Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 29 of 33)

Henry Halker

Germany has furnished thousands of good citizens to the state of Ohio, and Putnam county, especially, has been fortunate to count these people as a part of her body politic. The descendants of the early German settlers of Ohio, are characterized by the same thrift and economy which made their fathers the leading farmers and business men of the various communities in which they settled. Henry Halker, one of the leading farmers and stock men of Ottawa township, Putnam county, is a worthy son of one of its early German settlers, and during his life of more than forty years in the county, he has so conducted himself as to win the universal commendation of his fellow citizens. ,

Henry Halker was born on September 20, 1869, south of Glandorf , v/here he now lives. He is a son of William and Louise (Vogeding) Halker, the former of whom was born inGlandorf, Hanover, Germany, in 1818. He came to America at the age of twenty-one and lived first at Cincinnati. He was married in that city to Louise Vogeding, who was born in Germany, and after her marriag-e lived for a time in Cincinnati, and then came to Glandorf, Putnam county, and settled on a farm in Ottawa township, where they lived until death. For further particulars, the reader is referred to sketch of George Halker, subject's brother, found elsewhere in this volume.

Henry Halker grew to manhood on the farm where he now lives, sotith of Glandorf, assisting his father with the farm work and thus learning early in life all the fundamental principles of agriculture.

In October, 1900, Mr. Halker was married to Minnie Recker, who was born about one mile south of Glandorf, and who is a daughter of John Henry and Pauline (Kahle) Recker, the former a native of this county, born south of Glandorf, in Ottawa township, in a log cabin, and was a son of Nicholas Recker and wife, who were early pioneers of the county. Pauline Kahle is a sister of Ignatius Kahle, whose sketch, found elsewhere in this volume, tells of her family history. When Mrs. Halker was seven years old

After his marriage, Mr. Halker, the subject of this revievir, moved to the' farm upon v^rhich they now live and have since remained. Mr. Halker has been a life-long farmer, owning one hundred and twenty acres of well-improved land and is a progressive citizen in every respect, kind and loving to his family, and honored and respected in turn by them.

Henry and Minnie (Recker) Halker are the parents of three children: George, Mary and Loretta, all of whom are living at home. The Halker family are all faithful and earnest members of the Catholic church at Glandorf. Henry Halker is a man who has devoted his life energies to the happiness and comfort of his family. He is public-spirited in the best sense of the word, but his first consideration has always been his wife and children,, to whom he is intensely devoted.

Frank William Wallen

One of the interesting histories which might be written concerning the settlement of Jennings township, is that dealing with the period when that part of the country was a wilderness. Then it was that many young couples migrated from the east and south, and started their own family firesides,, sometimes too near the camp fires of their Indian neighbors. Among those who acquired land from the government were the ancestors of Frank William Wallen, who still lives where his forefathers settled when they came from' Kentucky, at a very early date. Forty-seven out of the eighty-nine acres, which he owns, have' been in the Wallen family ever since they were obtained from the government. So that would constitute Mr. Wallen what we call "on old settler," a term unknown in the old country.

Frank William Wallen was born in Jennings township on December 7, 1843. He is the son of Isaac and Catherine (Nottoff) Wallen, the former of whom came from England to the United States, and at first settled in Kentucky, then migrated to the township which is still his home. All this happened when Isaac was a very small boy, his parents having been married in Putnam county. Two children were born to Isaac and Catherine Wallen, one of whom died in infancy, the other becoming of such prominence as to have his life merit a biographical sketch in this volume. After the death of Mrs. Wallen, mother of Frank W. Wallen, in 1843, the father married for his second wife, Miss Margaret Keller. To them were born two children: Daniel, who is now deceased, and Lucretia, who became the wife of Robert Seibert, of Lima. The father of Mr. Wallen lived until 1849, having followed the occupation of farming all of his life. He was a faithful member of the United Brethren church.

Mrs. Wallen then married a Doctor Carter, and their family consisted of four children, two of whom are deceased. Moses is now living in Putnam county, and Mary became the wife of Benjamin Seibert. The mother died about 1904, and Doctor Carter passed away in 191 1.

Although the mother of Frank W. Wallen married a Protestant, she herself was a Catholic. She was born in Germany, and came to this country with her parents. Her father was Frank William Nottoff, and when he arrived in this country, he settled first in Glandorf. Later, he moved to Ft. Jennings and lived there the remainder of his days. Her mother's name was also Katherine. Three children, besides Katherine, made up this family. They were Barney, Jasper and Theodore, Katherine being the youngest. After the death of Mrs. Wallen's grandfather, her grandmother married Joseph Meyer. The son born to them, Joseph, served three months in the war.

At the age of twenty-six, that is, in 1869, Mr. Wallen was united inmarriage to Miss Mary K. Slottman, in the month of November. Theirs was the good fortune to have the regulation large family so common in those early days, for to them were born eleven children, ten of whom are living today, Frank lives in Jennings township; Katherine married Henry Kritmeyer, and moved to Monterery township; William makes his present home in Bentley Bay county, Michigan; Amelia, who became the wife of John Weighart, lives in Jennings township; Joseph lives in Rushmore, Ohio; Anna, the wife of John Dahling, is living in Delphos, Ohio; Sophia died at the age of twenty-two; Minnie, the wife of Edward Shoemaker also makes her home in Bentley Bay county, Michigan; Caroline, wife of William Dahling, lives in Jennings township; Barnard, who was born on March 12, 1895, and his brother, August, have charge of the farm, and August, the youngest member of the family, was born on June 30, 1897.

The farm which is the present home of Mr. Wallen and his two sons, is located in section 34, northeast of Ft. Jennings, about two and one-half miles. Like their more enterprising neighbors, these energetic farmers have had a high ideal for their work, and this ideal has been to raise farm products of a high grade and stock that should reflect credit upon the entire neighborhood in which their farm is situated. And this they have succeeded in doing. Their land is all improved, which, considering the fact that it was a wilderness speaks well for the thrift and industry of the Wallen family.

In religious matters, the family seems to have followed the example of Mr. Wallen's mother, for all are members in good standing of the Catholic church, their names having been for many years enrolled among the membership of the Ft. Jennings CathoHc church. Mr. Wallen is a Democrat. Although he may not have been prominent as an office seeker or office holder, his stanch Democratic principles have had their influence among his neighbors and associates, and when an event or circumstance arises where justice and right are involved, his voice is among the loudest in defense of what he believes to be the true course of action.

In converting a desert land into places fit for habitation, the ancestors of Mr. Wallen were indeed benefactors, and in continuing their praiseworthy work, he and his children have passed on to others the benefits of their labors and industry. Of such may it not be said "They found a dry, barren waste, they left a garden, a fit habitation for the sons of men."

Cornelius Huysman

The subject of this review is a representative agriculturist of Putnam county and is known as one of the alert, progressive farmers of this part of the county. In his efforts he has not permitted himself to follow in the rut in a blind way, but has given considerable thought and done much experimenting, and, therefore, his returns from his enterprising methods have reached a maximum, while at the saine time he has directed his course to command the reg'ard and confidence of the people of the community in which he lives. He is referred to as a man entirely worthy of the respect of his fellow men, and has ever ad^'ocated those things which tend to promote the welfare of the JDublic.

Cornelius Huysman was born in Monterey township, this county, on April 21, 1850, and is the son of Henry and Nelhe (Kortier) Huysman. Henry Huysman was born on October 11, 181 1, in Holland, and it was there that he was married. To their union were born nine children : Wilhelmena, died at the age of twenty years; Mary, died at the age of fifty-four years; Aaron, now living in Monterey township, this county ; Walter, died in Monterey township in 1892; Henry, died on board ship, age two months; Nellie, married S. Hunsaker, who lives in Allen county, Ohio; Henreche, deceased

It was in the fall of 1847 that Henry Huysman, together with his wife and five children previously born to them, left Holland and crossed the Atlantic for the purpose of making their future home in the United States. On their arrival in the city of New York they went by rail to the city of Toledo, Ohio, where they boarded one of the boats of the Miami & Erie Canal Company, and traveled via the canal to the town of Delphos, and settled on a farm in Monterey township, Putnam county. He was a miller by trade, but decided to carry on general farming in this country, which he continued to do until the time of his death, 1894, at which time he arrived in the eighty-second year his age. His wife passed away just a year previous to his death.

Cornelius Huysman received his early education in the township schools and followed in the footsteps of his father by learning all about farming, and he has continued to fai-m all his life. In 1873, he was married to Miss Lydia Semer, and to them were born nine children, as follow: Nellie, who lives in Van Wert; Cassia, wife of Fred. Spangler, living in Hillview, Province of Ontario, Canada; Anna, wife of Fred. Rice, and living in Van Wert county; Drickie, wife of Thomas Alspaugh, living in Van West <:ounty; John, who resides in Van Wert county; ICatie, wife of John Buetner, who lives in Allen county ; Emma, deceased at the age of sixteen years ; Allen, who lives in Ottoville, this county, and conducts an automobile garage. The mother of these children died on January 21, 1889.

Cornelius Huysman was married a second time, this time to the widow of Edward Semer, her maiden name having been Maria Spangler, and she lived until the year 1889. No children were born to the second marriage. Mr. Huysman's present and third wife was Maria, a daughter of Lemech and Sarah Spangler, and was bom in Allen county on August 28, 1863. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. The father was a farmer in Van Wert county, to which place lie moved in 1866, and where he died in 1881. Her mother died in 1885.

Mr. Huysman has devoted nearly all of his life to improving the two hundred acres of land which he owns in this township and besides cuttinoconsiderable timber and carrying on general farming, makes a specialty of raising high-grade live stock. He is considered a good judge of stock in this locality and takes great pride in his herds.

A strong advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and, though tiot active in party matters, the influence of Cornelius Huysman along these lines is felt in the community where he lives. His religious affiliations are with the Christian Union church, to which denomination he contributes according to his means. Personally, he is a gentleman in every sense of the word^ worthy of the confidence of his fellowmen and he is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.

Shelby Harris

In the respect that is accorded to men who have bought their own way to success through unfavorable circumstances, we find an unconscious recognition of the intrinsic worth of character which cannot only endure so rough a test, but gain new strength through difficulties. The gentleman to whom the biographer now calls the reader's attention, was not favored by inherited wealth or the assistance of influential friends, but, in spite of this, by perseverance and wise economy, he has attained a comfortable station in life and has made his influence for good felt in this community where he long maintained his home. Because of his honorable career, it is eminently fitting that he should be accorded a place in the pages of this volume.

Shelby Harris was bom on December 14, 1858, in Jennings township,. Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of John and Mary (Huffman) Harris, both of whom were natives of Connecticut, who came to Ohio in pioneer times and settled near Cincinnati. Later, they moved to Putnam county, and settled in Jennings township. Seven children were born to them: William H., Marcus and Mary E., all deceased; George, who lives at Findlay; DanieU who lives at Muncie, Indiana; Shelby, the subject of this sketch, and Lavina, the wife of George Evans, of Marion, this state. The father of these children, John Harris, died .in i860, and his wife was married, a second time, to Moses Radclifl:. To this union, three children were born : M. O. ; Minerva, the wife of Heni-y Sterns; and Granvil, who lives near Mandville, Ohio. Moses Radcliff was a carpenter by trade and was killed about twenty years ago by a saw-mill explosion in Montana. The mother died in 1909.

Shelby Harris received his education in the district schools of Jennings township and performed the usual labor which falls to the lot of the average boy who lives in an agricultural township.

On April 4, 1881, Shelby Harris was married to Anna Stearns, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Cronshiner) Stearns, both of whom were natives of Germany, and who came to the United States when they were young. They were married in Ohio and to this union, eleven children were born, five of whom died in infancy. Those who survived were : Mary, who Jives in Leipsic; Anna, the wife of Mr. Harris; Godfrey, who Hves in Jackson township; Heniy and PhiHp, both of whom also Hve in Jackson township; and Frances, the wife of James Claypool, of Monterey township. Mrs. John Stearns died in December, 19 14, and John Stearns is still living, being years old.

Shelby Harris followed farming and teaming for a number of years. He owns a greenhouse and has been in the floral business for the past fifteen years, except for the past few years, when he has given up the hothouse work and is now engaged in general truck and fruit gardening. Mr. Harris owns a small farm, a well-improved, modern house and other good buildings. He is a man who is highly respected in this community, and has a comfortable income.

Shelby Harris is a Democrat, has served as township trustee of Jennings township for four years, and as president of the school board for the the past eight years. He has also been treasurer of the Ft. Jennings Mutual Telephone Company and the Ft. Jennings Cemetery Association, since 1908. Mrs. Harris was reared a Lutheran, but after her marriage, became a member of the United Brethren church at Pleasant Valley. Later, because there was no United Brethren church in the community where Mr. and Mrs. Harris lived, both have become members of the Lutheran church.

Mr. and Mrs. Shelby Harris and family are well known in Jennings township and are popular among all classes of people. They are highly respected citizens and earnestly devoted to the welfare of their family and to their neighbors.

Professional success results from merit. Frequently in commercial life, one may come into possession of a lucrative business through inheritance or gift, but in what are known as the learned professions, advancement is gained only through painstaking and long-continued effort. Prestige in the art of healing is the outcome of strong mentality, close application, thorough mastery of its great underlying principles and the ability to apply theory to practice in the treatment of disease. Intellectual training, true professional knowledge and the possession and utilization of the qualities and attributes essential to success have made Dr. John F. George eminent in his chosen calling, and lie stands today among the skilled and enterprising physicians of Putnam county, Ohio. He is now engaged in the practice of his profession at Ft. Jennings, and for many years, has enjoyed a large and lucrative practice.

Dr. John F George was born on July 13, 1867, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Zeigler) George, the latter of whom was a native of New Orleans and the former a native of Germany. Peter George came with his brother, when he was about fifteen years old, to America, and his brother was about twenty. He learned the baker trade, after coming to America, and settled, eventually, in Philadelphia, where he worked at that trade. He lived in Philadelphia for a time, and, subsequently, came to Columbus, where he also followed his trade. From Columbus, he returned to New Orleans, and was there married on November 12, 1861. He and his wife had eight children, six of whom are now living, Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Geise, of near Delphos ; Mary, the wife of F. J. Schwartzengraber, of Delphos; Dr. John F., the subject of this sketch; Emma, who lives in Delphos with her mother; Celestina, who is unmarried and lives in South Bend, Indiana; Matilda, the wife of Nicholas Schilling, of South Bend; Henry, who died at the age of thirty, and Carrie, who died at the age of twenty-six. Peter George lived in New Orleans after his marriage for a time and followed his trade. Subsequently, he came North and settled in Delphos, and lived there for thirty-three years, or until his death, April 21, 1913. He was engaged in the grocery business during the last years of his life, retiring from that, however, about 1908. His wife is still living in Delphos.

Dr. John F. George received a good public school education in Delphos. He graduated from the Delphos high school with the class of 1885, and then took a commercial course in Dayton, Ohio. He also pursued his business education in Cincinnati, and then clerked in a store for about two years in Delphos. Finally he took up the study of medicine with Drs. Williamson and Reul and was with them for about eighteen months, when he went to Taylor University, near Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and became a student in the medical department. He was graduated from this university, March 8, 1892, and during the following summer, opened an office in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He practiced here for about one year and moved from here to Ft. Jennings in 1893. He practiced at Ft. Jennings for seventeen years and then quit the practice for two years, during which time he traveled for a drug firm. He finally returned to Ft. Jennings and took up his practice again, and now has a large and flourishing practice. He is one of the most highly attested physicians in this section of the country.

Hedrick, whose parents are both living in Jackson township. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association, the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association and the Putnam County Medical Society. He is a man who ranks high in his profession, who has always, observed closely the ethics of his profession and who enjoys the confidence of all of his patients.

Toseph I. G. Maag

Descended from honored ancestry and himself numbered among the successful farmers and leading citizens of Putnam county, Joseph I. G. Maag is entitled to specific recognition in the annals of the locality in which he has been so long identified, and where he has strengthened his hold on the hearts of the people with whom he has been associated. There is not a man in the community who enjoys a larger circle of warm friends and acquaintances, who esteem him because of his high character and business ability.

Joseph I. G. Maag was born in Pleasant township, this county, on July 4, 1879, and is the son of William and Bernadina (Kahle) Maag, whose hfe record may be found elsewhere in this work under the caption John C. Maag. Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof of the homestead, fami, Joseph I. G. Maag received his early education in the neighboring township schools, and remained with his parents until the age of twenty-one years. On November 14, 1899, he was married to Elizabeth Erhart, daughter of Henry and Bernadina (Barlager) Erhart, after which event he purchased eighty acres from his father for the purpose of establishing a home for himself. The same year he was married he began the erection of his present home and the necessary farm buildings and continued to carry on the business of general farming and stock raising. The original eighty acres wasclear with the exception of about twenty acres in standing timber and, in 1912, he purchased twenty acres adjoining, which gives him a total of one hundred acres, the greater portion of which may be put under cultivation at. will. Mr. Maag has always been considered a conscientious, industrious and painstaking worker and the splendid appearance of his holdings today indicate the thrift and unceasing energy which he has displayed throughout his life to make a success of agriculture and stock raising. To Joseph I. G. and Elizabeth (Erhart) Maag have been born seven children, named in the order of their birth, as follow: Edwin; Alfred, deceased in infancy; Frankie and Mamie (twins); Rudolph and Adolph (twins), and Adelia Bernadina.

Joseph I. G. M'aag has always been identified with the Democratic party, but has never aspired to office and does not actively engage in politics. The entire family are members of the Catholic church in Columbus Grove, to which they contribute liberally in accordance with their means. Personally, Mr. Maag is a man who makes friends easily and knows how to keep them. His sterling qualities for honorable and upright dealings with his fellow men -have won for him a permanent place in the esteem of all who know him.

Alfred A. Starkweather

This utilitarian age has been especially productive of men of action, clear-brained men of higher resolves and nobler purposes, who give character and stability to the communities honored by their citizenships and whose influence and leadership are keenly discernible in the various enterprises that have added so greatly to the high reputation which Putnam county enjoys among her sister cotmties of the great commonwealth of Ohio. Conspicuous in this class of men, who reside in Putnam county, is Alfred A. Starkweather, the well-known proprietor of Columbus Grove's large implement store. Mr. Starkweather has built up a large and lucrative business in buggies, implements, threshing machines, gas engines, wire fence, etc., and his business success is due largely to the reputation he has gained for honesty and scjuare dealing.

Alfred A. Starkweather was born on April 20, 1862, at Hillsdale, Michigan, the son of Horace and Mary Jane (Hoisington) Starkweather. Horace Starkweather was born on July 16, 1802, in Onandaga county. New York. He was the son of Thomas Starkweather and wife, both of whom are natives of New England. They came to New York state about 1798, where he was a farmer, and, like the typical New Englander, was a hardworking, industrious man. At this time Rochester was in its infancy and Thomas Starkweather drove forty miles to mill at that place. His son, Horace, the father of Alfred A., grew to manhood in New York state and helped his father clear the old homestead. It is related that when but a small boy he drove an ox team in assisting his father on the farm. Horace Starkweather was married at the age of twenty-four in 1826, after which they moved to Hillsdale county, Michigan, where he engaged in farming. He remained in this county until his death. About 1849 his wife died. She was the mother of seven children : Ira M., who is an attorney and became judge of the circuit court at Flowerville, Michigan; Jonathan H., Eugene,

Horace, Dick and two daughters. Jonathan, Horace and Eugene were soldiers in the Civil War, Eugene and Horace being killed in that struggle. Shortly after his wife's death, Horace Starkweather was married to Mary Jane Hoisington, the daughter of Anson and Elizabeth Hoisington, who were pioneers in the state of Michigan. To this union were born six children: Almeda, deceased, who was the wife of V. F. Musser ; Almira, deceased, who was the wife of L. H. Parker; Alva, who married Elizabeth Ord; Elvira A., the wife of W. H. Nuffer, of Los Angeles, California; Judson H., who married Margaret Stone, and Alfred A., the subject of this sketch. The mother of these children died on April i6, 1871, when Alfred A. was nine years of age. The father died at Hillsdale, Michigan, December 16, 1887, at the age. of eighty-five.

Alfred A. Starkweather remained at home, attending the common school and helping his father on the farm near Hillsdale, Michigan, until he was twenty-five years old. After his father died he came to Lima, Ohio, where, in 189 1, he was married to Carrie Beiler, the daughter of Rev. John and Margaret Beiler, both deceased. Rev. John Beiler was a minister in the Methodist church.

After his marriage Mr. Starkweather took a business course and also studied telegraphy at Ada University, after which time he became a telegrapher for about two and one-half years for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad, and then moved to Columbus Grove, where he entered the buggy and implement business. He has continued this business without interruption for about nineteen years, or since the early spring of 1896. Just before entered the present business Mr. Starkweather was engaged for two years in the butcher business.

His wife died on August 26, 1896. She was a good Christian woman and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since her childhood. She was a graduate of Ohio Weslyan University, and before her marriage had taught in the public schools of Lima.

Mr. Starkweather was married, a second time, on August 31, 1898 to Mary L. Doty, the daughter of Cornelius and Casander (Guyer) Doty, who were natives of Ohio, but the daughter, however, was born in Illinois.' She IS a graduate of the common and high schools of Columbus Grove and took several terms of normal work at Ada University, after which she taught in the common and high schools of Columbus Grove for several years.

Alfred A. Starkweather is one of the most prominent business men im this section of Ohio. He is the proprietor of a large mercantile establishment, which has a splendid patronage. He not only keeps on hand and for sale every commodity that is used on the farm, but he has built up a good trade in the sale of automobiles.

Mr. Starkweather is a Democrat and has always been active in the councils of his party, having served as precinct committeeman and later as a member of the county executive committee. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, Columbus Grove Lodge No. 376, Knights of Pythias, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Alfred A. Starkweather is one of the most prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is treasurer of the church, president of the board of trustees and district steward. For his prominence as a business man and his popularity as a citizen, he is entitled to rank as a representative citizen of Putnam county.

Lester Dunlap

Another of the prominent farmers whose energy, industry and altruism have made Putnam county a good place in which to live, is Lester Dunlap, of Jennings township. It might be said that he only followed the line of least resistance in giving his attention to the cultivation of the soil, his father having been a farmer, if it were not also true that when the moment of supreme self-sacrifice came, and his country needed him, he responded without a thought as to consequences. Engrossed as he was in farming, personal interests gave way when his country called, and he turned his back upon home and loved ones to face what fate had in store for him - honor or death - he knew not which. It is such lives as these that quicken and inspire our own, and too few, indeed, are the records of those thousands, who, though living in comparative obscurity, possess the nobility of character which, in more stirring times, would crown them heroes.

Lester Dunlap, since early manhood, has been either a farmer or a soldier. Born on May 16, 1842, the son of Robert and Louisa (Spain) Dunlap, who were living at the time in Union county, Ohio, he went with his parents to live in Putnam county in 1861. The father, a Pennsylvanian by birth, married Miss Louisa Spain, a Virginian, and they began life together on August 8, 1840, later coming west to Guernsey county.

was born in Pennsylvania, on October 29, 181 1. After residence in Guernsey and Union counties, and in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, this family, now numbering five, removed to Jennings township, in the latter county, in 1865, and here they remained on their own farm until the death of both parents. Robert Dunlap passed away at the age of seventy-five, and his wife lived to be eighty-one years of age. The mother of Lester Dunlap began her career on earth, March 8, 18 15, near Petersburg, Virginia.

Although in need of the services of his son on the farm, Mr. Dunlap believed in education, and gave him advantage of all that the common schools afforded at that time. After leaving school, Lester Dunlap continued in the vocation which his father had taught him, and, in December, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Young, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Young, who settled on a Putnam county farm, about 1858. The children of Mr. Dunlap, by his first marriage, were : William E. Dunlap, who is now a resident of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Jeannette, wife of Lewis Gordon, of Lima; and Rachel, who married John Cowan and lives in Ottawa.

Mrs. Dunlap died on April 28, 1871, and in July, 1873, he married, for his second wife, Miss Rebecca Huffer. The home thus established became the birthplace of eight children, all of whom are living. These are as follow : Anna, wife of E. W. Wells, of Rushmore; Robert, living in Seattle, Washington; George, who lives at home; Mary, who became the wife of Charles Friend, the latter of whom died on April 8, 1914, in her second year at their home in Delphos; Lewis, residing in Jennings township; Marion C. and Charles, who live at home, and Hulda, who is now Mrs. G. C. Ford and whose home is near Paynesville, Ohio.

Mr. Dunlap's farm, in section 15, consists of one hundred and nineteen acres of well-improved land, for its owner has kept abreast with the times in the matter of improvements and the modem machinery which they require. While he retired from active participation in agricultural pursuits, in 191 1,' he still takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the land and his home. His sons, however, have charge of the farming interests and activities.

In 1864, when the call went out for men to join the armv, Lester Dunlap enlisted under Capt. I. W. Patrick, in a regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, a period of over four months He was assigned to guard and patrol duty in Mai-yland and in the District of Columbia. He was honorably discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, on August 27, 1864. He then returned to the farm, where he lived in happiness

Mr. Dunlap has been a life-long Republican, and has served his township as trustee, an office he has filled with credit to himself, as well as to the neighborhood which he honored. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Ruel Post No. 95, of Delphos, and no one is more patriotic or more enthusiastic when the war is discussed, or when questions of loyalty are involved. Old soldiers of the type of Lester Dunlap are an inspiration as long as they live and wherever they live. Although no active service may require a test of their loyalty, yet all with whom they come in contact, recognize that should their country's call be repeated, it would find the same ready response in the spirit of the aged as is found in their youth. The step of Mr. Dunlap may be a bit feeble, and the eyes a trifle dim, but the soul of the patriot is there, a soul aflame with the fire kindled at the altar of self-sacrifice when the life of the nation depended upon just such men.

Lawrence V. Blue

The gentleman whose name forms the "caption to this sketch belongs to that class of men who win the battle of life by sheer force of personality and determination, coupled with soundness of judgment and keen discrimination, and in whatever he has undertaken, he has shown himself to be a man of ability and honor, always ready to lend his aid in defending principles affecting the public good, and, though he has been but a few years in this community, yet he has established himself finnly in the hearts of the people and is generally known to be a man of sterling worth, conscientious and considerate, and entitled to the respect and admiration of his fellow men.

Lawrence V. Blue was born in Ayersville, Defiance county, Ohio, on December 20, 1887, and is the son of Dr. N. S. and Henrietta (Brechbill) Blue. His father was born in Miami county, this state, where he received his early edttcation and later went to medical college, where he studied the required number of years to finish the course and received his diploma as a medical graduate. He began his practice of medicine in Pettisville, Fulton county, Ohio, and after being there for a period of twelve years, he removed to Ayersville, Defiance county, where he continued the practice of his profession for thirteen years and died March 12, 1912. In 1886 he was married to Henrietta Brechbill, and to them were born two children, Lawrence V. and

Helen, who was born December 7, 1891, and is now the wife of W. C. Imhoff, of Leipsic. Lawrence V. Blue's father was a member of the Knights of Pythias, of Wauseon, Ohio, also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Free and Accepted Masons, of Defiance, also vice-president of the local medical society and a member, of the State Medical Society. His wife sui-vived him and is at present residing in Defiance.

Lawrence V. Blue received his early education in the public schools and later went to Defiance College, where he was a student for some time. After leaving the college from which he graduated with honors, he decided to complete a course in business training, and, therefore, went to the Ft. Wayne (Indiana) International Business College, where he made it a specialty to acquire a complete knowledge of auditing books. On January 11, 1913, he was married to Ethel M. Heater, a daughter of W. W. and Dora (Little) Heater, all natives of Defiance county, and where Mr. Heater is the superintendant of the county schools.

Remaining in the city of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where he followed 'the business of auditing books, for a period of three years, it was here that Lawrence V. Blue opened up and conducted the "Alt Heidelberg" hotel, which he managed for two years. After this, he left for the state of New York, where he was engaged with a large lumber company, in Wanekena, as auditor of accounts. He remained with this company for about a year and returned to Defiance county at the time of his father's death, then, at a later date, came to Putnam county and started a general merchandising store in the town of Rushmore. This store was opened up for business on January I, 19 13, and for the past two years Lawrence V. has enjoyed a good business ever since. It is said that he carries such a varied stock of goods, that the demand for almost any article in dry goods, hardware and groceries can be stippHed. To Lawrence V. and Ethel M. (Heater) Blue have been born one child, Mary Elizabeth, whose birthday occurred on November 21, 19 14.

Mr. Blue is an active member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge of Delphos, Ohio, and is strongly identified with the Republican ranks and took a very aggressive part in politics in Defiance county before coming to this locality. Both Lawrence V. Blue and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Rushmore, to which congregation they lend their support in accordance with their means. Personally, Lawrence V Blue is a man whose friendship it pays to cultivate and he is noted throughout this region for his genial disposition and courtesy to all. He is a man of social tendencies, kind, obliging, unassuming and straight-forward and honorable in all the relations of life and is universally respected and popular.

Henry Calvelage

The record of Henry Calvelage 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 hfe has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and tlie systematic and honorable methods he has followed have won for him the confidence of his fellow citizens, of Putnam county, whose interests he has ever had at heart and which he has always labored to promote.

Henry Calvelage was born in Jennings township, this county, on October 14, 1851, and is the son of George and Mary (Hackman) Calvelage, both of whom were born in Germany. The former came to this country when a very young man and made his first place of residence in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, where he was employed as a clerk in a store. He remained in Baltimore until the year 1834, when he decided to leave there and go to a state farther west, and selecting Ohio as a good place to make his future home, settled on a farm in Jennings township, Putnam county, where he engaged in and continued to farm until the time of his death, about the year 1885. His wife came to America with her parents when she was a very young girl, and they settled in Putnam county. It was here that she first met George Calvelage and was afterward married. To their union were born five children, August H., who resides in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana; Henry, the subject of this sketch; Barney, who lives on the old homestead place, and two children, who died in infancy. The mother survived the death of the father for five years and died in 1900.

Henry Calvelage received his early education in the neighboring township schools and remained under the parental roof until about the time of his marriage, which occurred on October 27, 1873, to Caroline Rekart, a daughter of Sigmund and Mary (Discher) Rekart, whose parents were also natives of Germany, and who immigrated to this country when Caroline was but a child. The father died some time ago and is survived by the wife and mother. To the union of Henry and Caroline ( Rekart) have been born nine children, August, of Jackson township, this county ; Otto B. ; Joseph, who runs a blacksmith shop, which he owns in Ft. Jennings, this county, and who is also an engineer by trade; Alex, who died at the age of fourteen; Jacob; Walter P. ; Grover H. ; Dora and Edward J., all of whom live with the parents, except as otherwise stated. The home place consists of one hundred and sixty acres of fine farming land and which Henry Calvelage purchased outright some years ago, with an idea of making it an ideal farm, and by his constant attention to it, and by well-directed management, has made himself worthy of the title, "successful man." A number of substantial improvements have been made to the place, including a modern barn and a commodious brick residence. Besides carrying on a general farming business, special attention is given to the raising of Polled Durham and Shorthorn cattle. In this line, Mr. Calvelage is very successful and finds that he can raise this class of stock at good profit.

Mr. and Mrs. Calvelage lead a rather quiet and unassuming life and are highly respected by all their neighbors and acquaintances for the honorable and praiseworthy lives they lead and for their strong moral convictions. Fraternally, Mr. Calvelage is a member of the Order of Eagles, Lodge No. 471, Delphos; he is an active supporter of the Democratic party, and has held the ofEce of township trustee for a number of years. Besides his farming interests, Mr. Calvelage takes a deep interest in financial matters and is one of the stockholders in the Commercial Bank of Delphos, Ohio. Personally, he is a man of pleasant manners, genial disposition, and is well liked by everyone in the community.

Pierce Davis

We who were born in America, have the path made so smooth for us that it is perhaps a little difficult to picture the pioneer struggles. Therefore, is the story of a young man interesting, in whom the desire for success is so strong that he can bid farewell to brothers and sisters, to friends and neighbors, and seek his way to an unknown land and a strange people.

So it was with Pierce Davis. He is surrounded by the family group of six brothers and sisters in the little town in Wales, waiting for the big and wonderful ship that is to take him to America, where, he is quite sure, there is life and fortune for all. Mr. Davis is now living in Putnam county and his present comfortable home and evident prosperity show, even to the practical mind, that dreams sometimes come true.

The fact that both of his parents were dead may have had something to do with the young adventurer leaving home, for from the time he was three years old, he was cared for by his father and. brothers and sisters, for his mother, Elizabeth (Williams) Davis, passed away at that time. The father, Pierce Davis, Sr., lived until his namesake was twenty- four years of age, the- latter having been born in 1842, and it was the year of his father's -death when this son came to America. This was in the spring of 1866. The .brothers and sisters, six in number, remained in Wales all of their lives.

Besides making the long journey from Wales, Mr. Davis has been somewhat of a traveler in the country of his adoption. Franklin county,. Ohio, first attracted his attention when he became a resident of the United States, and here he remained for about a year, working in Columbus. Then he migrated to Putnam county, buying fifty-five acres in Sugar Creek township. These he worked hard to develop and improve for six years, at the end! of which time his nomadic tastes, as well as the prospect of bettering himself, caused him to sell out and go to Kansas and Texas. He traveled about for some time in the agricultural districts, looking over the land with the intention of buying and making this section his future home. But like hundreds, of others who have left Ohio to find permanent residence in other localities,, he returned thoroughly contented to spend the remainder of his days in the Buckeye state. This explains the fact that one hundred and twenty acres of splendid farm land in the county, now under consideration are owned by Mr. Davis. Being of a progressive turn of mind, Mr. Davis has equipped hisvaluable property with modern improvements, including comfortable, wellplanned buildings, scientific ditching facilities and up-to-date tiling. Hispersonal equipment for these and similar activities is a common-school education which he received in Wales. Knowing the Welsh to be a thorough, painstaking people, it is safe to assume that the training he received in the country of his birth was the equivalent of a similar school period spent elsewhere.

Mr. Davis is an advocate of good roads and does not look to the township for assistance, but often has done the hauling and grading at his own expense.

It must not be supposed that all of these years comprised a solitary life for the man concerning whom this is written. Some time previous to 1873,. he met Anna Roberts, for it was in that year that he became her husband,, the marriage ceremony being performed in Putnam county. Like her husband, Mrs. Davis was born in Wales, in December, 1842, and had come to New York while still young. Later, she came West and lived in Columbus for a while, and then removed to Putnam county. Up to the time of her death, in August, 1897, Mrs. Davis was a prominent and well-beloved member of the Congregational church, and never tired of giving her time and her means toward the upbuilding of the church she loved.

Five children were born to Pierce and Anna (Roberts) Davis, and all' are. living, Evan P. lives in Rushmore; Walter, the second son, resides at home, and Avith his two younger brothers, Leonard A. and Edward, looks, after the farm interests, and Jennie also has remained with her father.

Mr. Davis, politically speaking, is a Republican. He seems to be content to allow others to hold offices, while he expresses his political convictions through the ballot, nevertheless his opinion is often sought by those who appreciate the fact that, although not in public office, here is a man with decided convictions which are worthy of respect and consideration.

All of the members of this family, it is interesting to note, have alwaysbeen affiliated with the church in which their mother worshipped. As the- Congregational denomination is not found to be a strong church in rural communities, especially in the West, this incident offers evidence of the fact that both Mr. and Mrs. Davis chose always to do their own thinking, whether in matters pertaining to politics or religion, or in the other concerns of life. It may be for this reason that their home in section 14, of Jennings township, was known for its genial family life, its hospitality and its wholesome idealism.

It is not necessary, therefore, to add that in the neighborhood which was the home of the Davis family for so many years, they stood out among their associates as a little group whose lives it was well to emulate?

Anton Hoehn

The free, out-of-door life of the farm has a decided tendency to foster and develop that independence of mind and self-reliance which characterizes, true manhood and no truer blessing can befall a boy than to be brought up in. close touch with nature in the healthful, life-inspiring labor of the fields. Anton Hoehn has followed his vocation as an agriculturist from his earlyyouth, and today, is regarded a success in this line by his fellow citizens. The community in which he lives is indebted to him for the good influence he has wielded and for his willingness to assist in every progressive movement that has for its goal the material advancement of mankind in general.

Anton Hoehn was born on February 7, 1861, in Monterey township, thiscounty, on his present farm. He is the son of Frank and Anna (Marschell) Hoehn. His father was born in Byrne, Germany, and came to this country when a very young man, first locating in the city of Cincinnati, where he worked for a number of years. It was in that city that he married Anna Marschell on April 30, 1849, and continued to reside there. In the year 1858' he decided to settle on a farm, then removed to Putnam county, where hepurcl'.ased a tract of land consisting of ninety-five acres, in Monterev town- ship, and which remained his homestead until the time of his death, July 27, 1903. In addition to farming, Frank Hoehn devoted a portion of his time to weaving, which trade he had learned, and which proved profitable to some extent. By the first marriage, there were born the following children : Mary K., on February 15, 1850, died on July 6, 1851; Johannes, August 22, 1851, died on August i, 1853; George, October i, 1853, deceased; Henry, September 27, 1855, died on March 15, 1863; Johannes Peter, February 3, 1858, on December 8, 1891 ; Anton, the subject of this review; Frank Joseph, February 8, 1863. The mother of these children died on February 6, 1865. Frank Hoehn was married, a second time, to Louisa Shoemaker, in Ottoville, -and to their union were born the following children : Peter, August 19, 1866, lives in the state of Michigan; Joseph O., March 8, 1868, died in April, 1873; Henry, March 8, 1873, who lives in Michigan. The mother of these children passed away on April 26, 1887, and the father, as before mentioned, on July 27, 1903.

In the public schools of Ottawa, Anton Hoehn received his early education and remained with his parents until about the time of his marriage, May 3, 1887, to Margaret Kulhameck, a daughter of Johan and Anna Kulhameck, who were natives of Germany and died in that country years ago. After his marriage, Mr. Hoehn continued to live on the homestead farm and has ever since resided there and from the death of his father, has added more land to the original purchase, until now the tract consists, of one hundred and twenty-four and forty-eight hundredths acres. On this place he has erected new buildings and otherwise improved it until now it is regarded as one of the best farms in this locality. In addition to general farming, Mr. Hoehn interests himself in the raising of high grade stock and it is said that he displays considerable judgment in the selection of his stock. To Anton and Margaret (Kulhameck) Hoehn have been born the following named children: William, on May 20, 1888, who graduated from the high school in Ottoville and later married Mary Lising. They live in Lima, Ohio; Joseph H., July 26, 1889, who graduated from the high school in Ottoville and now lives at home; Mary K., July 3, 1891, also a graduate of the same school; Frank O., October 6, 1892; Antoinette, July 22, 1895; Albert L., June 23, 1899; Lee A., January 13, 1901 ; Sylvester, December 5, 1904; Rudolph, January 10, 1906, and Gilbert J., March 5, 1909. All living with the parents, excepting

Mr. Hoehn has always been an ardent supporter of the Democratic party and for several years .has been a member of the local school board. He does aspire to public office, but lends his influence in all matters pertaining to the public welfare of the community in which he lives. Pie is deeply interested in subjects covering modern methods of farming and is always ready and willing to adopt any improved machinery which makes for greater efficiency on the farm. Personally, Anton Hoehn is a man well thought of by every one who knows him and his past honorable and upright career makes him a man worthy of the confidence of those with whom he comes in contact. The entire family are active members of the Catholic church in Ottoville, and to that church, they lend their support and contribute according to their ineans.

In the learned professions, success is the result of constant study and -consecutive research. In commercial life, one may come into possession of a lucrative business through inheritance or gift, but professional advancements are the result of intellectual discipline, thorough knowledge and the possession and utilization of the qualities and attributes essential to success. Dr. John F. Ockuly has made himself eminent in his chosen calling and stands today among the scholarly and enterprising physicians and surgeons of Putnam county, where he is held in the highest esteem and holds the respect and appreciation of all who know him.

Dr. John F. Ockuly, whose standing among the professional men of his county is undisputed, was born in Cleveland on July ii, 1874, and is the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Miller) Ockuly. The father was born in Rockport, Ohio, in April, 1849, ^^^ ^he mother was born in the state of New York on February 5, 1853. Their marriage occurred at Rockport, Ohio, in November, 1872, to which union were born: John F., the subject of this review; Peter A., who lives in Salina, Ohio; Mary, deceased; George J., who resides in Chicago Junction, Ohio. The father was an enterprising and successful carpenter contractor in his day and followed this business in the city of Cleveland until the time of his death, in the year 1882. The mother survived her husband and is residing in Salina at the present time.

Receiving his preparatory education in the public schools of the city of and OttoviUe and after finishing the various grades there, John F. Ockuly left for Cincinnati, where he entered the medical department of the University of Cincinnati and where he graduated with high honors in the year 1901. Immediately after his graduation, he began a search for a localion wherein the services of a physician would be in demand, and finally de- cided to settle in Ottoville, Putnam county, and this is where he began the practice of medicine and has continued to reside since leaving college.

On June 5, 1903, John F. Ockuly was married to Mary Miller, daughter of John J. and Margaret (Lauer) Miller, and to their' union have been born three sons, Eugene A., on August 9, 1904; Orville E., March 13, 1908, and Edward F., November 29, 19 14.

Doctor Ockuly is an active member of the Putnam County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. Being a man of conscientious scruples, gentle and kind in disposition, and thoroughly apprehensive of the sufferings of humanity, he has built up a large practice in this county and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.

Mr. Ockuly is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and affiliated with the Catholic church of Ottoville, where also his family are regular attendants. Doctor Ockuly is a true advocate of the principles of the Democratic party and, though not particularly active in politics, lends an influence that is felt throughout the community. Personally, he is a man whom it is a pleasure to meet and is well spoken of from all sides, and is one who makes friends easily and enjoys a marked popularity among his fellow men. Because of his high personal character and success, he is numbered among the most enterprising and progressive citizens of this community.

Joseph Schumacker

The young men are the hope of this country. Their fathers have done a noble work in clearing the wilderness, draining the soil and building passable roads to market. Their work must be carried forward by the present generation of young farmers, until this land is a golden garden, luxuriant with growing grain and teeming with the good things of the earth. The young farmers feel their responsibility, recognize their opportunity and they are now doing valiant service to carry on the noble work of their worthy forbears. Among the progressive young farmers of Putnam county who are fully alert to present-day opportunities, is Joseph Schumacker, of Monterey township.

Joseph Schumacker was born in Allen county, Ohio, near Landeck, in 187s. and is the son of John and Margaret (Schille) Schumacker. John Schumacker is a native of Putnam county, having been born near Glandorf on December 24, 1842. His wife, who, before her marriage, was Margaret Schille, was born in Allen county. They have had nine children, all of whom are living, Anna is the wife of Henry Puval; they live in Monterey township; Joseph, the second child, is the subject of this sketch; I^ena is the wife of L. Kramer, of Marion, Ohio; Susie is the wife of Anthony Janke; they live in Ottoville; John M., August 7, 1881, married Mary Martin, June 4, 1908, and they have three children, Albert, born on July 9, 1909; Marie, May 17, 1913; Lenhardt, October 4, 1914. John M. Schumacker is a farmer in Monterey township and owns a farm of about forty-three acres ; Frank, the sixth child, lives in Jackson township, Putnam county ; Henry lives near New Bavaria ; Mary is the wife of Dudley Carpenter ; they live in Cincinnati ; and Rosa is the wife of Clyde Ladon, and lives at McGuffy, Ohio.

John Schumacker, the father of Joseph, followed farming all his life and now lives with his children. He has been an industrious, hard-working man and has well earned the respect which comes to him in his old age.

Joseph Schumacker started in life without any financial assistance from relatives or friends. His first venture was in the saloon business, in which he was in partnership with Joseph Frey. He remained in this business for four months and, during this time, lost thirty-five dollars. He then went to work for Mrs. Joseph Frey, working about one year. Subsequently, he formed a partnership with Henry and Peter Frey and during this year he purchased forty acres of land south of Keiferville, in Putnam county. This partnership continued for about one year, at the end of which time there was a sale, and the farm implements and grain were sold. Mr. Schumacker then learned the carpenter trade and worked at it for two years. In the fall of 1904, Mr. Schumacker was married. Two years after his marriage, he purchased a twenty-acre farm adjoining his original forty acres and rented his father's farm. In 1908 he sold the sixty acres and purchased eighty acres in section 30, southeast of Ottoville. It is known as the Prairie View Stock Farm. Mr. Schumacker has been an extensive breeder of Belgian and Percheron horses. He now owns the following imported horses : "Mistigri Ragnies," registered number 4947, Belgium; mare, "J^anneton De Bossierre," Belgium, register number 1495 ; "Volligeur Du Kat," Belgium, register number 6024; and "Janvier," register American number 'J^6'j:^. Mr. Schumacker also owns a thoroughbred Belgium colt. He has improved his place by expensive drainage and has a good house and barn.

dren have been born, Salome, on April 21, 1906; Norbert, January 27, 1909,, and Albertha, September 22, 191 1. All of these children are at. home.

Mr. Schumacker is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Schumacker and the family are all members of the Catholic church. They are highly respected in. Monterey township and Mr. Schumacker is regarded as an enterprising selfmade young farmer, well deserving the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens.

David Rowlands

Perhaps some countries have given of their good citizens to this country to become the bone and sinew of the citizenship of this republic, but no country has given better citizens to the United States than Wales. Welshmenseem to be possessed of a peculiar spirit of thrift which is unlike that characterizing the people of any other cotmtry. It is tfue that success cannot be achieved, without unflagging industry, yet the futility of effort is often noticeable in the business world. Somehow the people of Wales and their descendants are able to combine industry and sound judgment and to get splendid success from this combination. Many men give their entire life to toil, yet never acquire a competence, but true Welshmen seem to be able to direct their efforts into fruitful channels. Mr. Rowlands is a man whose work has been supplemented by careful management and today he is numbered among- the most successful of the retired business men of Columbus Grove and vicinity.

David Rowlands, himself a native born American, was born on April 2, 1847, ^t Remsen, Oneida county. New York, the son of Roland T. and Susan (Lloyd) Rowlands, the former of whom was born in April, 1813, in Montgomeryshire, North Wales. He was the son of John Rowlands and wife.

Roland T. Rowlands came to America in the early forties, as a young man and was a pattern-maker by trade. He located at Utica, New York, where he remained about ten years, after which time he came to Columbus, Ohio, and there spent the balance of his life. After coming to this country he continued his trade of pattern-maker and was also an expert mechanic. He was also a splendid musician and possessed of an artistic temperament. He had a fine melodious voice and greatly enjoyed singing. Late in life, he joined the Presbyterian church and was a faithful member. He was a wellread man and was an exceptionally fine reader of the Welsh language. It is related that he made the first printing press for the Cnnarder, a Welsh maga- zine organized in the forties at Utica, New York. He died at Columbus,. Oliio, September 20, 1899, at the ripe age of eighty-six. His wife, Susan Lloyd, was born in the northern part of Wales, in Montgomeryshire, in 1818. She was the daughter of Richard Lloyd and wife, the former died in Wales and the latter came to America with her children, about 1840, locating at Utica, New York. It seerhs that the coming of Susan Lloyd to America was. flavored with a touch of romance. Her mother brought her to America to escape the ardent attention of David Rowland's father. He, however, was not to be outdone, and in a short tim_e he sailed for America and in due time presented himself in Utica with the natural result that he gained the hand of the fair young woman and she became his bride. After their marriage, they spent a few years in Cattaraugus county. New York, and then removed tO' Columbus, Ohio. Here, after a most beautiful and useful life, her days ended December 20, 1882. She was the mother of ten children, four of whom died in infancy. The others are : Ann, the widow of Louis Evans ; David, the subject of this sketch: Elizabeth, the wife of Patrick Nugent; Thomas, who married Theresa Schall; Ambrose, deceased; and Susan.

David Rowlands, the subject of this sketch, came as a child with his parents to Columbus, where he grew to manhood. Here he learned the carriagepainter trade and, at the age of thirty, moved to Columbus Grove, in Putnam county, where he purchased a carriage-painting shop. He conducted this business very successfully for fifteen years, at the end of which time he retired from business and has since been engaged in looking after his private and personal interests.

David Rowlands was married on August i, 1878, at the age of thirtyone to Marcella Devine, the daughter of Thomas and Eleanor (Reynolds) Devine. Mrs. Rowlands is a native of Columbus Grove and was born on December 14, 1862. She was graduated from the common and high schools at Columbus Grove. Her father, Thomas Devine, was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, born on April 17, 1826, and the son of James and Isabella (Carlin) Devine. Thomas Devine was a farmer and road contractor in Ireland and, after coming to America, at the age of twenty-one, worked for a time at odd jobs. He arrived in New Orleans in 1848, and subsequently, came up the river to Cincinnati and got a job on a railroad. He helped to construct the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad from Hamilton to Toledo and became foreman of construction. Later, he built several miles of the road under contract. He finally settled in Coumbus Grove and was given charge of a section of the road. In this capacity, he acted as agent for wood used for fuel on the road from Lima to Toledo. In this way, he became wealthy and at the time of his death owned four farms in Putnam and Allen counties, besides considerable other property. His wife, Eleanor Reynolds, was born on June 15, 1826, in County Roscommon, Ireland, and came to America with her widowed mother with six other children. They landed in 1829 in Toronto, Canada, and came on to Hamilton, Ohio. Her parents were Patrick and Mary (Burns) Reynolds, the former of whom died in Ireland and the latter in Hamilton, Ohio, about i860.

Thomas Devine and Eleanor Reynolds were married on February 16, 1851, at Hamilton, Ohio. To this union were born five children, Thomas, Jr.; James R. ; Isabella, the wife of Herman Hoffman; Thomas Charles; all -of whom are deceased, and Marcella, the wife of Mr. Rowlands.

Since attaining his majority, Mr. Rowlands has been a Republican and has been more or less active in times past in councils of his party. Mrs. Rowlands is a member of the Catholic church and a woman of rare culture and refinement. She is very prominent socially in Columbus Grove and vicinity, as are all the members of the Rowlands family. Mr. and Mrs. Rowlands have been the parents of one daughter, Eleanor Agnes, who is now the wife of Dr. Wiley D. Hickey, of Leipsic. Doctor Hickey and wife are the parents of one daughter, Dorothy.

Mr. Rowlands's splendid success in life has been founded upon sterling integrity, scrupulous business dealings and excellent judgment. These qualities have won him the universal confidence and esteem of the public.

Peter Schmitt

Any person who will investigate the facts in the case, will be surprised to learn the great number of people of Germanic nativity and descent now living in the United States. Unquestionably the greatest number of immigrants reaching the shores of the new world come from that nation. There is more Germanic blood in the United States than any other. This being a fact, it is easy to account for the prosperity and morality of this country. Not only that, but it affords an explanation for the love of learning shown by the people of that vast nation. Germany is famous, the world over, for its remarkable universities, for its educated men, for its poets and 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 are now a part of our wonderful nation - its progress in

Peter Schmitt, the son of John J. and Anna M. (Schlig) Schmitt, was born in Prussia on August 13, 1865. His parents came to the United States in 1868 and settled in Landeck, Allen county, where John J. Schmitt died in 1872. His wife, who before her marriage was Anna M. Schlig, lived there until 1883, when she married Frank Clementz, and then moved to Ottoville. John J. Schmitt learned the weaver trade in his native land and when he first came to the United States, followed this trade, in fact, he followed it almost all the time until his death. John J. and Anna M. Schmitt had four children, three of whom are living, Peter, the subject of this sketch; Mary, the wife of George Breckler, who lives near Defiance; Henry, who died at the age of thirty-two, and August, who lives in Ottoville. One child, Anthony Clementz, was born to the second marriage of Mrs. Schmitt.

Frank Clementz learned the stone mason trade in Alsace, Germany, and came to the United States in 1876, locating at Massillon, Ohio. He remained here until 1880, when he moved to Putnam county and settled on a farm in Monterey township. He followed farming and worked at his trade during the remainder of his life. He died in 1902, and his wife, the mother of Peter Schmitt, died on March 4, 1914.

Peter Schmitt was educated in the public schools of Landeck. He learned the mason trade with his step-father and when the latter retired from active life, in 1894, Peter Schmitt took up the work which his step-father had carried on. He has followed this trade in connection with contracting and building since that time. In 1910, Mr. Schmitt started a cement block factory and has manufactured cement blocks on a large scale since that time. He manufactures blocks for all purposes and he handles all kinds of building material, including cement, gravel and brick. His factory is located in the west end of Ottoville. Mr. Schmitt owns twenty acres of land.

Peter Schmitt was married on May 1894, to Louisa Perrin, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Harris) Perrin. Joseph Perrin was born in Franklin county, near Columbus, Ohio. His wife was born in Putnam county, where they were married. Eight children were born to them, three of whom are now deceased, Louisa, the wife of Mr. Schmitt; Louis, who lives in Oklahoma; William, who lives on the homestead in Monterey township; Henry, who lives in Ottoville, and Albert, who lives on the old homestead farm. The parents are both living in Monterey township.

all of whom are now living, Matilda, on March 25, 1895, who is the wife of Anthony Altenburger, of Ottoville; Joseph P., May 21, 1896, who is at home;. Gertrude, October 3, 1897, who is a graduate of the Ottoville high school and a telephone operator at Ottoville; Sylvester A., December 21, 1901, graduated and has just entered high school; Regina, March i, 1903; Marcella, September I, 1905; Bertha, December 11, 1909, and Ethel, born on December 4, 191 1, all of whom are at home.

Mr. Schmitt is a Democrat, but he has never held office and has never cared for office. The family are influential members of the Catholic church at Ottoville.

Henry Sehlhorst

The qualities which have made Henry Sehlhorst prominent and successful in the eyes of the community in which he lives, are no more than those possessed by others of indomitable courage, honesty of purpose and consecutive effort along well-defined lines which ultimately result in a satisfactory degree of success in life. Henry Sehlhorst began his career in a very humble manner and persevering with great determination and by honorable methods, has established for himself a reputation, standing for all that is honorable,, upright, industrious, economical and exemplary in his every-day life and conduct. For such a man it is quite proper that he be accorded a place among the representative citizens of the county in which he lives since his patience and steadfast integrity show what is in the power of each to accomplish.

Henry Sehlhorst was born on August 7, i860, in Glandorf, Ottawa township, Ohio, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth. (Hesslink) Sehlhorst. His father was a native of the Province of Oldenburg, Germany, where he lived with his parents until he grew to manhood and, at the age of twentytwo, he immigrated to America, settling first in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he followed his trade as a cooper in a large shop of that kind. He acquired a first-class knowledge of this trade in Holland before embarking to this country. While in Cincinnati, he met and married Denia Swafmann, who was also a native of Germany, and to them two children were born, Katherine, who married a Mr. Kline and now resides in Utica, New York, and Josephine, who died in 1902. Henry Sehlhorst remained in Cincinnati for quite a while and then decided to settle in Glandorf, in Putnam county, where he continued his trade, as a cooper, and about six months later, in the year 1857, he lost his wife by death. Two years after this he was married to Elizabeth

Kesslink, a daughter of Hiram and Catherine (Klupenhrosh) Hesslink, both natives of Germany, who came to America, settHng close to Glandorf, where EHzabeth was born on March 22, 1841. Hiram HessHnk was married twice in Germany, and by his first wife had two sons and three daughters. The second marriage resulted in the birth of two daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth. Mr. Hesslink first settled on a thirty-acre farm, where the town of Glandorf now stands, which he sold, and then bought eighty acres, which is located three miles west of Glandorf, where Elizabeth was born and grew to womanhood and was married.

Henry Sehlhorst, Sr., the father of Henry J., bought eighty acres of land between Ottawa and Leipsic, this county, which he rented out one onehalf shares for the purpose of grazing cattle, while he continued his trade as a cooper. He died of lung fever in 1867, about which time he was fortytwo years of age. His wife, Elizabeth, proved to be a great helpmeet to him and was ever a devoted wife and a loving mother. To them were born five children, Henry, Jr. ; John ; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Barney Ellerbrock and resides near Findlay ; William, who lives in Liberty township, near Leipsic, and Frank, who lives in Liberty township. Mrs. Elizabeth (Hesslink) Sehlhorst was married, a second time, on }ifay 30, 1868, to John Lammers, and they are living at Columbus Grove. To this last union were born the following children : Barney Lammers, living in Allen county, Ohio ; George Lammers, residing in Liberty township; Mary, who is now the wife of Frank Karcher, of Allen county, Ohio; Charley and Wesley (twins), who died in infancy; Josephine Karcher, who is now the wife of Jacob Karcher, of Union township; Eilemena Fisel, who is now the wife of Edward Fisel, of Pleasant township ; Anna, who married Mr. Basinger and is now deceased ; Katharine, who married Frank Krouse and is now deceased, and Jerome Lammers, who is married and lives on a farm in Liberty township.

Henry Sehlhorst, the subject of this review, was married on February I, 1883, to Mary Folmering, a daughter of Theodore and Bernadina (Sebineck) Folmering, the former a native of Germany, and the latter a native of Glandorf, Ohio. They are both living and reside on their farm in Liberty township, but lead a life of retirement from active farm work. They have a son, Henry, who manages the place for them and it is said that he does it with great credit. The old folks celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1910, on the home place. The father is now seventy-nine and the mother is sixty-nine years of age. To them were born six children, Mary ; William, who lives in Liberty township; Christena, who is now Mrs. Neese, of Liberty township; Catherine, now Mrs. Buttondick, of Liberty township; Henry, the manager of the home place, and EHzabeth, who is Mrs. Gerding, of Libertytownship. To Henry Sehlhorst and wife have been born eight children, Elizabeth, who married Barney Segar and lives in Pleasant township and who have two children, Edwin and Clara; John, who married Minnie Beckman and lives in Pleasant township ; Henry, who remains with his parents ; William, who married Laura Meyers, have one child, Victor, and live in Pleasant township; Catherine, who lives with her parents, also Frank, Josephine and Agnes, who are at home.

In boyhood Henry Sehlhorst spent his days under the parental roof, assisting his father around the place and, whenever possible, would hire out to neighbors. The money obtained for his work he would always bring home and his earnings were a great help to his parents in the early days. For some time he assisted his step-father in clearing a sixty-acre farm in Pleasant township. This required a great deal of ditching and draining before it was put in shape for farming, but, nevertheless, in less than two years, he purchased this tract of land from his step-father for the sum of two thousand dollars. It should be particularly noted that such a purchase must have been the result of great self-denial when it is considered that his services brought such small sums as fifty to seventy-five cents per day. Henry continued to get this land in good shape and erected thereon a log house and barn, which logs were cut from the heavy timber on the place, both the barn and house being lined with clapboards and made very comfortable. From this original sixty acres, he sold twenty oak trees, which brought the sum of forty-five dollars in those days. This was really the beginning of his success as a farmer and, by that close application and fixed determination to win, he began to acquire more land. Six years later he added to his holdings twenty acres and continued to add to the original tract until this farm assumed a total of three hundred sixty acres, being the result of close saving and the exercise of carefull management and unremitting attention to work. Most of the money he had made during the earlier days was from cutting timber and hauling cordwood to Columbus Grove. At the present time the greater portion of the land is cleared, but ten acres of timber is yet left standing. A fine residence was erected on the place and the necessary number of farm buildings for proper care of live stock, grain and machinery. Having had considerable experience in timber and knowing the value of such land at the present day, Mr. Sehlhorst invested in four hundred and eighty acres of virgin timber land in the state of Missouri, which he obtained for the sum of twenty-five dollars per acre.

All things considered, Henry Sehlhorst has been a decided snccess in his chosen line of endeavor, and besides, has devoted no small amount of his time toward furthering the interests of his community. He is a firm believer in the economical results to be obtained from the building of good roads and himself helped to have fourteen miles of stone road built in the township.

Personally, Mr. Sehlhorst is a man of pleasing disposition and, having the faculty of making and retaining friends, is regarded as a first-class "mixer" in the community. He is always a booster for the advancement of the welfare of the people and is looked upon as a peaceful man, yet a strong leader when it comes to asserting himself for that which is right and honest. He is an ardent advocate of the principles 6f Democracy and cast his first vote when Cleveland ran for the presidency for the first time. Though not an aspirant for public office, he served the people for five years as township trustee, 1 904- 1 909, and which office he filled with great efficiency and credit. He is a member of the Catholic church in Columbus Grove. Being one of the organizers of the church, he has contributed most liberally toward its support and takes an active part in church affairs, being regarded as one of the pillars of the institution.

Bernard Anthony Ruhe

Among the strong and influential citizens of Putnam count-y, Ohio, the record of whose lives have become an essential part of the history of this region, the gentleman whose name forms the caption for this sketch occupies a prominent place and for years has exerted a beneficial influence in the locality in which he resides. His chief characteristics are keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of purpose and motive and every-day common sense, which has enabled him not only to advance his own interests, but also largely contribute to the moral and material advancement of the community.

Bernard Anthony Ruhe was born in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, on February 28, 1857, and is the son of Joseph and Mary Anna (Whitkamp) Ruhe. His parents were both natives of Germany and were born in about the same locality in that country, where they grew up to maturity and were married. They immigrated to the United States in an early day and first settled on a forty-acre tract of land situated about three miles south of the town of Glandorf, and which land they purchased. The father was a life-long and successful farmer and kept adding to the original forty acres until he accumulated a total of one hundred and sixty acres. His first year in this county was occupied, in addition to farming, in assisting in building the Miami & Erie canal which was being constructed through this section, and he probably paid for his farm with his earnings from the labor expended on the canal. He died on December 28, 1879, at the age of sixty-seven years, after having lived a most useful and highly industrious life. He was highly regarded by every one who knew him and was particularly noted for his genial disposition and kindliness toward his fellow men. His life was one of true devotion to correct principles and his home. He was a liberal contributor, personally and financially, to worthy enterprises, and particularly to the church to which he belonged. Being one of the earliest settlers in this region, he was busy early and late clearing the land, suffered all the hardships of pioneer life and did everything in his power to make a good home for himself and family. In this he was successful in every sense of the word. His death occurred suddenly, while he was attending divine service and while in his seat in the Catholic church at Glandorf, of which he was a member. His funeral was the first to be held in the Catholic church at Glandorf. His wife survived him and died on the homestead farm during the month of September, 1896. To them were born the following named children : Barney, of Liberty township; Theresa (Mrs. Hinken), of Covington, Kentucky; Josephine, who was Mrs. Knueve, now deceased; Henry, who lives on the homestead farm; Catherine (Mrs. Wuort Koetter), who lives in Williams county, Ohio; Bernard, the subject of this review; Joseph and Theodore, both of whom died in infancy. Further information covering the parental history of the subject of this review may be found elsewhere in this work under the caption, Henry Ruhe.

Bernard A. Ruhe spent his early youth on his father's farm, attended the Glandorf schools, remaining with his parents until the age of twenty-three years, when, on November 24, 1881, he was married to Sophia Henke, of Van Wert county, who was a daughter of Christopher and Mary Angeline f Aubke) Henke, both of whom were natives of Germany.

Christopher Henke was born in the town of Osnabruck and came alone to the United States and first settled on a forty-acre farm west of Delphos, which place he purchased while in the employ of the company constructing the Miami & Erie canal, being built through this section at that time. At a later date he removed to Ottoville, this county, where he bought eighty acres and then continued to farm until the time of his death. He was alwa3^s a supporter of the Democratic ticket, but did not take an active interest in politics. He was a member of the Catholic church in Ottoville. His wife and Mary Angeline Aubke came to this country from Germany with her father,

Frederick Aubke, whose wife died when Mary Angehne Aubke was about twenty years of age. The father and daughter first settled in this country in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was engaged in teaching school in Luckland, near Cincinnati, in which profession he continued for about five years. Mary Angeline remained with her father for about two years and until the time of her marriage to Christopher Henke, when she went to Delphos to live on his farm. To their union were born the following children: Frederick, who died in infancy; Sophia, subject's wife; Henry, who lived near Chardon, Ohio, and died in 1913 ; Ehzabeth, died in 1880; Christian, died about the year 1872; Benjamin, and Fhilomenia (Mrs. Clayforn), now deceased.

After the marriage of Anthony Ruhe he came directly to his present farm, which then contained eighty acres and belonged to his father, but which Anthony subsecjuently bought. This place was then described as a hea\-ily-timbered and swampy piece of land, with the exception of seven or eight acres, but Mr. Ruhe began work on it in a most systematic manner and finally, after a complete method of drainage had been installed, the entire place fenced in, the necessary buildings erected, this farm is regarded as a leader in production for general farming and, in addition to tilling the soil, the owner makes a specialty of feeding large numbers of hogs and cattle. He is considered a splendid judge of live stock and takes pride in his possessions. The residence, which was constructed at considerable expense, is modern, commodious and comfortable. To B. Anthony and Sophia (Henke) Ruhe have been born five children, as follows : Frank, who married Elizabeth Kleman, of Liberty township, and who have three children, Alfred, Esther, Dorothy. They are engaged in farming; George, who married Frances Hovest and conducts- a farm across the road from his father's place. They have two children, Edna and Amos Joseph ; Theodore, who married Lucy Meyers, and farms in Palmer township, near Miller City. They have three children, Frank Elvin, Henry Irving and Elizabeth ; Otto Frederick and Philomena, both living with their parents, the former a graduate of the Ottawa (Ohio) Business College, where he received his diploma on March 31, 1907, having taken the general insurance course of instructions. Anthony Ruhe has been active all his life and is a stanch Democrat. He can always he relied upon to be on hand at the call of his party and lends his influence whenever needed. He held office as county commissioner from 1906 to 191 1, and has served as a member of the school board for many years, his interest being keen in educational affairs. During his service of two terms as commissioner he, at all times, insisted upon an economical expenditure of public funds. At no tim.e in the history of Putnam county did the taxpayers ever more nearly get value received for their money than they did while Mr. Ruhe was commissioner. His colleagues, while in this office, were David F. Owens, J. H. Rower, Jacob Bright and Jacob Best. He was a member of the building committee, and chairman of the committee on finance which raised the funds for the erection of the present beautiful and imposing court house in Ottawa, this county. Mr. Ruhe was secretary of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company for two years and assisted in its organization throughout the county and is still an active member of that association. He also served this community as township assessor for two terms, which office he filled with credit to himself and to the advancement of the material welfare of the community. He is a member of the St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf, to which his family are members also. He firmly believes in the articles of faith taught by his church and is a devout and regular attendant.

Ferdinand Heising

It is generally considered by those in the habit of superficial thinking that the history of so-called great men only is worthy of preservation and that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praises of the historian or the cheers of appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was never made. No man is great in all things. Many, by a lucky stroke, achieve lasting fame,, who before that, had no reputation beyond their immediate neighborhood. It is not the history of the lucky stroke which benefits humanity most, but the long, steady efforts which made the lucky stroke possible. It is the preliminary work, the methods which serve as a guide for the success of others. Among those men of Putnam county who have achieved success by a steady, persistent effort, is Ferdinand Heising, of Fort Jennings, in Jennings township, who is now living retired.

On January 21, 1853, Ferdinand Heising was born in Hanover, Germany. He is the son of Joseph and Agnes (Kleekamp) Heising, who came to the United States and to Putnam county in 1872, where they settled in Jennings township. Two children were born to them, both of whom are living, Ferdinand, the subject of this sketch, and Henry, who is a farmer of Jennings township. Joseph Heising was a laborer. He and his wife are both deceased.

Ferdinand Heising received a good education in Germany, which has helped him greatly since coming to this county. He has always been called upon to serve his township and his community in many ways. He has been clerk of the village of Ft. Jennings for the past twenty years and is alsotownship clerk, a position which he has held for fifteen years. He came to the United States and Putnam county in 1870 ,and engaged in the saw-mill business. He was in this business for thirty-four consecutive years, retiring about seven years ago.

On October 13, 1875, Mr. Heising was married'to Margaret Kramer, a daughter of Lawrence and Magdalena Kramer, both natives of Germany, who came to the United States and Putnam county in an early day. Lawrence Kramer was a farmer and both he and his wife are now deceased.

Eight children have been born to Ferdinand and Margaret (Kramer) Heising, seven of whom are still living, Mary, the wife of Joseph Runser, of Kingsley, Michigan; Frank, who lives at Grand Rapids, Ohio; Agnes, the wife of George Brenner, of Ft. Jennings; Christina, the wife of Alfred Best, of Delphos; Clara, who is at home; Mathias, who lives at Ft. Jennings; Joseph, who is a mechanic of Toledo; and Helen, who died at the age of thirteen.

Mrs. Ferdinand Heising passed away on April 15, 191 1. She was a devoted wife and loving mother and her death is keenly mourned by her husband and children.

Mr. Heising is a Democrat. He and his family are members of the Catholic church at Ft. Jennings and are prominent in the affairs of this church, contributing liberally to its support. Because of his splendid training for public service, Ferdinand Heising is a man who is very well known in Jennings township and he has always been regarded as a leader in this community. He has won a satisfactory measure of success by steady and persistent efforts and fairly merits the esteem and confidence imposed upon himby his fellow citizens.

William Tanner Mapel

It is an axiom demonstrated by all human experience that industry is the key to prosperity. Success comes not to him who idly waits for fortune's favors, but to the faithful toiler, whose persistent industry and sleepless vigilance takes advantage of every circumstance calculated to promote his interest. Such a man is the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this biographical review, a man well known and a highly esteemed citizen of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. William Tanner Mapel is a young farmer who has made a splendid success in a comparatively short period and this success he owes to faithfuhiess to duty and a strict adherence to a fixed purpose. These always do more to advance a man's interests than wealth or advantageous position. He is known as a young man of strictly honest business principles, industrious, pleasant arid agreeable.

William Tanner Mapel was born on May 13, 1887, at Columbus Grove, Putnam caunty, Ohio. He is the son of William Thrapp and Margaret (Tanner) Mapel. William Thrapp Mapel was born at Gilboa, Ohio, on August I, 1846, the son of Simon and Rachel (Thrapp) Mapel. William Mapel received his education during his early years at Gilboa, and, at the age of fourteen, was taken out of school and put to work in his father's store. Here he began the acquisition of that practical business education of which he made such good use all of his life. He continued to be thus employed until after the Civil War. William Mapel enlisted at the outbreak of the war, in the Seventy-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the famous Sherman's march from Atlanta to the sea. After his discharge, he returned home and again engaged in business with his father, coming with him and other members of the family, to Columbus Grove, March 10, 1868. He married Margaret Tanner, the daughter of William T. and Phoebe (Stump) Tanner. William T. Tanner was born near Coshocton, Ohio, on March 16, 1812, and came to Muskingum county, in 1835, at the age of twenty-three years. He married Phoebe Stump, the daughter of his employer, February 18, 1836. She was born on September 11, 1814, and died February 18, 1881. Her parents were Leonard and Phoebe Stump, who immigrated from Virginia in 1805, to Muskingum county, Ohio, settling near Irville. To William T. Tanner and wife were born eight children, James E., Mrs. Mary A. Springer, Martha, William, Oscar W., Mrs. Rachel A. Marshall, Mrs. Margaret Mapel and Mrs. Malinda Drake. W^illiam T. Tanner was a Democrat and cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren in 1836. He was county commissioner for seven years, infirmary director for six years and held various other township offices. He was a member of the board of directors at the time the new infirmary and court house were built. He was a member of Lafayette Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, for over forty years. After his wife's death, he was married, a second time, on April 11, 1882, to Mrs. Mary E. Tanner.