Ottawa Township (part 11 of 23)

To Mr and Mrs. Ernst six children were born : George F., who was born ,on November i, 1893, married Augusta Wright and lives on a f arm ,n Palmer township, Putnam county. They have one child Mary Marcelle. The other five children are: Manford Hebrew, born on March 20, 1896, Dewey Dow, born on May 22, 1898, died on July 6, 1899; Otto Kenneth, born on May 23, 1900; Oliver C, born on February 19, 1903, died on February 20, 1903, and Fanny Lucile, born on May 12, 1907. Three, therefore, are living on the home farm.

Mr Ernst, in politics, is a Democrat. He has served both as a member -of the town council of Continental and also as a member of the school board. He is one of Monroe township's trustees at present. In his many years residence in Continental and vicinity, he has come to be one of the best-known -citizens in this section of Putnam county. John W. Ernst is a man of temperate habits, honest in his business dealings and cordial in his relations with his fellow men.

William H. Lowe

Among the representative farmers of Putnam county is the subject of this sketchrwho is the owner of many splendid acres of fine farming land !n Monroe township. William H. Lowe is carrying on the various departments of his enterprise with that discretion and energy which are sure to Id their natural sequence m definite success. He has always been a hard worker, a good manager and a man of economical habits. He is also foitunately situated in -a thriving farming community, and it is no wonder that he stands today in the front ranks of the farmers o that favored lo- Mr. Lowe has also been a successful carpenter and has several hundred buildings to his credit in Putnam county. ^ . ^ ,^

Stephen S. Lowe was born in July, 1853, in Muskingum county, Ohio, and is the son of Benedict and Lucinda Lowe, who were natives of Ireland. Stephen S Lowe came to this county, where he remained for one year and then removed to Allen county, Ohio, near Delphos. Here he remained for three years, or until 1881. He removed to Putnam county, Ohio, m 1882, near Cloverdale, when the country was«mostly in a wild state. He was a shoemaker by trade and lost his sight and has been blind for the past sixteen years. He now lives with his daughter at Cloverdale, Ohio. He is a member of the Catholic church, and in poHtics is a Democrat. Mrs. Laura E. Lowe was born in 1844 in Illinois and came to Fairfield county, Ohio, when a small child. Her parents settled near Lancaster. She died in March! 1898, at the age of fifty-four years. She and her husband had six children: William H.; Mrs. Lula Spitnale, who lives in Perry township; Stephen, who Hves at Charlevoix, Michigan; Mrs. Elizabeth Andrews, of Lima, Ohio; Mrs. Ida Oakes, of St. Joseph, Missouri, and Mrs. Zoe Kippler, of Lima' Ohio.

William H. Lowe came with his parents to Vinton county, Ohio, when about three years old. Subsequently he removed with them to Allen county and finally to Putnam county, near Cloverdale. Here he grew up and attended the township schools. He learned the carpenter's trade early in hfe and did much work in Putnam county. He was a foreman at Toledo, Ohio, for three years, and has two hundred and fifty-seven buildings to his credit. Mr. Lowe came from Continental, Ohio, to Toledo, and settled on his present farm. He has a farm of eighty acres, south of the place where he lives, m Monroe township. He is interested in a partnership arrangement, embracing some six hundred acres of land. He removed to the farm where he now lives one year after his marriage and has erected all of the buildings himself. He has a splendid farm and excellent buildings. He is a progressive farmer and believes thoroughly in advanced methods.

Mr. Lowe is a student of farming and has watched with pride the possibilities afforded by the use of modern appliances in the saving of labor with the greatest amount of efficiency. As he has studied he has planned and today has erected upon his beautiful farm a barn one hundred by forty feet, that not only stores one hundred and sixty tons of hay, but also affords shelter for a sixty horsepower gas tractor, with a gang of eight fourteeninch plows.

William H. Lowe was married on February 15, 1902, to Iva A Bibler, who was bom on November 20, 1876, close to Dupont, in Perry township. She IS the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Ridenour) Bibler To this union four children have been born, all of whom are hving at home They are Ruhla L., Owen B., Margarite A. and Richard William.

Mr. Lowe is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows the Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America at Continental. He is more or less identified with the Republican party but is mdependent in vote. He has never aspired to. ofifice. He is not identified With any church, but attends the United Brethren church at Continental of which Mrs. Lowe is a member. William H. Lowe is a quiet man, wh» makes no pretensions and claims to superior virtue, yet he is. a man of intelligent and sterling qualities and bears a high reputation in Monroe township, where he has lived for many years.

David Wisterman

To attain a worthy citizenship by a life that is always honored and respected even from childhood deserves more than mere mention. It is no easy task to resist the many temptations of youth and early manhood, and to establish a character in the minds and hearts of associates that will remain an unstained tribute for aU times. One may take his place in public life through some vigorous stroke of public policy, and even abide in the hearts of his. friends and neighbors, but to reach the same position by leading a consistent upright life, without craving for exaltation merely for selfish ends, is worthy of the highest praise and commendation. A man who has lived after thisfashion is David Wisterman, a well-known farmer of Monroe township, a. veteran of the Civil War, and a valiant, courageous and valuable citizen in times of peace. Mr. Wisterman has always been ready to assist in public movements with laudable preferment, and from many standpoints deserves, the high esteem with which he is held by the people of Putnam county, where he is so well known.

George Joseph Wisterman was born in 1797, at the head of Lake Geneva,, near Seneca, New York, and here grew to manhood. In his youth he received a liberal education, having been prepared for a minister in the Lutheran church. He was well known as a German and Latin scholar, and taught school for a time during his younger days. He studied medicine under the direction of Doctor Shingler, and practiced this profession for many years. He also learned the trade of the journeyman tanner, and upon coming to- Putnam county, in 1836, he followed this occupation. In the meantime, however, he had lived in Wayne county for a time. He built a tannery at Kalida,. the first one in this section of the state. In 1846, he sold the tannery, and settled on a farm in Greensburg township, near the Blanchard river. Subsequently, he operated a saw and grist-mill on the river, some five miles from the farm. In 1849, he went to California, returning three years later, and settling on the old farm in Greensburg township, where he died in January, 1853. He was an old-line Whig in politics, and for a number of years filled the office of justice of the peace. George Joseph Wisterman was twice married, the first time to a Miss Pontius, by whom he had three children, Henry, Joseph and Isabella, all of whom are now deceased. Joseph owned about a quarter section of land in Wayne county, where Massilon, Ohio, now stands. After the death of his first wife, George Joseph Wisterman married Elizabeth Cigler, who was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on September 30, 1817, and who migrated from Pennsylvania to Wayne county, Ohio, with her parents, Henry Cigler and wife, who were natives of Pennsylvania. From Wayne county, Ohio, they came to Putnam county, settling at Kalida, where Elizabeth Cigler was married to George Joseph Wisterman. Eight children were born to this marriage: Sarah, who died on February 28, 1852; David, who is the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth is deceased; Isaac lives in Florida; Jonas and Mary live in Kansas; Mrs. Catherine Croft Moree lives in Bowling Greene, Ohio; Mrs. Susan Miller lives in Florida, with her brother, Isaac. George Joseph Wisterman died in January, 1852, at the age of fifty-six; his wife died at the age of seventy-five years.

The paternal grandfather of David Wisterman was George Joseph Wisterman, Sr., born in Wurtemburg, Germany, and who came to America in 1795, settling near Buffalo, New York, where he married a Miss Brosius., He was a fine German and English scholar and a profound student of Greek Hebrew and Latin. For many years he was a leading Lutheran preacher in New York state, and was known far and near for his scholarly attainments

David Wisterman, the subject of this sketch, lived in Kalida, leaving there, however, at the age of eight years, and removing with his parents to Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio. He stayed in Greensburg township for one year, and then removed to Perry township. He attended school m Perry township, and after having finished his education, taught for thirty-eight terms, mostly in Putnam county, though some of his professional work was done in Paulding county, in Bureau county, Illinois, and in Defiance county. Mr. Wisterman educated himself by home study principally. He attended Kenyon Normal School, however, at Gambier, Ohio an institution endowed by Lord Kenyon of England. It was one of the best schools m the country at that time and one of the first great colleges in the West^ Mr. Wisterman also attended McCoy's commercial school, at Columbus, Ohio, and was a student there in 1861, when the war broke out pany E, One Hundred and Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, attached to the Army of the West, and he was discharged for disability at the end of thirteen months. During his service in the army, he contracted lung trouble in the wet marshes and, although he underwent an operation, he was finally dismissed. He was in part of the battle of Perryville, when Bragg was driven out of Kentucky, and served six months at Bowling Green. After the war he returned home.

Subsequently, Mr. Wisterman left for Auburn, Indiana, for treatment of lung trouble contracted while serving in the army. Finally, he studied medicine, and practiced for many years, but quit the practice in 1904. During the time he was practicing medicine, he was also a farmer, and had a hundred and fifty-seven acres where the old Wisterman farm is now located. Here, Mr. Wisterman built an elevator, placing his son Harvey in charge of it for some time, when it was ^finally sold to Toledo people, who now operate it. In 1904, Mr. Wisterman sold his farm and removed to Continental, where he purchased property for his wife. He, however, went to the soldiers' home, and lived there for five years, returning occasionally on furloughs. Later, he purchased his present farm of thirty-seven acres, and lives now a quiet' retired life. He has been more or less an invalid since leaving the army.

David Wisterman was married on March 17, 1864, to Leandra Brower, a native of Putnam county, Ohio, born about four miles north of Kalida! along the Blanchard river, and the daughter of Brockman and Angeline (Stalnacher) Brower. To this happy union nine children have been born. Chauncey Burton and Elizabeth, the two eldest children, are deceased; Viola M., the seventh child, is also deceased; William H. married Florence Mullett, and lives in Toledo, Ohio, where he is a machinist; they have one child, Howard; Thomas C. married Anna Skelley, who is now deceased; he is a farmer living about one mile from Rawson, Ohio; there are three children, Elizabeth, Blanche and George D. ; Harvey M. married Ardella Miller, who is now deceased; they had four children, Robert M., Helen prances, Edna and Paul; two of these children, Robert M. and Paul, are deceased; Harvey M. lives at home, and is at present Putnam county representative of the State Life Insurance Company of Indianapolis, Indiana; he also deals in real estate. Harvey M. Wisterman is a splendid type of man, well known and popular throughout Putnam county. Alexis E. married Flossie Snyder, and they live at Union City, Tennessee. He is a contractor and builder, and has a plant where cement and brick blocks are manufactured. They have five children Catherine, Violet, Jessie H., William H. and Dorothy. George J married

Alta Simmons, and they live at Rudolph, Wood county, Ohio; they have three children, Harry C, Harvey Edward and Georgia Elizabeth. He is a farmer and also is engaged in the oil business. Myrtle M. married H. C. Parrett.

Mrs. David Wisterman's father, Brockman Brower, vs^as a native of North Carolina, and his wife, Angeline (Stalnacher) Brower, was a native of Virginia. They were pioneer settlers in Putnam county, Ohio. Brockman Brower was an influential man in the Methodist church, and a strong Republican. His father, Frederick Brower, was a native and resident of Randolph county. North Carolina, where he married Nellie Staley. He served in the War of 1812, and was a prominent man in the South.

David Wisterman is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic Post at Kalida, Ohio. With the exception of township clerk, which he held for one term, Mr. Wisterman has not been active in politics. He is naturally conservative in pohtics, and although he votes somewhat independently, he is identified with the Republican party. He has been a great reader and a student of natural history. He is well informed upon all subjects, a free thinker, and a man who believes in the greatest freedom of thought and conscience. His advice is much sought in this section of Putnam county, where he has lived so long and so usefully.

Charles Varner

In every community are to be found individuals who, by reason of pronounced ability and forceful personality, rise superior to the majority and command the homage of their fellows ; who, by revealing to the world true, resplendent virtues, perseverance in effort and directing purpose, never fail to attain positions of honor and trust and become, in the full sense of the term, leaders of men. In this class is that well-known gentleman, successful lawyer and real estate dealer, Charles Varner, of Continental, Putnam county, Ohio. He is a man who ranks among the leading citizens of Putnam county, and who, for a number of years, has borne an influential part in the affairs of Putnam county, where he resides.

Charles Varner was, born on January 27, 1872, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Isaiah and Fanny (Landis) Varner, the former of whom was the son of Jacob and Eliza (Guyton) Varner. Jacob Varner was a native of Virginia, as was also his wife.

He left Virginia to come to Ohio in pioneer days and was among the early settlers in this county. Isaiah Varner was born in Greensburg township in 1842. Fanny Landis was born in the same township in 1843 Isaiah Varner grew to manhood on the home place, known as the old Jacob Varner homestead, and was reared as a farmer. With the exception of a short time spent outside of the county, Isaiah Varner has remained on the original one hundred and sixty acres, where he still lives, although he is retired at the age of seventy-two. His wife is also living.

To Mr. and Mrs. Isaiah Varner ten children were born: Emma deceased; Maggie, who is at home; Mrs. John Ernst, who died in 1911' Charles, the subject of this sketch; Jacob, of DeKalb county, Indiana- Jerry, who also lives in DeKalb county; Martin, who lives in Wilhams coiinty, Ohio; Curtis, who is at home; Mrs. George Stauffer, who lives' in Ottawa; and Chester, who lives in Hammond, Indiana.

Charles Varner grew up on his father's farm and was educated in the common schools. He attended the normal school at Angola, Indiana for three or four terms, after which he returned to Putnam county and taught school for about eight years. Subsequently, he attended Ada College and was graduated in 1894 from the pharmaceutical course He then worked m a drug store at Continental, Ohio, and while here, he read law and was admitted to the bar in 1902, He began to practice in that year m Continental and during his practice, has also handled real estate loans and insurance. Mr. Varner is still active in this business.

Charles Varner was married on September 18, 1901, to Mae E Eberly who was born on January 26, 1879, in Lucas county, Ohio, -and who is the daughter of Benjamin and Jennie (Gorill) Everly. To this happv union five children have been born: Harriett, Charles Gorill, Hope, Theodora and one who died in infancy.

Charles Varner was at one time an- active member of the Knights of Pythias, but is no longer a member. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons No. 570, the chapter and council at Ottawa, and the commandery at Defiance, Ohio. He is a member of Lodge No. 869, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Continental, Ohio. Mr. Varner is a stanch Republican. He was an alternate delegate to the Republican national convention at Chicago, m 19 12. He served as mayor of Continental for one term following 1901, and was city solicitor for four terms. He has been an active member of the school board. Religiously, Mr. Varner and his family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In a personal way Charies

Varner is a congenial young man and well liked in his town and township. He is a good business man and bears a high reputation for honesty and integrity in the community where his professional labors have been performed.

Victor Noirot

Putnam county is fortunate in the number and character of its farmers, and much of the material prosperity of the county can be attributed to the fact that its farmers have kept abreast of the times. It can hardly be questioned that the farmer is an index to the civilization of a community. If the farmers are progressive and up-to-date, it follows that the standard of living in that community will be higher. Thousands of banks have been organized within the last few years in order to supply the needs of the farmers, and according to one authority, the farmer and his crop furnish the bulk of the money for most of the smaller banks throughout the United States. The wholesome living, which is the good fortune of the farmer, is a big factor in keeping up the general tone of a county. The business men of the towns are drawing the men for their employees from the country, and everywhere it is noted that the men who are rising to prominence in the various activities of life were born and reared on the farm. Putnam has long been known as one of the very best farming counties of the state, and its excellent farmers have been one of the greatest factors in the material advancement of the county. Among the many excellent farmers of Putnam county there is no one who stands higher in the estimation of his neighbors than Victor Noirot, of Monroe township.

Lawrence Noirot was the son of Francis C. and Frances (Raclor) Noirot, the former of whom was born in 1798, in the village of Boncourt, County Manly, department of Hontmarn, France, and united in marriage to Frances Raclor in 1823, at the same village. Frances Raclor was bom in the village where she was married, in December, 1800, and died on February 28, 1898. He died September 26, 1866, in Henry county, Ohio. Before leaving France, Francis Noirot was mayor of Boncourt, France. They came to America with their family on October 27, 1853, and finally settled at Findley, Hancock. county, Ohio, with their children, Frances, Nicholas, Claude, Anna, Mary, Celestian, John and Velaria. One child, Magdelena, had died in

France, and one son, Lawrence, came afterward. He was the father of the subject of this sketch. They came by way of New York City to Hancock county, and were farmers there for a time. Later, they removed to Putnam county, and here were among the early settlers, experiencing all the privationsof pioneer life. Subsequently, they removed to Henry county, Ohio.

Lawrence Noirot, the father of Victor, was born on August 9, 1830, in France, and grew up there, coming to America at the age of twenty-six, in 1856. His father, mother and family, had come three years previously, in 1853. Lawrence Noirot came immediately to Hancock county by way of New Orleans. While in the South he contracted the yellow fever, and was laid up for three years in Hancock county, Ohio. Lawrence Noirot was married in 1856, to Mary Bouvier (a daughter of Claude Bouvier), a native of France, born on January 6, 1840. He was a farmer in Hancock county for a time, but later, in 1861, removed to Putnam county, and settled in Palmer township, where he farmed until March, 1887, when he moved to Defiance county, Ohio, where he farmed till his death, in August, 1867, at the age of sixty-seven years. He owned one hundred and sixty acres of land in Defiance county. Mrs. Mary Noirot, who was Mary Bourvier before her marriage, died on December 24, 191 1, at the age of seventy-one years. Her parents were farmers and early settlers of Hancock county, Ohio, where they lived until their death. Lawrence and Mary (Bouvier) Noirot had seven children. Victoria married John C. Oakley, of Palmer township. Lawrence was the second child. Josephine married Edward Lafontaine, of Palmer township. Louis lives in Michigan, William A. lives at Galyard, Michigan, and Sophia, the only child who died.

Victor Noirot lived in Hancock county, and was four years of age when he was brought to Putnam county, Ohio, by his parents, in 1861. With the exception of about seven years spent in Henry county, Ohio, he has lived in Putnam county all his life. He left home at the age of twenty-nine years. Mr. Noirot owned forty acres in Henry county, and sold out and came to Putnam county, where he purchased sixty acres in Monroe township, where he now resides and carries on general farming. He removed to his present farm in 1895.

Mr. Noirot was married on November 23, 1886, to Catherine Williams, a native of Palmer township, born on February 16, 1868, and the daughter of Michael and Mary Ann (Frankhart) Williams, the former of .whom was a native of Germany and the latter of whom, also, was born in Germany, in Luxemburg. Mary Ann Frankhart came to America with her parents at the age of seven years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Victor Noirot three children have been born. OHver married Flossie Beemer, and lives in Galyard, Michigan. He is a farmer there. They have no children. Viola married Grover Beemer, and lives at Old Fort, Ohio. They had one child, Victor Emanuel, who is deceased, Blanche, the third child, lives at home.

Mr. Noirot is not a member of any lodge. He has been a member of the school board, and justice of the peace in Palmer township for one term. Heserved two terms as township clerk in Palmer township, being elected at theage of twenty-one years. He served as township trustee of Monroe township, for two terms, and was on the school board for about twelve years. He wasalso township ditch supervisor for three terms, and is still active. Likewise,, he has served as justice of the peace in Monroe township, and served several, times upon the election board, and on numerous occasions as presiding judge of this board. Politically, Mr. Noirot is a stanch Democrat. Religiously, he and his wife and family are members of the Catholic church at. North Creek,, in Palmer township. They are highly respected residents of Putnam county' and entitled to the free and generous esteem accorded them by their neighborsand friends.

Samuel M. Dickey

One of Monroe township's well-known farmers and stock raisers who^ is deserving of a place in this volume, is Samuel M. Dickey, a man of courage, self-reliance and integrity of purpose. As a consequence of these qualities, during his entire life, he has stood high in the estimation of hisneighbors and friends, whose interests he has always sought to promote. Mr. Dickey has been honored by the people of Perry township, where he formerly lived, and, in 1905, came very near being elected as sheriff of Putnam county, having lost out by a narrow margin. He has been a successful contractor, but now confines his attention wholly to farming.

Samuel M. Dickey was born on September 25, 1856, in Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Jacob and Nancy E. (Hutchinson) Dickey.

Jacob Dickey was born on March 16, 1829, in Holmes countv, Ohio, and died at his home near Continental, Ohio, on April 10, 191 1' at the age of eighty-two years and twenty-five days. He came with his parents to Putnam county in 1842, when that country was a vast wilderness. He was married to Nancy E. Hutchinson on August 25, 1852, and in the fall of that year they came to their present farm in Perry township, wliere they -both continued to hve until death. Together they suffered the hardships of pioneer hfe and experienced many joys and sorrows. They built a log cabin in the woods and after their marriage lived in it for three years. Jacob Dickey then rented a farm of one hundred and seven acres and farmed it for two years, when he came to his farm in Perry township. With the exception of Samuel M., the subject of this sketch, ta.\\ the children were born on the homestead farm. Jacob Dickey was the son of John and Mary (Deeds) Dickey, who came from Holmes county to Putnam county in 1842, and settled on a farm in Perry township close to the river, where they both died. Jacob Dickey was at oen time an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but was not at the time of his death. He was township trustee,, justice of the peace for many years, and a man of wide influence in the local councils of the Democratic party. He was not a member of any church. To Jacob and Nancy Dickey, nine children were born: G. W., of Cannelsburg, Indiana; Samuel M., whose history is here presented; Mrs. Lena Spitnale, of Perry township; Frank, who lives on the_old home farm; Mrs. Sanford Smith, of Continental; W. M., of Lima, Ohio; Mrs. W. H. Harmon, -of Morley, Missouri; H. K., who also lives at Morley, and Mrs. John Camburn, of Amber, Pennsylvania. The mother of these children died on January 17, 1898, at the age of sixty years, having been born on Tanuarv 19. 1838. ^

Samuel M. Dickey remained on the home farm until his marriage and then farmed for about sixteen years near Dupont, Ohio, where he built a home. Subsequently, he came to Monroe township to a farm of forty acres, where he now lives. When Mr.- Dickey moved to this farm, it was coA-ered with timber and was more or less in' a wild condition He has cleared and ditched the farm, and in 191 1 built a fine barn. He owns a fine residence and now has an ideal farm, and is known as one of the best farmers of Putnam county. He takes a great pride in this farm and is known as a good judge of stock. Mr. Dickey believes in progressive farming. He is a capable carpenter and learned this trade for his own benefit, building his own home. He followed contracting in Putnam county for about twelve years, but is no longer engaged in this work.

Samuel M. Dickey w^as married on April 23, 1879, to Emma Lutz a native of Putnam county and the daughter of George and Justenia (Weaver) Lutz. To this union, one son, Joseph, has been born. Joseph

Winifred Hikson and lives at Alexandria, Indiana, where he is a teacher in the high school, now teaching his second term there. He has taught school for several years, and was principal of the school at Continental, Ohio, and also at Mt. Sterling, Ottawa and Wilmington. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in Indiana in 1912, but has never practiced, as he prefers to teach.

At one time, Samuel M. Dickey was active in the Knights of Pythias, but is no longer so. He w'as a candidate for sheriff in 1905 on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated by a narrow margin. He was, for a period^ assessor of Perry township. Although Mr. and Mrs. Dickey are not members of any church, they are moved by strong religious convictions and are Christians, nevertheless. Mr. Dickey is a man of excellent habits and sterling character; is quiet in his manner and conservative in his actions, and is known to be honest and upright in all of his dealings with his fellowmen.

Frederick William Schroeder

That nothing is impossible to the man of determination and pluck is proved every day, and an example of this is the story of Frederick W. Schroe- -der, who located on his present farm in 1887 when the land was uncleared and choked with swamps. By hard, persistent effort the land was cleared, drained, fenced and improved until, today, it is one of the model places of the county. The house is modern, being equipped with furnace, electric lights and other conveniences. The barn and other outbuildings testify to the industry of the owner and are a credit to the county.

Mr. Schroeder was born on April 14, 1861, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, the son of Carl and Agnes (Hoenbrink) Schroeder, who were the parents of ten children as follows : Mrs. Anna Siebeneck, Mrs. Mary Meyer, Frank, William, who died in 1900; John, of Liberty township, Putnam county; Frederick W. ; Andrew, who died on November 26, 1914; Henry, of Greensburg township; Ignatius, also of Greensburg township, on the old home place, which has been in the family for over eighty years, and Mrs. Theresa Toby, also of Greensburg township.

In 1834 Nicholas Schroeder came to America from Ostercappeln, Germany, bringing with him his son, Carl, who was born on December 22, 1827 and who became the father of Frederick William. Nicholas entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Greensburg township, Put- nam county. The land was wooded and swampy, but by hard work was. made into an excellent farm. The land, which was close to the Blanchard river, was drained by Carl, who farmed the place all his life and achieved prominence in the community. He died on September 21, 1908, aged eighty years and eight months.

Agnes Schroeder was a native of Glandorf, Germany, who came to the United States some years later than did her future husband. She was born on February 13, 1826, and died on April 19, 191 1, aged eighty-five years, two months and six days. She was a loving mother, who endeared herself ta her family and to her neighbors, and her death was regretted by a great number of friends. She and her husband were the parents of the family of children who subsequently proved that the parents reared their children wisely and well.

The youth of Frederick Schroeder was spent on the home farm, and he received a common-school education, supplemented by the experience of hard work. He located on his present farm in 1887 which he immensely improved, and is now devoted to general farming, the raising of grain and the feeding of live stock. The farm on which he lives contains eighty acres while he owns a place of seventy-four acres in Ottawa township, which he also cultivates.

The marriage of Mr. Schroeder and Regina Moenter occurred on October 26, 1887, his wife being the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Wolfhorst) Moenter, who were the parents of nine children: Anna, who died in infancy; Anna Mary, deceased; Regina; Henry B., deceased; Henry, now living on the homestead in Marion township, Allen county, Ohio; Frank, also of Allen county; Mrs. Mary Pohlman, of Allen county; Clara and Rosa, both deceased. To Frederick Schroeder and his wife were born eight children, namely : Agnes, born on February 14, 1889, married Bernard Ellerbrock, and they farm the Ellerbrock homestead, south of Glandorf, in Ottawa township; they have two children, Norbert and Sylvester. The remainder of the children, who live at home are : Cecilia E., born on April 18, 1891 ; Leo C, born on March 24, 1893; Felix, born on January 5, 1895; Lucy M 'bora on January 5, 1897; Elenora, born on March 4, 1899; Edward John, born on July 25, 1901 ; and Clara T., born on September 26, 1904.

Frank Moenter, who also was a native of Germany, was born in 1840- and died in April, 1896. His wife was a native of Fort Jennings, Putnam county, and was born on January 17, 1843, and died on October 5 1913 at the age of seventy. Frank Moenter came to America when he was about

years of age, his parents locating on a farm in Marion township, AUen county, Ohio, near Delphos. The original place contained eighty acres, but hundred and twenty acres were accumulated eventually. He was a popular man, by reason of his fine, unassuming nature.

Mr. Schroeder is a stanch member of the Democratic party, and is .affiliated to the congregation of St. Mary's Catholic church. He is a director the German Mutual Farmers' Fire Insurance Company, of Glandorf, Ohio, which position he has held the last three years. Mr. Schroeder is a quietmannered gentleman, with a whole-hearted, unassuming personality, which has gained him many friends.

Frank J. Verhoff

Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails of success. It carries a man onward and upward, brings out his individuality and acts as a powerful stimulus to others. The greatest results in life are often attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary qualities of common sense and perseverance. The every-day life, with its cares, necessities and duties, affords ample opportunities for acquiring experience of the best kind, and its most beaten paths provide a true worker with abundant scope for sel f-improvement.

Frank J. Verhofif, who is numbered among the sterling citizens and progressive farmers of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born on June 22, 1864, on the parental farm in the same township and county. He is the son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff, pioneer residents of Greensburg township. A full account of the paternal ancestry will be found elsewhere in this history of Putnam county, Ohio.

The subject of this review received his education in the schools of Glandorf, Ohio, and in his youth worked on his father's farm, and early learned the secrets of successful agriculture, a vocation to which he has devoted his entire life. He is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of choice farming land, the original tract of eighty acres in section 29 was deeded to him by his father, to which was added, by purchase,, forty acres in section 30, and, later, he purchased eighty acres just across in section 29, besides another tract of one hundred and twenty acres, which lies just north of the ongmal farm, forty acres of which is in section 19 and eighty in section 29.

The father had erected the original farm buildings, to which the subject added a number of new buildings, making a total of eight fine farm and residence buildmgs. Mr. Verhoff does not specialize in the raising of any particular kmd of crop, but gives careful attention to the rotation of such crops as interest him, keeping his land in the very best of condition and realizing a harvest that proves his farming profitable.

Frank J. Verhoff was married on November 6, 1889, to Elizabeth Hamberg, who was born in Osnabrock, Province of Hanover, Germany and is a daughter of Henry and Mary (Mudler) Hamberg, natives of c'ermany. Mrs. Verhoff came to this country when she was but a child of fourteen, accompanied by a brother, Henry, who settled on a farm near Glandorf Putnam county, Ohio. Besides the subject's wife, the maternal parents had four children who remained in the old country, Herman, George, Mary and Bernardina.

Soon after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Verhoff they took up then residence on the portion of the farm located in section 29, in Greensburgtownship, Putnam county, and to them were born nine children, named as follow: Magdelena, August 17, 1890; Emma Mary, September 18, 189-^- Alphonse T., October 12, 1895; Francis K., July 3, 1898; Loretta Mary' January 17, 1901 ; Edward W., June 30, 1903; Amos ]., October 6, 1906; Urban C., February i, 1909; and Otham A., June 3, 1912. Of these children, Magdelena became the wife of Charles Recker,Vnd they live on a farm near Glandorf, Ohio. To this union one child was born, Albert U., July 2, 1912. Emma Mary became the wife of Benjamin Recker, and are now living on his farm near Glandorf, Ohio. To this union no children have been born.

Frank J. Verhoff's well-directed ^efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of all his own interests, and his sound judgment have brought him well-earned prosperity, his life demonstrating what may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work, and who has the perseverance to continue his labors. He raises thoroughbred and Shorthorn Durham cattle and Poland China hogs. Good natured, straightforward, unassuming, he commands the respect of all with whom he comes in contact and his friends are in number as his acquaintances Politically, Mr. Verhoff is a firm believer in the old-time principles of Democracy; religiously, he is an active member of St. Michael's Catholic church, of Kalida, Ohio, and among the congregation is known to be a liberal donor to all meritorious movements toward the advancement of charity and religion.

Henry Philip Schafer

Henry Philip Schafer, one of the members of the well-known Schafer family, of Putnam county, Ohio, and a prosperous farmer in Monroe township, is well known in this section of Ohio. In the veins of the Schafer family flows the blood of the German nobility, Henry Philip Schafer being a distant lineal descendant from Baron Hempleman, of Hesse Castle, Germany. Many years ago the Schafer family was founded in this country,, where no rank of nobility is recognized, and where the merit of the individual citizen is the measure of his worth. In public and private life, however, the Schafer family in the country of their adoption has fulfilled the worthy traditions of their noble-born ancestors.

Born on September ii, 1864, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio,. Henry Philip Schafer is a son of William and Mary (Morris) Schafer, who,, at the time of his birth, were residents of North Creek. Mr. Schafer's paternal grandparents, Philip Jacob and Elizabeth Schafer, came to this country from Germany, and here established the family. Philip Jacob Schafer died, about the year 1840, in Koenig Hessen, Darmstadt, Germany. The maternal grandfather, Henry Morris, whose wife was Margaret Morris, was the first judge in Putnam county, Ohio.

Henry Philip Schafer's father, William Schafer, was born at Koenig Hessen, Darmstadt, Germany, on February 4, 1839, and passed away at North Creek, Putnam county, Ohio, January i, 1903. His devoted wife,. Mrs. Mary (Morris) Schafer, the daughter of Judge Morris, and a faithful and loving helpmate throughout his life, was born on August 5, 1845, in Monroe county, Ohio, on October 10, 1902. Of their family of twelve children, seven were sons and five were daughters. All are now living, except Laura May, the next to the youngest, who died on September i, 1903. The names of these children in the order of their birth are as follow : Henry Phihp and John S., of North Creek, Ohio; Mrs. Margaret Jackson, of Gladstone, Michigan; William W., of Greensburg township, Putnam county; George L., of Defiance county, Ohio; Charles C, of North Creek ;- Mrs. Sarah E. Weller, of Silver Lake, Indiana; Mrs. Mary E. Fenstermaker, of Hillsdale, Michigan; Mrs. Ida L. Hilther, of Palmer tpwnship, Putnam county; Benjamin F., of North Creek, Ohio; Laura May, deceased; and Joseph J., of Adrian, Michigan.

After being educated in the common schools of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and especially in District No. 3, of this township, Henry Philip Schafer served as deputy postmaster and railroad express agent at

North Creek, Ohio, from 1881, at the time he was seventeen years old, until 1884, when he was twenty. On October 6, 1888, he moved to his present farm of fifty-three acres in Monroe township, which is located one-half mile west of the original homestead farm. Here Mr. Schafer has farmed ever since. His land is well improved and shows evidence of the careful -cultivation which it has received from its owner. For over twelve years Mr. Schafer has served as secretary of the Palmer Mutual Fire Insurance Association, with headquarters at North Creek, Ohio.

One month before he removed to his present farm, on September 6, 1888, Mr. Schafer was married to Martha Weller, a native of Van Buren, -Ohio, born on April 7, 1864, the daughter of Dr. Jonathan and Rebecca Weller, the former of whom was born on June 10, 1830, and who died on June 16, 1898, and the latter of whom was born on August 6, 1830, and who died on January 8, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer are the parents of five children: Louis, born in 1891, was married on August 26, 1913; Mrs. Eva Fenstemaker, born on September 23, 1895, was married on January 20, 1915; Mattie, born on June 11, 1897; Viola, born on July i, 1901, and Ralph, born on December 10, 1903.

Mr. Schafer is a man of fine and friendly impulses, popular in the neighborhood where he lives, honorable in his dealings with his neighbors, and highly respected by the community at large. He is a worthy descendant of the great family of Baron Hempleman and a patrician at heart, even though the Schafer family no longer bears this name in our American democracy.

Julius C. Risser

Among those persons who have, by virtue of their strong individual personality, earned their way to a position of high standing in the estimation of their fellow citizens, and who have, by sheer force of character and persistency, acquired a substantial competence in life, is Julius C. Risser, of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio. Mr. Risser has been active in the agricultural and stock raising affairs, of Putnam county, for many years, and has acquired a position of distinct prominence as a breeder of thoroughbred Belgian horses.

Julius C. Risser was born on February 25, 1864, in Allen county, Ohio, near Rockport. He is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth M. (Smith) Risser, -whose family history is to be found elsewhere in this volume in sketches

Daniel and Elizabeth M. Risser moved to Sugar Creek township, when Julius C. was only a few months old. Here Julius C. remained until he was twenty-seven years old. It was on the old homestead of his father that he spent his childhood and youth. Here he attended the old Michael district school. Shortly after finishing the common schools he went to the Ohio Northwestern University, at Ada, completing the commercial course. After this he returned to the home farm and assisted his father until his marriage, April I, 1891.

Julius C. Risser was married to Mary E. Clevenger, who was born on the old Clevenger homestead, south of Vaughnsville, September 15, 1866. She is the daughter of James and Catherine (Vaughn) Clevenger.

After his ma'rriage Julius C. Risser came to his wife's home, where they have resided ever since. Mr. Risser took charge of the Clevenger home place, consisting of one hundred acres, and after his father's death obtained possession of his father's home place of two hundred acres, by buying out the interest of tlie other heirs. Besides Mr. Risser's land holdings in Sugar Creek township, he also owns a section of six hundred and forty acres in Texas. Mr. Risser is a stockholder in the Peoples Banking Company, of Columbus Grove and Vaughnsville.

Julius C. Risser and wife have had eight children: James Daniel, born on January 26, 1892; Catherine Elizabeth, born on July 2, 1893; Ada May, born on September 29, 1895; Sarah Emma, born on September 17, 1898; Nellie Ruth, born on November 14, 1901 ; Mary Ellen, born on October 11' 1904; Harry Edwin, born on July 11, 1907, and Grace Pauline, born on April 8, 191 1.

that Mr. Risser owes his prominence in the community largely to his own efforts, untiring energy and good business judgment. He has been branchmg put lately to the breeding of thoroughbred Belgian horses, having recently purchased a magnificent stallion, "Dernier," No. 8673, which won the gold medal at the big horse show of Spa, Belgium, in 1914. He also raisesbees and has about one hundred hives, from which he realizes a source of revenue in the sale of honey.

Mr. and Mrs. Risser and family attend the Christian church, of which Mrs. Risser is a member. Mr. Risser is a member of Maccabees Lodge No. 312, at Vaughnsville. Mr. Risser is a Democrat, but has never aspired to office.

John T. Verhoff

The names Verhoff and Brinkman for several generations have been familiar and respected among the people of Putnam county, the progenitors of these two families having been among the earlier settlers of the countypioneers who left their impress upon the community in which they lived and labored, in which they wrested from the wilderness, homes for themselves, which have come down to their descendants to the fourth and fifth generations, in all of which time the two names above noted have stood for thrift, energy and directness of purpose. When, in 1899, these two names were linked and united by the marriage of John T. Verhoff and Catherine Brinkman there was much rejoicing among the friends of this worthy couple, for this insured the establishment of another family which should be marked by the same sterling traits as ever had characterized the families of the two thus united. It is eminently fitting, therefore, that in a work of this kind, containing the histories of the leading families of Putnam county, some reference should be made to the life of the gentleman whose name appears above.

John T. Verhoff was born on his father's farm near Glandorf, Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on April 6, 1871, the son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff, prominent in the life of that part of the county. For further details of the genealogy of the Verhoff family, the reader is referred to the sketch of Theodore Verhoff, father of the subject of this sketch, presented elsewhere in this volume.

cation in the common schools of Greensburg township and attended for three years the graded school at Glandorf. Until he was twenty-four years of age he lived on his father's farm, after which he moved to a farm owned by his father in section 29, Greensburg township, where he lived with his brothers, Joseph and August, and his sister, Mary, the latter of whom kept house for them. Here he remained, assisting in the work of the farm, for three years, or until his marriage in 1899, after which he moved to the farm in Union township on which he still resides and which he now owns, but which at that time belonged to his father. Though there were comfortable buildings on this farm at the time he took possession, Mr. Verhoff has greatly improved the place, by reconstructing the house and barn better to conform to the modern standard and has put up a number of substantial outbuildings necessary to the proper operation of the farm. On this farm of one hundred and twenty acres, eighty acres of which he bought from his father, the additional forty having been bought later, Mr. Verhoff engages quite successfully m general fanning and pays some attention to the raising of fullblooded Jersey cattle. He is industrious and energetic and, with the characteristic Verhoff thrift, has accumulated a fine property.

On August 23, 1899, John T. Verhoff was united in marriage with Catherine Bnnkman, the daughter of Henry and Sophia (Ricker) Brinkman, both of whom were born near Glandorf, in this county, the parents of both having come from Germany in the eariy days of this county's settlement and located in the Glandorf neighborhood, where they joined the other German pioneers in clearing the land for the future generations. Henry and Sophia (Ricker) Brinkman were the parents of nine children the others, besides Mrs.. Verhoff, being: Joseph, Mary, Frank, Barney Theresa Bernardma, Anna and Josephine, of whom the first four named are now deceased. The mother of the above children died in 1882 and Mr Brinkman miarned, secondly, Caroline Foppe, to which union there were bom five children: Henry, Veronica, Helen, Amos (deceased) and Caroline . u ^^ ^°^^, 7' """^ Catherine (Brinkman) Verhoff have been born the following children: Verona, born on December 30, 1900, died a few days later; Leona, born on May 30, 1902; Mary, born on March 25, 190c- Bernardma, born on October 18, 1906, and Raymond, born on June 10 1908 he first three named of whom are in school and making diligent use of thei; excellent scholastic opportunities.

their kindliness and benevolence. Mr. Verhoff is connected with the Catholic Knights of Ohio and takes an active part in the affairs of that organization. He is one of the substantial men of his section of the county and v^fields a good influence therein.

William A. Edelbrock

One of the oldest and best known families in Putnam county is the Edelbrock family, one of the members of which the biographer takes pleasure in calling the attention of the reader to at this point in this interesting and valuable biographical volume.

William A. Edelbrock was born March 20, 1863, the son of Henry and Theresa Edelbrock, for the genealogy of whom the reader is referred to the sketch of John Edelbrock, brother of William A., presented elsewhere in this volume.

William A. Edelbrock was reared on his father's farm and received his early education in the neighborhood schools, remaining on the paternal farm until his marriage in 1895, with the exception of two years, during which time he was engaged in the saw-mill business in Greensburg township, this county, and was one of the most popular younk men in the neighborhood.

On November 8, 1895, William Edelbrock was united in marriage with Theresa Huster, the daughter of William and Dora Huster, well-known residents of Greensburg township, where Mr. Huster still lives on his farm, his wife having died some years ago, and who were the parents of seven children, Frank, Charles, William, Philomena, Theresa, Elizabeth and Katharine.

Mrs. Edelbrock's father, William Huster, was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Gertker) Huster, who had eight children. Henry and Elizabeth came to this country and settled where their son William now lives. She died here and he moved to Shelby county, Ohio, where he lived until his death. William Huster was married in Glandorf, Putnam county, to Dora Schroeder. She was born in Putnam county, a daughter of Nicholas and Mary Schroeder, who were born in Germany! After marriage, William and Dora (Schroeder) Huster moved to a farm in Greensburg township, and later, after his father had moved to Shelby county, Ohio, he bought the home place from his father in Greensburg township, of sixty acres, and he now owns eighty-seven acres. To William Huster and wife were born nine children, Frank, Charles, William, Philomena, Theresa (wife of subject of this sketch), Elizabeth, Katrina, all living, and Henry and Maryann, who are dead. Mr. Huster's wife died on January 4, 191 1. He still lives on his farm, which is just east of his son-in-law's, Mr! Edelbrock. Mr. Huster's sons manage and develop the farm. All belong to St John's Catholic church at Glandorf.

Following his marriage, Mr. Edelbrock moved to a farm of forty-seven acres, which he bought in Jackson township, this county, which he improved and on which he remained for four years. He then moved to Greensburtownship, where for two years he operated the old Dangler saw-mill At the end of that time he sold this mill, but later took it over again and moved It to Avis, at which place he bought forty-three acres of land, on which he now operates the mill and engages in general farming. This saw-mill is of modest size and capacity, but turns out a good deal of custom work and has proved not only a great convenience in the neighborhood, but a source of considerable revenue to the owner.

To William A. and Theresa (Huster) Edelbrock there have been bom three children . Hulda, born on July 11, 1897; Louis, bom on July .5 1890 and Leonore bom on December 6, 1908, who are the delight of the ives of' their devoted parents and the light of their happy home

William Edelbrock and wife are members of the Catholic church at Glandorf and are rearing their children in that faith. They take an active part m the benevolent affairs of their home parish and are interest" al

Asa Varner

A great movement cannot be built on one little ship-the Mayflower It takes a lot of ships and a big lot of people to make a commonwealth A pyramid cannot be budt on its apex, nor a great nation on one ship PW mouth and Salem and Boston; Providence and Hartford and New Haven- Manhattan, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Jamestown, Raleigh, Charleston a!d S ' vannah are the bright and shining stars of the -Pilgrim immigration to Ame ica; and the Brotherhood of Separationists, of luritans, of Zch t^Z' masters, o Roman Catholic freemen, of Philadelphia Q akers, of VhX" planters, of Carolina disciples of Locke and Huguenots of Georgia ihust e the fact that one type of motive makes the world akin. In the've'ry natul of things, there are in this section of Ohio many descendants of the old Colonial families, the progeny after many generations of those who dared the perils of a new world to obtain the freedom of conscience which their souls panted for. Among these there is one, whose descent on both the maternal and maternal line, is from old Colonial stock, who merits mention in this biographical work, not only on account of his long American lineage, but on account of the character of his labors in this community, and it is a pleasure for the biographer here to engage the reader's attention to a brief and modest review of the life of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch.

Asa Varner, a well-known and progressive farmer of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born on the farm on which he still makes his home and where his whole life has been spent, on September 15, 1853, the son of Jacob and Eliza (Guyton) Varner, the former of whom was born in Paige county, Virginia, of a family that for generations had been prominent in Virginian affairs, and the latter of whom was born in Maryland, a member of a family that had been established in that state in early Colonial days.

Jacob Varner was reared in Paige county, Virginia, the place of his birth, and there grew up as a practical farmer. In the year 1833, when about thirty years of age, he migrated to Ohio, coming to Putnam county, where he entered from the government a tract of one hundred and fifty-five acres in Greensburg township, where he spent the rest of his life, this same farm now being in the possession of his son. Jacob Varner entered upon the task of clearing this farm, which was then covered with a virgin forest. He erected a log cabin, the floor of which was of split slabs, and in that humble dwelling-place he lived and labored alone for several years. Then, seeing his way clear to the establishuent of a definite and permanent home, he sought a helpmate and brought to his cabin-home his bride, Eliza Guyton, the daughter of Vincent and Anna Guyton, who had settled on a farm in Ottawa township, this county, having come to this county from the state of Maryland. With this additional incentive to labor, Jacob Vamer continued the task of bringing his farm to a proper state of cultivation and quickly had a profitable and productive place, soon becoming one of the best-circumstanced men in that pioneer neighborhood. As circumstances warranted he built new and better buildings on his place and later added to his original holdings an adjoining tract of eighty acres, bringing it all to an excellent state of cultivation, having at the time of his death one of the model farms of Greensburg township. Not only did he prosper on the material side, but he did well his part in the moral, social and civic life of the community and was looked upon as one of the leaders in that section of the county, both he and his wife being regarded as among the leaders in the communal life. Jacob Varner died in 1895, his wife having predeceased him ten years, her death having occurred in 1885, and both were sincerely mourned in the community of which they so long had been such prominent and active factors.

To Jacob and Eliza (Guyton) Varner were born nine children: Maryann, Ellen, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Barbara, Isaiah, William J., Asa and Ruth, all of whom are still living, save Maryann and Barbara. Maryann married Dr. Hiram Ayres, of Paulding Center, Ohio, where her death occurred; Elizabeth married David Cushman and lives in Michigan; Rebecca married Virgil Bibler and also lives in Michigan; Isaiah married Fannie Lantus and resides in Greensburg township, this county ; William J. married Anna Simon -and lives in Ottawa.

Asa Varner was reared on the paternal farm and received his early education in the schools of Greensburg township. Upon attaining manhood's estate he continued to remain at home, assisting his father in .the management of the place, not marrying until he was thirty-five years of age. After Jiis marriage he continued to remain on the home place, which he inherited upon the death of his father in 1895. Since coming into possession, Mr. Varner has made many notable improvements on the place and now has one of the best equipped farms in Greensburg township, all the appointments of the same being up-to-date and complete.

On October 2, 1887, Asa Varner was united in marriage with Arnolda "Greene, daughter of Henry and Maty (Hunter) Greene, the former of whom was born in Athens county, Ohio, and the latter of whom was born in Franklin county, Ohio. Bereft of his mother in his early childhood, Henry Greene was reared by his half-sister, Sarah, and received his education in the schools of Athens county. Upon reaching manhood, he went to Franklin county to work on a farm and there met and married Mary Hunter and three years later came to Putnam county, locating on a farm of forty acres near Fort Jennings. This he later sold and moved to the town of Kalida, where he bought property, at the same time buying forty acres of land in' Union township. His wife died during their residence in Kalida,' after which Mr. Greene made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Varner, his death occurring on May 12, 1901, two years after the death of his wife. The Greenes were most excellent people and were held in the highest regard by their wide circle acquaintances. They were the parents of nine children, three of whom ^died in infancy, the others being: Sarah, William, Silas, Weltha, Mary and

Arnolda, the latter of whom married Mr. Varner. WiUiam Greene was a soldier of the Union army during the Civil War, having served for three years in Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He lived but three days after returning home from the service, his death being due to illness contracted in the army.

To Asa and Arnolda (Greene) Varner have been born five children, as follows : Floyd Ellis, who was born on February 12, 1889, and died on February 16, 1889; Ina Victoria, born on September 16, 1894; Byron Eugene, born on June 9, 1897; Gladys Merle, born on December 3, 1899, and Alfred Clarke, born on July 3, 1902. Gladys and Ina attended the high school at Continental and the latter was graduated from that institution with the class of 191 5. Byron assists his father in the management of the farm. In addition to rearing their own family, Mr. and Mrs. Varner have reared three orphans to manhood and womanhood, taking them into their home in their childhood, educating them and giving them happy homes until their marriage, rearing them even as their own children. The three persons thus happily provided for are Arthur Quick, Burt Butler and Gertrude Stevens, all well known in the neighborhood of the Varner home.

The Varner home is noted for its generous hospitality and Mr. and Mrs. Varner are considered as among the leaders in the social life of their community. Kindly and full of Christian charity, they have the regard of all who know them and are highly esteemed throughout that whole section of the country.

Frank Rieman, Sr

There is no vocation in which man may engage which permits of so much independence as that of the agriculturist. Modern methods of farming and a just return for his labors have brought this about. Time was when the farmer was almost looked down upon and when his true position in the economic scheme of the country was little appreciated, but that day is past, and the successful and up-to-date farmer may, if he so desires, have all the advantages worth while which his city brother possesses, and, in addition, have the freedom, the independence and the joy of out-of-doors, which the average city man knows little of.

One of the well-known farmers of Putnam county, Ohio, is Frank Rieman, Sr., the immediate subject of this sketch, who was born in Ottawa township on February 24, 1842, a son of John and Mary (Mehring) Rieman, both natives of Oldenburg, Germany.

John Rieman, when a youth, emigrated from the Fatherland with his parents, the family locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, at which point he married his wife. After remaining there a short time, the family came to PutiTam county, settling near Glandorf, and later removing to a farm where the parents passed the remainder of their days. Of the family, Frank Rieman is the only son living at this time, and surviving with him are his. three sisters, Bernadina, Anna and Mary. The brothers who have passed from life are John, Ignatius, Barney and Charles.

When a boy, Frank Rieman attended the schools near his home and worked with his father on the home farm. Early in 1866 he was united in marriage to Mary Karhoff, a daughter of Henry and Adelaide (Grothe) Karhoff, both born in the province of Hanover, Germany. Immediately upon arriving in this country, they set out for Putnam county, where they passed the remainder of their days. At fu'st Mr. Karhoff secured employment during the construction of the old canal and then he purchased a farm in Ottawa township, upon which they spent their remaining years. He was but fifty-one years of age at the time of his death, but his widow survived him until she had reached the ripe old age of eighty-six years. Their children were Theresa (deceased), Mary (wife of our immediate subject), Bernadina, Frank, Anna and Philomena.

Shortly after marriage, on April 25, 1866, Frank Rieman and his bride came to the farm where he now lives. Through the passing years thisspot has become very dear to him, for her the children were all born and reared and the many happy associations have bound him closely to the spot. The farm home first contained but eighty acres, but Mr. Rieman has added to it until his possessions at the present time total one hundred and ninety acres. This homestead contains splendid buildings, most all of which havebeen erected by Mr. Rieman, and in addition to his general farming, in which he is highly successful, he specializes to a limited extent in full-blooded: Short-horn cattle.

The children of the family are: Philomena, born on March 14, 1867;- Ignatius, born on December 6, 1870; Frank, born on November 14,' 1872; Andrew, born on November 14, 1874; Charles, born on November 18, 1878' and Clara, born on March 18, 1882. Hubert, the youngest of the family' first saw the light of day on August 25, 1886. Philomena became the wife of Frank Marmon, of Liberty township, this county, and is the mother of two children. Ignatius married Bernadina Schmidt and lives in Union township. They have one child. Frank married Lena Edelbrook and is engaged in farming in Greensburg township. They have three children.

Andrew married Flora Merschman, who has borne him one child. Charles -chose Nora Quinn as his life partner and they reside in Indianapolis, Indiana. Clara and Hubert remain under the parental roof.

Mr. Rieman has lived his life so that he is held high in the esteem of all with whom he comes in contact, and the same may well be said of every member of his family. Both he and his good wife are genial, wholehearted people of a high order of intelligence, and the influence which has emanated from their charming home circle cannot be estimated. The family belong to St. John's, at Glandorf, and Mr. Rieman's political preferences are with the Democratic party, although he finds little time for such matters, as he is thoroughly devoted to his farm. While he is practically retired from active farming, he is still hale and hearty, an intelligent old gentleman and very amiable, as is also his wife.

They have a very attractive farm. He and his wife take great pride in their garden, which furnishes the recreation and interest for them since they have reached advanced years. He has, in the past, served as a member the school board, but generally has confined his attention to his farm.

Joseph M. Shank

Every state and nation must have its leaders, and we would join the choir of voices which honor their names and achievements. In spite of its numerous industries and commercial interests, wealth, we are told, is, in the last analysis, based upon the soil. If this be true, the back-bone of the American republic is the mass of toilers who have created wealth by converting the waste lands into fertile fields, and have been content to let their lives be the shadowed backgrounds for the heralded deeds of those whom the world calls great. Many such are by the world unknown, but they have filled their niche, and have added much to the common good.

Among those who have helped to make the history of Putnam county, both by reason of their own industry and inherited talent, is Joseph M. Shank. That enterprise characterizes this family, is evidenced by the fact that one uncle built and operated the first grist-mill in the county, and another the first hotel.

being the first ordained minister of the Mennonite faith in Putnam county. The neighbors still relate incidents showing the devotion of this good man to his people. It is said that many times he neglected his business to attend and officiate at funerals or to visit the sick. For twenty-seven years this man went about preaching and doing good. He was born and educated in Maryland, and was twenty-six years old when he came to this county. Having learned to be a skilful blacksmith, he worked several years at this trade in Putnam county, locating on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of government land. This farm is now the home of Samuel Shank. Jonas Shank married in Maryland, before he came west.

Going back another generation, we find that the parents of Jonas Shank and grandparents of Joseph, were Christian and Mary Shank whose home was in Washington county, Maryland, where they spent their entire lives. Four of their children, Henry, Jacob, Christian and Jonas removed in their -early manhood to Putnam county, and a daughter, Sophia, also came west and married Henry Myers. They lived on a farm in the same county with their brothers until their death. Three brothers remained in Maryland. They were Fred, Noah and John.

The maternal grandparents of Joseph Shank were John and Mary Myers. John Myers was a German by birth, coming to America before the "Revolutionary War, when he was still an energetic wide-awake young man. After his marriage in Maryland where he first settled, he too came west and selected Greensburg township, Putnam county, for his future home. He lived on a farm now occupied by Joseph Prowant. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers were: Jacob, Joseph, John, Samuel, Peter and Fannie, the mother of Joseph M. Shank, concerning whom this review is Avritten; Maria, Barbara, Abraham and Christian.

Coming to this county, about 1832, the men of this interesting family all engaged in agricultural pursuits. Samuel it was, however, whose ambition-extended beyond the farm to a grist-mill, which was the first to turn the quiet waters of the nearest stream to industrial use. And Peter, with the gregarious tastes, surrounded himself with the social life of a country tavern. This attractive social center was situated where Dupont is now. All of the members of this pioneer family belonged to the faith of their father, the Mennonite church and all have long since passed away.

With this glimpse of the family inheritance of Joseph Shank, it is not surprising to learn that Mr. Shank impressed his personality so strongly upon the community that for many years he inspired its educational interests and held offices which, though political, gave him opportunity for honest and efficient service.

Though he was born and died on a farm, agricultural pursuits did not limit his activities, as the varied interests of his life will show. After leaving school, he began the career of a farmer, first renting a farm But not content with this, he bought eighty acres, the land on which he now resides Ihis was ni the year of 1864, after three years of residence on rented property. Then began the work that brought out the sturdy characteristics that always elicit admiration. With his own hands, he cleared and drained the land, and erected the buildings in which to house his family and live stock Joseph M. Shank was twice married. His first marriage occurred in 1862, when he married' Samantha Neill, daughter of John and Anna Neill Their children were: Seth, Eldon, Emmet, John, Aaron._ Albert and Alban' ihe last two were twins, and died when three years of age Seth who became a school teacher, farmer and county clerk, married Margaret Ice and now lives m Paulding county, Ohio. Eldon married Zella Dangler and' moved to Ashtabula, Ohio. Their children are: Lester, Paul, William Cleota Elizabeth, Alice and Joseph. Emmet has had the responsible position of conductor on the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad for over twenty years. He married Callie Burkett, who became the mother of three boys, Harold, Ralph and Joseph. Their home is in Lima, Ohio. John who married Creta Schuler, is also a railroader. His home is in Lima, Ohio Lela Hill became the wife of Aaron, whose residence is in Lima Ohio Aaron is a skilled mechanic.

Joseph M. Shank's first wife passed away in 1878. Seven years later he married Sarah Kirkendall, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Kirkendall of Putnam county, formerly of Columbiana county, Ohio. This marria-e occurred on August 12, 1885. "

An interesting circumstance connected with the family history of the second Mrs. Shank is that her grandfather lived to be one hundred and five 3ears old. He and his wife moved from Columbiana county to Putnam county where they lived only two years, returning then to their former home

The maternal grandparents of the second Mrs. Shank were John and Ruth Crawford, residents of Columbiana county, where they lived and died. Their chilclren were : David, Perry, Samuel, who was killed in the Civil AVar; Sarah and Elizabeth, who was the mother of Sarah Kirkendall Shank Mrs. Shank s family figures prominently in the early history of Ohio as shecomes from a line of fighters, among whom was Colonel Crawford, who was captured by the Indians and burned at the stake.

The children born to the second marriage of Joseph Shank were Ora, Eessie and Loa. Ora, who is an electrical engineer and lives in New Haven, Connecticut, became the husband of Elmer Trench; Bessie, the second daughter, has remained single, as has also her sister Loa. All of Mr. Shank's received their education in the county in which they lived. Bessie became a well-known and much liked school teacher and is now a bookkeeper for the Buckeye Company at Continental, Ohio.

Mr. Shank's brothers and sisters, Susan and Mary, were born in Maryland. Of these, the former married H. S. Mellinger, a farmer living in Putnam county. Mary became the wife of S. W. Neill, and lived until her death where Joseph Neill now lives. Elizabeth married Jacob Stauffer and they made their home in Richland county until the latter was killed in the Civil War. A successful farmer in this county is Christian, the husband of Catherine Shank Brenneman. John, who married a Miss Hoover, who was then engaged in teaching school, is still living and making his home on a farm. Samuel married Nannie Donavon and resided in Greensburg township. Barbara Ridenour became the wife of Jonas Shank, and they are living near Kalida, Ohio. Veronica, the youngest sister of Mr. Shank, married David Smith and now lives in Dupont.

Joseph M. Shank always took a deep interest in matters concerning the schools, and it was this interest that led his friends and the citizens in general to make him a school director. During his term of office, the school work of the county was placed upon a higher and more efficient plane than it had formerly occupied. That he found time for public office is evidenced by the fact that for eleven years, Mr. Shank was township assessor and for twelve years served as township trustee.

In national politics, Mr. Shank may be classed as a militant Democrat of the old school, but he reserves the right to exercise independence when it comes to voting in local elections. In religious matters, Mr. Shank casts his lot with the Methodists, and contributes of his means to that demonination.

As a farmer, his interests have been for years along the line of raising fine live stock, and for miles around, the traveler hears of his splendid White hogs, which are of excellent breed.

In spite of his advanced years, Mr. Shank is very active both mentally -and physically. He personally superintends matters pertaining to the farm, and yet finds time to read and keep abreast with the times. Both he and his wife, who comes of Revolutionary stock, are among those who are most greatly esteemed in the community in which they and their families have -lived.

Samuel D. Hensel

Biography does more than give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomphshments. Its function is to leave upon the pages of history the verdict of his neighbors and friends, with reference to his character and reputation in the community where he has lived. The life history of Samuel D. Hensel, the present postmaster at Continental, Ohio, has been such as to elicit just praise from his neighbors and from the men who know him best. He has always been loyal to every trust imposed upon him and has been upright in all of his dealings with his fellows. While he has prospered in a personal way, at the same time, he has always given his support towards promoting any cause which might advance the welfare of the community at large. Samuel D. Hensel is a man well known in Putnam county.

Samuel D. Hensel was born, December i8, 1867, in Perry township, and is the son of George and Catherine (Smith) Hensel. George Hensel was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and grew up there. He came to Delaware county, Ohio, early in life and remained there for four years. He was reared as a farmer and made this his vocation while living in Delaware county. On September 13, 1861, George Hensel was married in Delaware county, and immediately after his marriage, he moved to Putnam county, settling in Perry township on sixty acres of land. He lived upon this farm for nine years, then sold it and removed to Monroe township. Here he farmed eighty acres until his death on March 16, 1892, at the age of sixty-three years. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Dupont, Ohio, for over thirty-five years. He served as constable for many years. During a long period he displayed a keen interest in out-of-door sports. He was an active worker in the United Brethren church at Prairie Chapel, Union township.

Mrs. Catherine Hensel, who before her marriage was Catherine Smith, a native of Delaware county, Ohio, was born on November 7, 1833. She was the daughter of Gilbert and Nellie (Cortwright) Smith. Mr. and Mrs. George Hensel were the parents of six children: Warner, who died on July 4, 1872; Harry, who lives at Jeffersonville, Indiana; Samuel D., the subject of this sketch; Manford, who died on March 18, 1900; Sherman, who died in infancy; and George, who lives at home, but works in Lima, Ohio. Mrs. Hensel's father, Gilbert Smith, was born in New York state and left there alone at the age of twenty-one, walking with his worldly possessions, tied in a handkerchief, to Worthington, Franklin county, Ohio, where he located. Here he learned the tanner's and shoemaker's trades' which he followed for some time. Later, he removed to Delaware county,' Ohio, purchased land and farmed until his death in 18817. He had a tannery on his farm. His wife, who before her marriage, was Nellie Cortwright, was born in Lower Canada in 1799, and grew up there, coming to America at the age of fourteen years with her parents and settling in Delaware county, where they died. They came to this country during the Indian and British wiar, driving over Lake Erie on the ice in a sleigh. Mrs. Smith died in 1892. She was the mother of seven children, Laura, Julia, Amanda, Charles B., David, Catherine and Cicerio. All of these children are deceased with the exception of Catherine, who is the mother of Samuel D.

George Hensel, the father of Samuel D., was the son of George and Mary (Howell) Hensel, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Union county, Ohio. He came from Pennsylvania to Union county, Ohio, and there settled on a farm, Before his death, hehad accumulated two large farms and was considered a successful farmer. He died on the old homestead, as did also his wife.

Samuel D. Hensel left home at the age of fifteen years and worked out by the month, but lived at home and paid his own way. He learned the carpenter trade and followed it for some time before his marriage. He also made bent wagon rims for nine years. For one year he was employed on the Nickel Plate railroad as a brakeman on both freight and passenger trams. He grew up in Perry township and here he received his education. With the exception of one year spent in Hancock county, he has always lived m Putnam county. The first year after Mr. Hensel's marriage, he lived at McComb, in Hancock county. After this he moved back to Putnam county and settled m Monroe township, on a farm of one hundred acres which hebought. He farmed this one hundred acres for about twenty-two years and then sold out. He now has thirty-five acres near Continental, Ohio and one hundred and four acres in Canada. After Mr. Hensel's election as postmaster, in 1914, he held a sale, selling all of his farm tools, fine animals machmery, etc., and then leased the farm to a tenant. He built a splendid residence in Continental, Ohio, where he now resides.

Mr. Hensel was married February 8, 1890, to Martha Boggs, a native of Monroe township, born in 1869, and the daughter of Madison Boggs To this happy union, eight children have been born, all of whom are at home

Fraternally, Mr. Hensel is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Oakwood, Ohio. He is also a member of the Encampment and the Daughters of Rebekah. He served one term as trustee of Monroe township and was also township supervisor and a member of the school board for 3. number of years. Mr. Hensel was elected postmaster in July, 1914, and is making an efficient record in this office. He is a stanch and active Democrat and for four years was one of the committeemen of the Democratic party, serving efficiently in this capacity. He has been for the past four years a member of the Mutual Telephone board. Although Mr. Hensel is not a member of any church, he was reared in the Methodist faith. He is a congenial, jolly man and decidedly well met, always carrying a smile, at the same time bearing a high reputation in the community where he lives as a man of intelligence, charity and honorable, upright habits.

Joseph Vogel

Joseph Vogel, a sturdy offspring of the Fatherland, first saw the light of day in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in 1856. He was a son of Anton and Katherine (Kramer) Vogel, both natives of Germany, the former having been born in Hesse and the latter in Gerolstein, and was one of their family of four children, the others being Katie, Clara and Anna. Both Katie and Clara have passed from this life, and Anna resides in Canton, Ohio, where she is the wife of John Buch.

Anton Vogel, father of Joseph Vogel, was a young man when he emigrated from his native land to this country, and as a youth had mastered the baker's trade in his native land. After coming to this country he conducted a bakery in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where the family lived for some time and where all the children were born. The death of his wife occurred al that place, after which he went to Cincinnati, Ohio. He enlisted in the regular army of the United States shortly after going there, and while he was in the service in the Southwest served during the Indian uprisings. After the war he returned to Cincinnati.

Joseph Vogel was but six years old at the time of the death of his mother. His father brought him to Putnam county, Ohio, and placed him in charge of his maternal uncle and aunt, Anton and Eva Kramer, brother and sister. They were living on the place which is now occupied by Mr. Vog-el. Neither being married, they gave to the boy placed in their care the best of love and attention. Making his home with them as he did, he attended the schools of the neighborhood whenever possible, while he assisted his uncle in clearing land and getting it into a state of cultivation, which included more or less draining. When quite a youth he did a man's work on the farm, and today enjoys relating some of his experiences in chopping trees when a boy. He worked one entire day in chopping at a giant of the forest before it was felled.

When twenty-one years of age Mr. Vogel was united in marriage to Anna Osage, a daughter of Frederick and Catherine (Huester) Osage, who resided on a farm one mile southwest of his home. There were four children in the Osage family, the others being Theresa, Mary and William. Theresa became the wife of Joseph Knueve, of Kalida, this county; Mary resides m Michigan, and William lives at Lima, this state. After marriage Joseph Vogel continued to live on the farm where he had been reared as a boy. On the day he attained his majority his uncle presented him with eighty acres of land, and later a partnership was formed when they purchased eighty acres additional. At the death of his uncle he inherited from him one hundred and sixty acres, making his entire holdings at the present time two hundred and forty acres. Anton Kramer departed this life in Februaiy, 1902, at the age of seventy-eight years. The aunt died some years previous, in 1885.

Mr. Vogel's wife died in 1881, leaving two small children, Mary, born on June 3, 1879, and Theresa, born on September 9, 1880, the latter 'being about four months old at the time of the death of her mother. Mr. Vogel proved a most devoted father to his two little motherless girls and reared them to a beautiful young womanhood. Mary became the wife of Frank Unverfurth, son of Anton Unverfurth, and lives in Greensburg township and Theresa marned Henry Dickman, a son of William and Anna (Spiel' brink) Dickman. Henry Dickman is a native of the German Empire having been born in Hanover, and was one year old when he was brou-ht to , this country by his parents. They came directly to this county and ''for a time lived in Glandorf, later locating on a farm near Ottoville Henry be gan attending the district schools as soon as of suitable age, and until the time he was twenty-three years old he assisted his father in the work of the home farm. At that age he was married, and since that time he and his wife have made their home with Joseph Vogel, and assist him in the man- agement of the homestead. Henry Dickman and wife are the parents of three children, as follows : Sylvester Joseph, born on January 18, 1905 ; Armella Mary, born on November 18, 1910, and Junilla Catherine, born on December 30, 1913.

Within the last few years Mr. Vogel has erected a new residence on his farm and has built and repaired most of the outbuildings, so that at the present time it presents an attractive and up-to-date appearance. He and his son-in-law give considerable attention to general farming, following approved twentieth-century methods. In addition to farming, Mr. Vogel specializes in a fine strain of Hereford cattle, having produced many excellent bulls.

Mr. Vogel's political preference is with the Democratic party, although he has never found time to devote to any special work in that line. Both himself and family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church, and the entire family stands high in the esteem of the community. He attends the St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf. Mr. Vogel is still vigorous, is good natured, and with his daughter and grandchildren form a happy family circle.

Joseph C. Verhoff

Among the families of Putnam county, whose members have worthily discharged their duties to their fellows and their community, no family takes higher rank than the Verhoffs,^ of whom several representatives are, today, prominently identified with the farming and rural social life of Greensburg township. For many years, members of this large family have stood for all that is best in business, moral and social life, and have wielded an influence that has been potential in the development and welfare of their community, being numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of the county. Because of the prominence which the family has enjoyed and the close relations they have sustained to the welfare and prosperity of the locality which has been honored by their citizenship, they are eminently entitled to representation in a work of the character of the one in hand.

Joseph C. Verhoff was born on his father's fann, Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on March 15, 1873, and is the son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff, pioneer settlers of Putnam county, and whose history of early life is to be found elsewhere in this volume. The subject of this sketch was one of the twelve children of Theodore Verhoff and his early days were spent on his father's farm, where he assisted in the lar-e amount of clearing necessary to make the farm productive and profitabre He received his education in the township schools and remained with his parents until he became twenty-two years of age. While on the original farm the father purchased an eighty-acre tract for Joseph C. VerhofT in Union township, also another eighty acres for the use of his brothers. Owino- to the distance between fams, the subject of this review, at the age of twentytwo, moved to the farm operated by his brother, August G. Verhoff where he made his home.until the time of his marriage, on October 25, 1910, when Amelia Schroeder became his wife. They are the parents of one child Mary born on February 24, 1914. Mrs. Verhoff was the daughter of John and Mary (Kahle) Schroeder, natives of Putnam county, Ohio. John Schroeder was the son of Henry and Katrina Schroeder, natives of Germany, who came and settled m Greensburg township, Putnam county, in an early day To them were born : Frank, Charles, William, John, Ignatius, Mathias, Katrina, Dora, Mary (deceased), Anna, Theresa, Clara (deceased) and Philomena (deceased), the latter two having died very young. Mrs. Mary (Kahle Schroeder s parents were John F. and Bernadina Kahle, natives of Hanover Germany and who came to this country, settling in Putnam countv at about he time the town oi Glandorf, Ohio, was founded by the well-known Professor Horstman. To Mr. and Mrs. Kahle were born: Frank, Ignatius Paulma, Bertha, Bernadina, Theresa, Amalia and Mary. To Mr. and Mrs' John Schroeder, the subject's wife's parents, were born: Katrina, Bernadina, Veronica, Amalia, Mary, Bertha, Philomena, Hilda, August Frank Herman, John and George. ^ ^lanK,

Soon after the marriage of Mr. Verhoff to Amalia Schroeder they moved to the farm in section 29, Greensburg township, which was purchased rom his brother, Henry. This consisted of eighty acres of undeveloped and, bu which was put in first-class condition by the installation of a svsem of drainage. On this place they erected the number of buildings absolutely necessary; being handicapped financially, but with true German in dustry and thrift, they were able to overcome the many obstacles to progress and today they can point to their place with no small degree of p^-ide the profitable results of their farm being due to their untiring energy and n deavorto succeed in spite of discouraging conditions. Besides carrying on the business of general farming, Mr. Verhoff is giving considerable attention to the raising of Short-horn cattle. aLcenuon

Politically, Mr. Verhoff gives his support to the Democratic ticket but does not take active part in politics. Religiously, the family belongs ti St

Michael's Catholic church, Kalida, Ohio. In conclusion, it is quite opportune to mention that the subject is a man of keen observation and mental ability, is genial and unassuming and makes friends easily. His circle of acquaintances throughout the county is large. He is a man of good habits, ambitious, of kindly impulses and deservedly popular in the community.

Joseph Warnecke

The success of men in agriculture, or in any vocation, in fact, depends upon industry, economy and wise judicious management. Moreover, success depends upon character as well as upon knowledge. The business relations of life demand confidence, and where that is lacking, business ceases. In every community, some men are known for their upright lives and remarkable common sense. Their neighbors and acquaintances respect them and heed their example. They win their way as a consequence of their untiring energy and correct principles of conduct and retain the respect of their fellow men by genuine work. Among the residents of Putnam county, Ohio, who have won for themselves success in agriculture, is Joseph Warnecke of Union township.

Joseph Warnecke was born near Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, on March -15, 1870. He is the son of Henry and Christina (Verhoff) Warnecke. Henry Warnecke was born on- a farm near Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, of German parents, who were early settlers in this part of the county. After he was married, he moved to Union township, .in what is now section 2, on a farm of eighty acres. He erected buildings and cleared and drained the land. Afterward he acquired more land as follows : Ninety-six acres in Union township, one hundred and forty acres in Fort Jennings, forty acres in section 2, in Union township, twenty acres in section 2, in Union township, and sixty acres in section 2, in Union township. He continued to live in Union township until his death, which occurred on September 4, 1907. His wife had died previously, about 1895. Both were buried in the cemetery at Glandorf. Henry Warnecke's wife, who, before her marriage, was Christina \'erhoff, was the daughter of Francis and Mary (Kramer^ Verhoff, and the sister of Theodore Verhoff. Mrs. Warnecke's grandparents, on her father's side, were born and lived and died in Germany. On her mother's side, they were Theodore and Gertrude (Veraking) Kramer, who were married in Germany, and who, after residing there for many years, came to this country when the elder Kramer was about fifty years old. They settled on a farm in Putnam county and had six children, William, Henry, Catherine, Christina and Mary, all of whom are now deceased, and Frederick, who still survives. Francis Verhoff, the father of Mrs. Christina (Verhofifj Warnecke, was born in Westphaha, . Prussia, and came to America in 1836. He settled near Glandorf, Putnam county, on a tract of twenty-six acres. He was a blacksmith by trade and became a first-class workman. Francis Verhoff and Mary Kramer were married in 1837. They had ten children, Theodore, Gertrude, Christina, Catherine, Mary Ann, Frank, Henry, William, deceased; Charles and William. The father of these children, prior to his death in 1863, owned a full section of land. Francis Verhoff's wife lived until 1901. They were loyal members of the Roman Catholic church, attending St. John's church of Glandorf.