Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 8 of 33)

Mr. Alkire is a Republican. Mrs. Alkire is a member of the Christian church. Charles Fremont Alkire is a clean-cut, progressive farmer, coming from an old pioneer family. He enjoys the respect of his fellow citizens and his integrity has always been above question.

John Habegger

Putnam county, Ohio, enjoys a remarkable reputation on account of the high order of its citizenship, none of whom occupies a more enviable position in the esteem of his fellows than John Habegger, a successful farmer of Riley township, who has lived here practically all his life. A residence in Putnam county of sixty years has given his neighbors and the men with whom he has been associated a full opportunity to observe him in the various spheres of endeavor and activity in which he has been engaged. His present high standing is due solely to his honorable and upright career. As a leading citizen of Riley township and Putnam county, Mr. Harbegger is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character.

John Habegger was born on March 17, 1856, in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Steiner) Habegger. John Habegger, Sr.., was born in 181 1 in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, and came to America with his parents at the age of twenty-two or about 1833. They came direct to Putnam county, where they settled in' Riley township, on what is now known as the Fred Welty farm, about three miles east of Pandora. John Habegger, Sr., was married shortly after his arrival in this country to Elizabeth Steiner. She was a native of Switzerland and likewise came to America with her parents, making the voyage in about two months. Her parents settled in Putnam county, where she was married

John Habegger, Sr., lived for about two years on the place east of Pandora, and was employed during this time by some of the early settlers of this part of the county. In the meantime, he purchased forty acres of land two and one-half miles north of Pandora and moved to this farm This land was m the virgin forest and was covered with water during a part of the year. He first built a log cabin in the woods and cleared a little patch of ground. During the larger part of his younger married life he was compelled to continue his labors for other settlers on account of high waters

-on his farm. It was a good many years before this part of the country was ditched. It is related by Mr. Habegger's son that in those early days the pioneers were compelled to carry supplies to their farms on their backs. Some years later, Mr. Habegger bought a block of four hundred and eighty acres of land from the Hilty estate, adjoining his land on the south. This land he purchased with the understanding that his neighbors would help him out by taking a part of the same ofif his hands. They, however, did not fulfill their part of the agreement as he expected, and though he finally disposed of the greater part of this tract, it was at a greatly reduced price and he barely got out of it what he had paid for it. He managed to retain one hundred and twenty acres for his eldest son and twenty acres for himself. Subsequently, he managed to get his farm all cleared up and drained. He -built a substantial frame house and barn.

Mr. and Mrs. John Habegger, Sr., were the parents of nine children: Barbara, the wife of Nicholas Kaufifman; Christina, the wife of Christian JSFeuenschwander ; Isaac, who married Rebecca Shank; Anna, the wife of Samuel Kohl; Mary, who first married John Neuenschwander, and, after his death, Frank Pelzel; Catherine, the wife of Peter Nusbaum; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Smutz; Mary Ann became the wife of Joel Basinger, and John, the immediate subject of this sketch.

John Habegger, Sr., died about 1885, at the ripe old age of seventyfour years. One year later, his wife, who was born in 1812, died at the same age. They were both members of the Mennonite church and lived consistent Christian lives.

John Habegger, Jr., was born on the old homestead, and here spent .his childhood and youth, attending the district schools, and assisting his father with the work on the farm.

Mr. Habegger was married on December 28, 1876, at the age of twenty, to Angeline Reed, who was born in Blanchard township, in this county, about two miles west of Gilboa, on July 9, 1857. She is a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Parks) Reed, the former a son of John and Mary Reed, was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Muskingum county, Ohio, in an early day, where he met and married his wife, Elizabeth Parks, the daughter of Doctor Parks and wife. After his marriage in Muskingum county, he moved to Hancock county, Ohio, and after living here for about ten or twelve years, moved to Blanchard township, Putnam county, Ohio, where his daughter, Angeline, the wife of Mr. Habegger, was born. George and Elizabeth Reed were the parents of ten children, one of whom died at birth. The others were as follows: Margaret, the wife of Jacob Nicewander;

John, who marned Ada Crawfis; Mary, who became the wife of Nicholas Miller; Anna, who died in infancy; George, who first married Eliza Emmons and later Cynthia Henderson; Angeline, the wife of Mr Habegger- Sarah, the wife of Henry Kitchener; Isadore, the wife of John DeVore'' Herman, whose first wife was Ella Snyder.

After his marriage Mr. Habegger worked on the neighboring farms ior about a year, and then rented the home place, where he has lived ever' since. About two years after his father's death, Mr. Habegger bought the old home place from the other heirs, and it has remained in his possession since that date. John Habegger, Jr., has been a hard-working and industrious farmer, and by dint of energy has greatly improved the home place until today he has one of the nicest farms of its size in Riley township

Mr. and Mrs. Habegger have had two children, Clara Elizabeth bora on xMovember 14, 1877, is the wife of Curtis Franchauser, of Pandorl and they have two children, Amy Grace and John Laurel; Herman Otto', the younger child of Mr. and Mrs. Habegger, was born on August x., 880! and died on August 3, 1882.

Mn Habegger is a Democrat, but has never been active in the councils of his party, although he takes a worthy interest in public affairs He attends the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife's a membe:: Mr Habegger is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 509, at Pandora'^ He IS one of the most favorably known men m Riley township, a progressive farmer and a genial, good-natured, honorable citizen.

William W. Smith

. yhen a good man passes away, then do people mourn; his family, his friends, his fe low citizens, with whom he has labored for the common good bo.w their heads m grief. He is no more, yet his works go on and on. Ther;

The late William W. Smith, former editor and publisher of the Leipsic Free Press, was a son of John and Mary Jane (Boylan) Smith. John SnS was a son of Nimrod and Mary (Sauer) Smith, the ormer of whonrw a native of Pennsylvania, who settled in Stark county, Ohio, in an early day. Subsequently, he removed to Hancock county, where he died as the consequence of an accident. Nimrod Smith was one of the pioneers of his da)', fond of hunting and fishing. John Smith was born on November 19, 1826,. in Stark county, and was reared as a fanner. He was twice married, first on June 14, 1849, to Jane Boylan, who died on August 28, 185 1. To this union were born two children, namely: Maroa J., the wife of Irvin Blair, of Hubbard, Iowa, and William W., the immediate subject of this sketch. The second wife of John Smith was Susan Farver, to whom he was married on May 25, 1854. To this marriage seven children were born : Mary E., born on March 15, 1855, married David Hoskins, and died on September 5, 1880; Eugene F., born on February 28, 1857, and died on April 6, 1877;: Clarissa A., born on December 5, 1858, died on February 26, 1873; Benjamin M., born on March 27, 1862, died on September 25, 1863; Norris A., born on March 18, 1864, died on March 31, T877; Cora M., born on January- u, 1867, is the wife of Otto Hannan; Burton S., born on January 6, 1870, died on -March 29, 1877. Of this large family, only two children are living, Mrs. Cora Harmon, of Los Angeles, Cahfornia, and Mrs. Maroa Blair, of Hubbard, Iowa. The venerable John Smith, the father of these children, is still hale and hearty at the advanced age of eighty-eight.

William W. Smith was born on a farm in Blanchard township, Hancock county, Ohio, April 5, 1850. He moved to Putnam county with his parents in 1855, locating on a farm east of Gilboa.

Mr. Smith attended the country schools, and was such an earnest student that at the age of fifteen he was able to obtain a teachers certificate, and began teaching in 1865. With the exception of a few years spent in the Findlay high school, and at Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio, Mr. Smith, followed the occupation of a teacher until 1878. He came to Leipsic in i8'"o and was married on August 27, 1874, to Viola Baughman, the youngest daughter of Abraham Baughman and wife. Mr. Smith founded the Leipsic Free Press in 1878. His first paper was issued on September i ^, 1878. His whole life was devoted to this paper and its interests. Space was always given in aid to all good causes, and, with it as an instrument, Mr. Smith probably did more good than any other man in Leipsic. Pie was always on the right side of all local c|uestions, and the columns of the Free Press were ever open to discussion of topics for the good of the communitv. He \\as broad and sympathetic, quick to distinguish the right, and not slow to take a decided stand for it. His editorials were little sermons in themselves, and went forth to cheer many a weary soul upon his way to better Hving. His whole aim was to bring his paper and his print shop to the highest standard, and to this end he devoted every moment possible, and until just before his death, February i6, 19 12, he was in his editorial chair, guiding and directing his paper.

Mr. and Mrs. WilHam W. Smith were the parents of two sons, Clyde L. and George F. Clyde is now a practicing physician at Fremont, Ohio, and George F. succeeded his father as editor of the Leipsic Free Press.

Mr. Smith was an ardent Democrat, and took an active interest in the councils of his party. He was postmaster of Leipsic, at one time, filling this position to the entire satisfaction of the patrons. Mr. Smith was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, from the blue lodge to the thirtysecond degree, and next to his family and his work, he loved this fraternal order. He was affiliated with the Leipsic lodge, the encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also a member of the Leipsic lodge of Knights of Pythias. Mr. Smith was a devoted and earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the Sabbath always found him in his church pew, an attentive listener to the pastor.

It seems fitting to close this sketch with a tribute made to the late Mr. Smith at the time of his death : "Loving and generous even to a fault, there was nothing father could do that was not done. He was a dutiful husband, always considerate of every wish of his devoted wife and their two children. He is gone, but the loving deeds of husband and father will ever remain a sweet memory of one who has made the world better by living in it."

Christian A. Hart

Among the families of Putnam county, Ohio, whose members have worthily discharged their duties to their fellows and to their communities, no family takes higher rank than that of the Hart family. For many years the members of this family have stood for all that is best in business, educational, moral and social life, and have wielded an influence that is potential in the development and welfare of this county. Christian A. Hart is numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of Putnam county. Because of the prominence which the family has enjoyed and the close relation they have attained to the welfare and prosperity of the locality, hon-

Christian A. Hart was born on December 30, 1862, in Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio, the son of Samuel L. and Anna (Amstutz) Hart. Samuel L. Hart was born on January 13, 1840, the son of John S. Hart. John S. Hart was a native of Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in an day, settling in the southeast part of Pleasant township. Here Samuel L,. Hart was reared and, here also. Christian A. Hart was born. When Christian A. Hart was three years old, his mother died and he was taken care of by a paternal uncle, John, and his sister, Margaret. He continued in their care for about two years, or until Samuel L. Hart had been married a second time to Sarah Kaufman, when he was again taken care of by his father and foster mother. Christian A. Hart had a younger brother, John S., and an elder sister, Mary, who were children by the first marriage. After Samuel L. Hart was married the second time, he and his family moved one and one-fourth miles north of Pandora and here Christian A. Hart spent his childhood and youth. Here he attended the district schools and helped his father on the farm. He also helped to clear away the timber.

After finishing the district schools, he attended Otterbein College, where he took a normal course- of three terms. After that he again returned home and continued to help his father until he was married at the age of twenty-two.

Christian A. Hart was married on December 17, 1885, to Abbie Amanda Reeves, who was born just east of Pandora, October 4, i860, and who is the daughter of Finley and Elizabeth (Herron) Reeves. Finley Reeves was born in Tuscarawas county, June 6, 1820. His parents were both natives of Pennsylvania. Finley Reeves and family moved to Putnam county in 1859 and settled in Riley township on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres just east of Pandora. Here he lived until his death in June, 1891. His wife died on February 13, 1879. It was here that Mrs. Hart was born and reared and attended the public schools of Pandora. After leaving the common schools, she attended the Columbus Grove high school, and following this, took a special normal course at the Northern Ohio Normal University, at Ada. Upon finishing this course, she taught school for five years, or until her marriage in 1885.

After his marriage, Christian A. Hart purchased a farm one-half mile north of Pandora. This farm contained seventy-nine acres and here he and his wife lived for nine years. Mr. Hart then sold out and moved to Pandora, where he continued in the live stock business in which he had been engaged some time previously. He continued in this business seven or eight years and then devoted h.s attention to the farm and also to his scales at 'he stock yards, which he had been operating for about twenty-two years of w\ ?''' ^^^P"^^'-^^"- He attends the Methodist Episcopal church of which his wife IS a member. Christian A. Hart is one of the prominent well-known men of Pandora and Riley township, a progressive citizen and IZT. ht ref ^^"^^ ^" -^-'-'-^ -' ^'^ -^y "^'-^ - ^^e comlnt Reverting to Mr. Hart's father, Samuel L. Hart, it may be said that his father, John Hart, was born in 1809, in eastern Pennsylvania, the son o George and Mary Hart, also natives of Pennsylvania. Georg Hart came

850, at the age of seventy years. He owned a farm near Jeromesville, Ashfour daughters, John was the oldest child and spent his youth in Ashland

-re born, three of whom died in infancy, three sons and three daughters Samuel L., John S., and Margaret N. The last two children were born in

he was discharged. He was a very active man and it is related that during a contest among the soldiers who were trying to jump over a mule at the siege of Vicksburg, John Hart was the only man in the brigade able to accomplish the feat. He jumped over the mule to the great delight of his comrades.

After his discharge, he returned home, in 1863, and resumed farming, but three years later his wife died. John Hart was married again, in 1869, to Mrs. Jane (Bogart) Ward. To this union, one child, Jacob Hart, was born. About ten years later, his wife died and he was married a third time to a widow by the name of Minson, but there were no children by this union. After his last marriage, he moved to Columbus Grove, where he lived for a year or two and then moved to a farm two miles south of Columbus Grove. Two years later, he died at the age of seventy-seven years.

After Samuel Hart married, he farmed his father's place for five years. He married Anna Amstutz, February 19, 1861. She was the daughter of Christian and Anna (Burkholder) Amstutz, both pioneer settlers of Putnam The three children born to this marriage are : Mary Ann, Christian A. and John S. A little less than five years after his marriage, Mrs. Hart died, February i, 1866. Just prior to his wife's death, Mr. Hart moved to a farm one and one-half miles north of Pandora. Two or three days later, they were on a visit to the old home place when Samuel Hart's mother died, January 25, 1866, and six days later his wife died. Samuel Hart continued to farm the place north of Pandora, the children having been placed with relatives, and here he farmed for thirty years.

About fourteen months after his first wife's death, he was married to Sarah Kauffman, of Ashland county, Ohio, the daughter of Andrew Kauffman and wife. No children were born to this marriage. His second wife died in 1884 and three years later, on February 6, 1887, he was married, a third time, to Margaret V. Poe, who was born in Putnam county, July 27, 1858, and who was the "daughter of James and Nancy (Simpson) Poe. The former was a native of Hancock county and the latter of Putnam county. To this last marriage, one child, Alvin, was born. Fie resides on- the home place and a part of the tirrie at Ottawa.

As has been said heretofore, the Hart family has always been prominent in the community where they live. For several generations, they have been people of industrious habits, frugal, prudent and broadminded. They represent the best blood and sinew of Putnam county and are, therefore, worthy the esteem in which they are held.

David C. Steiner

Among the citizens of Putnam county, Ohio, who built up comfortable homes and provided themselves with valuable property, few have attained a greater degree of success than David C. Steiner, of Rilev township one of the most public-spirited citizens of the county. With many discouragements to overcome, he has achieved an exceptional success in life, and hasthe gratification of knowing that his community has been greatly benefited by his presence and his counsel. He is regarded as a good business man and a man who is possessed of sound judgment and foresight, who believes m pressing forward and in keeping the wheels of the car of civilization ever moving onward. He enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him and as a consequence of his business ability and his interest in public affairs' he IS regarded by all as one of the substantial and worthy citizens of Putnam county.

David C. Steiner was born in Riley township, September 16, 1860 the son of Christian and Magdalene (Lugibihl) Steiner. Christian Steiner'was born m Richland township, Allen county, Ohio, January 25, 1838 the son of Peter and Barbara (Schuhmacher) Steiner. Peter Steiner was born in Alsace, m 1810, and was the son of a farmer. He married Barbara Schuhmacher, a native of Basel, Switzerland, in 1835. She was born in 1811 Soon after their marriage they came to America, and were forty days in making the voyage across the ocean. They settled two and one-half miles west of Blufifton, in Richland township, Allen county. At that time the country was in a virgin state, being covered with timber. They passed through all of the pioneer experiences. He died at the age of sixty in 1870 and nineteen years later his wife died at the age of seventy-eight. The were the parents of four sons and seven daughters, three of whom still survive. The present living children are: Christian, Elizabeth and Peter P Christian Steiner, the father of David C. Steiner, spent his boyhood on the old homestead in Richland township, Allen county. Here he attended the typical log cabin school house as a boy and young man. He helped his father clear the land and also helped to make the brick with which to build their residence, which stands today. At the age of twenty-one, he was marr °" °Z ^^' ^^^^' '° Magdalene Lugibihl, who was born on December 23, 1840, in Riley township, Putnam county. She is the daughter of Christian and Barbara (Hilty) Lugibihl. Christian Lugibihl was born in Alsace, November 21, 1809, and as a child came with his parents to America and settled in Ohio. He was married, in 1838, to Barbara Hilty, who was born in Berne, Switzerland, April, 1814. After their marriage they removed to Riley township in Putnam county, settling two and one-half miles east of Pandora. Barbara (Hilty) Lugibihl died at the age of thirtyseven, in 1853. She was the mother of ten children. Her husband died two and one-half years later, in 1855. After his marriage. Christian Steiner located on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres one mile east of Pendleton on the Ridge road. Only a few acres of this farm were cleared and it had a one-roomed log cabin in which David C. Steiner was born. His father proceeded to clear the land and also engaged in the saw-mill business for several years, in conjunction with three neighbors. A part of this work was keeping the books for this enterprise. Christian Steiner has always been a very successful farmer and has always been an extensive feeder of cattle and hogs and, during recent years, has specialized in Polled Durham cattle. He is a Democrat, and served as district clerk and was a member of the school board for several years. He has acted as an administrator and executor of many estates. He is a member of the Grace Mennonite church, of which he has been a liberal supporter. When the St. John's was built, he was a member of the building committee. Mr. Steiner is a public-spirited citizen, of clean character and sterling integrity. He and his wife have been the parents of eleven children, six sons and five daughters,, David C, Samuel C, Susan, deceased; Gideon C, Elizabeth, Peter C, Elias, Barbara, Christian, Sarah, who died at the age of two years, and Mary.

David C. Steiner was born on the old homestead and there grew tomanhood. He attended the district schools and the Northwestern Ohia University, at Ada, for five terms, after which he taught school for five years. He was considered one the successful teachers in this township.

When Mr. Steiner was twenty-six years old, he was married on March 10, 1887, to Barbara Welty, who was born, on January 15, 1866, in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Frederick and Catherine (Steiner) Welty, the former a native of Berne, Switzerland, and the son of John and Christina (Gerber) Welty. Frederick WeUy came to America in 1856, at the age of twenty-five, with his parents, and settled in Richland township, Allen county. He was born on February 6, 1831. He was married on September 4, 1856, to Catherine Steiner, the daughter of John F. and Barbara (Habegger) Steiner, both of whom were natives of Switzerland. They came to America in an early day, when Catherine was. only two years old, and settled in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio.

After his marriage, David C. Steiner settled on the Markley farm of eighty acres, three miles east of Pandora, where he has lived ever since. He was always engaged in general farming and has been successful in this vocation.

Mr. and Mrs. David C. Steiner have eleven children, three of whom are deceased, Elma DeUa, the wife of Doctor Nicewander, of Bluffton, Ohio, who has one daughter, Eleanor; Lennis Gilbert, who married Hulda Schuhmacher and lives in Pandora; Hulda Viola, who died at the age of two years ; Homer Arthur, who died at the age of one year ; Frances Ellen, who died at the age of one month; Elvina Ruth, who is a student in high school; Sjisie Amelia, who is also a student in high school ; Edith Gertrude, Lillian Grace, Wilma Catherine and Marguerite Madeline, all of whom are students in the graded school.

Mr. Steiner is a Democrat. He is a member of the Grace Mennonite while his wife is affiliated with the Missionary church. David C. .Steiner is a clean-cut, progressive farmer and citizen. He owns a beautiful farm, on which he has erected a modern house. He is a man who is well respected and is possessed of high ideals, a worthy example to young men who are hesitating at the beginning of their careers as to what course they will follow.

Archie A. Slaybaugh

The whole career of Archie A. Slaybaugh, covering a little more than two score years, has been spent in Putnam county, Ohio. When only sixteen years of age, he began to teach school, and after two years' service as a teacher, he beg'an the study of law, and since his admission to the bar, in the fall of 1896, he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He has held various official positions and is now prosecuting attorney of Putnam county, a position to which he was elected in the fall of 1912.

Archie A. Slaybaugh, the son of Thomas C. and Emma J. (Miller) Slaybaugh, was born on, September 2, 1874, at West Leipsic, Putnam county, Ohio. Both of his parents were born in Pennsylvania, his father being a son of John Slaybaugh and wife, who came from Pennsylvania, to Shelby county, Ohio, early in its history. Emma J. Miller, the mother of Mr. Slaybaugh, came to Gilboa, in Putnam county, with her parents when she -was five years of age. Her father, David Miller, was a tanner for many

Thomas C. Slaybaugh was a soldier in Company B, Benton Cadets, a Missouri regiment, and was at the front for nearly three years. After the -expiration of his first term of enlistment, he re-enlisted in another company and served until the close of the war. He was twice married, his first wife dying in Shelby county a short time before he located in Putnam county, in 1872. There was one daughter, Mrs. Lizzie Henderson, , born to this first marriage, and she is now living in Rossford, Ohio, where her husband is the chief engineer of the Ford plate glass works. By his second marriage, with Emma J. Miller, there were born three children, A. A., of Leipsic; Mrs. Lola Rehfeldt, of Toledo, Ohio, and Wiley A., of Toledo. Thomas C. Slaybaugh was a carpenter by trade. Later he became a finished of D handles, and, in 1880, went to Edgerton, Ohio, where he worked for four years. He moved back to West Leipsic in 1884, and lived there until August, 1913. His wife died on September 30, 1909, and he is now living at Toledo with his daughter, Mrs. Rehfeldt.

Archie A. Slaybaugh was reared at West Leipsic and attended the normal school at that place when it was under the charge of L L. Harmon. When only sixteen years of age he secured a teacher's license and taught for two years in this county, teaching his first term at Miller City, in 1891. He began reading law with T. W. Prentiss, of Leipsic, in June, 1893, and in October, 1896, was admitted to the Putnam county bar. He has since been in the active practice of his profession at Leipsic. He is active in the councils of the Democratic party, and from 1900 to 1902, was mayor of Leipsic. He was solicitor of the village from 1902 to 1912, and on January I, 191 4, again took charge of the same office. He was a member of the board of education from January i, 1910, to January i, 1913, when he resigned to take his present office as prosecuting attorney of Putnam county, to which he had been elected in November of the preceding year. He is now discharging the duties of prosecuting attorney in a manner that shows he has a firm grasp of the law, as well as those qualities of good judgment and impartiality which should characterize the successful prosecutor.

after its close, where he spent the rest of his days. Mr. and Mrs. Slaybaugh have two children, Gordon Maxwell and Helen Louise. The family are members of the Church of Christ at Leipsic, while fraternally, Mr. Slaybaugh is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.

Thomas Jefferson Baker

A prosperous -farmer of Van Buren township, Putnam county, Ohio, is Thomas Jefferson Baker, where he has been a resident for many years. Mr. Baker has met with many discouragements in his life, yet despite the many obstacles which he has met along life's pathway, he has maintained a cheerful spirit. He has made several trips to California, where he has always succeeded in recouping his losses in Putnam county, in various ways. He and his wife have reared a family of children and have given them all excellent educations.

Thomas J. Baker, the son of George Adam and Margaret (Weeks) Baker, was born near Van Buren, Hancock county, Ohio, August 27, 1847. His father was born in 1822, in Fairfield county, Ohio, a son of Charles. Baker and wife. Charles Baker was a native of Ohio and moved from Fairfield to Hancock county in its early history and entered government land, on which he lived until his death. Charles Baker owned three hundred and sixty acres of land, at the time of his death, and each of his five children received sixty acres from their father's estate. Charles Baker and wife reared five children, Hannah, the wife of Samuel Koggy; George Adam, the father of Thomas J. Baker; Solomon, Betsy, the wife of Stevert Warner, and one daughter who died in infancy.

Charles Baker lost his first wife when the children were very young and he later married, but only lived nine months after his second marriage, leaving his children orphans. At that time, George Adam Baker was onljr nine years of age and he, and the rest of the children, were bound out until they should become of age. George went to live with a German family in Fairfield county, and in this way learned to speak German. Hewas taught the plasterer's trade and when a young man of nineteen, married Margaret Weeks, of Fairfield county. She was the daughter of Nathan and Barbara (Corfman) Wrecks, and was born in 1822, and died on September 5, 1913, at the age of ninety-one.

Hannah, who first married Cephus Gribble, and had five children, and after her first husband's death, married Willis Decker, and had one child by her second marriage; Solomon, who married Amanda Lehr, and had six children; Nathan, who married Fromy Miller; Thomas J., with whom this narrative deals; Almeda, the wife of Steward Skinner, and the mother of four children; Benjamin, who married Seena Busong, and has two children, one deceased; George, who married Mary Warner, and has five children; Mahssa, who married John OverhoU, and had two children, one dying in infancy; Elmira, deceased, who was the wife of Louis Roberts, deceased, and the mother of two children; Ella, the wife of Ernest Newman, and the mother of one child, who died in infancy; Clemmie, who married Kate Kisel, and has nine children ; William, deceased.

George Adam Baker moved back to Hancock county, after his marriage, and located on the old home place near Van Buren. He had sixty acres which he inherited from his father's estate, after which he bought the share of property belonging to his brother, Solomon, which gave him a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. On this he lived the remainder of his life, dying at the age of forty-seven, in 1869. He was a man highly esteemed in his community and was always concerned in every movement which promised to better the locality in which he lived.

and build a new home. He made the trip the third time and was again successful and returned with enough money to start in life anew under favorable circumstances, and he has since made his home on the farm, and, in addition to general farming, he has been very successful in raising fruit and poultry. He is an extensive poultry raiser and derives no small part of his income from the sale of this product.

A very interesting story is apropos at this point. It seems that when George Adam Baker, father of Thomas J., came to Ohio, that they had no chickens, so they bought a hen and chickens from a neighbor. When these chickens became large enough to crow, it seemed that they did not know how. An Irish friend explained that the reason why they did not crow, was because they did not know how. There were no other roosters in the neighborhood and the young cockerels had never heard one of their kind crow. The Irishman volunteered to teach them this art, and each morning he went out early, clapped his hands, hopped on top of a chicken coop and crowed. Strange as it may seem, the Irishman taught the young roosters how to crow, and thus the chicken industry started in the Baker family.

Mr. Baker married Jennie Walker, a daughter of Abraham and Mary Walker. She was born in Wood county, Ohio, July 25, 1851, and died April 1, 1908. Her parents were natives of New Jersey. To this union five children have been born, Nathan, who is a resident of Phoenix, Arizona; Alva A., who married Loua Eastman, and lives at Carmangay, Alberta, Canada; William B., who married Lulu Pendleton, farming the home farm; Ira E., who married Nona Pendleton, and makes his home in Cleveland, Ohio; Charles E., married Miss Alta Cinder.

Mr. Baker is a Democrat in politics, but has never been active in the councils of his party. He has taken a great interest in the education of his children, and has seen them all receive excellent training in the public and normal schools, as well as the universities of Ohio and Indiana. After graduating from the Leipsic high school, Alva later attended the Tri-State College at Angola, Indiana. Nathan was a student in the Ohio State University at Columbus. Ira graduated from the Ottawa Business College, while Charles E. is a graduate in music. Mrs. Baker was a member of the Evangelical church, while Mr. Baker is affiliated with the United Brethren denomination. Mr. Baker is a man of genial impulses, kindly disposition and highly esteemed in the neighborhood where he has made his home so many years.

Clement C. Rimer

Clement C. Rimer, for many years, has been closely identified with the history of Putnam county, Ohio. He is one of the brilliant young attorneys of Columbus Grove, and, throughout his life, has been active in behalf of all worthy public enterprises. He has already achieved a splendid measure of professional success, his years of conscientious work as a lawyer having brought him increasing practice and reputation. By a straightforward, honorable course, Mr. Rimer has built up a large and lucrative legal business. His life is a splendid example of what an American youth, endowed with common sense, energy and determination, can accomplish. He has achieved a splendid record at the bar at an age when most men are merely starting on their life work. He has been intensely methodical and unswervingly persistent in search of legal essentials. Success could not help crowning his efforts and attracting to him public recognition and appreciation.

Clement C. Rimer was born on December 12, 1874, about one mile southwest of Columbus Grove, Pleasant township. He is a son of James and Lucinda (Nichols) Rimer. James Rimer was born on April 13, 1845, about three-quarters of a mile northwest of Kalida, in Union township. He, in turn, is the son of Jeremiah R. and Lucinda (Sarber) Rimer.

It is an interesting fact that the first court held in Putnam county was held at the home of Abram Sarber, a great uncle of Clement C. Rimer. Here the organization was perfected for erecting the first Putnam county court house, at Kalida. Abram Sarber was also the first township clerk in Putnam county. A brother, Adam Sarber, was one of the three first township trustees in this county.

Jeremiah Rimer, the grandfather of Clement C. Rimer, was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, born on January 23, 1820. He was the son of Daniel and Catherine (Vandemarke) Rimer, the former of whom was born on September 11, 1789, in Pennsylvania, and the latter of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, born there on September 13, 1785. Jeremiah Rimer came to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1832, with his parents, who settled on a farm in Union township. He was a life-long farmer. Jeremiah was twice married, first to Lucinda Sarber, September 19, 1841. She was a native of Franklin county, Ohio, born there on November 25, 1819, and a daughter of Adam and Catherine (Ensden) Sarber. Her parents settled in Putnam county in 1834. Two children were born by this marriage, Catherine and James. His wife died on April 26, 1845, when her son James was only thirteen days old. Jeremiah Rimer was again married on November 5, 1846, to Ehza Jane, the daughter of James and MilHson (Watson) Cunningham. Seven children were born by this marriage, Albert was born on May 10, 1848, and served five months in the Civil War, in the One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; William was born on December 2, 1850; John M. was born on October 9, 1852; Minor D. was born on August 6, 1855; Lucinda J. was born on August 31, 1857; Thomas C. was born on May 8, i860, and Mary M. was born in January, 1867.

Shortly after his second marriage, Jeremiah came to Columbus Grove, Ohio, and lived here two years when he again moved to a farm in Sugar Creek township. He farmed this until 1876, when he sold it and purchased a forty-acre tract in Pleasant township, where he farmed for some time. Subsequently, he sold out and moved back to Columbus Grove, where he spent his remaining days. Jeremiah was a Democrat and, although not active, was called upon to serve as trustee of Sugar Creek township for two terms. He was also infirmary director for several years and a member of the school board. In his earlier days, he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Ottawa, Ohio. He was a deacon and active at the time of his death in the New School Baptist church. He died on February 2, 1894.

James Rimer, the father of Clement C, spent his boyhood days on the homestead farm in Sugar Creek township. He left home in 1864 to learn the carpenter trade at Columbus Grove. Aside from one year spent at his trade at Belle fontaine, Ohio, he has been actively engaged in his trade at Columbus Grove since that time. He was married on November 23, 1865, to Lucinda Nichols, daughter of Edward and Margaret (Erwin) Nichols. Edward Nichols was born in Licking County, Ohio, July 4, 1824, and was a life-long farmer. He came to Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, with his parents, when he was twelve years old. He died on May 3, 1863, at the age of thirty-nine. His wife, Margaret (Erwin) Nichols, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, February 17, 1818, and died on the homestead farm in Union township on October 2, 1893, at the age of seventyfive. Edward Nichols and wife had ten children: Mrs. Martha Holt, of Columbus Grove; Lucinda, who was born in Pleasant township, October 8, 1846, and who spent her childhood days in Union township; Joseph lives in Paulding county ; Mrs. Anna Best lives in Union township ; Amos also lives in Union township; Mrs. Hetty Martin lives at Dundee, Michigan; the seventh child died in infancy; Mrs. Jane Anderson lives at Marion, Indiana;

To Mr. and Mrs. James Rimer five children have been born. One died in infancy; Mrs. Louis Miller lives in Columbus Grove; Mrs. John Davis lives at Lima, Ohio; Clement C. is the subject of this sketch; Emory lives at Whitehouse, Ohio.

James Rimer is considered a master mechanic at his trade. He has erected many edifices in Putnam county which are still standing as an evidence of his good work. Previous to his coming to Columbus Grove in 1895, he farmed a small tract in Union township, but followed his present trade, likewise. He owns property in Columbus Grove and is still active as a carpenter. He is a member of Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 464, at Columbus Grove. He served six years as trustee of Union township, from 1889 to 1895. Foi" several years he was a school director and was for one term a member of the town council. He is not active in politics at this time. He is a member of the Presbyterian church where he is an active elder. For many years he was a trustee of the church, but' he has not been active for the past six years. All the family are Presbyterians.

Clement C. Rimer spent his boyhood days in Columbus Grove and on the homestead farm. He was educated in the township schools and in the Columbus Grove high school. He spent one year, 1892- 1893, ^^ Ada College and taught school in the township for three years after leaving Ada, attending the summer terms there while teaching. He began reading law under W. C. Tingle and completed the study in the law offices of S. Sanders, of Columbus Grove. Mr. Rimer was admitted to the bar in June, 1902, and immediately opened a law office at Columbus Grove, where he is now active and where he is one of the leading attorneys of the town. He became solicitor of the village, after passing the bar examination, and holds this, office at the present time. He was elected justice of the peace, at the age of twenty-one, and served six yars. He was also township clerk for about eight years and filled both offices with credit to himself and to the township and the town. He is now legal adviser to the school board and holds other important positions of responsibility.

Mr. Rimer was married on June 24, 1897, to Miss Ida Swanger, daughter of John and Leah (Kissell) Swanger. To this union three children have teen born, Gladys, Helen and Ruth, who are all at home.

Mr. Rimer has always been an active Democrat. He took a strenuous part during Bryan's first campaign, having been called upon to take the stump for that distinguished politician at the age of twenty-one years. He has been a vital factor in all the campaigns since that time and has always responded to his party's call, working hard for victory. He has stumped Putnam and other counties, having been sent out by the state committee. Mr. Rimer is a member of the Knights of Pythias, though not active at the present time. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church. Clement C. Rimer is a pleasing young man with a quiet, unassuming manner, frank in all his business dealings and a man well liked in the community for his tenacity of purpose and high ideals.

John Donaldson

Among the prosperous farmers of Putnam county who have built up comfortable homes and surrounded themselves with the comforts of life, none has attained a higher degree of success than John Donaldson, of Monroe township, Putnam county. With few opportunities, except what his own efforts and those of his wife were capable of mastering, and with many difficulties to overcome, he has made a success of life, and in so doing has earned the universal respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. He is a man of tireless energy and' strong courage, and a man whose career shows that he is an able and conscientious worker. As a citizen, he has been public-spirited and enterprising to an exceptional degree; as a friend and neighbor, he has combined those qualities of head and heart which have won confidence and commanded respect. His life is a splendid example of what an American youth, plentifully endowed with common sense and determination, can accomplish.

John Donaldson was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, August 20, 1850, the son of Aaron and Sarah A. (Swayze) Donaldson, the former of' whom was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 18 10, and the latter born in the same county, December 20, 1827. Aaron Donaldson was the son of John Donaldson, who was born in Maryland, in 1784, and who came with his father to Ohio, about 1805. John Donaldson married Mary Grubb, in 1809. He was a captain in the War of 18 12, a Democrat in politics, and, for twentyone years, a justice of the peace in his township. He died at the age of sixty-four years. His wife was born in 1790, and died at the age of eightytwo.

Lavina, Jacob, William and Henry. The children of Aaron and Sarah A. Donaldson were Owen, born on June 22, 1849, who lives at Dupont, Ohio; John, the subject of this sketch; Rosalie, born on October 4, 1852, married a Mr. Shiver and lives in Monroe township; Aaron, born on December 13, 1854, died in 1910; Jacob S., born on January 31, 1857, lives in Michigan;. Hester Ann, born on June 17, 1859, deceased; Ira, born on May 30, 1861,, who is a farmer in Monroe township; Asa, born on September 26, 1863, who lives in Continental, where he is a rural mail carrier and owns a farm in Monroe township; William, born on March 14, 1866, who lives on a farm in Greensburg township.

John Donaldson was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools of Ohio. Early in life, he learned the carpenter's trade, although he never devoted much time or attention to his skill in this direction, except toerect his own buildings and what assistance he gave the neighbors when needed.

Mr. Donaldson was married on October 27, 1872, to Mary A. Wood,, born on July i, 1850, in Perry county, Ohio, and the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Yarger) Wood. The parents of Mrs. Donaldson were married in Perry county, where Joseph Wood was a farmer. The Wood family removed to Putnam county in 1862, and became prominently identified witlt the agricultural interests of this section of the state of Ohio. Joseph Woodwas a Jacksonian Democrat.

Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. John Donaldson,, Chester H., a rural mail carrier, of Continental, Ohio, who married Belle McKibbens, and has three children, Madge, Beatrice and Ruth; Cora M., who married William Moorehead, a farmer of Monroe township, and has two children, Paul and Erma; Alma L., who married Delbert Rockey, a farmer of Monroe township, and has one child, Ray; Harvey C, a farmer of Monroe township, who married Gertrude Hall and has four children, Zola, deceased; Dathia, Walter and Gale; Lillie B., deceased; Mary A., whomarried Mallie Daub and has one daughter, Maxine; and Lester, who isdeceased.

Mr. Donaldson's father, Aaron Donaldson, died on September 24, 1880, and his mother, who was born on December 20, 1827, died in the sprino- of 191 1, at the age of eighty- four years.

John Donaldson has been identified with the agricultural interests of Monroe township for many years. He has lived upon the farm, which he now occupies, practically the entire time since his marriage. The farm originally comprised eighty acres, but Mr. Donaldson has added forty acres- more to this farm, four acres being consumed in railroad property. His son, Harvy C, now lives upon the farm of eighty acres, went in partnership Avith his father, and has built a new home, which is one of the finest in the township. Much of Mr. Donaldson's land has been cleared, drained and improved by his own efforts. He is a good farmer and bears an exceptional reputation throughout Monroe township, where he is so well known.

Mr. Donaldson was formerly a Democrat of the Jacksonian type, and has always taken an active interest in political matters. He has been a stanch of the Socialist party since 1900. Mr. Donaldson has attended the Christian church and contributes to the support of this church He was formerly a member of the Grange, but this organization is no longer in existence. Not only is John Donaldson a good farmer, but he is a man for his upright character. He is a lover of his home, a kind father irugal and saving m his habits, yet, progressive in all of his ideas

William N. Curtis

It IS a well-recognized fact that the most powerful influence in shaping and controlling public life is the press. It reaches a greater number of people than any other agency, and thus has always been, and, in the hands of persons competent to direct it, always will be a most important factor in molding public opinion and in shaping the destiny of the nation. The gentleman, to a brief review of whose life these lines are devoted, is commonly connected with the journalism of Putnam county, and at this time is the editor and publisher of the Kalida Record, at Kalida, Ohio, one of the most popular papers of Putnam county, comparing favorably with the best local newspapers m this section of the state in news, editorial ability and mechanical -execution.

William N. Curtis, the editor of the Kalida Record, was born on May Y' 'f^''"" ^' ?°y' New York. He is the son of Horace and Catherine (iaate) Curtis, both of whom are natives of New York state.

Horace Curtis was engaged in the lumber business at Le Roy with his brother Stephen, and established one of the first packing houses in New York state, in conjunction with the lumber industry. They also dealt exten sively m hides. Horace Curtis lived in Le Roy until his death. His widow still lives there with two daughters, Mildred and Beatrice.

the age of fifteen he was apprenticed as a prmter. After learning this trade, he worked at various places. He came to Kalida in 1910, and purchased the Kalida Record, which he has developed into one of the most substantial and authoritative weeklies in Putnam county. It is independent in politics and stands fearlessly for the best interests of the community. Its circulation has grown very much under the management of Mr. Curtis.

WilHam W. Curtis was married in December, 1892, to Daisy M. Tompkins, of Pavilion, New York. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Tompkins, of that place. W. H. Tompkins is a prominent farmer and merchant of Pavilion. To this happy marriage one child, Carl, has been born, in 1895. He has also learned the printer's trade and works for his father. He confines his attention to the reportorial end of the newspaper.

Mr. Curtis does a big job printing business and also does printing for many theatrical and show companies, which has earned for him the title of "Curtis, the Show Printer." Likewise Mr. Curtis is referred to as "Curtis, the Square Deal Printer."

Since coming to Putnam county, and establishing himself in business at Kalida, Mr. Curtis has built up an enviable reputation in this community. He is honored and respected by all of the citizens and thoroughly merits their esteem.

Harry L. Hoffman

Among the younger business men of Leipsic, is Harry L. Hoffman, the popular proprietor of a model drug store, who has a well-established reputation for integrity and square dealing, and who displays business acumen to a marked degree. He has already made a success of life, and the future promises to be very bright for this young man.

Mr. Hoffman was born on October 25, 1886, in Bluffton, Allen county, Ohio, and is the son of Thomas J. and Emma (Ludwig) Hoffman, who are the parents of the following seven children : Harry L., Mrs. Callie Crawfis, of Leipsic; Clara, at home; May, at home; Frank teaches school at Bradner, Ohio ; Clarence is a clerk in the Leipsic postoffice, and Charles lives at home.

A native of Burwick, Seneca county, Ohio, Thomas J. Hoffman was born on January 26, 1852, the son of George W. and Lydia (Anderson) Hoffman, the former of whom was born in Fredericktown, Maryland, in 1820, and died in 1894. The latter was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, and died in i860. George W. Hoffman came with his parents to Seneca county, Ohio, when he was eight years of age, and settled in Putnam county on January i, 1864. He was a farmer and fruit grower, who found success, as a result of hard work. His son, Thomas, was educated in the common schools of Leipsic and, in 1871, began clerking for S. Young, continuing so for nme years. Two more years he clerked and then entered the general msurance business, which he followed for about three years, at the same time selhng sewing machines. At the end of this period he entered the poultiy busmess and became manager of the West Leipsic Poultry Company, which position he retained for twelve years. During the last few years he has been engaged in the buying, selling, and shipping of poultry _ Thomas Hoffman is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and m politics, he IS an active Democrat, having been appointed a justice of the peace^a member of the school board, and presiding judge on the election board. He IS a progressive, enterprising man who holds an enviable position m his community. -

The mother of Harry L. Hoffman is a native of Bloomsbufg, Pennsylvania, and was born on September 12, 1857, the daughter of John Ludwig a native of Bluffton, Ohio. Emma Ludwig came to Bluffton when she was one year old. Her father was a successful farmer, and he died at the ripe age of eighty years at the home of his son-in-law, Thomas Hoffman

The boyhood days of Harry Hoffman were spent in Putnam county He graduated from the Leipsic high school in 1904, and in 1909 he graduated from the Ada College of Pharmacy. Mr. Hoffman passed the examination of the Ohio state board of pharmacy in 1910, and became a registered^pharmacist, after which time he traveled as salesman for one vear for the Toledo Pharmacal Company. Then he came to Leipsic and bought of

M ^'«"''" *' '*°'" ^"°^" ^' *^ D- S. Schweister stand. Mr. Hoffman carries a full line of drugs, stationery and sundries, and well deserves the liberal patronage which is accorded him.

Pythias affiliating with the Leipsic lodge. His college fraternity was Theta Nu Epsilon, and he belonged to the Omicon-Omicon chapter of Ada, Ohio. As do the others of his family, Mr. Hoffman belongs to the Methodist Evangelical church. With splendid ideals, an active and receptive mind, and with a full understanding of his business, Mr. Hoffman stands as a very creditable representative of the newer element in American business. Mr Hoffman s wmnmg personality has won him a host of friends, who fully appreciate the sterling virtues which are embodied in him.

William Borgelt

The gentleman of whom the biographer now writes is widely known and one of the honored citizens of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. For more than half a century he has lived in this county and has been a valued factor in the development of the same, and prominently identified with the various interests of his community. His well-directed energies, in the practical affairs of hfe, his capable management of his own business interests, and his sound judgment, have demonstrated what may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition, who, persevering often in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, proves that he is the possessor of those qualities which never fail to bring success, if properly directed. Mr. Borgelt is, in every respect, a representative citizen of Pleasant township.

William Borgelt was born on March 4, 1861, in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of William and Tracy (Slater) Borgelt. A complete parental history of Mr. Borgelt appears elsewhere in this volume in the life history of Herman Borgelt, a brother of William.

William Borgelt spent his boyhood days on the home farm in Ottawa township, Putnam county, just north of his present farm. He was educated in the public schools of this township and assisted his father on the farm until his marriage.

Mr. Borgelt was married in November, 1887, to Mary Nartker, the daughter of Ferdinand and Mary (Feltman) Nartker. To this happy union, two children, Fred and Albert, have been born, both of whom are at home.

Two years after Mr. Borgelt's marriage, he removed to his present farm. He first purchased twenty acres, all green and brush land. This land was cleared and ditched and many improvements were made upon it. Mr. Borgelt built his present residence and barn in 1905. He has a fine large barn and a modern home, all of which makes an ideal country place. Mr. Borgelt has added one hundred and eighty-five acres to his original twenty acres and is now farming two hundred and five acres, one hundred and twenty-five acres of which lies across the road in Union township. Eighty acres are in Pleasant township and here the buildings are situated.

Mr. Borgelt is a member of the Knights of Columbus, at Ottawa, Ohio. He is a member of the Glandorf Catholic church as is also his family. They are devout members of this church and contribute liberally to its support. Mr. Borgelt is a stanch Democrat, although he has never been active in the councils of his party and has never held office. He is a plain, ^ood-natured man, a lover of his home and family and a hard worker.

He takes a great interest in his farm and stands high in the community as a progressive and enterprising citizen. He belongs to the great Germanic race which has given so many substantial citizens to this country, and especially to Putnam county, Ohio. Mr. Borgelt is possessed of all the good traits of this great race.

Hiram M. Summers

Among those men of high personal attainment and exalted character who have reflected honor on Putnam county, and at the same time have attained a commendable position among "their fellow men is Hiram M Summers, a well-known lawyer and abstracter of Ottawa, Ohio. Hiram M Summers is a man, who, in every walk of life, has performed his full part' He has given his unreserved support to every movement in behalf of the welfare of the public and his daily life has been such as to earn the confidence and goodwill of his neighbors and fellow-townsmen. Mr. Summers has filled a large place in the ranks of active, energetic and public-spirited citizens of his day and generation.

Hiram M Summers was born on April 26, 1865, at Kalida. He is^ the son of William Patrick and Mary (Martin) Summers, referred to later m this sketch.

Hiram M. Summers grew up at Kalida, where he attended the normal schoo and where he received a splendid education. Subsequently, he tau^^ht school for nine years, eight years in Union township and one year at Continental, where he had charge of the schools. He next came to Ottawa the county seat of Putnam county, and was for a time employed as a salesman m a clothmg store. During this period he read law in the office of Krauss & Eastman and, on June 13, 1901, Mr. Summers was admitted to the Putnam county bar. Before that time, however, he made an abstract of titles of the real estate of Putnam county and engaged in this business in connection with the law. He has been in the real estate anc; h^x business and now practices law. He makes abstracts of title and has b.^ilt up a large and lucrative business in Putnam county especially. He hafbee^ for seven years a member of the school board of Ottawa and at tie present time IS vice-president of the same,

. On August 25^ 1889, Mr. Summers was married to Clara Matheney who was born at Kahda, and who is the daughter of Samuel and Adelia' (Rogers) Matheney. Mrs. Summers' parents became pioneer settler at

Kalida in an early day. Her father was a farmer and stock dealer at Kalida for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Summers have five children, Verner is at Akron where he is a bookkeeper. He married a Miss Austegen; Gladys was married on August 25, 1914, to Stewart S. Robinalt, a druggist of Ottawa; William lives at Ottawa. He graduated from Ottawa high school. and, subsequently, attended business college. He is employed in the drug store with his brother-in-law, Stewart S. Robinalt. Clara and Helen are. at home.

Mr. Summers is a Democrat. During all his life he has been influential in the councils of that party. He is a member of the county central committee and the county executive committee of his party, and was mayor of Ottawa for seven years, 1900 to 1907. Mr. Summers has also served in the Ottawa council and held other minor positions. He owns a considerable amount of farm land, a part of which is in Riley township and part . of which is in Hancock county. Mr. Summers is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He was the master of the Ottawa lodge for two years.

William Patrick Summers, the father of Hiram M., was born in County Clare, Ireland, and was the son of Thomas and Katherine (Cotter) Summers, the former a native of County Clare and the latter a native of Count}^ Limerick, born on April 5, 1824. He was a contractor. William Patrick Summers was educated in Ireland and was sent to school to learn Gaelic" which he mastered. He attended the private and also the great national school. At the age of fifteen, he ran away to sea and shipped from Limerick as an apprentice on the "Barbara Allen." He made a voyage in the Mediterranean and followed the sea for fourteen years, off and on. He visited almost every country on the globe. While in the Mediterranean sea. the ship upon which he was making the voyage, stuck in the sands on the coast of Greece and was rescued by a Turkish man of war. While in New York, in 1849, William Patrick Summers sailed for California by way of the Horn. They were six months in making the voyage. They landed in San Francisco late in the year 1849. He remained there for six years and, in 1852, went to Australia. He was engaged in mining gold in that country for four years, when he returned to Calif otnia. About this time he joined the Masons, at Mud Springs, California. After he had remained for some time in that state. He re-embarked and again sailed around the Horn, shipping as third officer of the vessel. On this trip he was injured. Finally, they landed at Norfolk, Virginia, when Mr. Summers went to Ireland and visited his old home. After remaining there for fifteen days, he returned to the United States, and settled in Sandusky city. He was married in Ireland and, on his return to America, his wife returned with him. They settled in Wyandotte county, and, after living there for some time, and also in Seneca county, they removed to Putnam county, settling in Kalida, where he became a ditch contractor.

William Patrick Summers was deputy sheriff of Putnam county for six years, postmaster of Kalida for four and one-half years, and township clerk for eight years. He was also street commissioner and constable. The children of William Patrick Summers and wife are as follow: Kate and John, who are deceased ; William, also deceased ; the others are Ellen, Hiram, Ann, Katherine and Margaret. John married Rose Clevenger. He died in Putnam county; Ellen married George Powell, who is a school teacher at Continental; Anna married Wes Claypool, of Kahda; Katherine married Frank Edelbrock and they lived in Jackson township; Margaret is principal the Gomer school; Michael, Thomas and John, brothers of William Patrick Summers, live at Delphos.

Mr. Summers is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and is past master of the blue lodge at Kalida. He was first master of the Masonic lodge at Continental.

Charles Eugene Wight

It is by no means easy to describe within a comparatively few words the career of a man who has been eminently active as a farmer and a business man. Biography finds its justification, nevertheless, in recording the salient points of such a life history. Charles Eugene Wight, the subject of this sketch, is not only one of the substantial and well-known farmers of Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, where he is one of the foremost men in the business life of this township. Mr. Wight is at present the president of the Farmers State and Savings Bank, at Continental, Ohio, an institution which was organized on January 2,0, 191 4. Mr. Wight is not -only president of the bank, but has also served as a director since the bank was organized.

Charles Eugene Wight was born on December 9, 1861, in Perry township. Wood county, Ohio. It is now known as Bloomdale. Mr. Wight is the son of Reuben and Altha (Reichard) Wight.

Charles E. Wight

relative of President Van Buren, and was also a native of New York state. They moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when that city was a mere hamlet and settled on a forty-acre tract of land, where the heart of the city is now situated. Reuben Wight died of cholera in 1830, during the plague of that year. Charles E. Wight's father, who was also Reuben Wight, was born in New York state, in April, 1828. He was reared a farmer, but also learned the carpenter's and painter's trades and followed them extensively. He was educated in the common schools and was a man of exceptional intelligence for his day.

Reuben Wight, Jr., was married in 1852, in Lorain county, Ohio, to Altha Reichard, who was born in New York state in May, 1828. They hved in Lorain county for two years, and then moved to Wood county, where they spent nine years, returning to Lorain county, where he had a sixty-acre tract of land, which he farmed. They lived there until the death of his wife, in 1894. Four children were born to this marriage, Alice, who died at an early age; WilHam H., Who lives at Glen Elder, Mitchell county, Kansas; Charles Eugene, the subject of this sketch; and Edward, who lives in New Mexico. Both parents of Charles E. Wight were active members of the Baptist church. Since the death of his wife, Reuben Wight has remarried and now lives retired in Lorain county, Ohio.

Charles E. Wight was married in Lorain county, March 12, 1884, to Emma Behner, who was born on July 10, 1866, at La Grange, Lorain county. She is the daughter of John and Lydia (Erasey) Behner. John Behner was married in Lorain county, Ohio, and later moved to Defiance county. He and his wife lived in different parts of Paulding and Putnam counties, Ohio. He at one time owned one-third interest in an extensive hoop, stave and bending company in Clinton, Illinois. He now lives at the home of Mr. Wight, and is retired. He has been a successful business man. He is a Prohibitionist. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She died in 1912. They had three children, Emma, the wife of Mr. Wight; Nellie married John Tingle; and Mrs. Ida Miller.

Charles E .Wight left Wood county, Ohio, with his parents at the age of two years, and moved to Lorain county. Here he grew up and was educated. He taught for two years and also farmed on his father's farm He was reared a farmer and remained on the farm until his marriage He attended the Western Reserve Normal College, where he took a normal course. He contmued to work on the farm until two years after his marriage, when he left his father to purchase a farm of forty acres in section ^o 36 ' in Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, in 1886, to which he moved. The land was heavily timbered and swampy and only six acres were cleared, Mr. Wight cleared, fenced and drained the land and erected buildings. He improved the land in other ways. By buying and selling, he has added tohis original purchase until he has increased it to two hundred and two and one-half acres, which are well located and comprise the best land in the county. Mr. Wight has farmed this land continuously, where he still has his residence.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wight have been born seven children, Susie, who was born on March 27, 1885; Alta, born on August 31, 1889; Florence, born on June 6, 1894; Harvey, born on August 23, 1898; Mark A., born on September 14, 1901 ; Carl, born on May 9, 1904; and Ruth Esther, .born on January 29, 1909. Susie was educated in the Continental (Ohio) schools and was graduated from the high school there. She is also a graduate of the School of Expression, at Ada, Ohio, and has taken a normal course at Lima, Ohio. She taught, school for seven years in Monroe township, and also in Palmer township, and in Harding county, Ohio. She is now the bookkeeper in the Farmers' State and Savings Bank, at Continental. Alta has taken a music course at Ada, Ohio, and lives at home. Florence married Frank Cleves, who is a farmer in Monroe county. Harvey was graduated from a short course of agriculture at the Ohio State University at Columbus. He is living at home. The remainder of the children also live at home.

Mr. Wight was one of the organizers of the Farmers' State and Savings Bank, at Continental. He was elected president at its organization, and re-elected to this office January 20, 191 5. He is also a director of the bank. He has been president of the Farmers' Mutual Telephone Company and was one of its organizers. At the last reorganization and incorporation of the telephone company, Mr. Wight was elected treasurer and director. He is a director of the Palmer Township Mutual Fire Insurance Association and has been a director of it for a number of years. He is president of, the Continental Horse Company, which office he has filled for a number of years. ^ Mr. Wight is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Hartsburg, Ohio. He has always taken an active interest in church work and was at one time class leader, steward and Sunday school superintendent. He is a trustee of the church at the present time. Mr. Wight and all the members of the family are identified with this church. Mr. Wight is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, at Continental, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at that place. He has passed all of the chairs twice in the latter lodge. Mr. Wight is independent in politics, has served as township trustee of Monroe township for two terms, but is not active at the present time. He has been connected with the school board of special district for about ten years.

Charles E. Wight is a progressive citizen and a successful farmer and business man. He is a liberal-minded and active in all civic improvements. He is a keen, far-sighted man and a good "mixer" and is popular throughout this section of Putnam county.

August Kahle

The subject of this sketch is one of those strong, self-reliant and determined characters who are occasionally met with and who are of such a distinct type as to seem to be born leaders of their fellow-men. Not that Mr. Kahle courts that distinction, for he is entirely unassuming, but his great force of character and his zeal and energy, in whatever he undertakes, naturally places him at the head of the crowd, and he has been a potent factor in the development of Putnam county, where he has long maintained his home and where he is well known to all classes for his honorable and industrial life, in both private and public.

The gentleman, whose name appears at the head of this review, was born in Riemsloh, Province of Hanover, Germany, March 2, 1851,' and is the son of Anton and Sophia (Dutting) Kahle, both natives of' Germany; the former was born in the town of Glandorf, the latter born in the town of Mille. Anton Kahle conducted a general store in the old country for the greater part of his life and died when August Kahle was a very young boy. To Mr. and Mrs. Anton Kahle were born seven children, August, Antonio, Clemens, deceased; Louisa, deceased; Charles, deceased, and two others who died in infancy. Of these children, August and Charles came to America in the year 1873 and, after landing in the city of New York, they decided to go to Cincinnati, where they remained a whde, then went to Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio. August returned to Cmcmnati and put in about four months' time there, then decided to go back to Glandorf, Ohio. On his return he remained in Glandorf and was employed by Frank Kahle, with whom he remained for six years After this, a partnership arrangement was made with Ignatius Kahle for the starting of a tile factory in Greensburg township, this county Subsequently, August bought out the interests of Ignatius Kahle, and con- tinued the manufacture of tile for about seven years. Believing his possibilities would be greater in farming for a living, he made a trade for one hundred and twenty acres of land situated in Union township, Putnam county, and upon which he erected a number of splendid and commodious farm buildings. To this residential farm, where he now makes his home, were added three hundred and twenty acres more, one hundred and sixty of which is located in Jackson and eight acres in Greensburg township. Believing, also, in town lot investments, Mr. Kahle is now the owner of six lots in the town of Kalida, located near the site of St. Michael's Catholic church.

August Kahle was married on April 28, 1885, to Magdalena Overmeyer, a daughter of Ferdinand and Dorothea (Wilberding) Overmeyer, natives of Germany, and where her father died. Mrs. Overmeyer, together with her son Arnold and Magdalena, came to this country and settled in Glandorf, Ohio, where Arnold became the husband of Mary Luhn, after which he engaged in the manufacturing of cigars, in Ottawa, Ohio. Arnold died about seventeen years ago, and the mother preceded him by about two years. To August Kahle and wife there were born the following named children: August, March 25, 1886; Ferdinand, April 30, 1887; Dorothea, July 16, 1888; Antonius, June 24, 1890, deceased; Leo, May 10, 1892; Magdalena, September 17, 1893; Anthony, March 22, 1895; Clemens, March 27, 1897; Louisa, February 15, 1899; Sophia (infant born), died 1901 ; Sophia and Antonio, twins, October 2, 1902; Mary, February 8, 1906, died in 191 1. Of these children, Ferdinand is married to Clementina Bensman ; they have one child, Rudolph, and reside in Jackson township ; Dorothea is married to Frank Knueve, and they live in Union township, having one child, Arnold; August, Jr.; Ferdinand and Dorothea attended the district schools in the neighborhood, while all the other children are now attending the parochial school belonging to St. Michael's church in Kalida, Ohio, and of which church the entire family are devout members.

Personally, Mr. Kahle is a man of broad sympathies and takes an abiding interest in the welfare of those about him, and because of his genial disposition and 'high character, he enjoys a large popularity in the community in which he has spent so many years. To Mrs. Kahle is due a word in aijpreciation of her devotion and solicitude for her husband and family at all times. She has proven herself a loyal wife and mother, and has even been a source of encouragement in all of her husband's undertakings, which have brought him to notice as a successful agriculturist.

Within the past quarter of a century there have been many veterinary colleges springing up over the United States and Canada. In this modern day, in practically every state in the Union, a veterinary surgeon must have a state board examination before he can practice his profession, and Ohio has as stringent qualifications as any state in the Union. The treatment of animal diseases has been placed on a scientific basis within the past few years, in such a way that the courses in veterinary colleges are as thorough and scientific in their nature as the courses in medical colleges. Liepsic, Ohio, has a veterinary surgeon in the person of Charles Wilfred Fogle, D. \ . S., who is a man of unusual attainments. Graduating with honors in a large class in 1907, he immediately came to Leipsic, where he has since been practicing his profession. He has already made a reputation for himself, which has extended far beyond the limits of his county.

Charles W. Fogle, D. V. S., the son of B. C. and Rebecca Fogle, was born at Williamsburg, Kansas, October 28, 1886. His father was born in Brookville, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, and his mother in Bedford county, in the same state. B. C. Fogle located in Kansas when a lad with his father, who entered government land there. However, they did not live long on the farm, but traded it for a store about three miles from the Sacs and Fox Indian Reservation. The father of D. C. Fogle did a large and flourishing business with the Indians and the town of Williamsburg was built up around his trading post. B. C. Fogle is now a hardware merchant in this place.

Doctor Fogle was reared in Williamsburg, Kansas, and graduated from the high school in that place in 1905. He at once went to Toronto, Canada, and entered the Ontario Veterinary College, where he remained until he graduated in the spring of 1907. There were one hundred and fifty-seven in his graduating class and he received a gold medal for the highest and best average in his final examination. This is an exceptional honor and one for which all of the best students strive, and shows, in a marked way, the ability of Doctor Fogle. After his graduation he decided to locate in Ohio and passed the Ohio state board examination with a high average. He at once located in Leipsic, where he has since made his home.

Doctor Fogle is a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, and is a member of the legislative committee of the association. He is also president of the Northwestern Ohio Veterinary Medical Associa- tion, secretary of the Northwestern Ohio Swine Breeders' Association and a member of the state board of veterinary examiners. He is president of the Leipsic Club, and has been a member of the Leipsic board of public affairs since 1908.

Doctor Fogle takes an active part in the affairs of the Republican party, and is a member of the central committee at the present time He is an active worker in the Masonic lodge and is the senior warden of the Leipsic blue lodge, high priest of the Ottawa chapter, a member of the Ottawa council and of the commandery at Findlay, Ohio. In addition to his Masonic connections, he is also a member of the Knights of Pythias Doctor l^ogle IS a young, unmarried man, a recognized authority on the diseases of animals and is sure to make a name for himself in the years to come

Joseph Gerdeman

One of the young farmers of Union township, Putnam county Ohio who, for several years, has taken an active part in farmers' institute work' IS Joseph J. Gerdeman, the owner of a splendid farm of eighty-six acres in Umon township. Since moving to his present farm, Mr. Gerdeman has erected substantial buildings.

Joseph J. Gerdeman was born in Ottawa township, Putnam county Ohio, December 25, 1875, and is a son of Mathias and Elizabeth (EUertw? J°^^Ph J- Gerdeman's paternal grandparents were Mathias Gerdeman and his wife, pioneers of Glandorf, Putnam county Ohio, who were natives of the province of Hanover, Germany. Mathias Gerdeman and wife were the parents of the following children: Mathias who was born in Germany; Henry, Joseph, Jasper, John and two daughters, whose names were Elizabeth and Catherine. Mathias Gerdeman and wife lived m Putnam county the rest of their lives. They were devout members of the Catholic church at Glandorf.

The maternal grandparents of Joseph J. Gerdeman also came from Germany and were early settlers in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio. Mathias Gerdeman came from Germany with his parents when he was three years of age and settled near Glandorf, Putnam county, on a'farm in Greensburg township. He attended the school at Glandorf, and was here married to Elizabeth Ellerbrock. After his marriage, he settled on a farm in Ottawa township. He learned the carpenter trade and devoted his at- tention to this and to agriculture for thirty years. He Uved on his farm in Ottawa township until his death, which occurred in 1908, while his wife died in 1906. Mathias Gerdeman, Jr., and wife were the parents of the following children: Frank H., Fred, Joseph J., Mary Anna and Theresa, all of whom- are living with the exception of Mary Anna. Frank H. married Margaret Leise, and lives in Findlay, Ohio ; Fred married Mary Kreinbrink, and Hves in Ottawa; Theresa became the wife of Joseph Herringhaus, and lives in Lima, Ohio; Anna married Andrew Ringlein, of Lima, Ohio. She died in August, 1914; Mary married Bernard Utrup, of Ottawa, where they still reside.

Joseph J. Gerdeman was educated in the district schools of Ottawa township, and lived on his father's farm until he was twenty-five years of age. He had been married three years previously, on May 31, 1898, to Katherine Steffen, a daughter of John and Mary (Kink) Stefifen, who lived on a farm near Glandorf. John Stefifen was a soldier, during the Civil War, serving with distinction throughout that struggle. He and his wife were parents of the following children: EUzabeth, Anna, Katherine, Amelia, Gertrude, Martha, Frank, George and Lawrence. Elizabeth became the wife of Barney Niese, and lives at Liberty township; Anna is the wife of Joseph Klass, a farmer of Liberty township; Amelia is unmarried; Gertrude is the wife of Mathias Winsinger, and they live in Henry county, Ohio; Martha became the wife of David Shaw, and they live in Hancock county, Ohio; Frank is unmarried. George married Catherine Meyers, and they live on the home place; Lawrence is unmarried.

After his marriage, Mr. Gerdeman lived for three years on his father's farm, when he moved to a farm in Union township, which consisted of eighty-six acres, and which he purchased. Here he erected substantial buildings, remodeled the house and made many other improvements and developed the land into a splendid farm.

Joseph J. Gerdeman and wife are the parents of the following children: Cornelius, born on March 25, 1899; Martha E., born on July 3, 1900 ; Edwin, born on February 8, 1903 ; Lawrence, born on June 28, 1904 ; Mary, born on April 6, 1908; Catherine L., born on July 21, 1910; Lucille, born on October 10, 1911; Paul, born on September 6, 1912, and Richard, born on January 12, 1914.

Mr. Gerdeman is a Democrat, while fraternally, he is a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio. The Gerdeman family are all devout members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida. Mr. Gerdeman is president of the Mutual Telephone Company, and served Union township a& trustee for six years.

Ebenezer Casteel

Among the farmers of Putnam county, Ohio, who have believed in twentieth-century methods, is Ebenezer Casteel, a retired farmer and business man, of Contmental, Putnam county, Ohio. Mr. Casteel comes from a splendid family and one that has always been strong for right living and industrious habits for education and morality-for all that contributes tothe welfare of the commonwealth. Such people are welcome in any community. They are empire-builders and, as such, have pushed the frontier of civilization westward and onward, leaving the green, wide-reachingwilderness and the ,far-stretching plains populous with contented people and beautiful with green fields. They have constituted that sterling horde which caused the great Bishop Whipple to write the memorable lines: "Westward the course of empire takes its way."

Ebenezer Casteel was born on July 4, 1838, in Licking county Ohio He is the son of Thomas and Salome (Livingston) Casteel, the former of whom was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, and came to Licking county when a young man, and here was married. Thomas Casteel was reared a farmer and educated m the township schools. After faming for a time in Licking county, he came to Putnam county in 1858, and settled on a farm of eighty acres in Liberty township. The land was wild and it was in the region north of the Black swamp. There were no roads and wolves could be seen frequently and heard most of the time. Mr. Casteel moved into a log cabm, abandoned by another family, and lived there for one vear whilehe cleared the land and built a house. He farmed this land untifhis death at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife, who, before her marriao-e' was Salome Livingston, was a native of Licking county, Ohio, where she was reared. She died in Putnam county on the homestead farm To Mr and Mrs. Thomas Casteel eleven children were born, Andrew, who lives in Liberty township; Jeremiah, who also lives in this township; Ebenezer the subjectof this sketch; Eleanor, deceased; Lorenzo, who lives in Van Buren township; Mrs. Amanda Crooscr, of Belmore, Ohio; Mrs. Julia Dillon wha lives in Liberty township: Thomas, of Behnore, Ohio; Elmira, deceased; John, who hves in Henry county, Ohio; and Mrs. Adehne Miley, of Milton City, Ohio. Thomas Casteel was a Democrat throughout his life.

Ebenezer Casteel left Licking county, Ohio, at the age of nineteen, and came to Putnam county with his parents in 1858. He remained with them on the old farm in Liberty township, helping them with the farm work until the first call for volunteers in the Civil War, in 186 1. He enlisted in Company D, Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, April 21,, 1 86 1, and served three months. He then returned to the farm and lived here until the western fever took hold of him, when he went West for about one year. He, subsequently, returned to the old home place andworked out by the month. He then married and moved to Belmore, Ohio, to live. Here he engaged in the operation of a general store, with Harrison Ensmmger. After one year, he traded his interest in the store for a strip of land in Van Buren township, Putnam county. He afterward traded this land for a farm near Belmore, and rented the same. In the meantime, Mr. Casteel was in partnership with the Speaker brothers, at Belmore, Ohio!- in conducting a general store, for two years. He afterward started a grocery store, adding dry goods and notions. He was in this store at Belmore for sixteen years, when he moved to Continental, Ohio, in 1890, and was in business in that town for twenty years. Mr. Casteel traded his stock of goods for a farm and retired in 1909. He has owned several farms which he has sold and traded off until he now has one hundred and ten acres of good farming land near Continental, Ohio. His wife was a milliner before her marriage, and conducted a millinery store in Continental for about two years. After moving to town, a daughter, Flora, took charge of the store and is now operating it. Mrs. Casteel also had a store at Belmore Ohio, for some time. Mr. Casteel built his present store, where his daughter has her shop in operation.

Mr. Casteel was married to Caroline Engle, a native of Logan county Ohio. To this union six children were born, two of whom are deceased' Those hving are, Flora, who is at home; Arthur, who is a railway mail clerk'- Mrs. Lola Wymer. of Continental, and Lulu, who is at home. Lola and Lula are twins.

Mr. Casteel is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has been for the past forty-eight years. He was a charter member of the lodge at Ottawa. He also belonged at Belmore and Continental. Throuohout h,s hfe, Mr. Ca.steel has been an active Democrat. He was treasurer of Belmore for a time and also assessor. He was treasurer of Continental for one year. However, Mr. Casteel is not active in politics at the present time. Mrs. Casteel and her daughters are members of the Lutheran church at Continental, Ohio.

Ebenezer Casteel is a man of excellent habits and a careful, conservative and frugal man, who believes in laying up for a rainy day. He is a good father and a loving husband, careful in his business dealings and has accumulated a snug fortune. He is well known as a free thinker.

Dr. Ethelbert Watterson

No other profession has accomplished during the last half-century the progress and development that has been made by the medical profession. The man of original thought and action, whose text books form but the basis of future work, has ever moved forward, taking the advantage of, and utilizing new discoveries in the sciences, and looking always for better methods, surer means to the desired end. Such a man is Dr. Ethelbert Watterson. In considering the character and career of this eminent member of the medical fraternity, the impartial observer will not only be disposed to rank him among the leading members of his profession in Putnam county, but also as one of those men of broad culture and mental ken, who have honored mankind in general. Throughout a long and busy life, replete with honor and success, he has been actuated by the highest motives, and to the practice of his profession he has brought rare skill and resource. His quick perception and almost intuitive judgment enable him to make a correct diagnosis, all that is necessary for proper treatment. He has always been a close student of the medical science, keeping in touch with the latest advances of investigators and discoverers, and has been uniformly successful in practice. Because of his high attainments and his exalted personal character, he is eminently entitled to inclusion in a work of this character.

Dr. Ethelbert Watterson, the well-known physician of Continental, Ohio, was born on September 16, 1869, in Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of John and Margaret (Harper) Watterson, the former of whom was born near Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The Watterson family is traceable from four brothers, of Scottish-Irish descent, who came from the Isle of Man, about 1750, and who settled at or near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From them are descended Henry Wat- terson, the journalist, of Louisville, and Bishop Watterson, of the Catholic church, of Columbus, Ohio. John Watterson was married in Pennsylvania to Margaret Harper, who was also born near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They came to Columbus, Ohio, about 1851, and were there when the state house was built. In 1853, they came to Putnam county and entered government land west of the Auglaize and near the line of Jackson township, in Jennings township. The government land at that time cost one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre. They settled in the woods in a log shanty and lived on deer meat and corn bread. Before they came here, John Watterson was a carpenter and cabinet maker, and the change was a hard life for him, but he cleared a little of the land, and then sold it, and bought land in Jackson township. About 1876, he purchased the farm in the forks of Hog Creek and the Auglaize river, and there he established his home, reared his family and lived until old age. He spent the rest of his days with his children.

John Watterson was a farmer, but his main business was the carpenter's trade. He was a builder, and built a number of the school houses in Jackson township, and also in Jennings township. He was an apprentice to a cabinet maker at the age of nine years, and was an expert in all lines of work. He died before his eighty-fifth birthday.