon one object - success. To some, the struggle has meant bitter disappointment, but others there are who have refused to recognize obstacles, who have shown their spirit to be mightier than all conditions. But it has taken them all to make up the life of each community. Therefore we are interested in every pioneer who has made his contribution to the prosperity of Putnam county. Among these, David G. Miller claims our attention, not only because of his success as a farmer, but because he merited the esteem of his fellow men.

Two years after the birth of David G. Miller, which occurred on June 9, 1868, his mother, Mary (Vogt) Miller became a widow through the death of her husband, Christ Miller. Their home was then in Allen county, Ohio. After the marriage of his mother, some time later, to Aaron Huysman, the

Fortunately, he had three brothers older than himself, these being the sons of Christ and Mary Miller. Under the guidance of a devoted mother, they grew to manhood, and all are living today, John H. at Bossil, Fairfield county; Adams, a farmer, in Van Wert county, and Jacob near Continental, Ohio.

The life of David G. Miller has not been different in outward circumstance to that of many of his friends and neighbors, biit who shall say that the inner life has not been rich and varied? Ambitious to learn all that the schools in his vicinity were able to give him, he received a common school education, working on his father's farm when not attending school. Reaching the mature age of twenty-six, he started out for himself, acquiring a tract of well-improved land, consisting of forty acres, in section 26, about two and one-half miles southwest of Ottoville. It was 1905 when he began an independent career, by marrying Miss Mary Hanefeld, the wedding taking place on January 19.

The bride was a daughter of John D. and Sophina (Kirchoff) Hanefeld, both of whom were natives of Germany. John Hanefeld came to the United States with his parents when he was a little fellow of eight summers, and they all settled on a farm in Jennings township. Mrs. Hanefeld was twenty-two when she left Germany and came to this country, living for a while after her arrival in New York city. Preferring country life to the city, the family later removed to Ft. Jennings where the young woman met and married John Hanefeld. Of the nine children, who blessed their home, four only are living. These are Mrs. David G. Miller ; John, who lives near Continental; Louis and Paul, who live at home. Henry died when eleven years of age, and four others passed away in infancy. Both parents are living and are still interested in their farm in Jackson township.

Bertha S. Miller is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David G. Miller, and also the only child. She was born on December 29, 1905, and is attending school near their attractive country home.

Mr. Miller, in recent years, has given particular attention to the raising of full-blooded Light Brahma chickens and a splendid grade of stock. So successful has he been that he is often sought by his neighbors that they may profit by his advice and experience. Mr. Miller has always cast his lot with the Republican party. He is a member of the Presbyterian church of Delphos, while his wife still retains her membership in the Lutheran church of Ft. Jennings.

Mr. Miller is the kind of man that every comnnlnity needs. His life has not been one spent in the world's broad thoroughfares, nor has he won laurels on the field of battle, but each day's task has been performed with courage and perseverance and in a kindly spirit, and who shall say that this is not success?

Henry Ernst

It cannot be other than interesting to note, in the series of personal sketches appearing in this work, the varying conditions that have compassed those whose careers are here outlined, and thus it has been made in each case to throw well-focused light on the individuality and to bring to proper perspective the scheme of each career. Each man who strives to fill his part in connection with human life and human activities, deserves recognition, whatever may be his field of endeavor. It is the function of works of this nature to perpetuate for future generations an authentic record of those represented in its pages and the value of such publications is certain to be cumulative for all time to come, showing forth the individual and specific accomplishments of each community. Henry Ernst, the subject of this sketch, is a well-known merchant of Ottoville.

Henry Ernst was born on February 27, 1859, in Huron county, Ohio, the son of William and Catherine (Leis) Ernst. William Ernst was a native of Westphalia, Prussia, and his wife was born in Bavaria. They were married in New York city. William Ernst came to the United States in 1852, and worked in New York for a time. After his marriage, he and his wife came west to Ohio, settling in Huron county. Ten children were born to them, five sons and five daughters. Six are now living, Kate, the wife of Joseph Eritz, of Huron county; Sophia, the wife of John Miller, also of Huron county; Margaret, the wife of Kinney Cole, of near Norwalk, Huron county, Ohio ; Henry, the subject of this sketch ; Anthony, who lives in San Francisco, California, and Peter, who lives in Michigan. After coming to Ohio, William Ernst was a farmer and followed this occupation the remainder of his life. He died on November 14, 1893, and his wife died on October 25, 1880.

Henry Ernst received a common school education. He learned the brickmaker's trade in 1883, and came to Ottoville, where he was foreman of a brick yard for two years. During this period, he made brick for the Catholic church. He began life for himself in 1886 and engaged in the manufacture of brick, which he continued for several years. In connection with this inclustr3% he was also engaged in farming during this period and for two years was engaged in making butter. He purchased an interest in the J. J. Miller Company, in 1894, which operates the largest general store in Ottoville.

Henry Ernst was .married on November 24, 1885, to Theresia Wannemacher, the daughter of Peter and Agnes (Neher) Wannemacher, both natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. They came to Putnam county in 1854, where they settled on a farm. Prior to their coming to Putnam county, they lived for a short time in Cincinnati. Peter Wannemacher operated a savPmill and also owned a boat on the canal, which ran between Cincinnati and Toledo, Ohio. He died on October 17, 191 2, and his wife died on January 19, 1892.

To Henry and Theresia (A\'annemacher) Ernst, eleven children have been born, only two of whom are now living. Nine of them died in infancy. The two living children are Mary W., who is a graduate of Notre Dame University and lives at home, and Albina S., who graduated from the high school at Ottoville and lives at home.

Mr. Ernst is a Democrat and he and his family are members of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Ottoville. Mr. Ernst is a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio.

Mr. Ernst has made a splendid success of his business at Ottoville, which has been founded upon honesty and square dealings with his patrons. He is highly respected in the community _ and honored for his sterling, upright character.

In the early days, the Middle West was often a tempting field to energetic, ambitious, strong-minded men, and Ohio was filled with them during the time she was struggling to a respectable position in the sisterhood of states. There was a fascination in the broad fields of great promise which this new region presented to activity that attracted many men and induced them to brave the discomforts of early life for the pleasure and gratification of constructing their homes and fortunes in their own way and after their own methods. It is this class of men more than any other who gives shape, direction and character to the business of a community. John J. Miller, during a long period of years, has been one of the substantial and prominent citizens of Putnam county. Although, perhaps not entitled to rank as a pioneer, Mr. Miller has lived here for many years and has become a power in the commercial and business life of Ottoville and vicinity.

John J. Miller was born at Fremont, Ohio, on April 14, 1854. He is the son of John and Johanna (Flatz) Miller, the former of whom was born on June 14, 1820, in Bavaria, and the latter born in 1828, in Tyrol, Austria. The father came to America in 1848 and first settled in Pennsylvania, where he remained for one year. He then moved to Fremont, in Sandusky county, Ohio, and, being a tailor by trade, engaged in that business. He was married in Fremont, in 1853, to Johanna Flatz and to them were born seven children, six of whom are now living, John J., the eldest, who is the subject of this sketch; Jane, deceased; Anna, the wife of Andrew Kehres, of Monett, Missouri; Edward, who lives at Celina, Ohio; George, who is a manufacturer of tile and a farmer near Ottoville; Josephine, who is the wife of Joseph Breckner, of Monterey township; Katherine, who is unmarried and lives at Delphos, Ohio.

John Miller, the father of John J., moved to Putnam county in 1862, and bought a farm near Ottoville, Monterey township. Here he spent the remainder of his days and was a very successful farmer. He was the owner of two hundred and forty acres of as good land as there was to be found in Putnam county. He was a devoted member of the Catholic church and died March 19, 1902. His wife died in August, 1906.

John J. Miller, the subject of this sketch, received a good common school education in the public schools of Putnam county. Mr. Miller was married to Margaret Lauer, a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Reitze) Lauer, both born in Lorraine, Germany, and both of whom came to the United States in 1870, locating in Ottoville. Alexander Lauer was a farmer and followed this occupation until 1908, when he retired. He died on January 16, 191 3, and his wife died on January 23, 1908. To John J. and Margaret (Lauer) Miller, seven children have been born, all of whom are living, Elizabeth, the wife of Walter Mersman, of Celina, Ohio; Alexander, who assists in the store at Ottoville; Mary, the wife of Dr. J. F. Ockuly, of Ottoville; Edward, who manages the J. J. Miller & Company branch store at Kalida ; Catherine, Margaret and Rudolph, all at home.

John J. Miller followed farming, until about 1890, when he began manufacturing tile, and was in this business for seven years. Upon selling his interest in this business, he purchased the Ottoville hotel and was proprietor of this hotel for one and one-half years, when he sold the hotel and went into the mercantile business. This was about eighteen years ago, and the business was condfjcted under the firm name of J. J. Milhr & Company. The company was incorporated under this name in 191 1 and they now operate a branch store at Kahda. The store at Ottovihe is the largest mercantile store in Putnam county. Mr. Miller is vice-president of the Ottoville Bank Company, a stockholder in the Griffis Produce Company, of Ottoville, and in many other ways is closely identified with the business life of that community.

John J. Miller is an ardent Democrat, but has never been especially active in political affairs and has never held office. All of the members of the Miller family are devotedly attached to the Catholic church and are liberal contributors to its support.

Gerhard H. Otte

The great English poet. Pope, has said that the proper study of mankind is man. No truer statement was ever made. To be able to trace one's ancestry back to past generations, and find that they have occupied high and honorable positions in the history of their country, is a source of genuine satisfaction, and deep gratification. To be the son of a man who is identified wath the pioneer hfe of a community and who, during his lifetime, figured prominently in pioneer affairs, is an honor of no mean importance. The father of Gerhard H. Otte was one of the first settlers in Monterey township, and in his day one of the influential citizens of this township. Gerhard H. Otte is descended from a long line of illustrious ancestors, who have been, influential on two continents. Mr. Otte's grandfather and father both were named Gerhard H., and Mr. Otte himself has a son named Gerhard.

The father of Gerhard H. Otte, the subject of this sketch, was a prominent citizen of Ottoville, who was born on May 13, 1834, on his father's farm, near Osnabruck, Germany. His father, also named Gerhard, was the owner of fifty-six acres of land in Hanover, which had been held by the Otte family for many generations, and on which the grandfather of Gerhard H., the subject of this sketch, passed all his life. He married Agnes Barlag, and they had eight children, only two of whom ever came to America. They were Joseph and Gerhard H., the father of the subject of this sketch. The grandfather lived to be eighty-three years old.

Gerhard H. Otte was educated in Germany, and at the age of sixteen, years, he sailed from Bremen, making a tedious voyage of eight weeks and three days, finally landing in New York in June, 1851. From New York city he went to Albany by a Hudson river steamer, in company with his second cousin, Henry Esch, who later located in Ottawa, and still later returned to Germany, p-rom Albany, New York, Mr. Otte, the father of our .subject, went to Buffalo, by way of the Erie canal, and then by Lake Erie to Erie, Pennsylvania, thence by canal to Beaver, Pennsylvania, and by the Ohio river to Cincinnati. Finally, he reached section 10, at Delphos, on the Miami & Erie canal. A few days later he came to Ottoville, and in the latter part of the year settled on section 16, in Monterey township. He first engaged in driving an ox-team, hauling logs. He was not accustomed to the climate and was soon taken with a fever and ague and was compelled to retire to Delphos. As soon as he recovered, he began working in a cooper shop at that place. He learned the trade, and followed it for nine years, and then returned to Ottoville, where, in i860, he started a mercantile business, and became one of the first merchants in that town. W. H. Beckman, alone, having preceded him. Mr. Otte at once formed a partnership with Mathias VYinkleman, but in 1887, the latter sold his interest in the business, and Mr. Otte held control until 1891, when he sold out and retired, after an experience of more than thirty years. Mr. Otte was a Democrat and was appointed the second postmaster of Ottoville by President Buchanan ; his partner, A/Ir. Winkleman, having been the first. After Mr. AVinkleman's death, Mr. Otte served the unexpired term, about 1880 was reappointed and held the office until 1893. He was an honored and trusted citizen of this locality for thirty years, having filled the office of township treasurer, and minor offices. He was a notary public during the war, and a member of the home guards, stationed at Camp Lucas, Ohio. Mr. Otte was a devout Catholic. He was a member of the building committee, when the church at Ottoville was erected. Gerhard H. Otte, Sr., was married to Anna Wurst, who was born in 1842, in Crawford county, Ohio. She was the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Keever) Wurst, of Bavaria, Germany, who were early settlers in Ohio. To Gerhard H. and Anna (Wurst) Otte eleven children were born, Joseph G. married and lives in Ottoville; John died in infancy; Anna A. married John Scherer, and lived at Defiance. She is now deceased ; Mary C. is the widow of Edward Wannemacher, who died in 1899. She has two daughters, and they live in Ottoville; Gerhard H. is the subject of this sketch; Henry F. died on May 26, 1907; Elizabeth E. is the wife of Charles Rechart. They live in Jackson township ; Louise is the wife of Charles Huffart. They live at Toledo, Ohio; Ferdinand W. is deceased; Leo J. lives at Toledo, and William M. lives in Ottoville.

Gerhard H. Otte, Sr., carried on his general store up to the time of his death, which occurred on December 22, 1904. His daughters conducted a milHnery shop, connected with the store. Mr. Otte's wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, died on March 26, 1891.

After the death of the father, Gerhard H. Otte, the subject of this sketch, and his sisters, carried on the father's store until 1907, when they sold out. Gerhard H. then entered business in association with his brother, Leo, in the hotel at Ottoville. This partnership continued about four years! when Leo sold out to Gerhard, and the latter is now running the hotel alone!

Gerhard H. Otte was married on April 15, 1907, to Barbara Thithoff, the daughter of John and Mary (Reiger) Thithofif. John Thithoff was a native of Germany. His wife, Mary (Reiger) Thithoff, was born in Ohio. To Gerhard H. and Barbara (Thithoff) Otte there have been six children, Marcille, Eulitte, Alvera, Elmer, Henry and Gerhard W.

The Otte family are all members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Otte is a Democrat. He has spent his entire life in Ottoville, and is a highly respected and honored citizen.

Henry Wannemacher

The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of an intelligent community is a protracted and honorable residence therein. The subject of this review is one of the best-known and most highly esteemed men of Putnam county, has resided in this locality all his life and his career has been a most commendable one in every respect, well deserving of being perpetuated on the pages of a historical work of this nature. Like his sterling father before him, he has been a man of well-defined purpose and never failed to carry to successful completion any work of enterprise to which he ad- -dressed himself.

Henry Wannemacher was born In A^onterey township, Putnam county, Ohio, on February 2J, 1859, and is a son of Joseph and Martha (Sterns) Wannemacher,- whose life record will be found elsewhere in this volume under the caption "John H. Wannemacher," brother of the subject of this sketch. Henry Wannemacher's early life was spent under the parental roof -and he received his education in the neighboring township schools. At the age of twenty-three he was married to Emma Kalt, which event occurred on June 13, 1882. Emma Kalt was the daughter of John and Mary (Walker) K'alt, the former was born in Baden, Germany, on June 3, 1830, and came to this country alone at the age of nineteen years, where he first located in Allen county, Ohio, and secured employment with the canal company. After working around here a while, he decided to go to California, where he remained about three years and then returned to Allen county. Here he engaged in farming for about two years, then, in 1866, he moved to Delphos, Ohio, and established himself in the grocery business, which he conducted successfully for about thirteen yars. In the year 1878 he moved to Putnam county and lived on the farm in Monteroy township, which he had purchased about two years prior to the time he discontinued the grocery business. He spent the most of his life at farming and died on April 29, 19 10. His wife came to this country with her parents when about one year old and they settled in Seneca county, Ohio, and it was in the town of New Riegel, Seneca county, that they were wedded. The wife and mother of his children survived until March 11, 19 12, and both father and mother are buried at Ottoville, Putnam county. To them^ were born seven children, William, who lived in Missouri until his death, February 5, 1909; Emma, subject's wife; Charles, who lives in Continental ; Mary, the wife of Joseph Imber, who lives in Delphos, Ohio ; Frank, who lives in Monterey township ; John and Anna (twins), the former living in Payne, Ohio, and the latter the wife of Lou Euchenhofer, who resides in Denver, Colorado.

Soon after Henry Wannemacher's marriage, he settled on the one-hundred-sixty-acre farm, which he owned previously and which lies about threequarters of a mile west of the town of Ottoville. On this place he made many improvements, including the erection of a splendid barn building and his residence, which is modern in every respect. The general appearance of the place indicated that deep interest has been shown by the owner and that his success, as a farmer, is the result of untiring energy and good management. In addition to this farm, he has also acquired farm properties in other localities, consisting of thirty-nine acres in Van Wert county, this state, and two acres in the town of Ottoville, this county, which he owns, jointly, with his brother, John H. Wannemacher, also a town lot with buildings in Ottoville proper. Mr. Wannemacher devotes his entire time and attention tO' general farming, and his production of grain and other commodities is done at a good profit.

Mr. Wannemacher has always been identified with the Democratic party and at one time was appointed to the office of land appraiser. While he has not been aggressively engaged in politics, yet he takes considerable interest in civic welfare and is ever ready to lend a helping hand to the furtherance of any good cause for the benefit "of the community. He is a member of the

Putnam county board of agriculture and takes great interest in matters pertaining to improved methods of farming and the subject of intensive cultivation of the soil by scientific methods. He is a member of the Catholic church, to which he lends his support. Personally, he is a man that stands high in the community in which he lives, is progressive and at all times ready and willing to consider meritorious enterprises for the material advancement of his county, and for the intellectual, social and moral good of the people. He enjoys the hearty confidence and good will of all who know him and is "well worthy of the respect and admiration of his fellow men.

Michael Williams

Ohio has been especially honored in the character and career of her farmers. In every section have been found men born to leadership in agriculture and who have dominated their communities because of their superior intelhgence, natural endowments and force of character. It is always profitable to study such lives, weigh their motives and hold up their achievements as incentive to greater activity and higher excellence on the part of others. These reflections are suggested by the career of Michael Williams, who has forged to the fi-ont ranks of the farmers of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and who, for many years, has been one of the leading farmers in this section of Putnam county. Mr. Williams's success has been attained by normal methods and means, a determined application of mental and physical resources along well-defined lines.

Michael Williams was born on October 9, 1865, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Michael and Mary Ann (Frankart) Williams, the former of whom, as well as the latter, were born in Germany. They came to America and settled in Seneca county, Ohio, where they engaged in farming. They farmed in Seneca county for a number of years and then moved to Putnam county, Ohio, on a farm of eighty acres. Later they increased the acreage to one hundred and twenty. To them were born ten children, TiUie, deceased ; John ; Jacob ; Peter ; Mary ; Michael ; Catherine ; Emma; Joseph, deceased, and Mary, deceased. Michael Williams died in Palmer township. Mrs. Mary Ann (Frankhart) Williams died at Landick, Ohio. Michael Williams was township treasurer for a number of years. He was a stanch Democrat, and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church. The family were also members of this church.

early life, lived on his father's farm. He worked out by the month before his marriage. Mr. Williams was married on June 5, 1886, to Frances Snyder, the daughter of Joseph and Christina (Mueller) Snyder. Joseph and Christina Snyder were natives of Virgina, moving from Virginia to Franklin county, Ohio, where they settled on a farm. After living in Franklin county for some time, they came to Putnam county, Ohio, and lived on a farm in Palmer township. Mrs. Christina (Mueller) Snyder died at the age of eighty-two years on January 7, 1900. Her husband is still surviving and lives with his daughter, Mrs. J. M. Frankart, of Palmer township. He is ninety-six years old. He was a soldier in the Civil War and served in the Twenty-second Regiment, Kentucky Regulars, enlisting at Covington, Kentucky, and serving eleven months. He was married in Virginia. Joseph and Christina Snyder were the parents of nine children, William, Nicholas, George and A/[ary are deceased. Caroline, Catherine, Rebecca, Frances and James are still living.

After his marriage, Michael Williams moved to a farm in section 10, of Palmer township. This farm originally consisted of twenty acres, but was later increased to forty acres. In the meantime, Mr. Williams bought forty acres more in section 16, making a total of eighty acres. He has erected all the present buildings on the farm and cleared and drained the land and otherwise improved it.

To Michael and Frances (Snyder) Williams one child has been born, Earl M., on July 13, 1887. He married Clara Russett, daughter of Joseph and Catherine Russett, of Palmer township. They have two children, Arlie, born on February 28, 1909, and Hilda, on December 11, 1914. Earl was educated in the township schools and lives with his father. He is a farmer and operates the home farm.

Michael Williams is more or less retired, but still lives on the farm. He is treasurer of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Association. He was a ditch contractor and followed this business in connection with general farming until 1899,, when he was injured by falling from the roof of his barn, which was then being built; he was also township ditch supervisor for ten years and has built many ditches in Putnam county, since which time he has given up ditch contracting. The greater part of his time is devoted to overseeing the farm, since his injury rather incapacitates him for the heavier work. He is very alert, mentally, and is much admired for his intelligence and broad view of all public questions. Michael Williams is a man of excellent habits and bears a high reputation in the community in which he lives for honesty and integrity. He is a man of sound business principles and of

Michael Williams is a member of the St. Nicholas's Catholic church at Miller City. All of the members of the family are affiliated with this church..

Ladis Red

It will always be a mark of distinction to have served in the United States army during the Philippine War. In fact, the soldier of any war will receive attention, no matter where he goes, if he but make himself known. Ladis Red, the subject of this sketch, and a well-known contractor and builder of Gilboa, Putnam county, Ohio, now living, however, at Ottoville, performed brilliant service as a soldier in the United' States army during the Philippine War. He enlisted in the United States army as a private, and was mustered out at the end of his term of enlistment as a sergeant.

Ladis Red was born near Gilboa, Putnam county, Ohio, on November 22, 1876. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Red, the former of whom was born in Austria-Hungary, the latter of whom was a native of Putnam county. John Red came to the United States in i860, and settled at Gilboa, Putnam county. He was a watchmaker by trade, and followed this trade for about three years at Gilboa. He then moved to a farm three miles north of Gilboa, and farmed there until 1881, when he moved to Jackson township, Putnam county and purchased a farm of one hundred acres. He operated this farm until 1893, when he moved to Montana and purchased a store. He operated a general mercantile store and clock and watch repair shop until 1903, when he moved to Alabama. He lived in Alabama for about five years where he followed farming. Returning to Putnam county,, he died in March, 1913. His wife is still living on the old homestead. They had five children, three of whom are living: Alvina is the wife of Dan Jones, who is living near Deshler, Ohio; Mahnda died in infancy and Malisa died at the age of twenty-two years. She was the wife of George Emmons; Louislives near Deshler and Ladis is the subject of this sketch.

Ladis Red received a common school education, leaving home at the age of thirteen. Since that time he made his own way in the world. He enlisted at Lima, Ohio, in 1899, in the Twenty-second Regiment United States Infantry, and served in the Luzon Islands and the Philippines for three years. He was a private and a non-commissioned officer, having become a sergeant before his enlistment expired. Mr. Red received his discharge at Fort Crook,

Nebraska, on July 8, 1902. He then returned to Putnam county on July 10, and followed contracting work for abut five years. During this time, he built many sewers in this part of the country. He then farmed for two years in Putnam county, and then went into the restaurant business at Kalida, when, after eighteen months, he returned to contracting, and building sewers, at which he worked for about a year. After that, Mr. Red removed to Nebraska, visiting South Dakota and many western states, where he worked for thirteen months. While in the West, he followed carpenter work. Returning to Putnam county in 191 1, he settled at Ottoville, where he worked at the carpenter trade. He has followed contracting and building since his last return to Putnam county.

Ladis Red was married on July 16, 1902, to Orvia Anna Tuma, of Omaha, Nebraska. She was the daughter of Joseph Tuma and wife, the former of whom was a native of Germany, and the latter of whom was a native of Holland. Both died in Nebraska. To Ladis and Orvia Anna (Tuma) Red two children have been born, Helen Elizabeth and Marie, both of whom are living at home.

John H. Drerup

One of the oldest families in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, is the Drerup family, which has a splendid ancestry back to their native soil in Germany.

The late John H. Drerup was born in Prussia on August 25, 1835, and in that year was brought to America by his parents, John Bernard and Anna (Werning) Drerup. The family located in the woods south of Glandorf in pioneer times.

John Bernard Drerup was born on April 10, 1799, the son of Bernard Heinrich Drerup, of Norwalde, and Maria Anna (Munsterwig) Drerup. Bernard Heinrich Drerup was born on November 13, 1746, the son of Melchior Drerup, of Norwalde, who was born in 1698, and who married Elizabeth Wilsbaumer. The family has in its possession a printed history which traces the ancestry even further back.

When the Drerup family located in Putnam county, this was all a new -country. There were no roads and the Indians were still in possession of the land. Food, of course, was scarce and limited in variety until the land could be cleared and crops raised. The people ate leaves from the trees cooked like greens.

The land held by the Drerup family, wfas entered by Professor Horstman in 1835, and was deeded by him to them in September, 1837. They walked to Findlay, following an Indian trail, carrying a sack of corn to have it ground.

H. Drerup was reared amid the pioneer surroundings of the early days of the county, securing such limited education as was afforded in those times. He married here and his first wife died a year and a half later, leaving no children. He was again married, on June 20, 1865, to Theresa Mersman. She was born at the south edge of Glandorf, and is a sister of George H. Mersman, whose sketch may be found elsewhere in this volume, and which gives the histoiy of her parents. After his marriage Mr. Drerup spent the rest of his life on the farm where he grew up. He was the owner of two hundred and twenty acres at the time of his death, after having given four of his children a substantial start in life. He also owned property in Ottawa. There were children born to John H. and Theresa (Mersman) Drerup, as follow: John B., on September 18, 1866, married Minnie Hermiller on June 11, 1888, and they live at Portageville, Missouri, and are the parents of four living children; Henry J., December 20, 1868, married Philomena Leopold on February 22, 1897, and now lives in Texas, having a family of seven children; Frank H., May i, 1871, married Mary Lammers on October 29, 1895, and lives in Demmitt, Texas, and they have a family of eight children; Anna M., May 23, 1876, on October 27, 1904, became the wife of William J. Rieman and lives in Toledo, and they have four children; August C, December 6, 1878, married Mary Fortman on October 22, 1902' lives north of Ottawa and they have a family of three children; Pauline L.' August C, December 6, 1878, married Mary Fortman on October 22, 1902^ died on November 6, 1904; Edward H., March 5, 1884, married Adelaid"e Stechschulte, the daughter' of Joseph Stechschulte, on June 27, 191 1, and lives on the home place, having a family of three children, Walter Louise and Norma; Fred J., February 26, 1888, married Frances Kreinbrink, the daughter of Theodore Kreinbrink, of Ottawa, on April 26, 1912, and 'lives in the northeast corner of Ottawa township.

ber of the Catholic church at Glandorf, as well as were all his family. Years ago he served as trustee of Ottawa township, but did not wish to hold office. His widow still lives on the old home farm with her children, and the familyis an old and highly esteemed one,, comprising good, substantial citizens who are respected by all.

John H. Wannemacher

In writing the history of a community or state, it is the duty of the historian to make a searching investigation and satisfy himself beyond a reasonable doubt that the subject of his writing shall be worthy of recognition in a work of this nature. In reviewing the records of men in Putnam county, Ohio, who have won the admiration and respect of their fellow men oy leading lives which may be referred to as examples of all that is good, and, who have been in some measure a success in themselves and a benefit to mankind at large, the name of John H. Wannemacher stands forth prominently among those! entitled to consideration and whose record is that of one who has outstripped the less active plodders on the highway of life and among his contemporaries has achieved a marked degree of success as a farmer and honored by all owing to his upright life and industrious habits.

John H. Wannemacher was born on his father's farm in Monterey township, this county, January 12, 1857, and is the son of Joseph and Martha (Sterns) Wannemacher. His father was a native of Germany and was born there on March 19, 1827. Up to the age of fourteen he attended the schools in the old country and learned the locksmith trade, which he worked at until about the age of twenty, when he decided to leave for America. He embarked for this country on a sailing vessel on May i, 1847, the ship being the "Omaha" bound for New York. After being at sea for thirty-six days, he arrived in New York and went to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he secured employment in an iron-mill and remained there for twelve months and then went to New Castle, Pennsylvania, where he was employed in a nail factory for about a year. He decided to discontinue working for others in 1851 and left for the city of Cleveland, where he boarded a vessel and arrived in Putnam county, Ohio, via the Canal Packet line about the ist of June. He settled in Monterey township, when there were just twenty-six voters in the township, on eighty acres of land in section 26, located about one and onehalf miles west of the town of Ottoville. On this tract he lived and devoted his entire time to clearing the land and doing some general farming. He was elected to the office of township trustee in 1855 and continued to hold that office until 1866, and also served as a land appraiser during the year i860. In the year 1868 he decided to engage in the general merchandising busmess and erected a store for that purpose in the town of Ottoville, during which year he was appointed justice of the peace. He continued the store until twenty-two years later and then decided to retire from active business. He was the first notary public in Monteroy township and was the first mayor of Ottoville. He was also a member of the local school board and held the office of justice of the peace until about, the time of his death. Subject's father was twice married, the first time, April 17, 1854, to Martha Stern, and to them were born nine children, six of whom are living, as follow' Mary, widow of Anton Fleck, who lives in Delphos; John H., the subject; Henry, who lives in Monteroy township; Adam, who lives in Pennsylvania,' Godfrey, who hves in Monteroy township, and Katherine, wife of John Recket, and who died about 1903. The mother of these children lived until the year 1878. The second marriage occurred on January 26, 1887, to Mrs Barbara Sufert, in Bucyrus, Ohio. By a prior marriage she had one child Mary. The father lived until September 25, 1906, when he died, at the age of seventy-nine years, six months and six days.

John H. Wannemacher received his early education in the township schools and later on clerked in his father's general store for seven or eight years and remained with him until the time of his marriage, at which time he took Emma Rekart to be his wife. She was the daughter of Joseph and Catherine Rekart, both natives of Germany and whose respective parents settled and remained in Putnam county, Ohio, until the time of their deaths To John H. and Emma (Rekart) Wannemacher were born ten children' eight of whom are living, named in the order of their births as follow' Joseph B., on February 27, 1881 ; Henry A., November 10, 1882 - Matilda" March 26, 1885; Sylvester H., December 17, 1885; Albert T., July 6 1889' Florentina M., October i, 1891 ; Oliva M., October 2y, 1894; Leo J., 'March 14, 1896; Lawrence J., April 8, 1898; Vincent O., January 7, 1901 Of these Joseph B. died in July, 1907, and Oliva M. died on October 27, 1894 Soon after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wannemacher they esta'blished themselves on the original eighty acres belonging to his father and which land has been m the Wannemacher family for more than sixty years Mr Wannemacher has added to this land from time to time, and the present holdings consist of three hundred and twenty acres of high grade farm land and a great many improvements have been made in the way of new buildings which include the erection of a fine barn and remodeling of the old house'to make it modern in every respect. Besides agriculture, Mr. Wannemacher makes a specialty of raising Belgian horses and has a farm for this purpose, situated about one and three-quarter miles southwest of the town of Ottoville. His possessions include some exceptionally well-bred Belgian stallions and they are a source of great pride to the owner.

Mr. Wannemacher is a Democrat and is a strong advocate of the progressive principles of his party's platform. He has held the office of township trustee for three terms and justice of the peace for about four terms, also acts as a member of the local school board and takes a great interest in educational matters, to which he has given his attention to a large extent for the past eighteeen years. At the present time he is holding the office of treasurer and clerk of the school board, also is a stockholder in the Ottoville Bank, of which institution he has been a director ever since its organization. He is also a director of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Ottoville. Mr. Wannemacher is not connected with any fraternal societies, but he and his family are members of the Catholic church of Ottoville, to which they contribute liberally for all worthy causes. Personally, Mr. Wannemacher is a man of genial nature and a very agreeable companion, enjoying a large circle of friends, and it is safe to say that no man in the community enjoys, to a greater measure, the confidence and regard of the people than he.

John Sylvester Schafer

John Sylvester Schafer, who is at present engaged in the manufacture of tile, brick and hollow-ware, in North Creek, Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and who has built up a large and lucrative business by his enterprise and progressive methods, has contributed, in a material way, to the commercial advancement of Palmer township. Mr. Schafer is possessed of splendid business ability and has been successful in a material way. He is a man who enjoys the confidence of the people with whom he deals and is well known for his sterling integrity and upright, honorable methods of business dealings.

John Sylvester Schafer was born on February i8, 1866, in section 7, of Palmer township, on the old homestead farm. He is the son of WiUiam and Mary (Morris) Schafer, the former of whom was born in Koenig, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to America with his parents in i8'54. They settled in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, where William

Schafer was married to lAIary Morris, the daughter of Judge Morris, August 6, 1863. With his young wife, he moved to Palmer township, Putnam county, m March, 1864, and settled on a farm, where he and his wife resided until their deaths. At the time they moved to Palmer township, the land was almost an unbroken forest and abounded with all kinds of game and wild animals. William Schafer 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 confidence. In April, 1867, he was elected justice of the peace of Palmer township, and held this office for twelve consecutive terms, or until his death. He was twice elected township treasurer, and once township trustee. He was elected county commissioner m 1875, and held this office for six years. In March, 1879, William Schafer was appointed postmaster of North Creek and held this office until McKinley was elected President of the United States.

William and Mary (Morris) Schafer had twelve children, Henry P., born on September 11, 1864; John Sylvester, the subject of this sketch ! 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; Surilda 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 other five reside in different states. Mrs. Mary Schafer died on October 10, 1902, and her husband, William Schafer, died on January i, 1903.

John Sylvester Schafer grew up on the homestead farm of his parents and was educated in the old district school No. 3. He learned the blacksmith trade at the age of seventeen years and started a shop at North Creek, Ohio, which he conducted for twenty-three years.

John Sylvester Schafer was married on April 28, 1889, to Mary Ellen Rangier, who was born in Defiance county, Ohio, in Highland township, on October 19, ig63. She is the daughter of Samuel and Lydia Ann (Masters) Rangier. Mrs. Mary Schafer's father, of German descent, was born in Pennsylvania. He came to Ohio with his parents and settled in Hancock county on a farm and there grew up. He was reared as a farmer and educated in the common schools of Hancock county. His grandparents were also natives of Pennsylvania and came to Hancock county, where they farmed until their death. Samuel Rangier was married in Hancock county, Ohio and farmed there for some time. Later, he came to Highland township,' Defiance county, Ohio, where he settled on a farm of eighty acres. He afterward sold this farm and purchased eighty acres in the same township, which he farmed until his death, in 1872. His wife died in 1870 or 1871, and after this he was married to Margaret Sponsler, who later died. Mrs. Lydia Ann Masters, his first wife, was a native of Pennsylvania. Her parents and grandparents were natives of England. Her parents, William Henry Masters and wife, were born in England and married there. Subsequently, they came to America and settled in Pennsylvania, where he was a farmer and where they both died on a farm.

Samuel and Lydia Ann Rangier, the parents of Mrs. Schafer, had seven children, Elizabeth, deceased; William Henry, of Defiance county, Ohio; Daniel; Alonzo and Clarinda, all deceased; Mary Ellen, the wife of Mr. Schafer; and John H., of Whiteville, Wood county, Ohio.

John Sylvester Schafer remained at home until his marriage, after which he lived at North Creek, Ohio. He traveled four seasons for the Walter A. Wood Harvester Machinery Company, during the harvesting season, as an expert. He was engaged as a blacksmith in a shop of his own for many years. He was an expert at this trade. On March 15, 1908, Mr. Schafer bought the tile mill of John Meyer, in Henry county, Ohio, and moved it to North Creek. He remodeled and enlarged it and continues to operate the mill, from which he ships its products to many different parts of the country. Mr. Schafer is now installing special machinery for the manufacture of hollow-ware. He enjoys a large and lucrative business.

John S. and Mary Ellen (Rangier) Schafer have eight children, William Henry, born on May 14, 1890; James Franklin, January 27, 1893; Mary Margaret, August 20, 1895 ; Clyde and Ida Levina, twins, July 6, 1897; John Edward, December 17, 1901 ; Carl CHfford, February 20, 1903; and Forest Joseph, November 4, 1908. William Henry lives at Curtis, Ohio, where he is a steam engineer for the McCracken Tile Company. James Franklin married Iva Hughes and lives at Plymouth, Ohio. The remainder of the children are at home. John, Carl and Forest attend No. 3 district school, of Palmer township.

Mr. Schafer is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 745, at Pleasant Bend, Ohio. He has passed through all. the chairs of the lodge and is now past chancellor. He is a member of the National Engineer Society of America and belongs to branch No. 21, at Lima, Ohio. Mr. Schafer has served as justice of the peace since 1903. He has been township clerk and road supervisor, but is not active now. He was appointed, under Governor Cox, on the board of complaints of Ottawa, Ohio, for three years and he is now serving his second year. Throughout his life he has been active in the

of the Democratic party and has contributed much to the success of that party in this county. Mr. Schafer is a member of the Free Baptist church and Mrs. Schafer is a member of the United Brethren church, at Mt. Zion, Monroe township, Putnam county.

John S. Schafer is a congenial man, well-read and well-informed. He is a man of splendid business ability. He comes of an excellent family and is widely and favorably known. He is a kind father and, above all, is a man of upright character.

Ralph S. Kirkendall

Dependent very largely upon his own resources, Ralph S. Kirkendall has attained no insignificant success, and though he may have encountered obstacles like most young men of affairs, and met with reverses, he has pushed steadily forward and has ever been willing to work for the object of his ambition. His tenacity and fortitude are due, no doubt in a large measure, to worthy traits inherited from his sterling ancestors, whose high ideals and correct principles he has ever sought to emulate. Ralph S. Kirkendall is one the well-known young farmers of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. Ralph S. Kirkendall was born in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, on July 17, 1891. Ralph S. Kirkendall is the son of Henry and Anna (Simon) Kirkendall. Henry Kirkendall was born in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, February 18, 1858. He spent his boyhood days on his father's farm in Union township, and was educated in the public schools in Union township, where he was reared as a farmer. He was engaged in operating his father's farm and worked out by the month on various farms until his marriage. He was married in Greensburg township, to Anna Simon, the daughter of Louis Simon, whose life history appears elsewhere in this volume.

Suffice it to say here in this place, that Louis Simon has long been one of the leading farmers in Putnam county, having been bom here on April .24, 1838, the son of John P. and Savilla (Genshimer) Simon. John P. Simon was born in Germany, on the Rhine, and there married Savilla Genshimer, who was also a native of Germany, born in 1812. John P. and Savilla (Genshimer) Simon had the following children: John; Catherine and Philip, both deceased ; Lewis, the father of Mrs. Kirkendall ; Jacob, who died in childhood; Barbara, who married Michael Rinkle; Louisa, deceased; Sophia, who married the Rev. Philip Kesler; Mrs. A. L. Hauck; Anna, who married W. J. Varner; Savilla, the wife of J. W. Purnell; Elizabeth, deceased, and John Adam, who died at the age of ten years. John P. Simon was a prominent man in this part of the country and died on April 29, 1888. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Presbyterian church. John P. Simon's first wife died in 1856. Two years later he married Mrs. Margaret M. Landis, and they had one son, Adam, born in 1859. Mr. Simon's third wife was Mrs. Margaret Hedges, who died on March 25, 1895. Louis Simon was married on April 13, 1861, to Barbara M. Dangler, daughter of George and Fannie (Fender) Dangler. The following children were born to Louis and BarbaraM. (Dangler) Simon: Anna, who became the wife of Ralph S. Kirkendall, Veronica married George Ridenour ; John A. and Barbara died in infancy. Mrs. Barbara M. (Dangler) Simon died on May 11, 1868. Lewis Simon was married again on March 18, 1870, to Jennie Apger, the daughter of John R. and Elizabeth Apger, who was born on February 10 1847. Eight children were born to this second marriage, as follow: Mary L., who died on October 31, 1876; Charles E. ; Chester L. ; Ora A. ; Lewis W. ; Blanch ; Ralph B. ; and an infant that died.

After his marriage, Henry Kirkendall moved to Palmer township, where he farmed eighty acres of land. Later, he purchased seventy-five acres adjoining, in section 28. Here he followed general farming until his death on August 16, 1914, at the age of fifty-eight. Outside of a short time spent in Union county, Ohio, he lived most of his life in Palmer township, Putnam county. He improved his farm in Palmer township and erected the buildings and drained the land and fenced the farm. He was not a. member of any lodge. He served as township trustee for two terms. He was a Democrat and was not a member of any church. His widow survives him and lives on the home place, in Palmer township, with Ralph S. Kirkendall, her son and the subject of this sketch, who operates the farm for his. mother. Henry and Anna (Simon) Kirkendall had five children: Lula married Samuel Elsea, and they live in Indianapolis, Indiana; Fay lives in Indianapolis; Ralph S. and Chester live at home; one child died in infancy. Chester is attending high school at Continental, Ohio.

Having grown up on the home farm in Palmer township, Ralph S. Kirkendall was educated in the township schools. After his marriage, he continued to live on the homestead, which he farms and manages for his mother. In the fall of 1914, Mrs. Heni-y Kirkendall added forty acres to

Ralph S. Kirkendall is not a member of any lodge and has held no offices, but is identified with the fortunes of the Democratic party. Although he was reared in the United Brethren faith, he is not a member of any church. Mrs. Kirkendall is a member of the Keiferville United Brethren-, church and was educated in the Palmer township schools. Ralph S. Kirkendall is a congenial young man, a hard worker and devotes his entire time to farming, his chosen vocation. He is favorably known in this section of the county and the family are highly esteemed by those who know them.

William Ball

The history of the Buckeye state is a record of the steady growth of many flourishing communities planted in the wilderness by the sturdy pioneers of a departed generation. These communities have reached great magnitude today, and have become prosperous with fertile farms and neatlykpt buildings, good roads and a progressive social spirit. Each county hashad its share in the story and every county can lay claim to some incident which goes to make up the history of the commonwealth. After all, the histoi-y of a state or county is but the record of the doings of its people, among^ whom the pioneers and their sturdy descendants have places of no secondary importance. One of the well-known families of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, is that of the Balls, and one of the present-day representatives of this family, who is a well-known farmer of Palmer township, is Willianr Ball.

William Ball was born on August 25, i860, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is a son of Ferdinand and Emaline (Gross) Ball. Ferdinand Ball was born on August 25, 1825, in Germany, and was a son of Barney and Mary M. Ball. Ferdinand Ball came with his parents to- America at the age of five years, and settled in Stark county, Ohio. His parents had been farmers in Germany and settled on a farm in that county in the early pioneer days. Ferdinand was reared on this farm, and his parents had the following children : Barney, George, Mathias, John, Ferdinand, Caroline, Eva, Mary, Elizabeth, all of whom, except Magdalene and three others whose names .are not now a matter of record. The last three named are deceased; Magdalene is also deceased.