Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 26 of 33)

Ferdinand Ball was educated in the public schools of Carroll and Seneca counties, Ohio, and on May 13, 1845, was married to Emeline Gross. He had learned the blacksmith trade and was considered an expert in this line. His parents migrated from Stark county, Ohio, to either Carroll or Seneca county, Ohio, where they farmed, and then moved to Putnam county, and here they bought forty acres of land in section 7, of Palmer township, where Barney Ball and his wife both died. Ferdinand Ball farmed his father's place, and also operated a blacksmith shop, which was located on the farm. He, subsequently, increased this forty acres, by hard work and rigid economy, to nearly two hundred acres of good land, all lying in Palmer township. He had a farm of forty acres in Monroe township, Putnam county, and followed agricultural pursuits all his life, having retired from active work in the blacksmith shop some time before his death, which occurred on January 16, 19 10, at which time he had reached the age of eighty-five years. He was a man of strong physical proportions, a prudent business man and well liked in his neighborhood. He was not a member any lodge and cared nothing for political office, devoted all his time to his family and to his business interests and was a stanch and devout member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church at New Bavaria, Ohio, and later of St. Joseph's church at North Creek, to which latter institution he donated the ground, comprising three acres, on which is erected the St. Joseph's church He gave liberally to the support of the church, both financially and by his regular attendance. Both his parents died on the home farm, in section 7, where William Ball was born.

Emeline Gross, the mother of William Ball, was born on June to, 183 1, near Luxemburg, Germany, and came with her parents to America when she was quite young. They settled in Stark county, Ohio, where they operated a farm, and here their daughter grew to womanhood. She was married to Ferdinand Ball on May 13, 1845. She was a good mother, kind and patient and always worked with zeal and effort to build up her home, and did nobly her share toward building up the family fortunes. Her death occurred on December 26, 1895. She was an active and devoted member of the St. Joseph's church at North Creek.

Ferdinand and Emeline (Gross) Ball were the parents of eight children: Henry, living on the old homestead farm in Palmer township; John, who is also living on the home farm; George, a merchant at North Creek, Ohio; William, the immediate subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mary Engleman, of North Creek, Ohio; Catherine, deceased; Susanna, living on the home farm, -and Martin, who is married and lives in Palmer township.

Ferdinand Ball enlisted at Defiance, Ohio, in the Sixty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantiy, in 1864,. and served until the close of the war.

William Ball was married on May 26, 1896, to Louisa Motto, who was born in Hancock county, Ohio, and who is a daughter of John and Malena (Raclot) Motto. Mrs. Ball's father was born in the village of Boncourt, France, in 1830, where he received his education and where there he was married. He was reared a farmer and was a son of Peter Motto and wife, both natives of France. Peter Motto had a family of five children, Malena, Nicholas, John, Adolph and one other. Peter Motto's wife died in France, after which he came to America and settled in Hancock county, Ohio, on a farm, and here he lived the remainder of his life. His son, John, came to America after his marriage, and after the birth of his first two children in France. These children were Theophilus and Emily, both of whom are John Motto bought forty acres of land in Hancock county, Ohio, where he farmed for some time, later selling it and moving to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1862, where he purchased eighty acres of uncleared land. This land was heavily timbered, wild and swampy, and was located in section 4, of Palmer township. Mr. Motto farmed this land until his death in 1899, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was not a member of any lodge and beld no offices except that of school director of his township. He had a splendid education and was a well-informed man. He was an active Democrat, and was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic church at North Creek, Ohio. His wife, Malena, was also a native of France. Her parents were Peter Raclot and wife, both of whom died in France. Mrs. John Motto died on the homestead farm in Palmer township, March 14, 1914, at the age of eighty-one years. John Motto and wife were the parents of five children : Theophilus, deceased; Amelia, deceased; Mrs. Salena Warnament, deceased; Theodore, who lives in section 4, of Palmer township, on the homestead farm of eighty acres, which he owns and where he has farmed until recent years, when he retired from active farm work, and rents out the fann to reliable tenants, but he still maintains his residence on the farm. He never married. Louisa, the fifth child of Mr. and Mrs. John Motto, is the wife -of Mr. Ball.

Mr. and Mrs. Ball have no children. Mr. Ball was educated at district school No. 3, Palmer township, and grew up on the home farm, where he was reared to the life of a farmer. He remained at home, assisting with the work on the farm, until his marriage, -when he moved to a farm of -eighty acres near the original homestead. Forty acres of this farm was deeded to him by his father, and Mr. Ball purchased the additional tract of forty acres. He operated this farm for some time and then sold it and. bought his present farm of sixty-six acres in section 5, of Palmer township. He removed to this fami, in 1907, and farmed here in a general way until 1912, when he retired from active farming, renting out the fields, but maintains his residence on the farm.

Mr. Ball has held no public offices, and is not a member of any lodge. He is a Democrat. He is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic church at North Creek, and his wife is also a faithful and devout member of this church. Mr. Ball is a quiet and unassuming man and an excellent farmer. His farm IS well located and his home and barn and other splendid outbuildings indicate that their owner is a man of good taste and sound judgment. Mr. Ball cleared his first farm, fenced and drained it, and also ditched and improved his- present farm and put it into its present good condition, and by close application to his agricultural interests, he has managed to have a good income laid by for his declining years. He is a man of sterling character and well known, bearing a high reputation for fairness. He comes of a good old family, who were sturdy pioneers and who did their share toward building up the farming interests of Putnam county.

George Ball

There are few better known merchants and farmers living in Putnam county than George Ball, who, for nearly thirty years, has been engaged in the mercantile business at North Creek, Ohio, and who, for several years, has owned a splendid farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres in Palmer township. Mr. Ball, who is in partnership in the mercantile business at North Creek with W. H. Engleman, has here built up a large and flourishing business, which is the result of painstaking effort to please his customers, and scrupulous dealings with the public.

George Ball, the son of Ferdinand and Emaline (Gross) Ball, was bom on October 24, 1857, in Stark county, Ohio, near the city of Canton. Ferdinand Ball was born on August 25, 1825, in Germany, and was the son of Barney and Mary M. Ball. Ferdinand Ball came with his parents to America when five years old, and settled with them in Stark county, Ohio, where they were pioneer farmers. He was reared on the farm, and was one of nine children, the others being Barney, George, Mathias, John, Carohne, Eva, Mary and Elizabeth, Magdalene and three others whose names are not now a matter of record, all of whom are now deceased, except Eva, Mary and Elizabeth. Educated in the public schools of Carroll and Seneca counties, Ohio, Ferdinand Ball was married to Emaline Gross, May 13, 1845, and having learned the blacksmith trade before his marriage, came to be regarded as an expert in this line. Migrating with his parents to a farm in section 7, of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, Ferdinand lived with them until their death. By hard and consistent work, and rigorous economy, he was able, from the profits of the farm and his labors as a blacksmith, to accumulate two hundred acres of good land, all in Palmer township. He also owned forty acres in Monroe township. He passed away on January 16, 1910, after having reached the age of eighty-five years. Devoted to the interests of his family and his busness, he cared little about politics or holding office. He was a stanch member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church at New Bavaria, and donated the ground up which was erected the church building. Mrs. Emahne (Gross) Ball, the mother of our subject, was born on June 10, 1 83 1, near Luxemburg, Germany, and who had come with her parents to America when a girl, grew to womanhood in Stark county, Ohio. A good mother, a kind and patient wife, who did nobly her share toward building up the family fortunes, she passed away, December 26, 1895. She also had been a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church at New Bavaria. George Ball, himeself, was one of a family of eight children. Of these children, Henry lives on the old homestead farm in Palmer township ; John also lives on the home farm; William is living retired on his farm in Palmer township; Mrs. Mary Engleman lives at North Creek; Catherine is deceased, and -Suzanna lives on the home farm.

Having left Stark county, Ohio, at the age of eighteen months, with his parents, who eventually settled in Putnam county on forty acres of land which they cleared and improved, George Ball here grew to manhood, and was educated in the old district No. 3 school. He farmed until 1887, when he entered the mercantile business with W. H. Engleman, at NSi:yrth Creek. Mr. Ball is a partner in the business and owns a half interest m the store. He is still active in its management.

George Ball was married on May 10, 1893, to Carrie Yearling, a native Franklin county, Ohio, and a daughter of Adam and Catherine (Miller) Yearling. George and Carrie (Yearling) Ball have had eight children, as follow: Grace Anna, born on March 13, 1894; Clinton William, September

21, 1896; Raymond Martin, February 16, 1898; Emaline Catherine, November 14, 1900; Clara Bertha, September 13, 1902; Matilda Mary, February I, 1905; Nelson Lewis, August 31, 1907, and Helen Theresa, September 14, 1909. All of these children are living at home.

After his marriage, Mr. Ball removed to the property in North Creek, Ohio, where he now resides. Having acquired one hundred and sixty-seven acres of fine land in Palmer township, he divides his attention somewhat between the farm and his mercantile business. Mr. Ball's sons, however, farm all the land except eighty acres which he rents out.

A Democrat, Mr. Ball has never been ambitious to hold office, but has devoted his life and his energies to his interests. He is known to be a keen business man and a man with a remarkable perception. He is especially devoted to his home and to his family. He is a well-known and favorably liked in this community.

Joseph Boecker

It is the farmer who makes possible for men in other occupations the sustaining power of life. Farming was the original occupation of man and it is the only occupation which can exist independently of the others. Indeed, every occupation is dependent upon the farmer. The products of the farm have made our railroads what they are today. The great bulk of manufacturing is made necessary by the farmer's needs. The people of the city could not live a week without the farmer's products. He holds not only the purse-strings of the nation, but even the very life of the people. For this reason the farmer has in reality the most important profession of all. Putnam county has fine farms and good farmers, among whom is Joseph Boecker, of Perry township.

Joseph Boecker was born on June 29, 1889, close to Glandorf, in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of William and Bernadina (Lefken) Boecker. William Boecker was born in Glandorf, Germany, and came to America when a young man, with his brother Charles, and settled in Ottawa township, Putnam county. He farmed for a time and later purchased forty acres in Ottawa township, and forty acres in Greensburg township. He married Bernadina Lefken, who was born in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio. She died in 1898, and William Boecker has never married again. He farmed in Ottawa and Greensburg township for some time after his marriage, and came to Jackson township, March 20, 1895, where he purchased one hundred and sixteen acres of excellent land. He moved to this farm on March 7, 1908, and bought one hundred and twenty acres in Perry township, a little later. He never operated the farm in Perry township, however, but rented sixty acres of it to his son, Joseph, the subject of this sketch, and also rented about sixty acres to his other son, August. William- Boecker lives on the home place in Jackson township and is engaged in general farming. He and his wife had twelve children, as follow : Mrs. Tracy Brinkman, who lives in Jackson township; Henry, who is deceased; August lives in Perry township; Edward, who is deceased; Anna, who lives on the home place in Jackson township; Joseph, the subject of this sketch; Bernard and Francis, who live at home; William, deceased; Harry and Mary live at home, and one child, who died in infancy. William Boecker is a member of St. Barbara's Catholic church at Cloverdale, Ohio. He is not a member of any lodge, nor has he held office. He has been a life-long farmer, and, during his entire life, has been identified with the fortunes of the Democratic party.

Joseph Boecker grew up on the farm in Ottawa township, and was educated in the township schools. He remained at home until his marriage, after which time he removed to his present farm in Perry township. He built the house and barn and, in fact, all of the other buildings now situated on the place. Mr. Boecker has ditched, fenced and cleared and improved the farm. Lately he has erected an addition to the barn. He follows general farming.

Joseph Boecker was married on November 15, 191 1, to Flora Unterbrink,. daughter of Barney and Agnes (Kracht) Unterbrink. Mrs. Boeker was born in Greensburg township on December 5, 1886. Her parents were both natives of Ohio and follow general farming. They removed to a farm of one hundred acres in Perry township, about 1902. Mrs. Boecker's paternal grandparents came from Germany.

Joseph Boecker is not a member of any lodge nor has he ever been active in politics. He is identified with the Democratic party, however. Mr. Boecker has given almost his undivided attention to the cultivation of his faiTn, and has in a comparatively brief period, made a rather unusual success in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Boecker are members of St. Barbara's Catholic church at Cloverdale, Ohio. They are prominent in the affairs of this church and contribute liberally toward its support.

I200 Putnam County, Ohio Isaac E. Bogart

In the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable competency and substantial career on the part of the average business man, fighting the everyday battles of life, there is but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational chapter. For a mind fully awake to the reality and meaning of human existence, there are noble and immortal lessons in the lives- of men who, without other means than a clear mind, a strong arm and a true heart, -conquer fortune and gain not only temporary reward for their toil, but also that which ,is greater and higher, the respect and confidence of those with whom their years of active life have placed them in contact. A man of this character is Isaac E. Bogart, a well-known farmer of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio.

Spending his boyhood days on the home farm from the time he was eight years old until he was married, Isaac E. Bogart now lives on the home place to which his father moved when his son was eight years old. Mr. Bogart traveled as a road salesman for J. O. Keller, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, a patent medicine concern, during a part of three years, in Hardin and Union -counties, Ohio, before he was married. He traveled from his father's home in Putnam county, driving to these other counties, and here learned the valuable points about salesmanship. Subsequently he returned to the farm and helped on the home place, cutting and hauling timber with his brother.

Mr. Bogart was married, March i, 1888, to Rosa Beam, a native of Union township, Putnam county, and the daughter of Amos and Mary (Burkhart) Beam. To this union seven children have been born, two of whom died in infancy. The five children living are Orville Ray, Mary Frances, Blanche, Iva and John Amos. Orville Ray married Floy Eversole, a native of Allen county, and has two children, Harold Milton and Bona Marie. He lives on a farm adjoining his father's home place. Mary Frances married Roy Vandemarke, a native of Union township, Putnam county, and a farmer in Pleasant township. The three latter children are still at home.

After his marriage, Mr. Bogart rented sixty acres of land in Union township of Henry Beam, his wife's brother. He lived here one year and then moved to Perry township and rented a farm for a period of three years, when he purchased forty acres of Silas Clark, in Union township, and farmed here for about one year. Subsequently he sold out and moved to the farm owned by his father-in-law, where they estabhshed the first herd of Shorthorn cattle. They had from thirty-five to forty head, obtaining their start from John Miller, of Peru, Indiana. Mr. Bogart has exhibited this herd four seasons in the Ohio fair circuit, two seasons at the Columbus state fair, in 1898, at the Trans-Mississippi Exposition at Omaha, where he took first, second and third premiums in the class shows, and every premium in getting the grand sweepstakes on the age herd, general purpose breed, etc. Mr. Bogart followed this for a period of five years, when Mr. Beam died and a settlement was made and the herd sold. At this time Mr. Bogart had nothing left but his household goods and family. He went south to find a new location for cattle breeding purposes, but later returned to Putnam county. He rented the home farm, where he is now living, for a period of three years, and during the first year purchased two eighty-acre tracts of land from Mr! Beardsley, of Ottawa, which tracts adjoin the home place. Mr. Bogart rented the east eighty acres, of the one hundred and sixty acre tract, to William Schumaker for cash rent and farmed the home place and the other eighty .acres himself. The one hundred and sixty acres cost him ten thousand dollars. Later, Mr. Bogart moved to his one-hundred-and-sixty-acre tract and farmed for six years, during which time he sold eighty acres because of ill health. Later he purchased a portion of the home farm and his brother bought the balance. Subsequently, he bought his brother's share. Mr. Bogart rebuilt his house oti his present place and moved there in 1909. He has made extensive improvements upon the residence, until he now has an ideal, modern country home. The other buildings on the farm were erected before Mr Bogart moved to it, except a new garage, which Mr. Bogart built in June 1914- He has a splendid barn, thirty by fifty feet, of hewed lumber and sixteen-foot posts, eight inches square. Mr. Bogart follows general farming and is an extensive raiser of live stock and grain.

Reverting to Mr. Bogart's ancestry, he is the son of John Bogart, who was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, on September 28, 1885. John Bogart was the son of Jacob and Mary (Yaeger) Bogart, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, in 1803, and who died in 1857, at the age of fifty-five years. Mary Yaeger was born in Pennsylvania in 1803, and died June 20, 1881, at the age of seventy-eight years.

Frederick and Elizabeth (Welton) Fruschey. Frederick Fruschey was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1792, and died in 1854 at the age of sixtytwo years. His wife was a native of Virginia, born in 1802, and died in 1854, at the age of fifty-two years. She had come with her parents to Fairfield county, Ohio, and here she was married. After the marriage, she came with her husband to Putnam county. Subsequent to his marriage, John Bogart rented a farm and later purchased one northwest of Columbus Grove. With the exception of three years which he spent in Missouri, he has spent all of his life in Putnam county. He was a life-long farmer and died on the homestead farm where his son, Isaac E., now lives. He was a stanch and active Republican and a member of the United Brethren church. His wife was also a member of this church at Columbus Grove. They were the parents, of eleven children: Jesse, deceased; Frederick, deceased; Jacob, of Pleasant township; William, of Columbus Grove; Mary Annie, deceased; Reeder, deceased; Mrs. Alice Moeller, of Sugar Creek township; Mrs. Alma Wagner, a twin sister of Mrs. Alice Moeller, who lives with her mother in Columbus Grove; Isaac E., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Caroline Sterling, of Parkin,, Arkansas, and Mrs. Sarah Ellen Cartwright, of Waterville, Ohio. Mrs. John Bogart is still living with her daughter, Mrs. Alma Wagner, at Columbus Grove. She came to Putnam county with her parents at the age of ten years, who settled upon a farm a short distance from Columbus Grove. Her fatherowned a fourth section of land and was a successful farmer. She spent her womanhood in Putnam county and was married there. Her father conducted a hotel in the village as early as 1844.

As heretofore mentioned, Mrs. Isaac E. Bogart is the daughter of Amos and Mary (Burkhart) Beam. Amos Beam during his life was a wellknown citizen and farmer of Union township, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Jacob and Rosa (Kerns) Beam, alsO' natives of Pennsylvania. Amos Beam, who was born on June 27, 1823, was the grandson of Peter Beam, who was born on December 5, 1872, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and who died December 8, 1808. Peter and his brother, John, were members of the German Lutheran church. Jacob Beam, the son of Peter Beam, and the father of Amos, was born in Lancaster county, April 13, 1796, and about 1819 was married to Rosa" Kerns, the daughter of Abraham and Barbara Kerns. To this union were born eight children, Maria, the wife of Matthias Stauflfer, .deceased; Amos, deceased; Mrs. Susanna Miller, deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of Daniel Shipper, deceased; Mrs. Katie Burkhart, deceased; Isaac, deceased; Sarah, the wife of I. E. Musselman, a merchant of Bowmansville, Pennsylvania; and John, a farmer of the same state. Jacob Beam, who was a member of the Lutheran church, died on November 25, 1878. His son, Amos Beain, who, as heretofore stated, was bom in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on June 27, 1823, having arrived at manhood, was married in Breckenock township, Lancaster county, at the bride's home, August 12, 1847, to Mary Burkhart. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Drom Comer. They began the toils of married life with the thought of obtaining a home. About this time emigration was drifting to what was known then as the "Far West," and what now comprises the great state of Ohio. In the spring of 1854, having concluded that the West was the place to seek for a home, Amos Beam and wife set out for Ohio, leaving their fathers, mothers and friends for v^rhat was then the great dismal Black swamp. Coming partly by rail and partly by land, they arrived in Putnam county, a few miles east of Pandora. After living there for only a short time, they again started westward and stopped this time about four and one-half miles west of Columbus Grove, on what is now the Columbus Grove and Kalida road, where they purchased forty acres of land. Being a shoemaker by trade, he cleared and tilled his land by day and made boots and shoes at night. Having accumulated some wealth by this time, he purchased another eighty acres adjoining the original forty and in the spring of 1863, sold this farm and moved a mile farther north and one mile east, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Here he began to lay the foundation for a permanent home.

To Mr. and Mrs. Amos Beam were born ten children, four sons and SIX daughters, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood and became heads of families. They are all living at this time, except three, one daughter and two sons. Louisa Beam, who married Alfred Mayberry, was the first to be called to the Great Beyond. After her death, the eldest son, John, passed away and he was followed by the youngest son, Amos, Jr. The living children are David, Henry, Mrs. Sarah Clancy, Mrs. Mary Scott Mrs Kate Buckingham, Mrs. Lydia Norman and Mrs. Rosa Bogart. There are at the present time, forty-one grandchildren living and sixteen deceased' forty-four great-grandchildren living and two deceased.

On August 12, 1897, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Beam celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary and on this date they were given a pleasant and aoreeable surprise by their children and grandchildren, all of whom came with baskets well filled for th« event. Amos Beam was presented with a ^oldheaded walking cane and Mrs. Beam was presented with a fine dress pat'tern Each was given a pair of fine gold spectacles. They were also the recipients of many other presents.

Amos Beam's mother, Rosa (Kerns) Beam, who was born in 1798, passed away in July, 1874. She and her husband had been devout members of the Lutheran church and later belonged to the United Brethren church. Three years before her death, Amos Beam had erected a splendid brick dwelling on his Union township farm, and here he lived until his death, January 29, 1900, when he was seventy-six years, seven months and two days old. His devoted wife passed away about three years later, April 10, 1903, at the ag"e of seventy-nine years, eight months and seventeen days. They were both faithful and loyal members of the United Brethren church throughout their lives and especially after their arrival in Ohio. Late in life Amos Beam, who had inherited Democratic doctrines from his father, became an ardent Prohibitionist. He was a township .trustee and also a school director, both of which offices came to him without solicitation. He was a class leader in his church and superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a publicspirited citizen and always one of the leaders in the community where he lived.

William T. Etter

Agriculture has been the true source of man's dominion over earth ever since the primal existence of labor and has been the pivotal industry that has controlled for the most part all of the fields of action to which intelligence and energy have been devoted. Among the sturdy elements of Putnam county whose labors have profited alike themselves and the community in which they live, is William T. Etter, who is not only a farmer, but a tile manufacturer, and who has been honored by the people of Perry township by the election to the office of township trustee. In view of the consistent life lived by Mr. Etter, all of which has been passed within the borders of the state of Ohio, it is particularly fitting that the following short record of his career be incorporated in this volume.

William T. Etter was born on October 3, 1866, in Hancock county, Ohio. He is the son of George T. and Christina (Kohl) Etter, both of whom were natives of Germany, and who came to America at the age of eighteen and settled at Tiffin, Ohio, where they were married. Later they moved to Hancock county, Ohio, and settled near Arcadia, half way between Arcadia and Fostoria. Here George T. Etter farmed for a number of years, but later moved to North Baltimore, where he lived until his death in the fall of 1913, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife, who, before her mar- riage, was Christina Kohl, died in 1895, at the age of sixty-four years. After her death, George T. Etter remarried and his widow still lives at North Baltimore, Ohio. George T. and Christina (Kohl) Etter had eleven children, seven of whom are now living, John, lives in Michigan; Mrs. Mary Baer, lives three miles from Angola, Indiana; William T., the subject of this sketch; George, Samuel and Charles, all of whom live at Dupont, Ohio, and Albert, who lives in Perry township.

William T. Etter was educated in the public schools of Ohio, and received a good common-school education. He was married on December 8, 1888, to Mary E. Dicus, who was born in Paulding county, Ohio, and who is the daughter of Joshua and Sidney (Potter) Discus. To this inarriage nine children have been bom, Carl, deceased; Coy, who is at home; Emma, who married James Foley, of Delphos, Ohio, and has two children, Opal and Howard; Anna, who married Arthur McCuen, of Critherville, Ohio, and has two children, Mary and Helen; Clayton, Clifford, Carney, Clarence and Mabel, all of whom are at home.

After his marriage, Mr. Etter moved to Putnam county, Ohio. During the first year, he lived on the D. J. Taylor farm in Monroe township and then lived one year across from the old home place. He then moved to the old homestead and, after being here for one year, moved to the Hickson farm, in Perry township, where he remained for two years. After this he moved to Dupont, Ohio, and went into the tile-manufacturing business with his father-in-law, Mr. Dicus. They conducted this enterprise together for about five years, when Mr. Dicus sold out to Mr. Etter's brother-in-law, Frank Walters. This arrangement continued for five years more. Subsequently, Mr. Etter purchased his brother-in-law's interest and conducted the business alone for five years. He then sold a one-third interest to two brothers, Charles and George, but is still actively identified with the business, though not active in the management. He devotes practically all of his time to farming one hundred and twenty-acres of the E. L. Marriott farm in Perry township. He has been farming this land for the past seven years. Mr. Etter owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Arkansas, which he leases.

William T. Etter is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 719, at Dupont, Ohio. He served on the local board of health for six years and also as a member of the Dupont school board for a number of years. He has been corporation treasurer for the past ten years and is still active in this capacity. For two years he was infirmary director of Putnam county, 191 1 and 1912. At the present time he is trustee of

Perry township and is entering upon his second year. He has been treasurer of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge for the past fifteen years. Mr. Etter is a stanch Democrat. He is not a member of any church, but was reared as an adherent of the Methodist faith. His wife is a member of the Methodist church at Dupont. William T. Etter is a man highly respected in Putnam county, where he is well known.

Gilbert McClish is one of the progressive and influential citizens of Putnam county, where, for more than half a century, he maintained his home, figuring as one of the builders of the community and is especially worthy of consideration in this work. He has, by his industry and sound judgment, not only improved a fine farm and won a fairly large competency for his old age, but he has materially assisted in promoting the general welfare of the community, and in many ways lending his valuable time and influence to the promulgation of various uplifting movements. Gilbert Mc- Clish is well known as one of the substantial farmers of Perry township, and has been honored by the citizens of this township by election to the important office of township trustee.

Gilbert McClish was born on November 28, 1857, in Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of John and Hannah (Jeffrey) Mc- Clish, the former of whom was born in Januai7, 1829, in Perry township, and a son of Silas and Nancy McClish, early settlers in Putnam county. Silas McClish died on June 20, i860, and his wife on Februai-y 21, 1855. Gilbert McClish still has the deed for two tracts of government land entered by Silas McClish, his grandfather. The original papers are dated May 10, 1854, 'and December 15, 1854.

John McClish was reared as a farmer, and died on the homestead in Perry township. May 8, 1879, at the age of fifty-two years. Originally, there were one hundred and sixty acres in the homestead farm, but John McClish had over two hundred acres at the time of his death. He was trustee of Perry township for several terms.

John McClish was married three times, the first time to Hannah Jeffrey, who was born on October 10, 1836, in Putnam county, and who died, May 8, 1859. Four children were born to this marriage, only one of whom, besides the subject, is now living. She is Mrs. Nancy Pitcher, of Perry township.

Winnie and George, the other children, are deceased. John McClish was married the second time on April 24, i860, to Harriet Dash. She died on February 27, 1873. Four children were born to this marriage, only two of whom are living, Ambrose, of Lima, Ohio, and Mrs. Mary Griffith, of Missouri. Frank died on May i, 1875, and Ahce died on May 20, 1872. After the death of his second wife, Mr. McClish married Elizabeth Hitchcock, January 24, 1875. She died in Henry county, Ohio, in 1907. No children were born to this third marriage.

Gilbert McClish grew up on the farm in Perry township, and was educated in the schools of this township. He remained with his father until his death and then assisted his step-mother, and later, he was married. He then purchased his present farm of eighty acres, which was partly cleared. He moved upon this land and since has, for the most part, placed it under cultivation. It is now a splendid fann, upon which he has recently erected a new barn, of the latest type.

Mr. McClish was married on November 29, 1882, to Flora Miller, who was born on August 13, 1863, in Marion county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Adolphus and Mary (Curren) Miller, both of whom were natives of Marion county, Ohio. To this union have been born six children, Grace and Zoe died of typhoid fever, the former on August 12, 1899, and the latter on November 17, 1889; Ralph, Edward, Guy and Helen, the four surviving" children,- live at home.

Adolphus Miller, the father of Mrs. McClish, was bom in 1827, and died, December 27, 1899, at the age of seventy-one years and six months. His wife, who was Mary Curren before her marriage, was born in 1834, and died, August 15, 1899, at the age of sixty-five years and six months. Adolphus Miller came to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1881, and settled in Perry township on a farm. He farmed here until his death. He was not a member of any lodge. He was school director in Marion county, Ohio, some years, was a Republican and a member of the Baptist church. He was a strict church member and a regular attendant. His wife was a member of the United Brethren church at New Bethany, Perry township.

Gilbert McClish is now the trustee of Perry township, and is entering upon his second year at the present time. He is an active Republican, and prominent locally in the councils of his party. Mr. McClish is not a member of any church, but reared as an adherent of the Methodist church. His father was a stanch Methodist, and helped to erect the church at New Bethany, for a long time known as the McClish church, since John McClish gave the ground upon which this church was erected.

Gilbert McClish is a congenial, pleasant man, and makes acquaintances readily. He is widely known in this section of Putnam county, and is well liked for his frankness, sincerity and honesty. He is a good farmer, a good provider, and a lover of his home, wife and family.

Theodore Horstman

Any person who will investigate the facts, will be surprised to learn of the great number of people of Germanic nativity and descent now living in the United States. Unquestionably the greatest number of immigrants reachmg the shores of the new world come from that nation, and statistics show that there is more Germanic blood in the United States than any other. This being the fact, it is easy to account for the prosperity and morality in this country. Not only that, but it will afford an explanation for the love of learning shown by the people of this vast nation. Germany is famous the world over for its remarkable universities, for its educated men, for its. poets, philosophers and for the industry, patience, intelligence, morality and sturdiness of its citizens. These qualities have been brought to this country by the immigrants and now are a part of our wonderful nation, its progress m domestic economy, its advancement in every branch of material development, its love of country and home. The subject of this sketch, Theodore Horstman, is a native of Germany.

Theodore Hortsman was born on January 6, 1869, in Westphalia, Germany. He is the son of Hei-man and Mary (Bruland) Horstman, the former of whom was a native of Westphalia, Germany, and died in 1890, at the age of seventy-one years. He was born in 1819, and never came to America. He was a farmer in Germany and at one time operated a stone quarry there, but was retired several years before his death. His wife was also a native of Westphalia, Germany, born in 1824, and died in 1885, at the age of sixty-one years. They had nine children, of whom five lived to maturity, Joseph, lives in Montana; Mrs. Christina Pott, deceased; Mrs. Anna Pott, of Perry township; Theodore, the subject of this sketch, and Herman, who lives in Jackson township, Putnam county.

Theodore Horstman came to America in 1893 and settled first in Jackson^ township on a farm. He purchased sixty acres of land and added to it until he now has one hundred acres in Jackson township. He farmed there about fourteen years and then moved to Cloverdale, Ohio, where he now lives. He has something more than twenty-four acres in his home place, adjoining the town of Cloverdale; in Perry township, besides his Jacksoa township farm. When Mr. Horstman came to this countiy, the land which he bought was a wilderness and swamp. Since that time, however, by his untiring efforts he has greatly improved this land. He came to Jackson township when it was only partially settled, and has seen the vast improvements made in the farm property of this township. Mr. Horstman started in the stock business thirteen years ago and is still actively engaged in. buying and selling all kinds of live stock, especially hogs, cattle and sheep.

Theodore Horstman was married in Germany, in 1890, on February 6, to Elizabeth Roieng, a native of Germany and the daughter of Joseph and Catherine Roieng, natives of Germany, who never came to America. To this happy union, four children have been born, Katherine, Amelia,. Joseph and Margaret. All of these children are living at home.

Mr. Horstman is not a member of any lodge. At present he is one of the councilman of Cloverdale and was formerly a supervisor. He is a Democrat, is a member of St. Barbara's Catholic church at Cloverdale, as is. also his family.

Theodore Horstman is a progressive farmer and takes a keen interest in civic affairs. He has a neat, well-kept home and is a jovial citizen of the community, a man widely known, frugal in his habits and honest in his business dealings. He has accumulated a snug fortune and is proud of the country of his adoption. He is a man of sincere purpose and his word is. gilt-edged.

Isaac Nelson Young

Those of the readers of this historical work, who live in and about Sugar Creek township, need no introduction to the gentleman whose name is noted above, but in order that the list of progressive, successful and representative citizens of Putnam county, presented in this volume, may not be broken, the biographer takes pleasure in here presenting a brief sketch of Mr. Young's career as being a matter of interesting information to those in remoter sections of the county who may not have the pleasure of his acquaintance, as well as a bit of valuable data to the future historian of Putnam county, who may have occasion to refer to these pages as an index and reflector of the present time.

town of Sunbury, on July 9, 1857, the son of Oliver and Caroline (Hiatt) Young, the former of whom was a native of the same county and state. Oliver Young was bom in March, 1825, the son of Linderman Young, a native of New Hampshire, whose parents moved to New York during his early childhood and who, later, at the time he was about twelve years of age, moved to Ohio, locating in Delaware county, and, in 1862, went to Paulding county, where he remained till his death. For some time after his marriage, Oliver Young remained in Delaware county and was engaged in farming, a vocation to which he had been trained from boyhood, and it was in that county that Isaac Nelson Young was born. Later, the family moved to Paulding county, Ohio, where Oliver Young bought a farm of one hundred -and sixty acres at the point of the Auglaize river, where he lived the rest of his life, dying in the year 1882, at the great age of ninety-two years. Before moving to Paulding county, in the year 1862, Oliver Young had been quite successful in a number of real estate deals in Delaware county, and had bought and sold a number of farms there. He was a lifelong farmer and also gave considerable attention to the raising of live stock, horses and cattle in particular, and was a large feeder of Durham cattle. He was a ^good judge of live stock and was an extensive exhibitor at county fairs at a time when these expositions of the resources of the counties of Ohio were just coming in vogue, being a winner of many blue ribbons in such exhibits. Oliver Young was a very plain, slow-spoken man, whose judgments were regarded as excellent among his neighbors, and he wielded a large influence in the community in which he quickly became so decisive a factor. He was a member of the United Brethren church at Oakwood, in Paulding county, a stanch Republican and an active participant in all the good works of the community, both he and his good wife being held in the highest regard throughout that whole section in which their influence was so manifest, and to the best interests of which they were so devoted.

To Oliver and Caroline (Hiatt) Young were born ten children: Elizabeth, Amia, Isaac Nelson, Jacob, Eli and Evi (twins), Elias, Harrison, Daley and Nathan. Of these Elizabeth, Amia, Evi, Harrison and Daley are deceased. Jacob lives in Missouri; Eli is still a resident of Delaware county, Ohio ; Elias resides in Paulding county, Ohio, and Nathan lives in Missouri!

Isaac Nelson Young was united in marriage on February 12, 1885, to Miss Mary Jane Anderson, who was born in Sugar Creek -township, this county, on October 15, 1852, the daughter of Henry and Ann (Thomas) Anderson, the former of whom was a native of New York state and the latter of whom was born in South Wales.

Henry Anderson, who, in his day, was one of the most prominent and influential residents of Sugar Creek township, was born in the year 1818, and at the age of seven came with his parents from New York state to the state of Ohio, settling first in Marion county, close to the Sandusky river. Later, the Andersons moved to Putnam county, settling in Sugar Creek township, Hemy at that time being about nineteen years of age. Some years later, they moved to the present Anderson farm in Sugar Creek township, which Henry and his father together purchased and which they cleared, and on which they spent the remainder of their lives, Heni-y Anderson dying in 1899, at the age of eighty-one.

On August 30, 1846, Henry Anderson was united in marriage to Ann Thomas, the daughter of Evan and Rachael (Thomas) Thomas, who was born in South Wales in May, 18 18, and who came to America with her parents when she was thirteen years of age. Upon their arrival in this country, the Thomases, for a time, lived in Guernsey county, Ohio, later going to Allen county, locating at a point which is now the town of Gomar and after a some time residence there came to Putnam county, locating in Sugar Creek township, where they bought a farm near Vaughnsville, on which Mr. Thomas built a blacksmith shop and followed his trade of blacksmith till a short time before his death, which occurred on August 18, 1899, his wife's death occurring June on 30, 1887, at the age of sixty-nine years.

Henry and Ann (Thomas) Anderson were the parents of seven children, of whom William Henry and Mrs. Young are the only survivors, the deceased members of the family being Evan Thomas, Leonard, Mary, Jane, Sarah Ann, Charles Godfrey and George Washington.

Isaac Nelson Young grew up in Paulding county, he having been but seven years of age when his parents moved to that county from Delaware county. He received a good schooling in the township schools and learned the carpenter trade, at which he worked for several years after attaining his growth. He then went to northern Michigan, where, for two years, he worked as a cook in a lumber camp, at the end of which time he returned to Paulding county and worked on the farm for his grandfather for about three years. He then married and moved to Putnam county, buying a farm of forty acres in Sugar Creek township, on which he has since made his home. This property not being as much land as he could properly care for, he rented an additional forty acres adjoining and has been quite successful. He has a well-kept and well-stocked farm, everything on which is up to modern standards. Mr. Young also has a feed and chop grinder, run by gasoline engine of six-horse power. This grinder has been a source of great help and has been in use for ten years.

To Isaac Nelson and Mary Jane (Anderson) Young four children havebeen born; Anna, who married Henry H. Wilkins, of Columbus Grove, thiscounty; Oliver W., who was graduated from Ada College with the degree of electrical engineer and is now holding that position at the great Mississippi river power-house dam at Keokuk, Iowa, having overseen the installing of the machinery there ; Mary, who married William W. Hartoon, and who is residing on the home farm; and Laura, who also is at home.

Mr. Young is a good farmer and essentially a home man, taking great pleasure in his well-kept home and is devoted to his family. Like his father, he is a slow-spoken man, but excellent in judgment, of keen intellect and very companionable. Isaac Nelson Young, his wife and their childrenare very popular in the social circle in which they move, and are. accounted as among the leading residents of that section of the county. Mr. Young is a Republican and takes a proper interest in politics, but is more or less independent in voting. He has served his township as assessor and is, one of the active promoters of the best interests of his neighborhood.

David S. Reynolds

The biographies of the representative men of a county bring to lightmany hidden treasures of mind, character and courage, well calculated toarouse the pride of their family and of the community. And it is a source of regret that the people are not more familiar with the personal history of such men, in the ranks of whom may he found tillers of the soil, mechanics and teachers, as well as lawyers, physicians, bankers and members of other vocations and professions. David. S. Reynolds is one of the leading citizens of the township in which he lives, and as such has made his influence felt among his fellowmen, and earned a name for enterprise, integrity and honor that entitles him to worthy notice in a work of the nature of this volume.

David S. Reynolds is a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Franklin county, on March 17, 1866. His parents were Roger and Elizabeth (Bowen) Reynolds. Roger Reynolds was born on January 14, 1801, in North Wales, and reared as a farmer, being employed as such by members of the nobility. He became known as an efficient and reliable farm superintendent, his duties being to oversee and direct the laborers on the estate where he was employed. He received his early education in the village parish and could speak Welsh fluently and English to a limited degree^ though able to understand the latter language thoroughly. He was one of a large family of children, and remained at home in his native country until about forty years of age. Prior to this time his father had died. His mother continued to reside on the little farm with her children. In 1841, Roger Reynolds embarked on a sailing vessel for America, the voyage requiring six weeks, and the emigrants landed at New York city, from which port he came directly to Franklin county, Ohio, locating at Columbus, where Mr. Reynolds at once sought employment. Among the emigrants who accompanied Mr. Reynolds to this country, was a young English girl by the name of Elizabeth Bowen. She had been reared in the Reformed church -of England. Shortly after their arrival in Columbus, Roger Reynolds became engaged to her and eventually they were married. After this interesting event, they remained in Columbus for several years, during which time Mr. Reynolds was employed as a mason. But through the carelessness of his employer, who died, and who had never kept any books, after the settlement of the estate, Mr. Reynolds was compelled to present his private account as the only record of the time he worked with his employer. Since this man left no money, but had considerable real estate, Mr. Reynolds was compelled to take land in exchange for the money owing him as wages, which, this time, had increased until he received ninety acres of land, located in Franklin county, in exchange for it, and which, eventually, formed the basis of his homestead farm. This land, located three miles southwest of Hilliard, was heavily timbered and in its primeval condition, but undaunted by these conditions, Mr. Reynolds entered upon the task of clearing and improving it. He built a log cabin and a large barn, and eventually, by a persistent and untiring effort, succeeded in getting the land all cleared. He sold this land in 1867, and moved to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, where he bought four hundred and fourteen acres of Jacob Gander, the land being located in the northwestern part of the township, ahd on the west bank^ of Hog creek. This land was also practically undeveloped, only a few acres being cleared, but it had on it a pretentious brick house of eight rooms and a double log barn, and a small frame barn, as well as a one-room loohouse. When Mr.. Reynolds bought this farm, he lacked three thousand -dollars of having enough to pay for it, and as he was well along in years and had a family of thirteen children to provide for, the outlook promised to te one of unceasing toil and perseverance if he was to succeed in securing a clear title to all the land. By dint of persistent energy, he succeeded in getting about two hundred acres cleared, or nearly half of the children were taken down with typhoid fever, which entailed an enormous expense for doctors' services and extra help on the farm. The conditions prevented Mr. Reynolds from realizing his life's ambition of having his farm and home clear of debt, and in the midst of these struggles he died in June, 1881, at the ripe old age of eighty years.

Rogers Reynolds was a man of strong character and sturdy physique, else he would not have been able to carry on the enterprise to which he had applied himself. A great reader and close student and keen observer of events, he was well informed and was a most interesting conversationalist. He possessed strong convictions on moral and ethical questions, and was a faithful and consistent Christian in character. He was a stanch Republican, and a strong supporter of the Calvin Methodist church. His wife, Elizabeth, was also a member of this church, and survived her husband several years, dying in September, 1900. She was born near Manchester, England, on June 22, 1826, and at the time of her death was seventy- four years of age.

After her husband's death, Mrs. Elizabeth Reynolds sold the chattels on the farm and applied it to reduce the indebtedness. Then seven of the children bought out the interest of the remaining heirs, and each assumed one-seventh of the remaining debt. Each one also agreed to pay their mother a stated amount each year, and for this consideration each received from his mother a quit-daim deed to his share of the property. All this was done without one cent being expended for legal fees and was a splendid testimonial to the regard each had for the other's rights in the matter, and for their desire to live peacefully and in harmony. The thirteen children in this family were: Roger, Richard, Evan, Ehzabeth, George,- David, Thomas, Charles M., Benjamin F., Em.ma, Margaret, Mary and James F. The last named died at the age of three years. All the others grew to maturity, and all are living with the exception of Charles, who met his death as the result of an, accident in September, 19 10.

David S. Reynolds was eleven years of age when, on April 10, 1867, he came to Putnam county, and here he spent the years of his youth, receiving his education in the old McLain district school. Until twenty-two years o'f age, he remained under the homestead roof, and then, after his marriage, he started to farm for himself on the old home place, renting twelve acres' the first year. After that he leased as much land as he could clear up, getting the crop for eight years in payment for his labors on that account. He con''- tinued to reside on part of the old home place until he bought twenty acres adjoining, to which he moved in about 1895. In the settlement of the paternal estate, he received and purchased from the heirs sixty-nine acres, which, in addition to the land he had already purchased, made a total of ninety-six acres. He also rented twenty acres, and is thus operating one hundred and sixteen acres of land. He has carried forward his work in aa intelligent and progressive manner, raising all the crops common to this section of the country, and has became very successful.

On March 7, 1878, David S. Reynolds was married to Lucetta Hoffer,, a native of Jennings township, Putnam county, where she was born on April 10, 1856, the daughter of John and Lydia (Meyers) Hoffer. John Hoffer was a native of Switzerland, born in 1807, and in his youth came to America, locating at once in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he followed his trade, that of tailor. In that county he was married to Lydia Meyers, a daughter of Jacob and Annie Meyers, and remained there for several years after their marriage. He then moved to Allen county, where they remained until several years later, the family locating in Jennings township, Putnam county, where they spent the remainder of their days, the father dying in November, 1868, and the mother in October, 1891. John and Lydia Hoffer were the parents of eleven children, two of whom died in infancy; Isaac; Jacob; Andrew, deceased; Samuel, deceased; John; Jonas; Ann Elizabeth, who died at the age of one and one-half years; Sarah; Lucetta; Joseph and Lydia, the two last named dying in infancy. Four of the sons named above, Isaac, Jacob, Andrew and Jonas enlisted for service in the Civil War, anct fought faithfully for their country, all surviving, except Andrew, who was brought home sick, dying shortly afterward. Mrs. Reynolds spent her girlhood in the old home place, receiving her education in the common schools,, and was married at the age of twenty-two years.

To David S. and Lucetta (Meyers) Reynolds have been born the following children: Cora, on November 24, 1878, became the wife of John Krouse, and to them were born six children, Carlyle, Arnold, Alice, John M., Zella. and Estella, the two latter being twins; Evans, January 26, 1881, married Maud Clevenger; Oral B., November 25, 1885, became the wife of Enoch- Barnes, and the mother of two children, Kenneth and Reed; Sarah B., November 2^, 1887, is the widow of William Musser; Franci's, February- 26, 1889, became the wife of Benjamin Evans, and they have 'one child,. Willard; D. Raymond, February 21, 1892; Benjamin B., December 25,' 1895 ; Ester, March 3, 1898 ; and one child which died in infancy.

David Reynolds is a stanch Republican, and has served his township as trustee for six years, and also several years as a member of the schoolboard. He is a member of the Pleasant Valley Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a steward and class leader. He is one of the most sub-

-stantial and influential citizens of Sugar Creek township, and is widely and favorably know throughout his section of the county, being eminently deserving of special mention in a work of this character.

Aaron Huysman

The true measure of individual success is detennined by what one has -accomplished. An enumeration of those men who have succeeded in their special vocations in Putnam county, Ohio, and who at the same time are impressing their personalities upon the community, men who are conferring honor upon the locality in which they reside, would be incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of Aaron Huysman, since he is an important factor in the agricultural life of Monterey township. The splendid success which has come to him has been the result of prodigious industry. He is possessed of a mind capable of laying judicious plans and a will strong enough to carry them into execution. His energy, foresight and perseverance have carried him forward to a position where he now occupies a foremost rank among the successful men of his community. He has carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken. His business methods have been in strict conformity with the standard ethics of commercial life and he has taken an intelligent interest in the civic life of the community where he

Aaron Huysman was born on December 15, 1838, in Holland, the son of Henry and Petronella Huysman. The family came to the United States in 1848 and settled in Monterey township, where Mr. and Mrs. Huysman lived until their deaths. The country was a wilderness in those days and they found it necessary to endure the ordinary privations of frontier life. The father died on April 17, 1893, and the mother on April 11, 1892. Both were members of the German Reformed church at Delphos.

Mr. and Mrs. Huysman were the parents of nine children: Wilhelmina, deceased; Mary, deceased; Aaron, the subject of this sketch; Walter, deceased; Henry died on board ship; Nellie; Henreche, deceased; Cornelius and Henry.

Aaron Huysman purchased eighty acres of land in i860 from his father and continued to farm this land until the breaking out of the Civil War.

Mr. And Mrs. Aaron Huysjian

Mr. Huysman was married to Gretchen Osenga on October 31, 1867. To this happy but brief union two children were born, one of whom is living, Nellie, born on December i, 1868. William, the other child, died in infancy. Nellie married Jacob Schramm, who died September 22, 1908. Mrs. Jacob Schramm and family live on a farm in Monterey township, north of Ottoville.

Mrs. Gretchen Huysman died on April 7, 1872, and Mr. Huysman was married, a second time, on December 8, 1872, to Mrs. Mary Miller, who was bom on January 14, 1839, in Switzerland. She is the daughter of Jacob and Margaret Vogt. Her mother died in Switzeriand in 1843 and her father came to the United States and settled in Sandusky county, Ohio, living there for a time, later moving to Van Wert county in 1855. Here he rented a farm for a time and later purchased a tract of land, where he died about 1905. To this second union of subject five children were born, four of whom are living: Margaret, born on October 10, 1874, died at the age of nine years; Aaron, Mary, Rickie and Bertha. Aaron, who was born on December 26,' 1875, married Katie Baugh and has five children: Verna, born on November 13, 1901; Mabel, September 7, 1906; Elmer, January 30, 1909; Herbert, May 2, 191 1, and Arthur, September 5, 1914; Mary, May 26, 1878, is at home; Rickie, September 20, 1880, married Alois Wurstner and lives near Dayton, Ohio. They have two children : Helen, born on April 9, 1903, and Byron, January 2, 1906, and Bertha ma'rried Joseph Remke and lives in Dayton, Ohio.

Mr. Huysman has added to his original farm of eighty acres until for a time he owned three hundred and five acres of well improved land. Mr. Huysman has given to all of his children considerable tracts of land and still owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He first settled on it in a log cabin, when it was heavily timbered, but the timber has been cleared away and his farm is well tiled. In fact, Mr. Huysman was one of the first men in Monterey township to tile hrs land. He was laughed at by the other farmers, who, a few years later, began to see the value of tiling and who began to do It themselves. Mr. Huysman has modern buildings on his farm He is located south and west of Ottoville, about two and one-half miles.

Aaron Huysman and family are members of the Presbyterian church at Delphos, is a Republican and throughout his life has been more or less active m the councils of the Republican party and influential to a considerable^ de- gree. For many years he has served his community as supervisor and in this office has 'behind him an excellent record. Few men are better known in Monterey township than Aaron Huysman and no man is more deserving of the respect and confidence in which he is held than the subject of this sketch.

John F. Miller

Improvement and progress may well be said to form the keynote of the character of John F. ' Miller, a well-known and influential farmer of Sugar Creek township, and he has not only been interested in the work of advancing his individual affairs, but his influence is felt in upbuilding the community. He has beeen an industrious man all his life, trying to keep abreast of the times in every respect, and as a result, every mile-post of the years he has passed has found him further advanced, more prosperous, and with an increased number of friends.

John F. Miller was born on April 14, 1866, in Monroe township, Allen county, Ohio, the son of Henry and Mary (Sauer) Miller. Henry Miller was a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born on April 29, 1841. His parents, Michael and Ann (Kunkleman) Miller, were farmer folks in their native country, and came to America in 1849, settling at McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Here Michael Miller remained for three years, when, after losing a son by an accident in the coal mines, he moved, in 1852, to Monroe township, Allen county, where he bought eighty acres of land, located about four miles southwest of Columbus Grove. There he remained during the rest of his life, his death occurring in October, 1879, at the age of seventy-three years, nine months and twenty days. To him and his wife were born six sons, one of whom died in infancy in Germany, the others being John, Leonard, Christopher, Henry and Adam. Michael Miller's wife, Annie, died in August, 1886, at the age of eighty years, her death occurring at the home of her son, Henry.

Henry Miller, the subject's father, was nine years of age when brought to America, and spent his youth in Allen county, where he received his education in the common schools. He remained with his parents until the time of his marriage to Mary Sauer, who was the daughter of Frank and Catherine (Harmon) Sauer. She was born in Prussia, Germany, and came to America with her parents at the age of nine years, her birth having occurred on January 20, 1846, at which time the family came direct to Pickaway county, Ohio, where they Hved a few years, and then located in Monroe township, Allen county, on a farm two and one-half miles south of Columbus Grove. After Henry Miller's marriage, he rented a farm in Monroe township, three and one-half miles southwest of Columbus Grove, where he remained for about six years. He then bought eighty acres of land, four and one-half miles southwest of Columbus Grove, to which he later added, by purchase, one hundred acres, and which is his present home farm. He has been a very successful farmer, and stands high in the community. To him and his wife were born fourteen children, Margaret, John R, Emma, Anna, Alice, Sarah, Caroline, Bertha, William, Harmon, Louis, Clara, Grace and Arthur. All are living and all are married, except Bertha, Grace and Arthur.

John F. Miller spent his early years under the parental roof, attending the district schools. He assisted his father on the home farm until his marriage, at the age of twenty-four years, following which, for two years, he operated his father's farm. He then bought fifty acres of land 'in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, southeast of Vaughnsville, where he lived for twelve years, at the end of which time he sold out, and, on March 9, 1905, bought sixty-six acres of land located one mile northeast of Vaughnsville. To this tract he has added forty acres, thus making his present holdings one hundred and six acres. This farm is splendidly improved in every respect, including a substantial seven-room residence, a large bam, and other necessary farm buildings, and in every respect he maintained the place according to up-to-date ideas, employing the best of machinery and improvements, and following advanced methods of agriculture.

On January 29, 1891, Mr. Miller was married to Lydia Jane Miller, who was born on March 25, i868, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county,' and a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Best) Miller. " Both of these parents are natives of eastern Ohio, the former born in Pickaway county and the latter in Clark county. To John F. and Lydia Jane (Miller) Miller have been born two children, Alta, on August 17, 1897, and Lloyd, February 25, 1900.

Mr. Miller is a Democrat, and is rendering efficient service as trustee of Sugar Creek township. It is noteworthy that Mr. Miller received within three votes of the highest vote ever polled by any Republican in Sugar Creek township. He is in sympathy with, and an attendant of, the Christian church, of which Mrs. Miller is an active member. As a citizen, Mr. Miller's character is above reproach, and he enjoys to a marked degree the esteem and confidence of those who know him.

William Sakemiller

It is by no means an easy task to describe within the limits of this review a man who has Hved an active and eminently useful life and, by his own exertion, reached a position of honor and trust in a line of industry with which his interests are allied. But biography finds justification, nevertheless, in the tracing and recording of such a life history, as the public claims a certain property interest in the career of every individual and the time invariably arrives when it becomes advisable to give the right publicity. It is then with a certain degi'ee of satisfaction that the chronicler essays the task of touching upon such a record as has been that of William Sakemiller, a man who has been a successful farmer and honest citizen of Sugar Creek township.

AVilliam Sakemiller was born on April 14, 1868, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, and is the son of Benjamin and Mary (Sherrick) Sakemiller. Benjamin Sakemiller is a native of the old Keystone state, born on March 4, 1825, and came to Allen county, Ohio, in 1838, at the age of thirteen years, with his parents, who settled about two miles north of Elida. Here Benjamin Sakemiller spent the remainder of his youth, on the farm which his parents had bought, and where they spent the remainder of their lives. Benjamin Sakemiller was married, in 1849, to Mary Sherrick, and some time afterward he moved to Jennings township, Putnam county, about three-quarters of a mile southeast of Rushmore, where he bought a farm and where he lived until 1866. Then, selling that place, he bought one hundred and ten acres, one mile north of Rimer, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, to which, a few years later, he added forty acres, thus giving him a total acreage of one hundred and sixty acres. He was a hard-working farmer and, by persistent effort and good management, attained a definite success in his vocation. He was a Democrat in his political views and was a member of the Christian church. His death occurred, February 20, 1888. His wife, Mary Sherrick, was born on September 30, 1830, in Fairfield county, Ohio, the daughter of Christian and Anna T Myers) Sherrick. She came to Allen county, Ohio, with her parents, when she was a child and lived on the home farm, which adjoins that of William Sakemiller's grandfather. She was also a member of the Christian church and was a devoted wife and loving mother, and enjoyed the love and respect of all who knew her. She died on December 15, 1892, having survived her husband several years. To this worthy couple were born eleven children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being as follow: Rachel, the wife of J. H. Deffen- baugh; Christian, who married Ahce Guffy; Jane, the deceased wife of William Blakely; Sampson, who married Frances Benson; Charles, who died unmarried, at the age of forty-one years; Rebecca, the wife of George Glendenmg; William, the subject of this sketch; Benjamin G., who is unmarried; and James W., who married Cora Thomas.

William Sakemiller, the immediate subject of this review, spent his childhood and youth under the parental .roof, assisting, when old enough, in the cultivation of the home farm. He received his elementary education in the old Rimer district schools, but his education has been supplemented durmg subsequent years by much reading and close observation, so that today he' IS considered a well-informed man on general topics. He remained with his father until twenty-one years of age, when he assumed the management of the home place, continuing to operate the same for thirteen years. Mr Sakemiller moved to the John G. Evans farm in 1903, where he lived for two years and, in 1905, bought the George Gander farm, which has been his home ever since. The place is beautifully situated on the west bank of the Ottawa river (Hog creek) and is well improved, containing a large brick residence, well arranged and comfortably furnished and surrounded with a splendid grove of evergreens, with numerous other outbuildings in keeping with the surroundings. Mr. Sakemiller has always carried on general farming operations, giving proper attention to rotation of crops and other up-todate methods of successful agriculture and is one of the most successful and progressive farmers of his locality.

On February 1892, Mr. Sakemiller was married to Maggie E. Funk, who was born in Nemaha county, Kansas, on December 30, 1870, the dauo-hter of Samuel and Anna (Evans) Funk, the former of whom was a native^'of Pennsylvania, coming to Ohio with his parents in his youth and settling on Hog creek in the northwestern part of Sugar Creek township. Anna Evans was a native of Wales, coming to America with her parents when a child After their marriage, Samuel and Anna Funk moved to Kansas, where they remained for a few years, but eventually returned to Putnam county, where they have resided since. Mrs. Funk died in the spring of 1877 and Mr. Funk is still living and resides at Sioux City, Iowa. Several years after the death of his first wife, he married Martha Dicus, of Putnam county, and to this union two children have been born, James and Zoe. To his first marriage, eight children were born, two of whom died in infancy, the others being John, who died in early childhood; Elizabeth, the wife of William Pfister- Maggie, the wife of Mr. Sakemiller; May, who died in 1902, at the age of twenty-eight years; Nora, the wife of William Jinks; and Frank, who died in 1912, at the age of thirty years.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Sakemiller is allied with the Demorratic party and, in the fall of 1913, was elected trustee of Sugar Creek township by a majority of seventy votes, in a strong Republican township. He is discharging the duties of this office to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citizens. Mr. Sakemiller is a member of the Ottawa River Christian church and takes a deep interest in the various lines of activity in this society. Mrs. Sakemiller is also a member of the same church. Mr. Sakemiller has, for many years, occupied a prominent place in his locality and has exerted a beneficial influence in the community. His chief characteristics are keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of purpose and motive and everyday common sense, which have enabled him not only to advance his own interests, but also largely contribute to the moral and material advancement of the community.

Christian Sakemiller

Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Putnam county within the pages of this work, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this favored locality and whose interests have been identified with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of activity to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is he whose name appears above, peculiar interest attaching to his career from the fact that practically his whole life has been spent in this section of the state.

Christian Sakemiller was born near Lima, Ohio, on January 14, 1852, the son of Benjamin and Mary (Sherrick) Sakemiller. Benjamin Sakemiller was a native of the old Keystone state, having come with his parents in boyhood, to Allen county, Ohio, settling near Elida. Here he remained until his marriage, when he located three miles northwest of Lima. He located just south of Rushmore, Jennings township, Putnam county in 1854, where they remained until 1865, when they located one mile north of Rimer, where they spent the remainder of their years. Mary Sherrick moved with her parents from Eairfield to Allen county, Ohio, in girlhood, and was there married.

Christian Sakemiller spent his early childhood in Jennings township and his later youth in Sugar Creek township, receiving his education in the old

Rimer district school. He continued to help his father in the operation of the home farm until the fall of 1874, when he engaged in agricultural operations -on his own account. He is now the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of splendid land, which is improved in every respect, the improvements comprising a comfortable and well-arranged home and large and commodious barns and other necessary farm buildings. He has followed general farming and has given proper attention to rotation of crops and the fertilization of the soil, so that today he possesses one of the most fertile and productive farms in this locality.

On September 3, 1874, Mr. Sakemiller was married to Alice Guffey, who was born in Sugar Creek township, on November 30, 1853, the daughter of William and Mary Ann (Jacobs) Guffey. William Guffey was born in Franklin county, Ohio, on November 22, 1806, one of twins, the first-born children -of John and Nancy (Pendleton) Guffey, natives of Kentucky. William Guffey was reared to the hardships of pioneer life and eventually settled down to farming, in which he was successful. He married Mary Ann Jacobs in 1834 and to this union were born ten children, of whom two died in infancy, those who grew to maturity being Samuel, of Kansas; Elizabeth, the wife of James Rhodes; Alexander, who died a prisoner of war; Annetta, who became the wife of Noah Myers; George and James, farmers; Sarah, who married John Gratty, and Alice, the wife of Mr. Sakemiller. To Christian and Alice (Guffey) Sakemiller have been born the following children : Elnora, on April 17, 1876, died at the age of nine months; William D., May 18, 1879, married Clara McBride and has two children, Roy and Lenor; Elsie M., November 26, 1882, is the wife of Grant O. Ashton, and has had two children, Nellie, who <iied at the age of two years, and Juanita Alice; Mary A., May 11, 1884, married John I. Thomas, and has five chidren, Blanche, Ruth, Ivan, Flossie and Marguerite; and Ray, September 4, 1890, who married Sarah Norman and lives at home.

Mr. Sakemiller is an earnest Democrat and takes an intelligent interest in the public affairs of his community. He is a member of the Ottawa River Christian church, of which he is a trustee and to which his wife also belongs. He is prominent in the affairs of the Kalida (Ohio) Mutual Life Stock Asso- -ciation, being a member of the board of directors and also holding the official position of treasurer. Strong and forceful in his relations with his fellow men, he has not only made his presence felt, but has also gained the good will and commendation of all who know him, ever retaining his reputation among them for integrity and high character.

John Jacob Brant

Upon the roll of representative citizens and prominent and influential pioneers of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, should be found the name of John Jacob Brant, who has lived in this county since his youth and who has worked his own way to a position of prominence in the business and agricultural life of that township. Mr. Brant is a man who enjoys the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and is honored and respected for his industry, his genial manners, his well-rounded and wholesome spirit of optimism, in all things, private and public.

John Jacob Brant was born on February 2, 1859, i" Franklin county,. Ohio. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Staufifer) Brant. John Brant was born in 1825, in Maryland, and died in 1897, at Kalida, Putnam county, Ohio. John Brant's mother died when he was but one and one-half years of age and his father died a year later. He was placed in a convent, where he remained for several years. Subsequently, he learned the blacksmith trade and when a young man went to Pennsylvania, settling in Lancaster county, where he met Elizabeth Stauffer. After their marriage, they remained in Pennsylvania for about nine years and it was here that three of their ten children were born. After this, John Brant moved to Franklin county, Ohio, where he worked at various occupations, raising truck, principally, for the Columbusmarket. At this time the foundation for the present state capitol of Ohio was being laid.

When John Jacob Brant was six years old his parents moved to Putnam county, coming overland in a covered wagon. They settled, in the fall of 1866, in the northwestern part of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, on the old John Clevenger farm. About a year later, they moved to the Jacob Gander farm and here they remained for five years. They lived for two years near Columbus Grove, on the John Bogart farm and then moved back to the Clevenger farm for two years. John Brant then purchased a home at Kalida, where he lived for five years. This was his final residence, with the exception of about a year spent in Paulding county. He spent practically the remaining nine years of his life in Kalida and died there in April, 1897. He was a powerfully built man physically and was always a hard worker. During his life, he cleared about two hundred acres of land in Putnam county. He was a lifelong Democrat in politics and a member, for many years, of the Ottawa River Christian church. Later he became a member of the Methodist church at Kalida.

Elizabeth Stanffer, the mother of John Jacob Brant, was born on April 13, 1835, in Pennsylvania. She spent her girlhood days in Lancaster county, where she was born. In fact, she remained there until her marriage. Eleven, children were born to John and Elizabeth (Stauffer) Brant, Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Maria; Catherine; Fiana; Samuel H. ; George W., deceased; John J., the subject of this sketch; Abraham L. ; Margaret C, deceased; Alice Elizabeth and Charles E. Mrs. Elizabeth Brant is still living at Continental,. Putnam county.

John Jacob Brant was six years old when his parents came to Putnam county and here he spent his childhood days and youth. He attended the common schools and helped his father, with whom he remained until he was twenty-four years of age. He was married, November 29, 1883, to Lydia M. Sneary, who was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, three miles north of Vaughnsville, on the homestead of her parents, on May 13, 1862. She was the daughter of John and Margaret (Myrlatt) Sneary. John Sneary was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on February i, 1876, and died on the old homestead, June 9, 1902. He was the son of John and Susannah (Turner) Sneary, who were likewise natives of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. They came to Putnam county when John was sixteen years of age and settled in the timber land. Here they established a home in the wilderness and it is on this homestead that John Jacob Brant now lives. John and Margaret Sneary had seven children, Mary Ann, who died when about seven years of age ; George, whodied when two years of age ; James M. ; Rebecca, who was killed by a traction car, August 11, 1913, when fifty-three years of age; Lydia M., the wife of Mr. Brant ; William T. and Sarah Elizabeth.

After the marriage of Mr. Brant, he was employed on neighboring farms for two years and then rented the James Vale farm near Kalida, where he remained for five years. At the end of that period, he purchased the home farm of his wife from the heirs and has resided here since that time. This farm consists of eighty acres and is improved in every respect. It has a seven-room residence, nicely situated and a large barn, thirty-six by fifty-four feet, as well as a cattle shed, sixteen by sixty feet. Other buildings are in keeping with the surroundings. Mr. Brant has always done general farming and has been very successful.

To John Jacob and Lydia M. (Seary) Brant, six children have been born, Augusta Elizabeth, on November 22, 1884, who is the wife of Clarence E. Vandemark, and has had five children, Harold, Otho Maud, James Brant, who died at the age of three years, Virgil Leon and Lawrence Edwin ; Frederick Forest, June 10, 1888, died on January 20, 1892; John Clifton, May 24,,

John Jacob Brant in politics is a Democrat. He and his wife and family are all members of the Christian church at Vaughnsville. Mr. Brant is a clean- ^ut, progressive farmer and has managed to accumulate an exceptionally good farm of eighty acres. He is well and favorably known, not only in Sugar Creek, but in adjoining townships. His character and reputation have always been above reproach.

Charles P. Irwin

Some farmers would find, if their books were balanced at the end of the year, that they could have made more money by working for a dollar a day for some one else, yet it would take careful balance to convince them of their loss. Some farmers, however, can tell almost definitely what the various departments of the farm are producing in the way of profit. The most progressive farmers of the present generation have devised simple methods of track of their investments and their returns. Charles P. Irwin, a well-known farmer of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, has been successful because he has applied himself to the task of keeping separate ac- -counting for his investment. Mr. Irwin is one of the progressive farmers of this section of Putnam county, who has discarded the rule-of-thumb method and who has undertaken to put his farm operations on a business basis.

Charles P. Irwin was born in Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio, on December 9, 1876. He is a son of Benjamin F. and Lydia Jane (Hayden) Irwin. Benjamin F. Irwin was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on November .30, 1821, and came to Putnam county in 1832. He 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 June 28, 1861. By this marriage there were four children, Herman L., born on June 16, 1855 ; Mar- .^aret A., September 5, 1857; Eva, August i, 1859, and Sarah J., June 28, 1861. After the death of his first wife, Sarah J. (Leese) Irwin, Benjamin F. Irwin was married again on March 28, 1864, to Lydia J. Hayden, who was bom in Starke county, Ohio, on May 7, 1839, and 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., August 25, 1869; Nathaniel K., January 20, 1871; James

A., March 13, 1874; Charles P., the subject of this sketch, December 9, 1876; Kemmer L., Maj^ 16, 1879, and Guy, Hving in Pleasant township. Benjamin F. Irwin had an uncle in the War of 181 2.

Benjamin F. Irwin was a successful farmer and he was especially suc- in raising horses, and attributed his success to this department of the farm work. At one time he owned about six' hundred acres of land in Pleasant and Sugar Greek townships.

Charles P. Irwin, the son of Benjamin F. and Lydia Jane (Hayden) Irwin, spent his youth and childhood on his father's old homestead and -attended the old Turner district school. After finishing school he continued to help his father on the old home place until he was twenty-one years of -age.

Charles P. Irwin was married on May 25, 1898, to Sarah Amanda Miller, who was born in Monroe township, Allen county, on May 3, 1873, and who was the daughter of Henry and Mary (Sauer) Miller. Henry Miller was born on April 29, 1 841, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and died, March 7, 1912, on the old Miller homestead in Allen county. He came to America with his parents at the age of nine years and settled in Monroe township, Allen county. Here he lived the balance of his life. Henry was the son of Michael and Catherine (Kunkleman) Miller, and was one of four sons, the others being 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 and a few years later moved to Monroe township, Allen county. Here Frantz Sauer lived the remainder of his life, dying June, 1904, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife, Catherine, still survives him and now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Minerva Holmes, at Loomis, Michigan. Frantz and Catherine Sauer had three children, Mary, Louisa and Minerva, all 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, Bertha, William, Harmon, Louis, Clara, Grace and Arthur.

After his marriage, Charles P- Irwin took up his residence on the east half of the one hundred and twenty acres owned by his father in the northeast part of Sugar Creek township. He has resided here ever since. Prior to his marriage one year, and for six years thereafter, Mr. Irwin and his brother, James, farmed in -partnership. After the marriage of James A. Jrwin the one hundred and twenty acres were divided. In addition to the

Sixty acres which Mr. Irwin owned, he and his brother farmed forty acres adjoining on the southeast, mal<ing eighty acres which each has under cultivation. Mr. Irwin devotes particular attention to hogs and corn, and has been very successful.

Charles P. and Sarah Amanda (Miller) Irwin have had six children, as follow: Charles Clarence, deceased; Miller; Harold Arthur; Edith Grace; Ruth Marie, and Howard Martin.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Irwin attend the Christian church at Columbus Grove. Mr. Irwin is a Democrat. He has not, however, been especially active m political affairs, but has devoted himself almost exclusively to his life's vocation. Mr. Irwin is a man of sterling integrity, fair and square in his dealings with his fellow men and admired and respected by them.

Albert Reese

Few residents of Putnam county are as well and favorablly known as the enterprising farmer and representative citizen, whose life story is briefly told in the following lines, and none stands higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the community in which he resides and for the material advancement of which he has devoted much of his. time and influence.

teer Infantry. He served throughout the war in the western army and, at the close of the conflict, recei\'ed an honorable discharge, when he returned to Gomer, where he remained about one year and then, after his marriage, moved to Butler county, where, for about six years, he engaged in agricultural pursuits. Some years later they removed to Allen county and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, near Gomer, the only improvement on the place being a log house, a frame barn and about one-half of the land cleared. To the clearing and the improvement of the remainder of this land, Mr. Reese devoted himself, and, eventually, found himself the owner of a finely improved and productive farm. About a year after locating on this place, he erected a small frame house of four rooms and about 1885 he "bought eighty acres adjoining his farm on the west. On this rented place was a good set of buildings and the land was all cleared excepting about twenty-five or thirty acres. Here Mr. Reese remained until about 1890, when he moved to St. Marys, Ohio, where he has continued to reside, selling his former home in 1905.

Evan Reese was married three times. First to Margaret Watkins, who -died in January, 1882. To this union were born seven children, Albert, Thomas R., David H., William E., Jennie Alice, Samuel and Jessie, the two latter children dying in infancy. About 1886, Evan Reese married Mrs. Mary (Watkins) Thomas, who died about three years later, leaving no children. In 1894, Mr. Reese married Addie Young, who is his present wife. To this union no children have been born.

Albert Reese spent his childhood and early youth on his father's farm near Vaughnsville, in Allen county, and received his education mainly in the district schools. When about twenty-three years of age, he took a course of music in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware but, aside from this, has been mainly self-educated, being a close reader and keen observer of men and events. He remained with his father on the .old homestead until about twenty-six years of age, when he rented a farm near Vaughnsville and remained for two years. In the spring of 1895, he moved to the Bennett farm, to the cultivation of which he devoted himself until 191 1, when he moved to Vaughnsville, where he now resides. He has, during these years, devoted himself to a general line of farming, raising all of the crops peculiar to this section of the country and has been very successful in all of his operations, being numbered among the intelligent and progressive farmers of his community. He has, for many years, occupied the front rank among the agriculturists of his locality and was one of the organizers of the Vaughnsville -Crop and Improvement .Association, one of the most influential organiza- tions of its kind in this section of the state. He beheves, most emphatically,, in progress along his line and is interested in all things which have to do with, the advancement of his community.