Putnam County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 9 of 33)

John Watterson was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, November 11, 1819, and was the son of Samuel and Lydia (Weeks) Watterson. Samuel Watterson was one of the four brothers heretofore referred to. He came to America at the age of sixteen, and grew to manhood in Chester county, Pennsylvania. He married Lydia Weeks in 1798, and they had five children, James, Mrs. Margaret Bromer, Ehza, Samuel and John. Samuel Watterson lived on his farm in Chester county, until in 1832, when he moved to Philadelphia and spent his declining years with a daughter. John Watterson, the father of Ethelbert Watterson, removed from Chester county to Columbia, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1847, and there worked five years in a machine shop. He was married to Margaret Harper, April 30, 1847. She was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1823. Her parents were Alexander and Margaret (Rigg) Harper, the former of whom was a native of Ireland, and a tanner by trade. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania. During the war of 1812, Samuel Watterson and Alexander Harper refused to forswear their allegiance to the King of England, and to become naturalized citizens of the United States. They -were sent to the interior of the state by the military authorities.

John and Margaret (Harper) Watterson had nine children as follow Rachel Ann, deceased; James Alexander, born on October 30 1850 deceased; Samuel, born on October 2, 1853, deceased; William Harper, borr^ on April 9, 1855, deceased; Clara J., born on December 30, 1856 married Wallace Vail, of Kalida, Ohio; George Owens, born on March 30 1859 lives m Kalida; Dr. John Davis, who lives at Kalida; Charles Sherman' born on May 6, 1865, deceased, and Dr. Ethelbert, born on September 16^ 1869, is the subject of this sketch.

Mrs. Margaret (Harper) Watterson died on November 27 1894 She was a devout member of the Presbyterian church. Politically' John Watterson was a Democrat. He held several local offices, among which were those of justice of the peace, six years; township treasurer, several terms and township trustee for several years. Fraternally, he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 80, at Columbus Ohio

Dr. Ethelbert Watterson, the subject of this sketch, grew up on the farm. He was educated in the public schools in Putnam county and subsequently attended the Tri-State Normal College, at Angola, Indiana. On September 16. before his sixteenth birthday, he began teaching at the Antioch school, three miles north of Ottoville. For twelve years he was a teacher three years at Antioch; three years at the Gott school, near Kalida- three years at Vaughnsville, and three years in West Leipsic

In the spring of 1898, Doctor Watterson made a canvass for county auditor, and m the fall of 1898, entered the Ohio State Medical University at Columbus, graduating in April, 1902. He then located in Continental and began practicing his profession, which he has continued ever since ' ^Doctor Watterson was married in 1893, to Rose Gander, who was born m Sugar Creek township, and who is the daughter of John and Susan Garner) Gander. John Gander is descended from one of the early pioneer famdies m the southern part of Putnam county. His family settled south of Vaughnsville, not far from Gomer. in Allen county, but removed across the line mto Putnam county, before John Gander was married. The Gander family came from Virginia in an early day, and settled between Vaughnsvile and Columbus Grove. John Gander liyed in Columbus Grove a part

Doctor Watterson and wife had three children, Lelah Margaret, Flor- Mary and John Gaylen. Margaret is now a junior in Ohio State University. Florence graduated from the Continental high school and is now a student in the normal school. Mrs. Watterson died in 1913. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the Eastern Star Lodge, the Twentieth Century Club, and also the Pythian Sisters. She was especially active in the Methodist church, living close to its teachings, a good wife who loved her children and reared them with a mother's devotion. Naturally, Doctor Watterson is a Democrat. He is active in the councils of his party. For ten years he has been on the school board of Continental, and is now president of the board. He was twice elected to the city council, but resigned during his second term. Doctor Watterson owns a home in Continental, and is thoroughly identified with all the civic, political and religious activities of the town. He belongs to the Methodist church, and is chairman of the board of stewards. He is a member of the Knights Templar, blue lodge, at Continental, chapter and council at Ottawa, and the Knights Templar at Defiance. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He has been a Mason since he was twenty-one years old, having handed in his application before he was of age.

Joseph A. Unverferth

Putnam county has long been noted for its splendid type of farmers. In the early settlement of this part of Ohio, many Germans came and, with their native thrift and industry, soon prospered and today their -descendants form the bulwark of Putnam county's citizenship. Among the many well-known Germans descended from the early German pioneers, is Joseph Unverferth.

Joseph Unverferth was born in Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, March 11, 1869. He is the son of Anthony and Theresa (Tenwealde) Unverferth, who were well-known residents of Glandorf.

Anthony Unverferth, the father of Joseph Unverferth, when two and one-half years of age, was brought to this country by his parents from Hanover, Germany. They settled in Glandorf, Putnam county, which had been settled some years before by the renowned Father Horstman and a band of German colonists. The Unverferth family here settled on a farm and, amid the splendid surroundings of this little community. Anthony

Unverferth grew up. His early life was spent on his father's farm and his education was secured in the primitive school of that day. He married Theresa Tenwealde, the daughter of Henry Tenwealde and wife, of Glandorf and to this union were born the following children: Henry, deceased;

71' ^7^' ''^' ^""^ ^"^ ^'-^"'^- Of these, Henry marned Anna Klemen and lives in Greensburg township; Mary married George Klemen and hves m Pleasant township; Theresa married Barney Klemen- Anna married Frank Hohenbrink; Frank married Mary Vogef; the last' three families now reside in Greensburg township ' ^ '

Joseph Unverferth, the subject of this speech, was educated in Greensurg township and during the early years of his life worked on his fat^er^ farm. On May 31, 1892, he was married to Elizabeth Meyer a daughter o Gerhard and Elizabeth (Dickman) Meyer, both of whom ;ere nateT of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer were married in Glandorf, Putnim ounty and to them were born the following children: Mary, iatherir John, Theresa, Henry, Caroline, Joseph and Elizabeth. Of ^hese Mary married Frank Deters and resides in Henry county; Catherine marrierw Jerwers and lives m New Cleveland; John married Catherine Smith who died, and later he married Catherine Hark and now lives in Ottawa' The resa married William Annesser and hves in Canada; Caroline married Jodokus Schmitz and lives in Pleasant township; Joseph married Ma y Brinkman and lives in Union township. ^

After his marriage, Mr. Unverferth first rented a farm and lived in Pleasant township for three years before coming to his present farm He moved to the farm he now occupies in Union township in 1902, which he and his ather owned in low bottoms. It consists of one hundred and sixl acres which Mr. Unverferth, with the appliance of modern agricul ura^

Mr. Unverferth is known and admired for his untiring industry and is an exponent of advanced ideas in farming. He has one of the best equipped farms in the county in modern farm machinery. His tractor and other outfits, including a gang plow, are in great demand among the other farmers and he has at various times devoted some attention to public contract work. Mr. Unverferth is engaged in general farming and also raises full-blooded Shorthorn cattle.

The Unverferth family are members of St. Michael's Catholic churck at Kalida, and have always been conspicuously identified with all its good work and are highly regarded in the social sphere of this community.

David Henry Renshaw

A successful farmer of \'an Buren township, Putnam county, Ohio, where he has made his home since 1865, is David Henry Renshaw, who has devoted his whole life to agricultural pursuits. He has led a quiet and uneventful life on the farm and has never cared to take an active part in the life of his community.

David H. Renshaw, -the son of Thomas and Maria (Young) Renshaw, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 4, 1861. His father was born in the same county. May 10, 1833, a son of Reverend David and Eliza (Armstrong) Renshaw. David Renshaw was born in Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in the early history of the state and was married, in Ohio, to Eliza. Armstrong. David Renshaw was a farmer and a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. He and his wife, Eliza, reared a family of eight children, Thomas, John, Samuel, Mary, Serepta, Sarah, Frank and Ransome.

Thomas Renshaw attended the common schools of Fairfield county, and helped his father on the home place, until he was married at the age of twenty- five. He married Maria Young on March 28, 1858. She was a daughter of Henry and Nancy Young, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively. Henry Young and wife were the parents of a large family of children, James, Hester, Rachel, Rebecca, William, Nicholas,. Charles, Maria, Serenia, Sarah, Rhoda, Lorain and Keziah. Of these children, Charles died in infancy.

father. This place he cleared and lived on until his death, December 17, 1913. Four children were born to Thomas and Maria (Young) Renshaw, David and Byron, who are living on the old home farm; Kate, who married John Welch, of Wood county, and has eight children, Sylvia, Harley, Leslie, .Lewis, Emmett, Lawrence, Myrtle and Glee; William T., of Clyde, Ohio, who married Louise Barrack, and has two children, Grace and Bergan.

David H. Renshaw has never married, and he and his brother, Byron, who was born on September 20, 1870, are now managing the old home farm, where they were reared. The brothers are Republicans, but neither of -them has ever been active in its councils. They are good citizens and progressive farmers and have a large circle of friends and acquaintances -throughout the township.

Harry C. Parrett

The gentleman to a brief review of whose life the reader's attention IS herewith directed, is among the foremost business men of Continental, JPutnam county, Ohio. By his enterprise, industry, management and progressive methods, he has assisted materially in the industrial and commercial advancement of this community. Mr. Parrett is possessed of rather ex- 'ceptional executive and business ability. He is numbered among the foremost citizens, of Continental, and is honored and respected by all of his neighbors for his many good qualities.

Harry C. Parrett was born on September 8, 1878, in Columbus Grove, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Samuel R. and Linda (McKibben) Parrett, the former of whom was born on July 4, 1854, in Fayette county, Ohio, and was the son of John S. and Angelina (Fifer) Parrett. John S. Parrett was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, where his wife was native born. He grew to manhood in Virginia and came to Fayette county, 'Ohio, in 1852, locating on a farm in Fayette county. Outside of two years spent in Illinois, he lived in Fayette county until 1865, when he moved to Powell creek, in Monroe township. Here he farmed until his death, in 1908. His wife died four years previously, in 1904.

Samuel R. Parrett was eleven years old when he came to Monroe township with his parents. He remained on the home farm until his marriage, in 1877, to Linda McKibben, a native of Athens county, Ohio, born in 1855, and the daughter of Samuel and Anna (Farrabee) McKibben.

-Samuel McKibben was a native of Ohio, whose father, Joseph McKibben, was a native of North Ireland, who came to Ohio in pioneer times. After his marriage, Samuel Parrett located in Monroe township, and farmed here on sixty-four acres of land. With the exception of one year spent in Columbus Grove, he has always lived in Monroe township. He is stiU an active farmer. Samuel and Linda Parrett had one son, Harry C, the subject of this sketch. Samuel Parrett is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Continental, and at one time was trustee of the township. He served many years as a member of the school board and held other minor offices. He is a Democrat; is a member of the Zion Christian church, where his wife is also a worshiper. Mr. Parrett has held minor offices in this church and was treasurer for many years.

Harry C. Parrett grew to manhood on the home place and was reared -as a farmer. He was educated in the township schools and taught school for a period of five years in Monroe township.

Mr. Parrett was married on October 5, 1902, to Myrtle Wistei-man, a daughter of David and Leander (Brower) Wisterman, both of whom are natives of Putnam county. Mrs. Parrett was born in Monroe township, July 10, 1884. David and Leander Wisterman had nine children, of whom Mrs. Parrett was the youngest of the family.

Harry C. Parrett farmed in Monroe township after his marriage, living a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He removed to Continental in 1906, and entered the implement and hardware business alone. He followed this business for three years, when he sold out and entered his present business of real estate, insurance and loans. He is still active in business.

Mr. Parrett is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 570, at Continental. He served as town councilman and was treasurer for two years, 1912 and 1913. During the latter year, he was elected mayor of Continental, and is now filling this position with credit to himself and his community. He is a stanch Democrat and has always been active in the councils of this party. Although Mr. Parrett is not a member of any church, he was reared as an adherent of the Christian church. It is not necessary for the biographer to say that Harry C. Parrett is highly respected m Continental, Ohio. The many positions of trust and responsibility which he has held show, better than any words of testimony, the character of the confidence reposed in him by the people of this township. Mr. Parrett has proved himself worthy of these trusts and is admired today as one of the leadmg citizens of Putnam county.

Adam Trietch

Among the. farmers of German birth who have brought to the operation of their farms the intensive methods adopted from stern necessity in the old country, and have made those methods apply so successfully here, as to attract general attention and emulation, the gentleman, whose name is noted above, is clearly entitled to mention and it is a pleasure to present here a brief narrative of the distinctive points in his career.

Adam Trietch was born in Hesse, Germany, May 29, 1863, the son of Andrew and Catherine (Linner) Trietch, both of whom were natives of the same province of the Fatherland.

Andrew Trietch was born in July, 1826, and was a tailor all his life,. a man highly respected in his home place. He was twice married, by hisfirst wife having four children, Nicholas, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Gerish, of Crestline, Ohio; George, who remained in Germany, and Andrew, deceased. By his marriage with Catherine Linner, Andrew Trietch had three children, Adam, with whom this sketch directly treats; Mrs. Lizzie Knapp, who lives in Germany, and Mrs. Barbara Eding, who lives at Cleveland, Ohio. Andrew Trietch died at the age of seventy-nine and his wife, the mother of Adam, died at the age of sixty-eight.

Adam Trietch left his home in Germany when he reached the age of fourteen and went to Switzerland, where he worked for about three years, at the end of which time he made up his mind to try his fortunes acrossthe sea. To this end he came to America and found his way to Holgate, Ohio, where his uncle, Nicholas Trietch, had been living for some years. In that vicinity he worked on farms until he was twenty-seven years of age, engaging his services by the month to the farmers of the neighborhood and there he met and married, on April 29, 1890, Mary Elizabeth Brinkman, who was born in Henry county, Ohio, June 23, 1866, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Reiter) Brinkman, the former of whom was born in Crawford county, Ohio, July 15, 1832, and the latter being born in Pennsylvania, March 1, '1838, and both of vvhom are enjoying good health in their hale old age at Holgate, Ohio, Mr. Brinkman being eightythree years of age and Mrs. Brinkman being seventy-seven.

Henry Brinkman spent his boyhood days in Crawford county, Ohio, his parents having been pioneer farmers of that county, and received such education as the meager schools of that day afforded, being trained in the ways of farming, which vocation he followed all his active days. He was married in Crawford county, and later moved to Henry county, where he farmed for a time, then moving into the town of Holgate where he is now hving in comfortable retirement. He and his wife are the parents of six children, the others being Mrs. Cinderella Wolf, Frank and John, all of whom live in Henry county, Ohio, and Anna, who died in infancy, and Mrs. Hattie Rennecker, of Indiana.

After his marriage, Adam Trietch farmed in Henry county for three or four years and then moved to Defiance county, where he was engaged in farming for five years, at the end of which time he came to Putnam county, on February 16, 1899, locating on his present farm in Monroe township. At the time Mr. Trietch bought this farm, it contained but eighty acres and was in a badly run-down condition, having been but little improved. He went in debt to the amount of eighteen hundred dollars on making this purchase and until he began to see his way clear he and his wife were content to hve in a small log house, which had been constructed on the place in an early day, and to adopt such frugal methods of living as their prudence suggested during this trying time. Living thus and working as they were compelled to work, required a large stock of courage and no end of industry, but he and his wife were equal to the occasion and they now have a place of which not only they are proud, but which is a distinct credit to the community. Not only have Mr. and Mrs. Trietch succeeded in clearmg and improving their original tract of eighty acres, but, as affairs prospered with them, they enlarged their farm by the purchase of an adjoining eighty, and now have one of the best and most attractive farms in that par^t of the county. They erected their fine new home in 1908, and the barn and other buildings on the place are in keeping with the same. Their farm IS known far and near as "Cloverleaf Farm," and is one of the best-kept places in Monroe township, reflecting, as it does, the progressive ideas and careful management of the owners.

To Adam and Mary Elizabeth (Brinkman) Trietch have been born seven children, as follow: Hattie, who married Andrew Friend a wellknown farmer of Monroe township, this county, and who has one son- Clarence, Emma, George, Orville, Leah and Edgar, who are still at home and whose assistance has been no small factor in the general improvement of their well-appointed home place. The Trietches are members of the Mt Zion church, m the various beneficences of which they are deeply interested and m the other good works of which congregation they take an active part as well as participating in all local movements designed to advance the public weal.

Mr. Trietch is a Republican on national issues, but in voting on local issues is rather independent, preferring to reserve his right to vote for the best man, regardless of party affiliations. Not only has he been diligent in his business, but he has found time to devote a good share of his energy to the public interest and has been prompt to lend his aid to any cause which promised better things for the community. For some time he served the township most effectively as a member of the school board and his interest in educational matters was exerted very helpfully in advancing the interests of the schools in Monroe township. He has proved himself a good citizen during the years he has lived in that community. An excellent farmer, he has acquired a fair competence and is not disturbed by thoughts of the future. He has a kind word for everybody and no one in the neighborhood is more popular than he.

Amos Nichols

Four generations of the Nichols family have added their part to the development of Putnam county, and no history of this county would be complete without fitting reference to the life and work of the gentleman whose name at the head of this biographical sketch, stands as a typical representative of the family in this section of the state.

Amos Nichols was born in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, October 7, 1850, the son of Edward and Margaret (Irwin) Nichols, the former of whom was born in Licking county, Ohio, in the year 1823, the son of Joseph and Hanna (Brown) Nichols, and the latter of whom was the daughter of Josiah Kennedy Irwin, one of the early settlers of this county.

Joseph Nichols was born in 1790, in Virginia, but early in his life left the Old Dominion and came to Ohio, locating in Licking county, where his son Edward was born, migrating to Putnam county when this son was quite young, and settling in Union township. This was about the year 1834, which makes Joseph Nichols one of the earliest settlers of that part of the county. At that time all that portion of the county was heavily timbered and it was no small task for the pioneer Nichols to clear the farm which he had undertaken to reclaim from the wilderness. He entered from the government a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which, in time, he succeeded in clearing and which he gradually brought to a high state' of culti- vation. Joseph Nichols took a prominent part in the early social and civic activities of the pioneers and became, by force of character, one of the leaders in the community life of the time. Here he and his good wife spent the rest of their lives, the death of the former occurring in 1861.

It was amid these pioneer conditions that Edward Nichols grew to manhood's estate, receiving such meager education as the schools of that period offered the youth, and, under the careful attention of his parents, he acquired a full knowledge of the needs of the life of a farmer, which vocation he had decided to follow. He married Margaret Irwin, whose parents also were pioneers of that section, and continued to farm the home place until his death at the early age of thirty-nine. His wife, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, February 23, 1818, survived him many years, her death not occurring until the year 1893. Further details of the genealogy of Mrs. Nichols may be found in the biographical sketch of her brother, Ben Irwin, presented elsewhere in this volume.

To Edward and Margaret (Irwin) Nichols nine children were born, as follow: Mrs. Martha Holt, of Columbus Grove, Ohio; Mrs. Lucinda Rimer, of Columbus Grove; Joseph, who lives in Paulding county, Ohio; Sarah Ann, who married J. C. Best and lives in Union township, this county; Amos, the immediate subject of this biographical sketch; Mrs. Hettie Martin, who lives near Dundee, Michigan; Edward, who died at the age of four; Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Anderson, who lives at Marion, Indiana, and Mrs. Hannah Spratt, who lives at Weston, Ohio.

Amos Nichols grew to manhood on the parental farm, receiving his schooling in the district schools, and on January 25, 1872, married Martha Ellen Hayden, who was born in Sugar Creek township, this county, on May 22, 1854, the daughter of Nathaniel and Eliza (Brothers) Hayden, pioneers of this county.

To the union of Amos and Martha Ellen (Hayden) Nichols, eleven children were born, as follow: Lucinda, who married P. W. Shane, of Lima, Ohio, to which union there were born twelve children, Elmer, Blanche, Lizzie, Gladys, Agnes, Pearl, Grace, Dallas, Edith, Stanley, Ernest and another, the latter three of whom died in infancy; Clarke, who is a farmer living in Allen county, Ohio, married Elizabeth Rumel and has no children; Alvin, married Belle Jane Logan and lives at Alberta, Canada, and has no children; Mina May married Charles Benroth, of Columbus Grove, this county, and has six children, Leslie, Florence, Carrie, Clyde, Fay and Zenis ; Gilbert Lewis, who also lives in Alberta, was married, but his wife died, leaving him with three children, Martha, Alfred and Clarence; Hannah,

Who died January 10, 1909, married George D. McCombs, an Allen county farmer, and had one child, a. son, Kenneth; Grover, a Union township farmer married Came Roberts and has four children, Carl Maxwell, Helen Lucille' Paul Eugene and Orin; Edward, a Jackson township farmer, married Minme Kneuve and has three children, Edna Martha, Kermit and Jerome- John Elmer, who also lives in Alberta, married Cuba Swartzkopf and has one child, a daughter, Evelyn; Ethel, who died on June 11, 1914, married James McKenna, a Pleasant township farmer, and had two children, Muriel and Zelma; Hazel, died April 28, 1914.

It was in the fall of 1872, following his marriage, that Amos Nichols moved to the farm on which he now lives and there he reared his large family and provided a comfortable competence for his declining years Though still living on the farm, he has practically retired from the active work of the same, giving the management of the farm over to his son Grover, who lives on a portion of the home place. During his life of activity in the community in which he was born, Amos Nichols has become one of the leaders in that section. He is one of the local leaders of the Democratic party and served his township for one term as assessor and for many years has been a school director in hi's district. He is a man of genial disposition and high character, and he and his wife ever have been counted among the leaders in the good works of their community, both bein- very popular m the circle in which they move. They have a fine farm ''on an excellent location and are among the substantial citizens of that township

Henry Kreinbrink

One of the many excellent farmers of Putnam county, Ohio, of German descent, is Henry Kreinbrink, who was born at Glandorf, this county and has made this his home for the past forty-eight years. He was reared in this county and after his marriage settled down to the life of a farmer, and now has a well-improved farm with a good home, where he and his family are surrounded with all the comforts and conveniences of life

Henry Kreinbrink, the son of Rudolph and Elizabeth '(Gosling) Kreinbrink, was born on March 12, 1867, at Glandorf, Putnam county Ohio His father was a native of Germany, his birth occurring at Osnabruck, Hanover Germany, on December 24, 1857; he was a son of John Kreinbrink, who came to America when Rudolph was about ten years of age. John Kreinbrink and his family lived in Cincinnati for a time and then removed to Putnam county, Ohio, locating in Glandorf , Avhere Rudolph w^as reared to manhood and married Elizabeth Gosling, who was born at Clarholz, Prussia. Her father died there and her mother later married Anton Brokamp, and then she came to America at the age ofi ten with her mother and stepfather, and located west of Glandorf along the Findlay, Fort Wayne & Western Railway.

Rudolph Kreinbrink and his wife, Elizabeth Gosling, bought a farm four miles north of Glandorf, and here made their home the remainder of their lives. Mr. Kreinbrink had a farm of one hundred and ninety-three acres, which he improved and brought to a high state of cultivation. He died on April 13, 1895, and his widow passed away on February 2, 1913. Rudolph Kreinbrink and wife were the parents of twelve children, of whom three sons and one daughter died in infancy. There are five sons and three daughters living: Ignatius, Thresia, the wife of Barney Brown; Anna, the wife of John Weis; Henry, a farmer of Liberty township; Philomena, a sister in the Lorraine hospital; Joseph, Theodore and Louis.

Henry Kreinbrink was reared on his father's farm and received such education as was given in the schools of his neighborhood. After his marriage he bought a farm of eighty-nine acres, just west of West Leipsic, and has made this his home ever since. He remodeled the house and had it equipped with all the modern conveniences in order to rnake life more pleasant. He has engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and with that success which always attends the thrifty German farmer of this county.

Mr. Kreinbrink was married on June i, 1892, to Mary Meyer, who was born south of Glandorf, in this county, and who is a daughter of George B. and Anna Mary (Moening) Meyer. Her father was a native of Germany, born in Glandorf, Hanover, on August 26, 1833. He was not more than one year old when his parents came to America and located southwest of Glandorf, in Putnam county. Mr. Meyers settled in the dense woods and they had to clear the land, built their cabin and endured all the toil and privations of pioneer life.- Anna Mary Moening, the mother of Mrs. Kreinbrink, was a sister of Henry Moening, whose history elsewhere in this volume gives an account of the Moening family. George B. Meyer farmed all of his life northwest of Glandorf and was the owner of a good farm. He died on September 17, 1900, and his widow passed away March 6, 1912. Eleven children were born to George B. Meyer and wife, two of whom died at the age of three, one at the age of nine, and Catherine, who was the wife of Frank Karhoff, died at the age of twenty. Seven children are still living: J. Henry, Theodore, Joseph, Herman, Anna Mary, Frank and Elizabeth, the

Henry Kreinbrink and wife are the parents of nine children living and one deceased. Mary died in 1900 at the age of fourteen months, while the other living children are as follow : Elizabeth, Ana, John, August, Ferdinand, Rosa, Clara, Alphonse and Vincent. All of these children are still single except Elizabeth, who is the wife of Louis Kleman, and who lives on the Henry Moening farm near Glandorf. They have one son, Victor. Mr. Kreinbrink and his family are all loyal members of the Catholic church and liberal supporters of its various activities.

Theodore Verhoff

Descended from honored ancestry and himself numbered among the leading residents of Putnam county, Ohio, the subject of this review is worthy of specific recognition in a work of this character. Residing in this county for so many years has but strengthened his hold on public opinion, and today none in this community enjoys a larger circle of warm friends and acquaintances, who esteem him because of his sterling qualities of character and business ability.

Theodore Verhoff was born in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, June 17, 183S, and is the son of Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff. The subject's grandparents, on the father's side, were born, lived and died in Germany, but on the mother's side, Theodore and Gertrude (Veraking) Kramer, who were married in Germany, and resided there many years, came to this country when the elder Kramer was about fifty years of age. ' They settled on a farm in Putnam county, Ohio, and to them were born six children, William, Henry, Catherine, Christina and Mary, all of whom are now deceased, except Frederick, who is the surviving one.

Francis VerhoiT, father of Theodore Verhoff, was born in Westphalia, Prussia, and came to America in 1836 by himself and settled near Glandorf' Putnam county, Ohio, on a small farm, the original tract consisting of twenty six acres. Having learned the blacksmithing trade, and realizing the necessity for such a business in his community, it is interesting to record that he was the proprietor of the first blacksmith shop in this county. This was operated in connection with his farm for many years and bore a reputation for first-class workmanship.

About the year 1837, Francis Verhoff and Mary Kramer were joined in matrimony, and resided on the farm belonging to the former. To them were- born eleven children, Theodore, Gertrude, Christina, Catherine, Mary Ann, Frank, Henry, William (now deceased), Charles, William and Florentine. The father of these children, prior to his death in 1863, had acquired a full section of land. With the assistance of the sons, the greater portion of this tract was cleared and properly prepared for miscellaneous farming and the raising of stock. This farm is pointed to with great pride by the descendants. Mr. Verhoff, being one of the pioneer settlers of Putnam county, came here shortly after the founding of the town of Glandorf by Professor Horstman, a native of Germany. The wife and mother lived until the year 1901, during which year she was called by the Master of Destiny and was laid away with the father. It may be well said that they were loyal and practical members of the Roman Catholic church, attending St. John's church, at Glandorf. They left behind them enviable reputations for good citizenship and set their children a good example of true christian life.

Theodore Verhoff, the subject of this review, received a good common' school education. He was a man of keen observation and devoted himself to farming and stock-raising with a decided degree of success. He was. married on June 18, 1861, to Elizabeth Egbers, who, at that time, was just twenty years of age, and who was the daughter of Theodore Egbers and wife. Having decided to reside on a portion of the large farm bequeathed to the children of Francis Verhoff, they located on seventy-eight acres in sections 9 and 16, Greensburg township, and which was put to use in the usual course of farming. To Theodore Verhoff and wife were born twelvechildren, and they are enumerated, in the order of their birth dates as follow: Frank J., June 22, 1864; William F., August 22, 1866; Barney Henry July 22, 1869; John Theodore, April 6, 1870; Joseph Charles, March 15' 1873; John Barney, April 15, 1875; August George, February 5 1877' Alloisa Albert, February 18, 1883; Mary Elizabeth, April 13, 1862 (now deceased) ; Mary Ann, March 4. 1863; Amelia Helena, June 21, 1870- Marv Regma, Februaiy 24. 1881. Marriages of these children have taken place children; Wdham F. to Agnes Lemper, to whom there have been born seven children, Barney Henry to Elizabeth Gerdeman, who have two children- John Theodore to Catherine Brinkman, who have four living children and' one deceased; Charles Joseph to Amelia Schroeder, with one child- John Barney to Mary Lemper, who have two children; August George to Nora

Westbeld, who have two children; Ameha Helena to Barney Siefker, who have six children ; Alloisa Albert to Veronica Schmiedebusch, who have two children. Mary Ann, up to this writing, is recorded as single, as is also Mary Regina. All are residents of Putnam county.

Mr. Verhoff, observing that his youngest son, Alloisa, took such a keen interest in the farm and in the raising of blooded stock, he appointed him to the management of his farm, son after his marriage to Veronica Schmiedebusch. This marriage occurred on June 6, 191 1, and the wife was one of the large family of Frank and Gertrude Schmiedebusch, natives Putnam county, and who are engaged in farming. Besides the daughter named, they are blessed with eight other children, Emma, Gertrude, Sylvester, Laura, Clara, Edward, Charles and Frank. Alloisa and Veronica are now the proud possessors of two children, Gertrude Elizabeth, born on May 8, 1912, and Cornehus Frank Theodore, born on September 30, 1913. In the management of the farm, and practically the entire responsibility for Its success ultimately resting upon the son, Alloisa, it should be recorded that it is one of the best-managed stock and general-purpose farms in this section of the country. Particular attention is given to the breeding of Holstein cattle, Poland-China hogs, Belgian horses, etc. The farm buildmgs, commodious and comfortable, are kept in first-class condition and everything clearly indicated an industrious and business-like management Great credit is due Alloisa Verhoff and in appreciation of his efforts in behalf of the place, a short time before his marriage,- his father bequeathed the farm to him, reserving a life interest in it.

Theodore Verhoff, whose wife died on March 20, 1905, is, despite his age, a remarkably bright and active man mentally. It is indeed interesting to hear this pioneer settler's anecdotes of early days, besides observing hit keen interest in public affairs. Mr. Verhoff served on the local school board for many years, taking an active and aggressive part in everything looking toward the advancement of the young folks. He was a firm believer in the principles of Democracy. He is a member of St. John's Catholic church, -of Glandorf, Ohio, to which he contributes liberally, according to his means. Mr. Verhoff enjoys a large circle of friends and companions, and, because his high personal standing, is popular throughout the community, being numbered among Putnam's county's most enterprising and progressive citfzens.

Alloisa bought fifty acres of land in section 9, adjoining the home place, a year before his marriage, and devotes a part of his time to its cultivation and improvement.

Frank Logan

Among the public men of Putnam county, Ohio, men who have given the best of their services through a long period of years, unselfishly and -devotedly, to the public interest, few are better known or more deservedly popular than County Commissioner Frank Logan, a brief and modest biography of whom it is a pleasure for the historian to present at this point in this comprehensive and illuminating history of Putnam county. By gradual degrees, Mr. Logan has come to his present eminence in county affairs, his long training in the public service having equipped him, as few men in the public life of the county have been equipped, for the exacting duties of the office to which he was called by the people at the last election. For twenty years a justice of the peace of Union township; for five terms as assessor in the same township; president of the school board for twenty years past, and land appraiser, there are few men who have had better training for public service than has he, a fact which the voters of the county appreciated when they placed him on the board of county commissioners, the most important executive department of the county government, and to which he has brought well-trained ability and soundness of judgment, together with a thorough knowledge of public affairs and the best needs of the commonwealth, which ought to prove most serviceable to the people the county and to the administration of their common business affairs; Faithful to the public trusts to which he frequently has been called and diligent in his own business, Mr. Logan has brought to the office of county commissioner a ripe experience of affairs and a devotion to the public weal, Avhich his friends are quite sure will redound greatly to the benefit of the whole people of the county.

Frank Logan was born in Monroe township, Allen county, Ohio, March 31, 1858, son of Israel. S. and Maria (Cowen) Logan, and has spent his -whole life in this section of the state, with the public affairs of which and with the needs of which he is thoroughly acquainted.

Israel Logan, father of Frank Logan, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, June 1, 1834, the son of Joseph Logan and wife, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania and the latter a native of Ohio.

Joseph Logan, father of Israel, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, his father, Joseph Logan, Sr., having been a native of Vannangoe county, same state, who settled in Allegheny county, where he became one of the county's most substantial farmers and useful citizens. Joseph, Jr., grew up in Allegheny county and married there, later moving to Tuscarawascounty, Ohio, where his son Israel was born, and still later, at the time Israel was two years of age, moving to Putnam county, locating in Sugar Creek, township, where he died in 1841, when Israel was seven years of age. At the death of his father, Israel was taken into the home of the Clevenger family in Sugar Grove township, where he was carefully reared and wherehe learned the essential principles of farming, a vocation which he followed all his life. He remained in the Clevenger home until he attained his majority, after which he obtained a position as driver of an overiand wagon, a "prairie schooner," on a wagon train bound for western Iowa. This was. m the year 1855 and he remained in the West for a time, but upon being seized with a severe attack of mountain fever, decided to return to his Ohio, home. As soon as he was able to travel he came back to Putnam county and on January 7. 1857, was united in marriage with Miss Maria Cowan, a native of Columbus, Ohio, who had come to Kalida, this county, from Columbus, with her mother, following the death of her father and who grew to womanhood m this county. After their marriage, Israel Logan and his wife lived for a time m Monroe township, Allen county, Ohio, but the next year, in April, 1858, returned to Putnam county and located on a farm of forty acres m Union township. This farm was mostly wild and wooded, only a portion of It having been cleared, and he presently brought it to a state of cultivation, after which he traded it for another farm, and in the next twenty years making several such trades, all of which proved advantageous to him. In 1878 he moved to Henry county, Ohio, where he bought a farm which he operated until about eight years ago, at which time he retired from the active management of the farm and has since lived a retired and corafortbael life, he and Mrs. Logan making their home with their son Finley on the home farm.

To Israel and Maria (Cowan) Logan were born seven children all of whom, save one, are still living, the sixth child, Kemerer, having died in infancy, the survivors being Frank, the immediate subject of this sketch- Howard, a farmer and stock buyer of Allen county, Ohio; Finley, wha manages the home place in Allen county, living with his parents; Americus v., of this county, and his twin sister, Mrs. Alice Rayle,^who lives in Henry county, Ohio, and John, who lives in Billings, Montana.

Frank Logan grew to manhood in Union township, this county was studious m his attention to his school duties in his youth and at the same time learned all there was to know about the life of a farmer, he having determined to follow the agricultural vocation as a life work. For twenty- three years in the period of his Hfetime he taught school in Union township, farming during the summer seasons, and on April 7, 1881, was united in marriage with Miss Maggie E. Boxwell, who was born in Perry township, this county, March 22, 1860, the daughter of Joseph N. and Adeline (Meyers) Boxwell, well-known residents of that township, the former of whom was a native of Maryland and the latter a native of Pennsylvania.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Logan located on a farm in Union township and remained on that place until the year 1888, in which year they bought their present home farm in the same township, and here they have lived ever since, having been quite successful in the management and operation of the same. In addition to this home place, Mr. Logan owns two other farms, having one hundred and ninety-six acres in all, one hundred and twenty-nine acres in Union township and sixty-six and one-half acres in Sugar Creek township.

To the union of Frank and Maggie E. (Boxwell) Logan, five children have been born: Eva A., born August ii, 1882, married Amos Jones, a farmer of Sugar Creek township, this county, and has one child, Genevieve; Joseph Franklin, born May 31, 1887, a Union township farmer, who married Naomi Fruchey and has two children, Margaret and Richard; Alice May, born May 11, 1889, married John T. Thomas, a Union township farmer, and has one child, Franklin David; William Lloyd Garrison, born November 26, 1892, and Lois Margauerite, born April 21, 1900, the latter two living at home with their parents, very popular young people, who help their father and mother in extending the generous hospitalities of the Logan home.

In addition to giving prudent attention to the personal considerations of his farm, Mr. Logan, as stated in the introduction to this biography, has found time for much public service, his interest in and devotion to the common weal having prompted him to accept several offices of trust and responsibility, in the administration of the affairs of which offices he always has had an eye single to the public good and has given much satisfaction to his local constituency. In his twenty years' service as justice of the peace, his wise counsels often have averted expensive and unnecessary litigation among neighbors and the judgments of his court rarely have been questioned to the point of taking an appeal to a higher court. In the office of land appraiser and as assessor of his township for five terms, he, likewise, has served the public faithfully and well, and in twenty years of service as president of the local school board he has brought the schools of Union township to a state of excellence second to none in the comity, a measure of service for which the people of that township are ever grateful and which has been appreciated there accordingly. In view of all this unselfish devotion to the public welfare, it was taken for granted when he received the nomination for county commissioner from his district at the last Democratic county convention, that he would be elected and this conclusion was amply \erified when the returns came in, his period of ottice beginning with the September term of the board, in 1915.

In church work, Mr. Logan has proved his ability for service, both he and Mrs. Logan being devoted and influential members of the Maple Grove Christian church, the congregation of which Mr. Logan long has served as trustee and clerk as well as having been closely identified with the work of the Sunday school. Mr. and Mrs. Logan and their family are very popular in their neighborhood, their activity in all local good works having endeared them to all in that part of the county, and they are very properly regarded as among the leaders in all movements having the general welfare in consideration. By keen executi\-e perception and careful attention to the details of his business, Mr. Logan has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods and has a fine farm and a pleasant home. Lie is deeply interested in progressive up-to-date methods of farming and ever is seeking to elevate the standard of farming in his locality, at the same time being a consistent "boo.ster' for all proper township improvements. He is a man of sterling character, a friend of all and "once a friend, always a friend," and has been an undoubted factor for great good in his community, his influence extending beyond the mere local confines of his township. A lover of the truth, he has no use for anyone who is not sincere and is a foe of all shams, in whatever guise they may appear.

Clyde M. Fletcher

Perseverance and sterling worth are almost always sure to win conspicuous recognition in any locality. Clyde M. Fletcher has been a resident of Putnam county, Ohio, for several years, and his career is a splendid example of the successful, self-made man, who not only deserves the confidence reposed in him by his neighbors, but who also possesses the necessary energy and integrity fitting him to discharge the duties of a private citizen.

Clyde M. Fletcher was born in 1881 in Hancock county, Ohio, and is a son of Victor and Annetta (Orrem) Fletcher. He was fifteen years of age when his parents moved to near Melrose, Paulding county, Ohio, and in 1889 moved to Continental, where they still reside.

In 1907 Mr. Fletcher married Ella S. Beard, the daughter of John Beard. In 1908 he and his wife removed to a farm belonging to Mrs. Fletcher's father, where they have since lived. Mr. Fletcher is engaged in general farming, and is also a handy man at several trades, including that of paper hanging, painting, etc.

Victor Fletcher, the father of Clyde M. Fletcher, was born. May 5,. 1852, in Hancock county, Ohio, the son of Charles and Catherine (Brown) Fletcher. Charles Fletcher was born in 18 10 in Adams county, Pennsylvania, near Gettysburg, while his wife, Catherine Brown, was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1828, and was first married to Philander Emerson. She came with him to Hancock county, Ohio, where he entered government land, and here his death occurred. Charles Fletcher was first married to Jane Boyd, and moved to Hancock county about 1833. He was a lifelong farmer, and after the death of his first wife, he married Mrs. Emerson, and they spent the remainder of their lives on the farm. Victor Fletcher grew upon the farm in Hancock county. He was married on October 4, 1878, to^ Annetta Orrem, who was born in 1855, in Hancock county, Ohio, and was a daughter of Henry Y. and Hester (Young) Orrem. ' Henry Y. Orrem was born in Knox county, Ohio, and was a son of Samuel and Rhoda Ann (Young) Orrem. It is believed that the Orrem family is of Spanish descent. When Annetta Orrem was a young woman, her parents moved to about three miles southeast of Leipsic, and later moved to Leipsic, where she lived when she married Mr. Fletcher.

In the spring following his marriage, Victor Fletcher moved to Hancock county, and lived there for about twelve years. He then moved to near Melrose, in Paulding county, and lived there until December, 1897, and finally moved to Continental, where he has since lived.

Victor Fletcher and wife are the parents of seven children : Izora, the wife of Lemuel S. Rice, lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan; Clyde M., the immediate subject of this review; Henrietta, the wife of A. S. Saegers, and died at the birth of her second' child; Jessie May, the wife of O. D. Zoll, lives in Cleyeland, Ohio; Clarence Edward, who died at the age of ten years; Florence Edith, the twin sister of Clarence E., is the widow of Lewis Brown^

Herman Schubert

The success of men in business, or in any vocation, depends upon -character as well as upon knowledge. In every community some men are known by their upright lives, strong common sense and moral worth. Their neighbors respect them, the younger generation heed their example and when they wrap the drapery of their- couches about them and lie down to pleasant dreams, posterity listens with reverence to the story of their quiet and useful lives. Among such men of a past generation in Ohio was Herman Schubert, not only a progressive man of affairs, but successful in material pursuits and a man of modest and unassuming demeanor, a fine type of the reliable, self-made American, a friend to the poor, charitable to the faults of his neighbors and always active in support of laudable public enterprises. The late Herman Schubert was proud of his residence in Putnam county and the grand state of Ohio, and zealous for their progress and prosperity. He was a man who, in every respect, merited the high esteem in which he was universally held.

The late Herman Schubert was born on December 28, 1839, in Crawford county, Ohio, and died on December 31, 1914. He was the son of John Casper and Christiana (Corfmann) Schubert, the former a native of Saxony, who came to America in 1833, ^^^ settled in Crawford county, where Herman Schubert was born. Christiana Schubert was a native of Saxony, also. Most of their children were born in the old country. After coming to America, they lived in Crawford county for eight years, leaving there in 1841, and moving to Seneca county, Ohio. They lived here for a number of years. John Schubert was a farmer. He died in 1881, at the age of ninety years. His wife died about 1868. John Casper and Christiana Schubert had eight children, of whom Herman was next to the youngest. All of the children, with the exception of Mrs. Lucinda Meyers, who lives in Highland township. Defiance county, are deceased. They were Leander, Osmuth, Matilda, August, Malina, Herman and Sarah.

born in 1850, the daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Putnam) Stahl, natives of Pennsylvania and Wayne county, Ohio, respectively. Samuel Stahl moved to Wyandot county, Ohio, when a lad. His wife moved to that county when about ten years of age. Both grew up in this county and lived there until 1857, when they moved to Seneca county, Ohio. Here they spent their remaining days. To Mr. and Mrs. Herman Schubert, three were born, Bertie C, who lives at home; Louis Herman, who died in infancy; and Stella L., who lives at home.

Shortly after his marriage, Herman Schubert moved to MacMinn -county, Tennessee, near Athens, and lived here until 1901, coming to Putnam county at that time. He built a splendid residence in 1901, and owned one hundred and forty-four acres at the time- of his death. Twenty-four acres of this land was covered by natural timber. It was all located in Putnam county. Herman Schubert was a life-long farmer, and during the last few years of his life, he made a specialty of thoroughbred Jersey cattle.

Herman Schubert was not a member of any lodge, at the time of his At one time he belonged to the Grange and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Two years before his marriage, he served as trustee in Defiance county, Ohio. He was a member of the Christian church, but was reared a Lutheran. Since there was no church in Putnam county, he joined the Methodist, church at Sharon, Ohio, and was very active in Sunday school work. He was a trustee of this church for a long time while living in Putnam county, and was superintendent of the Sunday school while living in Tennessee. Herman Schubert was a splendid farmer, as his wellimproved and carefully-kept farm shows. His eldest son and daughter live at home.

Henry B. Ruhe

The Ruhe family has been represented in this county since the year 1833, in which year the progenitor of Henry B. came to America, joining the large colony of Germans which settled in the Glandorf neighborhood^ about that time.

Henry B. Ruhe was born near the town of Glandorf, in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, on June 8, 1881, the son of Henry W. and Barbara (Koenig) Ruhe, the former of whom was born in' the same town- ship in the year 1849, the son of Gerhardt Joseph and Mary Anna (Musing) Ruhe, both of whom were natives of Germany. Barbara Koenig was born in Liberty township, the daughter of Charles and Matilda (Kastel) Koenig,. both of whom were natives of Bavaria.

Gerhardt Joseph Ruhe, the first of the name in this section of Ohio,, was born in Saarbeck, Germany, on November 2, 1812, and died in this county on December 29, 1878, at the age of sixty-six years. Following his marriage to Mary Anna Musing in the old country, he came to America and located on a farm in Ottawa township, this county, entering the same from the government at a time when the land thereabout was an unbroken wilderness, through which Indians and the wild creatures of the forest still roamed at will. The original tract entered by Mr. Ruhe was eighty acres. Upon clearing this and bringing it to a state of cultivation, he bought another eighty acres adjoining and there he spent the rest of his life, being numbered among the most progressive and influential men of that neighborhood in his day.

To Gerhardt Joseph and Mary Anna (Musing) Ruhe were born twelvechildren, of whom six grew to maturity, as follow: Barney, Mrs. Theresla Hinken, Mrs. Josephine Knueve, deceased; Henry William, Mrs. Katherine Wortkoetter and Anthony B.

Henry William Ruhe grew to manhood on the paternal farm in Ottawa township, and on February 7, 1877, was united in marriage with Barbara Koenig, the daughter of a pioneer family of Liberty township, her parents having come here early in the establishment of the German colony in the Glandorf section. To this union there were born eight children, as follow: Joseph, living in Pleasant township, who married Veronica Ricker and has five children, Clara, George, William, Albert and Paul; Mary Anna, who married Henry Kleman and lives northeast of Ottawa; Henry B., of whom this narrative immediately treats; John, who is unmarried and lives in Missouri; Charles, living in Pleasant township, married Emma Ricker and has one child, a son, Rudolph; Josephine, who married Joseph Kleman, of Pleasant township, and has three children, Peter, v\lexander and Sylvester; Theresia, who married John Segar and lives in Pleasant township, and Rosa,, unmarried, who lives at home.

The mother of the above children died on June 4, 1897, and on June 20, 1898, Henry W. Ruhe married, secondly, Mrs. Mary Anna (Fredericks) Fortman, the widow of Henry Fortman, and to this union there were born two children, Maria Anna, who married Isaac McDowell and lives in the town of Continental, this county, and a son, who died in early infancy. Henry W. Ruhe is still living on the farm on which he was born in Ottawa township, the farm which his grandfather entered from the government.

Henry B. Ruhe was reared on his father's farm in Ottawa township, receiving such scholastic advantages as the schools of his neighborhood offered, and there he grew to manhood, being carefully trained in the ways of farming. On May 1, 1906, he was united in marriage with Johanna Bensman, who also was born in Ottawa township, and two days later moved onto the farm on which they are now living in Monroe township, this county, four and one-half miles northwest of the town of Continental.

Johanna Bensman is the daughter of George and Anna Mary (Heising) Bensman, both of whom were born in the Glandorf neighborhood in Ottawa township, members of pioneer families of that section. George Bensman was born in 1851 and died on May 6, 1892, and his wife was born on June 24, 1852, and died on November 28, 1891. Mr. Bensman was reared a farmer and remained on the home farm until he attained manhood, when he moved to Greensburg, where he bought a farm and spent the rest of his life there. Mrs. Ruhe grew to womanhood in Greensburg township and after the death of her parents made her home with the family of Andrew Gerdeman, where she remained until her marriage. Her parents had four children besides herself, as follow: Mrs. Mary Swigart, of Perry township, this county; Mrs. Veronica Barlarger, of Greensburg township; William, 'who also lives in Greensburg township, and one who died in infancy.

To Henry B. and Johanna (Bensman) Ruhe have been born three children, Alexander, Marcella and Lucinda, lively young people, who make merry the pleasant home of their devoted parents.

Upon acquiring his farm in 1906, Mr. Ruhe faced the considerable task of clearing the larger part of it ready for cultivation. This, however he has accompHshed and it all is cleared with the exception of about three acres of woodland which he has retained. He has drained and fenced the place m an excellent manner. He built his home in 1906 and built a new barn m 1914. He is a farmer of progressive ideas and these are reflected m the general appointments of his farm, which is one of the best-kept places in his neighborhood.

Mr. and Mrs. Ruhe and their family are members of the Catholic church at Continental and are devoted supporters of the best interests of the parish. Mr. Ruhe is a Democrat and takes a good citizen's interest in politics, being a strong supporter of all measures designed to advance the cause of good government. He has never been included in the office-seeking class, however, being content to devote his best endeavors to his well-kept farm and to the comfort and happiness of his family. He is a man of pleasing reserve of manner, industrious and thrifty, a good farmer and a credit to the citizenship of Monroe township, an indulgent father, a kind husband and an excellent neighbor, well liked and popular throughout that whole section of the county.

Franklin Grant

A great French statesman once asked James Russell Lowell how long this republic could endure, and he replied, "So long as America is true to the principles of her founders." Nothing but high civic and political ideals heroically contended for, can hold our beloved republic on its upward way. "Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." To preserve this vision fresh and untarnished is the mission of all good citizens, a noble volunteer band whose call transcends all narrow sectional boundaries and geographical divisions. The clock has struck the hour so earnestly longed for by Christopher Gadsen when there shall be "no East or West nor North or South, but all of us Americans."

America is in the making. The blending of her various peoples into one homogeneous whole, to work out the vast problems' of civilization both for herself and the entire world, is the immediate task before us. The descendants of the original settlers will be expected to stand foremost among the many, in projecting the activities of the future. There are many descendants of this country's original settlers who are counted among the leaders in the social and civic life of Putnam county, among whom is the gentleman whose name is noted above, and the biographer finds pleasure in asking the attention of the reader to a few points relating to his honorable ancestry and to his part in the affairs of this county and the township, in which his family so long have been leaders.

Franklin Grant, one of the best-known farmers and most reputable citizens of Monroe township, Putnam county, was born in that township on February 25, i860, the son of John and Rebecca (Sanford) Grant, the former of whom was a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, born July 11, 1822, and the latter of whom was a native of Sandusky county, Ohio.

John Grant, who at the time of his death was the oldest pioneer and farmer of Monroe township, was of Scottish descent. His grandfather, who also was named John, was a native of New Jersey, of old Colonial stock, who moved from New Jersey to Washington county, Pennsylvania, later coming to Ohio, where he settled in Starke county. There he underwent all the vicissitudes of frontier life, but eventually developed a farm of one hundred and sixty acres from the forest, on which he passed the remainder of his life. Before leaving Washington county, Pennsylvania, he had married a Miss Cosner, who, with him, died in the faith of the Presbyterian church. The elder John Grant was a man of splendid physique and, like most powerfully-buih men, possessed a kindly and admirable disposition. In politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat.

David Grant, son of the elder John Grant, was reared a farmer in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and there married Rebecca Rape, to which union there were born eleven children, of whom only one now survives, the venerable Mrs. Narcissia Sherrard, who lives two miles west of Fremont, Ohio, at the age of eighty-three years. The other children of this union were: Mary A., John, father of the immediate subject of this sketch; Joseph, Harriet, David, Letitia, Eunice, Rebecca, Runie and Jeremiah.

David Grant moved from Pennsylvania with his family into Ohio and resided for four years on a farm in Jefferson county, then moving to Sandusky county, where he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Fremont, taking possession of it before an ax had been struck in the wilderness of woods which covered it. There he built a log cabin for the shelter of his family and entered upon the strenuous task of clearing the place for cultivation, eventually bringing forth a farm that was both productive and profitable. David Grant became one of the most prominent residents of Sandusky county, was a leader in the local politics of the Democratic party and a pillar in the Methodist church. He was one of the most prosperous men in his neighborhood and possessed a large influence in the direction of the affairs of the community.

Amid pioneer conditions such as above described, John Grant, son of David, grew to manhood. He was a sturdy, vigorous youth and, in addition to learning all the ways of the pioneer farmer's life, obtained an excellent rudimentary education in the schools that were started by subscription m that section. He early developed excellent business traits and in his young manhood made a good start dealing in live stock. On April 7, 1850, John Grant was united in marriage with Rebecca Sanford. who was born m Seneca county, Ohio, the daughter of John and Rebecca (Cassidy) Sanford, and in that year moved to Putnam county, locating on the farm on which he spent the rest of his hfe, in Monroe township. At the time he settled there, there were but two spots in the entire township that had been cleared, and bear, deer and other game abounded, as well as wolves and panthers. Eventually, amid all the privations of frontier life, he wrested from the forest a home that was one of the best in Putnam county in the later years of its owner's Hfe.

John Grant was a patriotic Unionist and, when the Civil War broke out, he volunteered in defense of the national flag, but his services were declined on account of disability. He was an ardent Republican and ever took a deep interest in the political affairs of Putnam county. He served his township faithfully and well in the capacity of township trustee and township supervisor and for nearly thirty years served as township treasurer. He and his wife were ardent members of the Methodist church and did very much toward the permanent establishment of that church in their neighborhood in the early days, being very generous contributors to all the causes which it represented. He donated the ground on which the Sharon church was built and contributed five hundred dollars toward the erection of that church building. He was a man of fine and noble traits and was widely known throughout the county for his sterling character, honesty and sincerity of life. Pie was a good farmer and not only made a competence for himself, but was able to assist his children when the time came for them to make a start in life, and was generous in all his dealings with his fellow men.

To John and Rebecca (Sanford) Grant were born ten children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being as follow: David, who died on December 13, 1910; John, who died on January 27, 1865; George, who died on March 8, 1861 ; Franklin, the immediate subject of this biographical sketch; Joseph, who lives at Armuchee, Georgia; Mrs. Electa Pool, who died in 1892; Mrs. Alice Pool, who died in 1894, and Lewis, who is living on the original home farm in Monroe township, Putnam county, and is known as one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of that neighborhood. The mother of the above children died on July 23, 1893, and John Grant married, secondly, on April 11, 1894, Elizabeth Jones, who died on January 2, 1913, without issue. John Grant died on February 15, 1915, at the age of ninetytwo years, seven months and four days, having for many years done well his part m the upbuilding of the community, of which he was so honored and respected a member. For three years or more before his death, he had been more or less retired from the active duties of the farm, his youngest son, Lewis, having taken over the management of the home place.

Franklin Grant was reared on the paternal farm and received a very good common school education near his early home, being thus fully qualified with the book learning necessary for the practical affairs of a business life, as far as it pertains to the successful prosecution of farming and the transactions connected therewith. Until his marriage in 1880, Mr. Grant remained on the home farm and after that happy event made his residence in Defiance county, Ohio, where he remained for four years, at the end of which time he returned to Putnam county and settled on his present farm in Monroe township. Here he erected a fine dwelling, built a good, substantial barn and suitable outbuildings, and otherwise improved it with thorough tihng and judicious cultivation, soon having one of the best moderate-sized farms in the township. This farm consists of a fraction over seventy-six acres, on which general farming is judiciously mixed with stock raising, Mr. Grant being an extensive breeder of hogs, the profit from which he finds one of the most remunerative phases of the farm life. He is a good farmer and keeps his place in admirable condition.

On December 26, 1880, Franklin Grant was united in marriage with Jannettie Thornton, who was born in Fayette county, Ohio, on May 22, 1862, a daughter of David and Sarah (Fifer) Thornton, who spent their last days in the city of Ottawa; the death of the former occurring on June 9, 1909, his wife having predeceased him in 1905.

To Franklin and Jannettie (Thornton) Grant have been born eight children, as follow: Orpha V., who married Franklin Shubert and lives in .Defiance county, Ohio; Lloyd Elmer, who lives in Michigan, married Vesta Reynolds and has four children, Homer, Ray, Theodore and Franklin; Inis Mabel, who married Leonard Kilpatrick, of Michigan, and has three children, Raymond, Marie and Irene; Edwin Harrison, a prosperous farmer in Paulding county, Ohio, who married Iva Gordon and has two children, -Gladys and Athal Leverine ; Otto Earl, who married Voe Ice and lives on the home farm with his parents; Chloe B., who married Lee Barringer, of Fostoria, Ohio, and had two children, Bernard, and Donald, deceased; Lester, at home, and one child who died in infancy.

Mr. Grant is a Republican and has always taken an active part in the campaigns of that party in Monroe township, his counsels being regarded as valuable by the party managers. He was appointed trustee of Monroe township in April, 1914, and served since that time. During the existence of the Patrons of Husbandry in this section of the state, he was an earnest worker in that association of farmers and for a long time was master of his local grange. Mr. Grant and his wife are earnestly concerned in all movements looking to the advancement of conditions in the social and civic life of the community and are regarded as among the leaders in that neighborhood, where they are both held in the highest esteem by all.

Nathan C. Shirley

Examples that impress force of character upon all who study them^ are worthy of record. By a few general observations may be conveyed some idea of the characteristics and worthy career of Nathan C. Shirley, who is now living in Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, having, through his industry and perseverance, accumulated a competency. He has pursued the even tenor of his way in a quiet and unostentatious manner, which never courts publicity, attending strictly to his own affairs, doing the right as he understands it', and keeping his conscience void of offense toward God and man. It is not a matter of wonderment that the elements of a substantial and practical nature, which unite in his composition, should win him a conspicuous place in his community, when we learn that he comes of a. sterling family, a family that believed, not only in keeping busy alonglegitimate lines of endeavor, but also in living up to the highest standardsof citizenship in every respect.

Nathan C. Shirley was born on December i, 1862, in Perry township,. Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Philip and Elizabeth (Prowant) Shirley.

Philip Shirley was a native of Ross county, Ohio, born in February,. 1820, and a son of Nathan and Mary (Minear) Shirley. Nathan Shirley was born in Burks county, Pennsylvania, in t8oo, and left Pennsylvania, coming to Ohio during his boyhood days. His parents were Robert and Mary (Gilbert) Shirley, who were natives of Pennsylvania, also. They settled in Ross county, where they farmed, but later moved to Defiancecounty. He farmed in Ross county for a time and removed to Defiance with his family in 1825. After his marriage, he made a trip to New Orleans by flatboat down the Mississippi river with flour, pork and shoes, and sold the outfit and boat, returning to Portsmouth, Ohio, from here by horseback to his farm in Ross county. He was gone a long time, and waited for increases in the market prices of his commodities. The family made the tripwith several other families in covered wagons to Defiance county durinothe Indian scare, and made use of the blockhouse at Defiance, Ohio, for a while. Nathan was captain of a military company at that place and served as drill master. Robert Shirley died in 1840, in Defiance county, where he is buried, near the west terminal of the upper Auglaize bridge." His wife died there also. At the time they first came to Defiance county, Robert Shirley and his family spent some time in the blockhouse at Defiance. The

Indians were not thoroughly pacified, and there was continual fear of uprising. This caused much unrest among the settlers. Robert was among the early settlers, a brave and courageous man, who lent a willing hand in all the work of the little community. In his later years, Robert Shirley conducted a tavern at Defiance, Ohio. He was largely identified with the history of the town, having been in charge of the canal at that point. He was a hard worker, a man of sterling character, and suffered all the privations incident to the early pioneer life. He experienced many sorrows and also much happiness.

Nathan Shirley was reared a farmer, and this he followed to his death, in 1871, at Junction, Paulding county, Ohio. His wife died about 1850. After her death, Nathan was again married to a widow, Mrs. Hankins, who survived him a number of years, and died in 1885. Nathan also experience the hardships of pioneer life, and did his share for the uplift of the county. Philip Shirley, the father of the subject, grew up in Defiance county,, being only five years old when he was brought to the county with his, parents. He grew up on the homestead farm, and located at the Power dam, where his father, Nathan, owned two farms. He married Elizabeth Prowant, daughter of Christian and Catherine (Gable) Prowant, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, and who came with her parents to Putnam county about 1834, where she grew to womanhood and married. She was born on June 5, 1829, and died on February 13, 1914, at the age of eighty-four years, eight months and eight days. Philip Shirley came to Putnam county,. Ohio, and settled in Perry township, about 1847, and was married in 1848.' He died in Dupont, Ohio, March 29, 1901, at the age of eighty-one years one month and twenty-four days. Originally, Philip Shirley owned a farm', upon which the town of Dupont is now situated.

The seven children born to Philip and Elizabeth f Prowant) Shirley were as follow: Mary C. ; Clara M., who is Mrs. Remus R. Brown of DeKalb county, Indiana; Anna E., later Mrs. Thomas Conkle, who died' m 1890; Nathan C, the subject of this sketch; Nancy R., now Mrs Oscar Lamont, of Belmore, Ohio, whose husband is the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad agent at that place; Alice D., now Mrs. George Lafferty of Edmore Michigan; Jennie C, who is now Mrs. George Cockrun, of Alluwee, Oklahoma.

Nathan C. Shirley grew up in Perry township, on the homestead farm and was educated in this township. He spent one year at Delphos, Ohio in .the high school, and one year at the Northern Indiana Normal College' at Valparaiso, Indiana, as a student in the scientific course. He taught school m Paulding county, Ohio, for two years prior to going to school at Valparaiso, Indiana, and subsequently taught school in Putnam and Paulding counties for thirty-three terms. After his marriage, he removed to a farm -of seventy acres, and farmed and taught school in the district near by. He removed to his present farm in Monroe township in the spring of 1898. This farm originally consisted of one hundred and sixty-six acres, but Mr. Shirley now farms one hundred and eighty-six acres.

Nathan C. Shirley was married, August 12, 1888, to Emma Ridenour, who was born in Perry township, Putnam county, January 16, 1863, and who is the daughter of Jacob and Fanny (Fretz) Ridenour. Jacob Ridenour was born in Fayette county, Ohio, and came to Putnam county, Ohio, with his parents when nine years of age. He grew up in Perry township, where he was reared a farmer. He died in 1888, at the age of seventy-two years. He was a Democrat in politics. His wife, Fanny Fretz, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Nathan C. Shirley six children have been born: Ashley R. was born on June 22, 1889, she married Preston H. Miles and lives at Syracuse, Indiana, having no children; Hazel I. was born on November 21, 1890; Ross R. was born on October 16, 1892; Mary E., who was born on October 19, 1894, married Floyd Groff, of Monroe township, who lives near the faiTn of Mr. Shirley; Lynn L. was born on November 18, 1898; Claude L. was born on August 13, 1905.

Nathan C. Shirley has made most of his present farm by his own efforts and has cleared most of the land, and built all of the improvements to the farm. He has a fine barn, with modern apphances and conveniences and a milking machine. He believes strongly in progressive farming. The dimensions of his barn are ninety-six by fifty-six feet on the south side and ninetv-six by eighty feet on the north side, and is laid out with six thousand feet of cement floor and twelve hundred feet of cement outside. A silo has been erected, equipped with trackage for cleaning out barn and carrying feed. A cement water tank, with a capacity of fifty barrels, has also been erected.

Mr. Shirley has been township trustee of Perry township for one term, and has also been a member of the board of school directors of Continental city schools three different times. He is not now active. He is a stanch Democrat. He is a member of the United Brethren church at Continental, and has always taken a prominent part in church work. He has held most of the offices in the church, and is now secretary of the congregation, a circuit comprising five churches. He is also actively identified with the Sunday school, is a class leader and a teacher of the young men's and women's bible class. Nathan C. Shirley is a strong advocate of temperance, and, locally, has been closely identified with the farmers' institute. He was among the organizers of the Continental Farmers' Institute. His wife and family are members of the United Brethren church and take an active interest in the work of the church. Nathan C. Shirley is a man well liked. He bears a high standing for honesty of purpose and integrity in the community where he lives, is a man of strong and fixed convictions, and is frank and open in his dealings with his fellow men. In every way he is entitled to representation in this volume.

William J. Unterbrink

Putnam county has been fortunate in the number and character of its farmers, those advance agents of civilization and indispensable aids to social -and industrial development. The farmer is recognized as an institution and no other agency has done so much for the world in general. This is particularly true of Putnam county. Some men grow tired and others weary of the march, and fall out, but the enterprising, up-to-date farmer who works with a vision never ceases in his endeavor. Of the industrious and self- -sacrificing farmers of Putnam county, men who have succeeded in a large way, is William J. Unterbrink, a well-known farmer of Greensburg township. Mr. Unterbrink has contributed financially and otherwise in developing and upbuilding this great county. His work has been unselfish for the -most part, but he has managed to acquire a large farm and is one of the most progressive farmers of this section of the state.

William J. Unterbring was born on September 15, 1866, in the house where he now lives, in section 14, Greensburg township. He is the son of Ferdinand and Mary G. (Rotterman) Unterbrink.

Ferdinand Unterbrink was born in the German empire on November -29, 1824, and died in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, July 14, 1895. He was a son of John H. and Maria G. (Meilenbrink) Unterbrink, who settled in this county in 1841. The wife of John H. Unterbrink was Maria G., who was born in Germany on April 30, 1835, and who was the daughter of Herman H. and Maria G. (Kamper) Rotterman, who came to this country in 1838. She was married to Ferdinand Unterbrink in this -county, on September 7, 1852. Ferdinand Unterbrink was a farmer in township who served as a member of the board of county com- missioners in Putnam county, and who held several other important offices He had a family of eleven children: Anna M., the wife of Judge Joseph Mersman, of Ottawa; Bernard H., of Cloverdale, Putnam county; Joseph who hves north of Glandorf, in Ottawa township; Frank R, of Ottawa' Ignatius lives at Riviera, Texas; Maria C, deceased, was the wife of William Schmiedebusch, who resided at Cloverdale; William John of Greensburg township; John R., of Lima; Herman H., of Ottawa, where he is probation officer; Albert F., of Ottawa, and Amelia M., the wife of Anthony B Overman, of Ottawa. The mother of these children died on June 28, 1914 Ferdinand Unterbrink was county commissioner six years. Before that he was justice of the peace in Greensburg township for many years. He wasone of the most successful farmers in Greensburg township. He came here a very poor man and started in the woods. He worked at digging the canal in the west part of the county at thirty cents a day and boarded himself He was diligent and a good manager and owned about three hundred and forty acres of land at one time ; he owned a number of different farms His home farm was a beautiful place. He and the family all belong to the St John's Catholic church. He was a rock-ribbed Democrat in politics. In his youth he taught school in Greensburg township and was one of the first teachers there, making it a point to see that each child learned something every day. He was a very practical man, able to accomplish much where others, perhaps would have failed. He was a man to whom many came for advice regarding their own personal affairs, as he was regarded as being possessed of keen insight and sound judgment and took a kindly interest in assisting others.

Ferdinand Unterbrink came to America when about seventeen years old with his parents and sisters. Here he bought a farm m section 14, Greensburg township, which was all covered with timber, the country being still new. Here his parents lived and died and here he spent his life, engaged as a lifelong farmer. His wife, Mary G. (Rotterman) Unterbrink was born in Germany and came to this country in her infancy, with her parents.

William J. Unterbrink is one of eleven children, eight boys and three girls, as heretofore related. He grew up on the home farm. In 1892 he was married to Magdelina Kracht. She was born in Glandorf, Germany, on April 14, 1825, and is the daughter of William and Anna Catherine (Doepker) Kracht. William Kracht was born in Glandorf, Hanover, Germany, February 28, 1818. He came to Cincinnati when a young man and was there married to Anna Catherine Doepker. She was born in Glandorf, Hanover, and came to America while a girl, after her parents died in Germany. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Kracht lived in Cincinnati for several years

Subsequently, Mr. and Mrs. Kracht settled about a mile north of Glandorf, and there they lived many years. They spent their last years in Cloverdale.

Mr. and Mrs. William J. Unterbrink for many years have lived on the same farm where Mr. Unterbrink was born. He owns one hundred and eighty acres of fine farming land and has added excellent improvements to the farm, which was formerly owned by his father.

To Mr. and Mrs. William J. Unterbrink five children have been born, as follow: Alfred, on September 15, 1894; Lawrence, on November 9, 1898; Idella, on April 10, 1902; Marcella, on March 9, 1905, and William, on July 4, 1907. The family has a fine country home with beautiful surroundings. There is a private lighting plant in the house. The Unterbrinks are as fine people as are to be found anywhere in Putnam county and all of them are devout members of the Catholic church, at Glandorf.

Harry E. Brinkman

Harry E. Brinkman is a representative farmer and stock raiser of -Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, and is known as one of the alert, progressive and successful agriculturists of this favored section of the Buckeye state. In his labors he has not permitted himself to follow in a rut in a blind, apathetic way, but has studied and experimented and thus -obtained the maximum returns from his enterprising efl^orts. At the same time, he has so directed his career at all times as to command the confidence and regard of the people of the community where he lives. He is a man of honorable business methods and advocates strenuously whatever tends to promote the public welfare.

Harry E. Brinkman was born November 11, 1887, on the farm where he now lives in the center of Greensburg township. He is the son of John H. and Philomina (Maag) Brinkman. John H. Brinkman was also born on the same farm in 1848 and is the son of Johann Henry and Mary Gertrude (Rieman) Brinkman. Johann Henry Brinkman was born in Oldenburg, November 8, 1802, and was the son of Johann Rudolph and Elizabeth Johann (Bergmann) Brinkman. He died in 1890 at the age of eighty-seven years and nine months. Johann Henry Brinkman lived in Germany until he was twenty-eight years old and then came to America. He was among the very early settlers in Greensburg township.

Johann Henry Brinkman purchased land in section 15 in an early day when the country was all new, not a road and not even a track havingbeen laid. A trail was blazed to Glandorf settlement and to other neighboring points and at night hickory bark torches were carried. He started with a most primitive cabin and did not have a fireplace. There was no floor and the fire was built in a hole in the middle of the cabin. There was no drainageand at times water flooded the cabin. It was not unusual on arising in the morning to find their wooden shoes floating and the fire drowned out Although It was necessary to endure many hardships, yet these early pioneers bore them cheerfully because their work meant a home for them and their children. In the old country, the earnings only went to enrich the landowners. Here, Johann Henry Brinkman spent his life, clearing the land and rearing his family. His wife was born, January 22, 1829, in Osnabruck, Germany. She came to America with her parents when she was three years old. She was the daughter of John H. and Mary Elizabeth (Fhone) Rieman, who came to America in 1832 and lived at Cincinnati a few years, when they came to Glandorf. They purchased a farm on thenorthwest edge of Ottawa township, west of Glandorf. There Mary Gertrude Rieman grew to womanhood and was married.

On the farm, in section 15, John Henry Brinkman grew up among the pioneers and here was married on October 28, 1872, to Philmonia May Mag. She was born one miles west of Glandorf church on May 14 18 si and was the daughter of Theodore and Catherine (Purs) Maag Theodore Maag was born in Glandorf, Hanover, Germany, in May, 1807, and grew up there. When a young man he came to Cincinnati and was there married to Catherine Purs, who was born in Glandorf, Hanover, December 8, 1813. She came to America at the age of twenty-two and went immediately to Cincinnati. At the age of twenty-three she was married to Theodore Maag. Two years later they moved to the west edge of Ottawa townshit> and m 18"^ _ - :i- . r ^ ^

Theodore Maag was away from home much of the time working on the canal. His wife and two babies were compelled to stay alone, while the Indians roamed nearby through the woods.

After John H. Brinkman and wife were married they lived on the Brinkman farm. He was a lifelong farmer and very successful. He managed to acquire a good farm and owned two hundred and forty acres. He was public spirited and held various township offices at different times. He be- gan life with eighty acres and after his father's death, bought his sisters interest in his father's farm of one hundred and sixty acres. John H. Brinkman was an able farmer and could plow a long furrow as straight as a rule,, having a good eye for distance and levels. He raised thoroughbred cattle, hogs and sheep, and took great interest in his live stock. He was known by all as a good neighbor, a man of sound judgment and reliable. He was a man of much value to his community. His traits have been largely transmitted to his son, the subject of this sketch, who is like his father and one of the well-known citizens of this township. John H. Brinkman died on- January i6, 19 lo, leaving a widow and two sons. A daughter, Mary Frances, died at the age of sixteen. The two sons are Frank and Harry, both of whom hve on the home farm with their mother. Harry E. Brinkman manages the farm and since his father's death has added improvements to theplace.

Herry E. Brinkman was married on August 12, 1913, to Mary Elizabeth Rose. She was born at Fort Jennings, Putnam county, and is the daughter of Alton and Bernardine (Pavel) Rose. Anton Rose was born at Ottoville, Putnam county, December 25, 1861, the son of Adolph and Catherine (Mersman) Rose. Adolph Rose came from Germany and owned a farm on the canal not far from Ottoville. Later, he moved to Fort Jennings. Catherine Mersman was from Glandorf, Germany, and came to this country at the age of eight years. Anton Rose was an engineer at Fort- Jennings. Three years ago he moved to Delphos, where he now lives. His wife was born two and one-half miles south of Ottoville, along the canal, and was the daughter of Henry Pavel and wife.

Mary Elizabeth Rose grew up at Fort Jennings, where she lived until she was seventeen years old; since that time she has lived in Greensburg township. To Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Brinkman one son, Cornelius Anton. Johann, was born on February 2, 1914.

Harry E. Brinkman is secretary of the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company. The family all belong to the Catholic church at Glandorf and are faithful to their religion. The family are kind and hospitable and well liked by all who know them.

It is a pleasure to see the live stock which Mr. Brinkman raises. It is not only good stock but is well kept. He uses the very latest methods in his farm management and is in every respect a truly progressive farmer. He is one of the leading citizens of Putnam county and a man whom one does not soon forget.

Sanford Smith

The business of farming has been revolutionized within the last fifty years and the farmer of today knows few of the disadvantages which surrounded pioneer fanners of Ohio. Scores of inventions have been put on the market which enable the farmer to lead a life of ease as compared with the arduous labors which his father had to undergo. The result is that an ever-increasing number of our best young men are remaining on the farm in preference to trying their fortunes in the citi»s. The farmer is certainly the most independent man of the country, and all other professions and occupations must bow to him. Ohio is known throughout the length and breadth of the country as one of the best agricultural states in the union, and Putnam county ranks with the best farming sections of the state. Putnam county farmers are not to be excelled by any other county, and among its many excellent farmers no one occupies a more prominent place than Sanford Smith, the subject of this review. The ancestral history of Sanford Smith has been intimately identified with the pioneer annals of Putnam county and the state of Ohio.