Ottawa Township (part 12 of 23)

The children of Henry and Christina (Verhoff) Warnecke were Mary, Frank, deceased ; William, John, Joseph, Henry, Charles, Anthony, Theresa, Philomena and Bernard. Apiary married John Tenwalde, and they live in Union township; Frank, who is deceased, married Anna Hersing, and they lived at Kahda; Wilham married Mary Lauf; they lived in Fort Jennings; John married Mary Fggeman, and they lived at Ottoville; Henry married Katherine Goedde, and they live near Miller City ; Charles married Catherine Siefper, and they in Union township; Anthony married Mary Barlager, and they live in Union township; Theresa married Frank Dulle and lives near Miller City; Philomena married Herman Lucke, and they live near Miller City, and Bernard married Martha Marmon and they live in Pleasant township.

Joseph Warnecke, the subject of this sketch, attended the Fortman school, in Union township, and lived on his father's farm until his marriage. He was married on April 28, 1897, to Mary Smith, a daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Kahle) Smith. Mrs. Warnecke's parents were married in Glandorf, Putnam county, and, after their marriage, moved to a farm in Union township, where he still lives on the farm. He owns two hundred and ten acres. He erected all the buildings on the farm he now owns. The children of Joseph and Theresa (Kahle) Warnecke are as follow: Mary, Elizabeth, Bernadina, Theresa, Helena (deceased), Amalia, Paulina (deceased), and Frances, deceased. Bernadina married Ignatius Rieman and they hve in Union township; Helena married Henry Erhart and they live in Union township; Amalia married John Missler, of Union township, and they reside with Mrs. Warnecke's father, Joseph Smith; Frances mar- ned Harry Nienberg, and she died three months after her marriage. The mother of these children, Mrs. Joseph Smith, died on November 25, 1914, and is buried in the cemetery at Kahda.

After his marriage, Joseph Warnecke moved to a farm of ninety-six acres in section i, Union township. This farm formerly belonged to his father, from whom he bought the farm shortly before his marriage, and built a house besides many other buildings. He has also drained the land.

To Joseph and Mary (Smith) Warnecke nine children have been born, Leonard, born on March 27, 1898; Joseph W., born on November 22, 1899 j Odelia, born on September 19, 1902; Urban, born on September 18, 1904; Leo, born on September 28, 1906; Walter, born on June 30, 1908; Mary F.' born on May i, 1910; Helena, born on April 13, 1912, and died at the age one year; Aloyisius, born on June 19, 191 4.

Mr. Warnecke is engaged in general farming. He owns one hundred and thirty-six acres of land. Mr. Warnecke and his family are all members of the Catholic church. They attend St. John's Catholic church, at Glandorf. Mr. Warnecke belongs to St. John's Benevolent Society. Mrs. Warnecke belongs to the Mothers' Society of the church. Joseph Warnecke has served on the school board as a director for many years. He is a prosperous, substantial farmer, who comes from a splendid family and who is highly respected for his many good qualities.

Not alone are those worthy of historical honors who have moved along the loftier planes of action, but to an equal extent are those deserving who are of the rank and file of the world's workers, for they are not less the conservators of public prosperity and material advancement. Through all the generations of life, recognition should be had of the true values, then should- full appreciation be manifested, for there can be no prosperity, if it be done justly, in scanning the acts of any man, as they affect his public, social and business relations. Here will be found mention of worthy citizens of all vocations, and at this juncture we are permitted to offer a resume of the career of one of the substantial and highly esteemed representatives of the agricultural interests of Putnam county, where he has spent his entire life and where he has not only attained a high degree of success in his chosen field of labor and enterprise, but also established an imperishable reputation for uprightness in all the relations of life.

William H. Edelbrock wlas born in Greensburg township, Putn^im' county, Ohio, August 12, 1861, and is the son of Andrew and Catherine (Herlage) Edelbrock. His paternal grandparents were natives of Prussia and came to this country soon after their marriage in 1834. On their arrival in this country, they decided to settle near the town of Glandorf, Ohio, which a few years previously was laid out as a village settlement by the well-know(n Professor Horstman, who came to that point in Putnam county with his little band of colonists. To the paternal grandparents were born: William, Henry, Frank, Charles, Christina, Andrew and two others who died en route during the voyage to America. The maternal grandparents were also natives of Prussia and came to Putnam county some time prior to their marriage. They were married in Glandorf, Ohio, and settled on a farm in Greensburg township, Putnam county, where they lived until their death. To them were born: Catherine, Helena, Mary and Anna, all deceased.

The father of the subject of this review was but a boy of six when his parents settled in this county near Glandorf. From this time forth he attended the school in Glandorf and lived with his parents, until the time of his marriage. After his marriage, he decided to live on a farm he purchased and which consisted of eighty acres in Greensburg township. At a later date he sold this farm, and in 1870 moved to a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Jackson township. In 1907 he moved to the town of Kalida, this county, where he bought five acres at the edge of the town, and lived a life of retirement. His death occurred on July 6, ,1913, and his wife died in Jackson township on August 20, 1892. To them were born twelve children, William H., Mary, Frank, Anna, who died April 23, 19 15, at the age of forty-nine years; Ignatius, Albert, Emma, Barney, Helena, John, Peter and Amalia, the last five named being also deceased.

William H. Edelbrock attended the schools in Jackson and Greensburg townships and lived on his father's farm during his youth and until he was about twenty-four years of age. On October 25, 1885, he was married to Clara Lemper, a daughter of William and Clara (Drop) Lemper, whose father was born in Glandorf, Germany, and the mother in Averfer- -den, Germany. They came to this country soon after their marriage and in 1868 settled on a forty-acre farm near Glandorf, Ohio, where they continued farming, Mr. Lemper having been a practical farmer in the old country. To the original forty they subsequently added more land and lived a very peaceful, successful life on the place until their death. To them were born : Clara, William, Agnes, Mary, and a son who died in Germany.

Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Edelbrock moved to the present resident farm which they own and which contains forty acres, located in section 7 of Union township. On this place they erected all of the buildings, previous to which they had partly cleared and drained the land for general farming purposes. In addition to farming, Mr. Edelbrock takes great pride ni his Jersey cattle, which he raises on a limited scale. He also maintains beehives of pure Italian and mixed strains, to which feature he devotes some attention and takes a great deal of pride in them. Mrs. Edelbrock devotes some attention to pouUry, including thoroughbred Rhode Island Reds.

Mr. and Mrs. Edelbrock are members of St. Michael's Catholic church of Kalida, and are well known and highly esteemed by all who know them. Mrs. Edelbrock is regarded as a woman of gracious manner, genial disposition and known to be a true help-mate to her worthy husband. Mr. Edelbrock, genial and unassuming in manner, easily wins friends, and always retains them. He has served as councilman in St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, and is connected with St. Joseph's Benevolent Society. Because of his high personal qualities and farming success, he is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character.

Alex Dangler

It is by no means an easy task to describe, within the limits of this review, a man who has led an active and eminently useful iife, and, by his own exertions, reached a position of honor in the line of industries with which his interests are alhed. But history finds justification, nevertheless, in the tracing and recording of such a life history, as the public claims a certain property interest in the career of every individual, and the time invariably arrives when it becomes advisable to give the right publicity. It is, then, with a certain degree of satisfaction that the writer essays the task of touching briefly upon such a record as has been that of the subject who now comes under this review.

1876, and is the son of John Adams Dangler and Jane (Shook) Dangler, both of whom are natives of Putnam county. The father of John Adams Dangler was a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife a native of Germany. They removed to the state of Ohio and became early settlers in Greensburg township, Putnam county, where they lived until the time of their death. The wife of the subject's father was the daughter of John and Elnora Shook, who were early resident fanners of Putnam county and where they remained until taken away by death.

John Adams Dangler remained under the parental roof for many years, assisting in clearing the wooded lands of the farm and getting it in shape for general farming. He received his education in the county schools of Greensburg township. He was married in 1875 to Jane Shook and to them were born three children, Alex, Mabel and Edith. Alex Dangler's father, after his marriage, went to live on the eighty acres in Perry township where his daughter Edith now lives with her husband, Stewart Brower. He remained on this place for a term of thirty-six years, draining and developing the land, after which he -removed to the town of Continental, Ohio, where he purchased twenty acres within the corporate limits of the town. To this he devotes most of his time and attention, but still retains ownership in the eighty acres heretofore mentioned. From time to time the subject's father owned more land than is recorded her. Plis daughter Mabel became the wife of Manford Shank, who resides in Ashtabula county, Ohio, and they have a family of six children. Mr. Dangler, Sr., is a supporter of the Democratic party, takes an active interest in the affairs of the community and is well liked by every one. The influence of this gentleman and his ancestors will be felt throughout this region for many years to come.

Alex Dangler was reared on his father's farm, in Perry township, attending the neighboring country schools for a number of years, preparatory to entering college. He attended Crawfis College for one term, then went to Angola College for four terms. He was married, on March 21, 1898, to Clara Fender, a daughter of Michael and Laura (Huber) Fender, who were natives of Henry and Trumbull counties, Ohio, respectively. Michael Fender was born on October 8, 1846, and Laura (Huber) Fender was born on October 10, 1852. They lived on a farm in Henry county, Ohio immediately after their marriage, but later moved to a farm in Ionia county Michigan, and from there to a farm, which he purchased, consisting of two hundred acres, in Mecosta county, Michigan, where he died in October 1910, and where his widow still resides on one hundred and sixty acres of the original purchase. To them were born seven children: Mary ,C born on February 3, 1872, died nine months later; Emma Jane, born on August 19, 1873; Daisey Allvoretta, born on September 15, 1874; Zella Delia, born on October 25, 1879; John, born on July 18, 1879; Ricky, born on August 30, 1880; Austin Le Roy, born on July 12, 1884. Out of the two hundred acres there were forty acres deeded to the son, Austin, with whom the mother lives in Mecosta county. Of these children, Emma became the wife of Peter DesGranges and resides in Big Rapids, Michigan; Daisy married Charles Spence and resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Delia married Edward DesGranges and resides in Henry county, Ohio; John married Gertrude Fisher and resides in the town of Coral, Michigan; Austin married Stella Huff and makes his home on the original farm in Mecosta county.

After Alex Dangler's marriage to Clara Fender he remained for a while on his father's place, rented various fields and then decided to follow the saw-mill and threshing business, according to seasons, and which business he continued for about twelve years. Being a man of keen observation and with an eye to increasing his income, he saw possibilities of greater earnings by engaging himself to the firm of Miller & Stallkamp, jobbers of heavy machinery, as a salesman. While in the employ of this company he covered territory consisting of Putnam, Paulding Van Wert, Allen, Henry, Hancock and other counties, in Ohio, and this experience gave him a fine opportunity for getting acquainted with a larger number of people, which served him to a good advantage. After these years of practical selling and business experience, he decided to return to the business of farming and settled on his present place of residence. This place was purchased by the father in 1895, one-half of which was deeded to his son, Alex, on January 18, 1901, and the other half to his sister. Great credit is due to Alex Dangler for the vast improvements made to this farm, and particular mention should be made of the up-to-date barn building, which is equipped with all kinds of modern improvements. This energetic, wide-awake and business-like farmer, not being satisfied to simply till the soil and raise stock, makes it his business to carry a line of farm necessities, such as silos, milkmg machine, automobiles, gasoline engines, silo fixtures and other late inventions to bring the business of farming up to the highest point of efficiency with the least human energy. In the sale of silos, it is said that Mr Dangler has made more sales of these than any other agent for a similar line m the northwestern portion of the state of Ohio.

Mr. Dangler and wife are blessed with a good-sized family, consisting of eight hvmg children, and his wife is found to be a woman of the best type, intelligent and amiable in disposition. The children are : Glen, born

Manifesting- an abiding interest in the material welfare of the county, Mr. Dangler has given his influence and assistance to all enterprises with this object in view, and he also takes an active part in promoting all worthy means and measures for the advancement of his fellow man. All in all, he is a worthy representative of the steady, intelligent and progressive class that gives stability and character to the community, being broad-minded, with wide views of affairs and men and a true type of the enterprising American citizen of today.

John W. Edwards

To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our country is due to the honest industry, sturdy persistency and uns^^^erving perseverance and wise economy which so prominently characterizes the farmers of the Buckeye state. Among this class of farmers may be mentioned John W. Edwards, the subject of this sketch, who, by reason of his years of indefatigable labor and honest efforts, has not only acquired a well-merited competence in life, but who has earned the high esteem of all with whom he is associated.

John W. Edwards, a native of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born on January 5, 1871. He is the son of Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards, the former of whom was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, May 30, 1826, and who was the son of Josiah and Margaret (Jones) Edwards. Josiah Edwards, Sr., was a farmer by occupation. He lived and died in Wales. Josiah Edwards, Jr., and wife, and one child, came to America in 1855, in the spring, settling first in Utica, New York, where he was employed on a dairy farm. The following fall' m 1855, he came to Allen county, Ohio, and settled at Gomer. His first employment was with Griffith John, a contractor, who built the Pennsylvama railroad from Lima to Elida. The following summer he rented a farm on "Calico ridge," Sugar Creek township, Allen countv, and here he lived for about seven years, when he moved, in 1862, to Sugar Creek town- ship, Putnam county, and settled on eighty acres of land one and one-half miles southwest of Vaughnsville. This farm was located on the Old Ridge road. It was in a virgin state at the time he purchased it, and had only an acre or two cleared. Josiah Edwards proceeded to clear and drain the land and improve it. He succeeded in getting it all cleared, except eight acres. He built a large frame house of ten rooms, in 1873, and a large frame barn in 1879. To this land, he later added forty acres more. He was always engaged in general farming, was a very successful farmer and attributed his success mostly to the raising of corn and hogs. He was also successful in raising horses.

Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards had one child before they came to America. This child, John, who was but four years old when his parents came to Allen county, died the day after their arrival at Gomer. There were five children born to Josiah Edwards and wife, John was born in Wales on January 21, 1851, and died at Gomer on November 8, 1855; Margaret is the deceased wife of B. F. Thomas; Joseph B. is a farmer in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county; Mary is the wlife of Thomas S. Williams; John W. is the subject of this sketch. Josiah Edwards died on August 17, 1897, at the ripe old age of seventy-one. He and his wife were members of the Gomer Congregational church, of which he was a deacon for many years. Josiah Edwards was a Republican. He enlisted, in 1864, in the One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment, Ohio \'olunteer Infantry, for one hundred days, and was attached to the Army of the Potomac. Fie was on duty, near Washington, D. C, at the close of the war. Josiah Edwards, Jr., was mustered into the service for one hundred days on May 13, 1864, and was mustered out on August 27, 1864.

Mrs. Susan (Breese) Edwards, the wife of Josiah Edwards, Jr., was a daughter of John and Mary (Edwards) Breese, and was born in North Wales, in Montgomeryshire, May 13, 1827. She had one brother and five sisters, all of whom came to America, and all of whom, except one sister, Mrs. Sarah Morris, settled in Iowa. She settled in Vaughnsville and there died. Mrs. Susan (Breese) Edwards lived on the old home place until her death, November 5, 1909.

John W. Edwards spent his childhood and youth on the old homestead of his father, southwest of A^aughnsville. He attended the old Bryne Tawa school, and after finishing school, continued helping his father on the old home place.

who w'las born in Vaughnsville on January 14, 1872, and who was a daughter of Henry and Angehna (Calhoun) Gardner, the former of whom was the the sixth of seven children born to Samuel and Catherine Gardner, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Samuel Gardner was born in 1802, and died in Bluffton, Allen County, Ohio, in 1863. His wife, Catherine Gardner, was born on June 19, 1809, and died at Columbus Grove, April 16, 1887. Samuel Gardner was a blacksmith by trade, and a captain of militia during pioneer days. Pie was a Presbyterian and his wife a member of the Lutheran church. Henry Gardner was born in Richland county, Ohio, June 18, 1840, and from the age of eighteen years until 1890 was a blacksmith. He then became a merchant. Samuel Gardner moved with his family to Mercer county, Ohio, in 1850, and purchased an improved farm. He remained there eight years and then removed to Wayne county, and finally settled at Bluffton. Plenry Gardner enlisted in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry in 1861 and served three years in the Army of the Cumberland. He was honorably discharged at Cincinnati, Ohio. He was married in 1866 and engaged in hotel keeping, at Columbus Grove, Ohio, about a year, when he settled at Vaughnsville. He served as township trustee and as treasurer of the school district, and was a census taker in 1880. His wife, Angelina Calhoun, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, October 24, 1845, and was a daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth Calhoun. Henry and Angelina (Calhoun) Gardner had five daughters, Minnie, Carrie, Zoe, who married Mr. Edwards; Maud and Blanche. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were married on February 23, 1893,. After their marriage, Mr. Edwards rented his father's farm, the old homestead. This arrangement existed until after his mother's death, in 1909, at which time he purchased the farm from the heirs. The same year, February i, 1909, the Peoples Bank opened for business in Vaughnsville, and Mr. Edwards was elected as cashier of that institution, which position he has held up to the present time. Mr. Edwards, however, continues to supervise the operations of his farm. He has always done general farming. He moved from the farm and took up his residence in Vaughnsville in November, 1912, where he now resides. His residence, which he purchased in 1912, is a modern eight-room house, beautifully situated, and bespeaks the character and culture of its owner.

Henry Gardner, father of Mrs. Edwards, died on August 29, 191 1. All of his children, except Carrie, are still living. Mr. Edwards' sister, Margaret, who was born in America, April 24, 1856, and who died on January 20, 1881, had married B. F. Thomas and bore him one child, Josiah Thomas, who was reared by his grandfather. Mr. Edwards' brother.

Joseph B., was born on November 27, 1859. His life history is recounted elsewhere in this volume. Mary J. Edwards, who was born on August 23, 1865, is the wife of T. S. WilHams, a farmer.

John W. Edwards and his wife are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Edwards is a member of Vaughnsville Lodge No. 711, Knights of Pythias. He also occupies a responsible position in the life of Sugar Creek township, not only as one of its leading farmers, but as an officer in charge of its leading financial institution. This business brings him into intimate association with his fellow citizens. He enjoys their confidence, to an exceptional degree, and is much sought for advice and counsel.

Mathias Theodore Verhoff

There is no calling, however humble, in which enterprise -and industry, coupled with well-directed purpose, willnot produce some measure of success. In the pursuit of agriculture, the qualities mentioned are quite essential. Among the well-known and highly respected farmers of Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, who have attained a definite degree of success in their special vocations and who, at the same time, have greatly benefited the community in which they live, is Mathias Theodore Verhoff, the gentleman to a review of whose career, the attention of the reader is now directed.

Mathias Theodore Verhoff was born on August 14, 1887, near Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, on his father's farm. He is the son of William and Catherine (Kerner) Verhoff. William Verhoff is the son of Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff. Francis Verhoff was born in Westphalia, Prussia and came to America in 1836, alone, settling near Glandorf,- Putnam county, Ohio, on a farm. He was a blacksmith by trade, and proprietor of the first blacksmith shop in this county. He was well known for his high workmanship. Francis Verhoff was married to Mary Kramer in .1837. They had ten children, Theodore, Gertrude, Christina, Catherine, Mary Ann, Frank, Henry, William, deceased; Charles and William. The father of these children, before his death, acquired a full section of land in Putnam county. Mary Kramer, who was the wife of Francis Verhoff, was the daughter of Theodore and Gertrude (Veraking) Kramer, who were married in Germany and resided there many years, having come to this country when the elder Kramer was about fifty years of age. They settled in Putnam county, Ohio, and were the parents of six children, William, Henry,

Catherine, Christina and Mary, all of whom are now deceased ; and, Frederick, who is still living. Katherine Kerner was the daughter of Mathias and Elizabeth Kerner, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. Mathias Kerner came to this country and settled in Putnam county. Prior to coming to Putnam county, he spent three years in South Carolina. His wife came to Putnam county from Pennsylvania after the death of her parents.

Mathias T. Verhoff attended school at Glandorf until he was fourteen years of age. Until he was nineteen years of age, he worked on his father's farm and then removed with his brother, J. Frank, to a farm in Union township, which belonged to his father, where they worked for some years.

Mathias T. Verhoff was married on June 5, 1907, to Philomena Uphaus, the daughter of Gerhard and Margaret (Wehrie) Uphaus. Gerhard Uphaus and wife were born in Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio. He was the son of John and Catherine Uphaus, who came from Germany to this country after they were married. He was a farmer and settled near Glandorf on a farm, where he continued to live until the death of his wife, and where he afterward died. He and his wife were members of St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf. Margaret Wehrie was the daughter of Clement and Anna Wehrie, who were born in Germany and who, at an early date, came to America, settling on a farm at Glandorf. They were well known among the early settlers and lived on their farm until their death. They were also members of St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf.

After the marriage of Gerhard and Margaret (Wehrie) Uphaus, they located on a farm in Jackson township, Putnam county. He died on November 5, 1912. Their children were John, Anna, Josephine, William, Philomena and Mathilda.

Mathias T. and Philomena (Uphaus) Verhoff came to their present farm after their marriage, which farm consisted of seventy-seven acres and which Mr. Verhoff bought from his father. He is engaged in general farmmg and raises a high grade of stock. He and his wife have been the parents of four children, Ambrose William, born on August 18, 1908; Gerhard Mathias, born on October 22, 1910; Victor Francis, born on February 22, 1913. and Mathias John, born on April 2, 1915.

Mathias T. Verhoff and wife are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida. Mr. Verhoff is a member of the Catholic knights of Ohio. He IS an mdustrious young farmer, business-like in his manner, thrifty and ambitious, as well as a hard worker. He is eminently respected in the community where he lives and popular among all of his neighbors.

John Merschman

The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of an intelligent community is a protracted and honorable residence therein. John Merschman, one of the best-known and highly-esteemed farmers of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, has resided in this locahty all his life. His career has been most commendable in every respect, well deserving of being perpetuated on the pages of a historical work of the nature of this one. Like his sterling father before him, he has been a man of welldefined purpose, and has never failed to carry to successful completion any work or enterprise to which he addressed himself. Mr. Merschman has always applied himself very closely to his work and his industry has brought its reward.

John Merschman was born in 1855 in the north edge of Pleasant township, south of Ottawa. He is a son of Barney and Katherine (Hagenjuger) ]\Ierschnian. Barney was born in Osnabruck, Germany, grew up there and married Catherine Hagenjuger. He was a shepherd in the old country, and out of this made the money with which to pay his passage to America. He was about thirty years of age when he arrived in the United States, locating in Putnam county, Ohio, on what is known as the Buscher fann, between Ottawa and Glandorf. To get a start, Mr. Merschman worked as a farm laborer by the day and later purchased eighty acres of land in the north edge of Pleasant township. Here he lived the remainder of his life, following the vocation of a farmer. He was also a veterinaiy surgeon, leai'ning the latter profession in his native land, and after the people in his neighborhood learned of his skill in this direction they gave him plenty to do. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, two of whom died in early childhood. The eight living children are : Henry, of Miller City; John, of this review; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Schulte, of' Ottoville; Mary, the wife of Wilham Unterbrink, who lives in Michigan; Katie, the wife of Ignatius Kreinbrink; Annie, the wife of Frank Goede, of Leipsic; Barney, a farmer of Pleasant township, and Theresia, the wife of Barney Moening, residents of Michigan. The father of these children died on April 7, 1909, and the mother died in May, 1898.

John Merschman lived on the home farm until he was married, his marriage taking place on November 4, 1875, when he was united to Clara Gattman. She was born in Greensburg township, in this county, the daughter of Joseph and Gertrude (Unterbrink) Herlager-Gattman. Joseph Gatt- man was born m Osnabruck, Germany, coming to this country and settling in Putnam county in an early day, where he was successfully engaged in farming. He owned his own farm and also operated a threshing machine outfit for many years, and was well known throughout the county. Joseph Gattman made two trips back to Germany to visit the scenes of his childhood days. Gertrude Unterbrink was also a native of Germany, coming to this country with her parents, who were early settlers in Greensburg township. They arrived about 1834, when the land was covered with timber, and wild animals and Indians roamed the woods. Here Gertrude Unterbrink grew to womanhood and married Mr. Herlager, of Greensburg township, and after his death she married Joseph Gattman. She was the mother of six children, of whom only two are living, Mrs. Merschman and Bernardina, the widow of George Bensman.

x\fter the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. John Merschman they moved to where they now live in Greensburg township. He has cleared about twenty acres more of his farm since he came, remodeled and built an addition to his house, built good barns and has a handsome country home, substantial buildings, the whole presenting a very neat and attractive appearance. He is the owner of one hundred and nineteen acres of land, on which he carries on general farming and stock raising.

John Merschman and wife are the parents of eleven children, Frank, Mary, Ameha, Veronica, Louie, Emma, Helena, John, Petronilla, and two who died in infancy. Frank married Katherine Klima and lives at Cloverdale. He and his wife have seven children, Harry, Clara, Leo, Lawrence, William, Veronica and Anna Maiy. The latter is the wife of Matt Kerner, and lives one-half mile south of Mr. Merschman. They have five children, Eleanor, Harry, Loretta, Emma and Victor. Amelia is the wife of Charles Ellerbrock and lives on her father's farm. They have one daughter, Mary. Veronica is the wife of Andrew Nieman and lives two miles west of her father's place. They have one daughter, Henrietta. Louise is the wife of John Kehres and lives near her father's farm, and has three children, Alphonse, Donelda and Alberta. Emma is the wife of Henry Gerderman and they are the parents of one son, Amos. They live on a farm three miles south of her father's place. Helena is the wife of Henry Martin, a resident of Fort Jennings, and they have one daughter, Mildred. John is unmarried and lives at home. Petronilla is also living at home.

John Merschman is not only a successful farmer, but he is a successful veterinarian, having learned the profession from his father. He has a large

The Merschman family are members of the Catholic church at Glandorf. John Merschman is one of the leading citizens of his township and a man whom it is a pleasure to know, enterprising, broad-minded and optimistic, a believer in all good things and a worker in all good enterprises.

Frank G. Bensman

Frank G. Bensman, a short sketch of whose career appears below, was born on the farm where he now lives, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on October 4, 1878. He is a son of Gerhard and Bernadina (Gardman) Bensman, the former of whom was a native of Osnabruck in Germany, who came to this country alone when quite a young man, locating at Glandorf, this county. He was a son of Anthony and Maria Elizabeth Bensman, both natives of Germany. The father died in his native land after the son Gerhard had come to this country, and about the year 1871 the mother joined the son here. One son, Henry, died in Germany before the family came here, while Maria remained in Germany, and Maria, William, Anthony, George, Augustus and Louise joined Gerhard in this country. This entire family has now passed away.

For about two years after reaching Putnam county, Gerhard, father of Frank G. Bensman, worked out on farms by the day. After a time he began farming for himself and, in the course of time, purchased the farm where Frank now resides, which contains eighty acres. Gerhard purchased forty acres of this from a brother and the other forty from Henry Niese. Gerhard Bensman passed away in 1903, and is remembered as a man of industrious habits, devoted to family and friends.

Frank G. Bensman's mother was Bernadina Gardman, daughter of Joseph and Gertrude (Unterbrink) Gardman, both natives of the German Empire, but who were, however, married in this country. They settled on a farm in this county, .where John Merschman now lives, and to them were born two children, Bernadina and Clara. The mother had been previously married to Henry Herlage, and by her first husband became the mother of the following children : Katrina, Anna, Helena and Mary. The farm above referred to was the family home for a number of years, where both parents died.

Frank G. Bensman is one of a family of four children, the others being Elizabeth, Amelia and Anthony. Elizabeth became the wife of Ferdinand Rechtien and resides at Miller City. She is the mother of four children, and with her also lives her mother. Amelia is the wife of Bernard Rechtien and hves on a farm near Miller City. Anthony has remained unmarried.

Frank Bensman attended the district schools near his home when a boy and remained under the parental roof until the time for his marriage, when he was united in wedlock to Amelia, daughter of William and Mary Unterbrink. Amelia Unterbrink was born on March 31, 1883. William Unterbrink was a son of William and Elizabeth (Hohenbrink) Unterbrink, who came to this country from Germany after their marriage. They first settled in Putnam county, on a farm in Greensburg township, and later moved to a farm south of Ottawa, where they passed the remainder of their days. They had the following children ; William, Carolina, Henry, Theresa, Frank and Joseph. William was educated in the schools of the' county and for seven years worked out among the farmers of the neighborhood. After his marriage with Mary Merschman, he located on a farm south of Ottawa and, subsequently, lived at Findlay, Liberty Center, Leipsic and Miller City, this state. They are at present residing at Durand, Michigan, where they went some time ago.

Mary Merschman, Mrs. Bensman's mother, is a daughter of John B. and Christina (Hageman) Merschman, both of whom came from Osnabruck, Germany, and settled on the farm now occupied by Barney Merschman, and on that farm both passed their remaining days. Their family consisted of eight children, namely: Henry, John. Elizabeth, Mary, Kate, Anna, Theresa and Barney.

After his marriage, Frank G. Bensman and his bride moved to the farm formerly owned by his father. This contains eighty acres, and Mr. Bensman gives his attention mainly to general farming as practiced throughout this section. He also devotes some time to stock raising and has also a fine lot of poultry. In recent years he has remodeled the'' residence, and also repaired outbuildings and added new equipment, so that the farm home is attractive and comfortable. Anthony, the single brother, makes his home with the subject and farms the eighty acres adjoining^ which he owns. He is thirty-nine years of age.

The entire family are members of St. John's church at Glandorf, and in politics Mr. Bensman is a Democrat, who has given some time to politics.

He has served as road supervisor and is accounted one of the active men of the party in his neighborhood. Active both mentaUy and physicahy, and of high ambition to succeed along all legitimate lines, Mr. Bensman is of that class of men who stand for all that is highest and best in any community. There are three children of the family, Raymond, born on June 8, 1906; Mary, born on June 24, 1908, and Agnes, born on June 27, 191 1.

Martin Luther Pritchard

To manage a business with ability and profit, today, requires more than the mere display of the stock and the buying and selling. It is necessary that the merchant shaU have combined in his make-up, something of the psychologist, that he be more or less of a strategist, and that he must be prepared to do a great deal of hard work. These qualities are found combined to a marked degree in Martin Luther Pritchard, who has established a thriving mercantile business in West Leipsic, Ohio.

Coming into this World on March 5, i860, in .Liberty township, Putnam county, Mr. Pritchard is the son of Alexander Gibson and Elizabeth (Lee) Pritchard, who were the parents of four children, as follow: Arthur, who died at the age of three years; Jefferson A., who lives in Leipsic; Martin Luther, and Jane, who died at the age of four.

Alexander Pritchard was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1825, and was a physician who' practiced successfully in Putnam county, Ohio, having come to Putnam county in the 'fifties, where he practiced until his death in 1866. He was a prominent physician and a worthy citizen, being a justice of the peace and postmaster in old Leipsic. In politics, he was a Republican and in religion a steadfast Baptist. His wife, a native of Virginia, died in 1900.

AVith small opportunity to gain an education, Mr. Pritchard began work in a factory at an early age. By dint of hard work he managed to establish himself in the mercantile business and to educate his children, and great credit is due Mr. Pritchard, as he was thrown on his own resources early in youth, his family being in moderate circumstances. The general store which Mr. Pritchard now operates was established in September, 1883.

On December 18, 1880, Mr. Pritchard married Luella White, the daughter of Robert and Nancy (Neely) White, whose biographies are briefly given elsewhere in this volume, in the sketch devoted to J. H. White.

To the union of Mr. Pritchard and his wife, the foHowing children have been born : Clyde A., who married Maude Henry and is now ticket agent for the Nickel Plate Railway Company at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and has three children, Neal, Owen, Paul; Clarence Martin married Anna Dwar and is ticket agent on the Nickel Plate railway at McComb, Ohio ; he and his wife were the parents of two children who died in infancy; Eva L. married William C. Snyder, of Belleview, Ohio, and has two 'children, Martin and Donald; Harry Eugene married Emma Ladd and they have two children, Lucille Evaline and Francis; Harry is a motorman on rhe Ohio Electric railway and lives in Lima, Ohio; Louis Gilbert married Laura Robinson and is employed by the Temco Electric Company of Leipsic; they have one child, Robert Louis; Ethel died when she was three years of age.

Martin Luther Pritchard is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 548, of Leipsic, also the chapter at Ottawa and Findlay Commandery. In politics he is a Republican and was on the school board for years, was township treasurer for two terms, and was postmaster of West Leipsic for about sixteen years, beginning his service under President McKinley and ending in April, 1914. He has also been corporation treasurer for many years. Subject's four boys are Masons and his wife belongs to the Eastern Star at Leipsic.

Speaking ill of no one and with a good word for all, Mr. Pritchard is a quiet, unassuming man who has gained success by close application and untiring effort, although it is foreign to his nature to indulge in vain boasting in regard to his accomplishments. Quick to grasp the opportunities presented to him, Mr. Pritchard is a man of strict integrity who is honored by all who know him.

Mathias Gerdeman

Among the farmers of Putnam county who have to their credit several years spent industriously and intelligently tilling the soil, is Mathias Gerdeman, of Union township. He comes from a good family, one that has always been strong for right living and industrious habits and all that contributes to the welfare of the commonwealth. Moreover, the Gerdeman family is one of the oldest in Putnam county. Such people are welcome in any community, for they are nation-builders, and as such push the frontier of civihzation ever westward and onward, leaving the green, wide-reaching

Mathias Gerdeman was born on March 12, 1887. He is the son of Henry and Bernadina (Eickholt) Gerdeman, both natives of Putnam county, the former of whom was born on February 19, 1842, and who was the son of Caspar and Anna Gerdeman, natives of Germany. Bernadina Eickholt w,as born on May 15, 1846, and was the daughter of Barney and Elizabeth (Nieman) Eickholt. Henry Gerdeman was married to Bernadina Eickholt on May 5, 1868. Throughout his life he was a farmer, but during his latter years he has lived retired with his son, Henry, Jr. His wife died on March 2-], 1915. They had twelve children, as follow: Charles, Andrew, Katherine, Barney, John, William, Elizabeth, Amelia, Josephine, Bernadina, Henry and Mathias.

Mathias Gerdeman attended the Barney Fortman school in Union township and worked on his father's farm until his marriage. Mr. Gerdeman was married on May i, 1912, to Elizabeth Schumacher, the daughter of Joseph J. and Mary Elizabeth (Rechtine) Schumacher, of Pleasant township. He still lives on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in that township. In fact, he has lived there for many years.

Joseph J. Schumacher, father of subject's wife, was married twice. His first wife was Mary Wellman, and by this marriage there were twelve children, four of whom are deceased, as follows : Anna, Mary, Katherine, Amelia, Andrew, Frank, Benjamin, John; Elizabeth, Amelia, Anthony and John, deceased. Mr. Schumacher's second wife was Mary Elizabeth Rechtine (mother of subject's wife), and by this marriage there were three children, as follow: Elizabeth, subject's wife, Eleanor and Anthony, deceased. Mr. Schumacher's second marriage took place several years after the death of his first wife.

Of these children, Anna married Theodore Hasselman and lives in Leipsic, Ohio; Mary married John Bellman, who is now deceased; Katherine married Henry Bellman, and they live at Leipsic; Amelia married George Wuebken, who is deceased; Andrew married Amelia Maag and lives in Jackson township ; Frank married Mary Meyer and lives in Toledo ; Benjamin married Mary Niese and lives in Leipsic; John married Anna Maas and lives in Pleasant township on the farm with his father. The mother of these children died on August 20, 1907.

He has erected an addition to the house and made many other improvements. To Ml. and IMrs. Mathias Gerdeman one child, Mary Louise, has been born. She was born March 26, 19 14.

Mathias Gerdeman has a splendid house and an attractive and wellkept farm. He is an able young farmer, popular with his neighbors on account of his genial good humor. Moreover, he is well informed on all of the topics of the day and possessed of exceptional intelligence. He makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred Duroc Jersey hogs.

Mathias Gerdeman and his family belong to the St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida. Fraternally, he is a member of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society.

Andrew J. Rieman

To a great extent, the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our country is due to the honest industry, the sturdy persistence, the unswerving perseverance and the wise economy which so prominently characterize the farming element of the Buckeye state. Among this class may be mentioned the subject of this life record, who though still a young man, has apparently mapped out a course in life for himself which not only will bring liim well-merited prosperity, but which also will win for him the high esteem and unlimited respect of all with whom he may be associated in any way.

Andrew J. Rieman, member of the one of the oldest and most' highly respected families of the county, was born on his father's farm in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on November 14, 1872, being a son of Frank, Sr., and Mary TKarhoff) Rieman. Subject's father was a son of John and Mary (Mehring) Rieman, both natives of Oldenburg in Germany. They emigrated to this country early in their married life, lived for a time in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later came to Putnam county, where they settled on a farm and passed their remaining years. Andrew Pieman's father was born in Ottawa township, this county. For further particulars of the Rieman family, consult the sketch of Frank Rieman, Sr., -found elsewhere within the pages of this history.

Andrew J. Rieman attended the district schools near his home, when a boy, and remained on the family homestead until he started out in life for himself. When thirty years of age, in 1902, he was joined in wedlock to Sophronia, daughter of John and Clara (Gattman) Merschman. There were eleven children in the Merschman family, as follow : Frank, Mary,

For two years after their marriage Andrew Rieman and his wife remained in the home of his parents and then took up their residence on the present family homestead, where they have since lived. This farm contains eighty acres and formerly belonged to his father. Since obtaining possesion of it, he has erected a splendid barn and other buildings, and is making it, in every way, an up-to-date farm home. He carries on general farming, and is uniformly successful with his crops.

Andrew Rieman and family are members of St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf, and in politics he is a Democrat, being quite active ^v'ithin the ranks of that party. He is an honorable and ambitious young man, who is bound to make a useful place for himself in the world. Mrs. Rieman is a pleasant and agreeable young woman, and, both coming from the oldest and best families of the county, they have from earliest childhood had held before them the highest standard of conduct, which they in their turn are passing on to the little one in their home. There is just one child, Henrietta, born on August 30, 1908. For history of Andrew J. Rieman's wife, see sketch of John Merschman, her father, of Greensburg township, on another page of this history.

Lance M. Wynkoop

Among the young farmers of Putnam county who are bringing, to the management of their farms the latest scientific methods in agriculture, and who are definitely pointing the way to a better system of farming than ever prevailed in the past, there are few who are better known in the section in which they live than is the gentleman whose name is noted above, an intelligent young farmer, who not only is making a success of his undertakings in that line, but who for years has been a very successful and popular school teacher in the neighborhood of his home in Greensburg township. An earnest exemplar of the latest methods of farming and a conscientious instructor of the youth in his vicinity, Lance M. Wynkoop is doing a good work in the world, and no history of Putnam county would be complete without adequate mention of the important details of his life and genealogy. The biographer, therefore, takes pleasure in calling the attention of the reader at this point to the subject of this interesting sketch.

Lance M. Wynkoop was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, October 27, 1882, the son of Milton and Sarah (Crow) Wynkoop, the former of whom was bom in the town of Gilboa, this county, and the latter of whom was born on the farm on which her son, Lance M., now lives, in Greensburg township. Milton Wynkoop was the son of Isaac Wynkoop, one of the pioneers of this county, who in his day and generation was one of the best known and most influential residents of the section in which he so long lived and labored. He not only cleared a considerable tract of land, making clear the ways for his descendants to find a comfortable home in what was a wilderness when he came to this county, but he found time in connection with his extensive personal affairs to give much attention to the affairs of public concern, and was ever found actively participating in all movements which had as their object the betterment of local conditions.

Milton Wynkoop was reared at Gilboa, this county, and evinced in his early youth an unusual aptitude for study, proving so efficient in his studies that as a young man he began teaching school in the neighborhood. He followed this important calling for several years, even after his marriage, and then opened a general store at Miller City, this county, this venture proving so profitable that he started a similar store at Kiefersville. Later he opened a store for the sale of agricultural implements at Continental, and continued in business in that place for sixteen years, or until his death, being one of the most successful and popular merchants of that town. His death occurred in May, 1905, while his widow is still living, in Continental. Milton Wynkoop was an ardent Republican and took a prominent part in the political affairs of the county. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, and was one of the most active workers in the local lodge of that order.

Milton Wynkoop was united in marriage to Sarah Crow, daughter of Miles and Lena (Schmidt) Crow, pioneers of Putnam county, the former of whom was bom in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 21, 1825, the ninth child of Abraham Crow, a native of Pennsylvania, who moved to Colum- - biana county with his parents at an early day in the settlement of that part of the state. The Crow family were brilliant lights in the old Covenanter church, m Pennsylvania, in the earlier days, and many of the same family are still promment people in Washington and Butler counties in that state In his early life Miles Crow was the proprietor of an ashery, but during the rest of his life was engaged in farming. He was for many years one of the most active workers in the Christian church in the neighborhood in which he hved, and his example was ever a good one in the community. He married prison. Casper and Anna Gerdeman were prominent and influential rnembers of the community in which they lived. They are buried in Gwindview cemetery.

Barney Eickholt and wife, Elizabeth, who was a Niemann, emigrated from Germany to Putnam in an early day and settled near Glandorf. They were the parents of six children, Joseph, Martha, Henry, William, Charles and Bernadina, the last of whom was the mother of Henry Gerdeman. Henry Gerdeman, Sr., was married to Bernadina Eickholt, May 5, 1868. He was a farmer throughout his life, but during his latter years has retired from the active work of the farm. His wife died on March 27, 1915. They were the parents of the following children: Charles, who married Anna Bush; Andrew, who married Ida Dalinz, and is now deceased; Catherine, the wife of Henry Hamburg; Barney, who married Anna Brinkman; John,' who married Mary Lang; William, who married Mary Schroeder; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Verhoff; Amelia, the wife of William Marmon; Bernardina, the wife of Joseph Marmon; Henry, the immediate subject of this review ; Mathias, who married Emily Schumacher.

had purchased and where he hved for two years. This farm consisted of seventy-four acres. Mr. Gerdeman later moved to a farm owned by his father in Union township which consisted of one hundred and ten acres. Mr. Gerdeman and his family and parents lived together until the death of the mother on March 27, 1915. Mr. Gerdeman's father is still living with him on the farm.

Henry Gerdeman and all the members of his family are devout Catholics, belonging to St. Michael's church at Kalida. The family are well known in this section of Putnam county, and are highly respected for their industry, thrift, economy and neighborly good will.

Jacob S. Myers

The sketch which follows, dealing with the man whose name appears above, his brother Samuel and their sister Maria, is the story of plain and honest manhood and womanhood, of sturdy industry and well-directed effort along chosen lines.

Jacob S. Myers was born on December 21, 1852, on a farm in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, where he now makes his home Samuel Myers first saw the light of day in 1855, and Maria three years later. They are children of Jacob and Lydia (Shank) Myers, the former bemg a well-grown youth when he came with his parents from their home m the state of Maryland. The journey was made overland in a wagon considerable time being consumed en route. The parents Were John and Mary (Dillon) Myers, whose children were, Abraham, John, Samuel Jacob Peter, Joseph, Christian and Henry. The parents were in their declining years when the children induced them to come and make a new home in a new country that was rapidly being settled in this part of Ohio. Jacob Myers an other son, the father of Jacob S., later came with his uncle, Peter Mvers'and his cousin, Martin Myers. Others came together and joined the rest of the family. Later, two more sons, Peter and Henry, came, when Peter settled in Perry township m Putnam county, and Henry settled in Paulding county Ohio After the family reached Putnam county, they settled on a tract of 'eiohtv acres, which they had secured from the government, and set about the task of clearing their land of the timber and preparing- it for cultivation. They in time, developed an excellent farm and were among the most highly respected citizens of the community at the time of their death. Jacob, father of our subject, assisted in clearing the home farm and developing the land and, later, on his own account, he entered a tract from the government, containing sixty-four acres, and this same land forms a portion of the holdings of Jacob S. Myers at the present time. After he had his grant of eighty acres in fair condition, Jacob Myers purchased from his father an additional tract of sixty-four acres and also cleared that of timber. On this farm he made his home, after the time of his marriage, about the year 1846. He chose as his wife Lydia Shank, a daughter of Michael and Barbara (Wideman) Shank, both of whom were natives of Canada and came to this country after their marriage. They came by boat on the Great Lakes, as far as Toledo, Ohio, and thence overland to their destination in Putnam county. They entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government and in the course of time developed a fine farm. The mother passed away while the family was still living on this farm and the father later lived in Elkhart, Indiana, where his life closed. The thirteen children of the family were : Eve, Susan, Tina, Fannie, Catherine, Mary, Barbara, Esther, Maria, Sarah, Michael, Elizabeth and Lydia.

As above stated, Michael and Barbara (Wideman) Shank, the parents of Jacob S. Myers, came to the farm where they are now living, which was the family home for many years. Both parents have passed into the Great Beyond, leaving behind them, to their children, a rich heritage in the knowledge of lives passed in industry and humility. The father died in 1875, and the mother in 1886.

Jacob S. Myers received his education in the district schools near his home and, in early manhood, assisted his father in the work about the homestead. The parents were members of the Mennonite church, and in this faith the children were reared and are today members of that body. Jacob has served as township assessor for a term of two years and also as township supervisor, discharging all the duties thus devolving upon him in a manner highly satisfactory to all. Jacob, Samuel and Maria are unmarried and operate the farm which they own. Their holdings total two hundred and sixty-eight acres, and the farm is considered one of the finest in the township. All the buildings are in a good state of repair. They have an excellent equipment and being industrious, get good returns for the labor expended. By industrious habits and frugal manner of living, they have amassed a goodly portion of this world's goods, but better still is the high esteem in which they are held by all who know them on account of their honorable and well-directed lives.

Florian Stoepfel

Among the successful, self-made men of the present generation in Putnam county, Ohio, whose efforts and influence have contributed to the material upbuilding of the commimity, Florian Stoepfel occupies a conspicuous place. Being ambitious from the first, but surrounded with none too favorable environment, his early youth was not especially promising. Resolutely facing the future, however, he has gradually surmounted the difficulties in his way and, in due course of time, has arisen to a prominent position in the agricultural circles of his corhmunity. In addition to this, he has won the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has come in contact. For years, he has stood as one of the representative citizens of the locality, honored by his citizenship.

Florian Stoepfel was born on February 28, 1877, in Bavaria, Germany. He is the son of Gregoire and Crescentia (Essen wan ger) Stoeppel, both natives of the same place, who died in Germany. Gregoire Stoepfel was a farmer all of his life. One year after his death, his widow, with her son and daughter, came to this country, and joined Florian Stoepfel, who had crossed the sea some time previous. The mother settled on a farm in Greensburg township, where she still lives. Her children are : Florian, the subject of this sketch; Lucas, Louis, Mary and John, deceased. Lucas married Mollie Siebeneck and lives in Putnam county; Louis is unmarried and lives in Cloverdale; Mary married Frank J. Verhoff and lives in Ashtabula county, Ohio.

Florian Stoepfel attended school in the old country and, when fifteen years of age, came to America and settled near Glandorf in Putnam county. He worked on various farms, during the first few years after his arrival in this country, and finally purchased forty acres in Union township, before his marriage.

Florian Stoepfel was married on October 28, 1903, to Josephine Uphaus, the daughter of George and Margaret (Wehrie) Uphaus. George Uphaus was the son of John and Catherine Uphaus, who came from Gerrriany after their marriage. He was a farmer-and settled near Glandorf on a farm where he continued to live until his death. He and his wife were members of St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf. Margaret Wehrie was the daughter of Clement and Anna Wehrie, who were born in Germany and who, at an early day, came to this country, settling on a farm near Glandorf, Putnam county. They were well known among the early settlers and lived on this farm until their death. They were also members of St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf. Mrs. Stoepfel is the sister of Philomena Uphaus, the wife of Mathias Theodore Verhofif, whose sketch is found elsewhere in this volume.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Stoepfel, they moved to the farm where they now live in Union township. Since Mr. Stoepfel's marriage, he has acquired twenty acres in addition to his original purchase of forty acres, before his marriage. He is a general farmer, but makes a specialty of raising cattle. He does considerable well drilling, under contract for the farmers of the community in which he lives, and has been very successful in this work.

To. Florian and Josephine (Uphaus) Stoepfel, five children have been born, Clara, born on February 7, 1905; Matilda, born on December 19, 1906; Laura, born on September 22, 1908; John, born on October 30, 1910, and Joseph, born on July 28,, 19 13.

Florian Stoepfel and wife belong to St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida. They are devout members of this, church and contribute liberally of their means to its support. Mr. Stoepfel is an energetic and ambitious young farmer, who has adopted progressive methods in everything that pertains to the work of the farm. He is in every respect a representative citizen of Union township, where he lives.

Alonzo Rager

Putnam county has been fortunate in the character of its farmers and much of its material prosperity can be attributed to the fact that its fanners have kept abreast of the times, and it can hardly be questioned that as such they are an index to the civilization of the community. Its farmers are progressive and up-to-date and it follows that the standard of the community will be high. Thousands of banks have been organized within the last few years in order to supply the needs of the farmer. In fact, the crops of the farmer furnish most of the money for 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. Alonzo Rager is one of the prominent and influential farmers of Union township.

Mr. And Mrs. Alonzo Rager

Franklin county, Ohio. He was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, Elizabeth, Adam, George, Hiram, Solomon, Joseph, Henry, Edward, Mary and Alice. Mr. Rager's maternal grandparents were Luke and Susan (Arnett) Coon, the former of whom was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, October 8, 1826, of Scotch-Irish descent. He was reared on the farm of his parents, and upon reaching manhood was married to Susan Arnett, a native of Pennsylvania, of Dutch parentage. They had six children, John, George, Sarah, Jennie, Helena and Emehe. Luke Coon, after his marriage, continued farming in Pickaway county, where he was born, and in 1856 moved to Illinois. His wife havmg died in 1859, he remarried, and continued to live in Illinois until 1882, when he returned to Ohio and made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Rager.'

Solomon Rager was born on June 23, 1850, in Franklin county, Ohio. He was educated in this county and reared as a farmer. He was married on January 18, 1872, to Helena Coon. After his marriage he remained on the farm, m Franklin county, and on August 23, 1884, he moved to Putnam county, where he continued to farm until his death, which occurred on January 17, 1886. His wife received a good education in Macon, Illinois It was m that state their their marriage took place.

To Solomon and Helena Rager were born the following children- Ohve, Alonzo (the subject of this sketch), Luke, Elmer, Lewis, Chester and Verda. Olive, who died on December 31, 1893, married Benjamin Good. Luke, who lives in Sugar Creek township, married Hattie Brown and has two children. Elmer, who lives in Middletown, is married and lias four children. Lewis, who lives in California, married Myrtle Dresky and has four children. Chester, who lives in St. Louis, Missouri, married Naomi Summers. Verda married John Anderson, a farmer of Sugar Creek township, and has four children. Solomon Rager, the father of these children, was a Republican. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Winchester. His wife is still living and makes her home with her son Lewis on the old home place. The residence on this farm was erected in 1888.

Alonzo Rager was educated in the Union township schools and lived on his father s farm. He worked out for four years by the year on various farms. Mr. Rager was married to Ola Dicus, the daughter of Scott and Mary (Campnell) Dicus, of Union township, Putnam county

Scott Dicus was a native of Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio and was born on September 2, 1847. He was the son of Jacob and Hannah <Carey) Dicus. Scott Dicus was educated in the Putnam county schools and at the outbreak of the Civil War he and his brother, Harrison, enlisted in the Eighty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain. Allen. Scott served until the close of the war, but Harrison took a severecold, developed consumption and retired from the service. Scott Dicus married Mary Campnell on January 25, 1872, and to this union were born three children, Lillian, Ola and Russell. Scott Dicus is a prominent farmer, in Union township at the present time and is well known.

After his marriage, Mr. Rager moved to a farm of forty acres, and since this has acquired ninety acres in addition. The farm is located in sections 8 and 17, in Union township. Mr. Rager is a progressive farmer. He has erected splendid buildings on his farm and made many other improvements, chief among which was a hollow tile silo, all of which show his advanced ideas in agriculture.

To Mr. and Mrs. Rager have been born four children, one of whomdied in infancy. The other three are Frederick A., born on March 25, 1901 ; Mary H., born on January 15, 1905, and Elnora Lucille, born on February 9, 1908. Mrs. Rager died on February 6, 1915. She became ill. with typhoid fever in 1913, and suffered a general breakdown. She continued on the decline until her death. During her illness she received alt the care a loving husband could bestow. Her death was a sad event to her husband, who was very much devoted to her. She was buried in Ottawa. River cemetery. Mrs. Rager was a devout member of the Methodist church. She was a loving wife and mother. Mr. Rager had many sympathizing friends in his bereavement, and his loss was shared by many friends, of Mrs. Rager, who loved her for her splendid qualities.

Alonzo Rager does general farming. He belongs to the Ottawa River Christian church. At the present time he owns one hundred and thirtyacres of land. He is a Republican, is popular with his neighbors, intelligent and progressive in his methods. All in all, he is a representative citizen of Putnam county.

Frank Hoffman

No more substantial and moral citizens have ever come to this countrjr from foreign lands than the sons of Germany. Wherever they have settled,, they have become respected citizens. As a race, they are characterized byindustry and a patience which overcome all obstacles and which thus insure them success in whatever undertaking they choose to follow. Putnam countyhas been honored by having thousands of the sons of Germany as citizens,.

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO. 5gjbut no family of German descent has ever occupied a more prominent place in the material development of the county than that of the Hoffmans.

Frank Hoffman w^as born in Glandorf on March 12, 1865, and is the son of William F. and Clara (Schroeder) Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman's paternal grandparents came from Germany from the Province of Hanover and settled near Glandorf in Putnam county. They arrived here about one year after the establishment of Professor Horstman's colony, where they secured a farm and lived until their death. William F. Hoffman and wife were members of the Catholic church. Mr. Hoffman's maternal grandparents also came from Germany- and settled in Greensburg township, Putnam county, on a farm. They lived in Greensburg towaship until their death.

William F. Hoffman, the father of Frank Hoffman, attended school in Glandorf and remained at home during the early part of his life. He learned the carpenter's trade and worked at this trade in Glandorf. Later, he became a school teacher. He was the organist at St. John's Catholic 'church for fifteen years when he established a general dry goods store and, after his marriage, he lived in Glandorf and taught school for twenty-five years. He divided his attention between business, school teaching and farming about eighty acres of land. The children of William F. and Clara Hoffman were as follow: two. who died in infancy; John, who died at the age of two years; Mary, William, Theresa, Amelia, who died at the age of two; Frank, Henry, Anna, who died in 1908; and Charles. Mary married Xavier Wirth and lives in Sugar Creek township; William married Veronica Halker and lives in Glandorf; Theresa married Henry Kemper and lives in Dayton Ohio; Henry married Elizabeth Herzog and lives in Jackson township' Charles married Elizabeth Osege and lives in Glandorf; William F Hoffman died on April 29, 1915, at the home of his son, Charles, who farms the home place. He was a state representative in the Ohio Legislature for two terms and was also justice of the peace for many years. Mrs. Hoffman died on February 6, 1898. They were members of St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf and devout in their religious duties and obligations.

Frank Hoffman attended school at Glandorf and worked in his father's store, and on the farm during vacations. He was married to Mary Ann Reckfelder, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Nottbrock) Reckfelder the former of whom was- a native of Glandorf, Putnam county, and the latter of Glandorf, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Reckfelder were married in Glandorf, Putnam county, and after their marriage, lived on a farm. They later moved to Glandorf in Putnam county and lived retired. Their children were Joseph, Bernard and Mary. Joseph married Elizabeth Kronbeger and lives in Dayton, Ohio. They have had four children; Bernard died in 1908; Henry Reckfelder died on June 20, 1908, and his wife died on March 12, 191 5. Both are buried at Glandorf.

Frank Hoffman was married on November 11, 1891, and after his marriage, moved to a farm in Union township. This farm consisted of eighty acres which Mr. Hoffman received from his father. The present owner has erected all of the buildings on the farm and made many improvements since he acquired possession of it. To Frank and Mary A. (Reckfelder) Hoffman several children have been born, Adelia, born on August 18, 1892; Harry, born on May 25, 1894, and died in September, 1894; Clara, born on February 15, 1896, and died in July, 1896; Alfred, born on June 8, 1897; Magdalena, born on June 28, 1899; Lawrence, born on June 26, 1901; Raymond, born on November 28, 1903, and died on June 17, 1904; Arnold, born on June 20, 1906; and Mary, born on April 11, 1908.

Frank Hoffman is a general farmer and stock raiser. He makes a specialty of Durham and Hereford cattle. He is secretary of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society. The family are all members of the Catholic church and prominent in the affairs of this denomination.

Frederick W. Verhoff

It was once remarked by a celebrated moralist and biographer that there has scarcely passed a life of which a judicious and faithful narrative would not have been useful. Believing in the truth of this opinion, expressed by one of the greatest and best men, the writer of this review takes pleasure in presenting a few facts in the career of the gentleman, who, by perseverance, temperance and integrity, has worked himself from an humble station to a successful place in life and won an honorable position among the well-known and highly esteemed farmers of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio.

Frederick W. Verhoff was born on June 18, 1887, on his father's farm in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of William and Katherine (Kerner) Verhoff. William Verhoff was born in the house in which he now lives, in Ottawa township, and he was the son of Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff, early settlers of Putnam county. William Verhoff is the brother of Theodore Verhoff, the life history of whom may be found in another part of this volume, gives the facts regarding the Verhoff family. It is sufficient, in this place, to say that Francis and Mary (Kramer)

Verhoff were natives of Westphalia, Prussia, and the state of Pennsylvania, respectively. Mr. Verhoff was a well-known blacksmith in the community where he lived. He died in 1863 after having acquired six hundred and forty acres of land in Putnam county. Mary Kramer was the daughter of Theodore and Gertrude (Veraking) Kramer.

Katherine Kerner, the mother of Frederick W. Verhoff, was the daughter of Mathias and Elizabeth (Kerner), the former of whom was a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mathias Kerner came to this country early in life and settled in Putnam county. Prior to coming here, he spent three years in South Carolina. His wife came to Putnam county, from Pennsylvania, after the death of her parents. Here she met and married Mathias Kerner. They lived on a farm the entire time of their lives.

William Verhoff spent his early life on his father's farm and attended the schools at Glandorf, in Putnam county, and where on April 20, 1880, he was married to Katherine Kerner, the daughter of Mathias and' Elizabeth Kerner. They continued to live on the parental farm, which consisted of one hundred acres and which he, later, inherited from his father. William Verhoff and wife were the parents of the following children : J. Frank, Mathias, Mary, Elizabeth, Frederick, Cecelia, Leo, Dora, Hieronomous and Christopher. Wilham Verhoff and family are all members of the Catholic church at Glandorf.

Frederick W. Verhoff, the subject of this sketch, attended school in Glandorf and lived on the homestead farm until his marriage. He was married on May 19, 191 1, to Elizabeth Ellerbrock, the daughter of Henry and Theresa (Borgelt) Ellerbrock, both of whose parents came from Germany and settled in Putnam county near Glandorf. After their marriage they lived on a farm near Glandorf, and eventually purchased ninety-nine acres in Union township near Kalida, where they now live. They have had eight children, Henry, Joseph, William, Mary, Agnes, Theresa, Elizabeth and William, deceased.

After their marirage, Frederick W. and Elizabeth (Ellerbrock) Verhoff lived in Jackson township for three months on a farm of eighty acres which they rented. They then moved to a farm of one hundred and twenty acres m Greensburg township, which belonged to Mr. Verhoff's father It is here that they still live. Mr. Verhoff is engaged in general farming, but makes a specialty of cattle and hogs.

Mr. and Mrs. Verhoff are members of St. Nicholas' Catholic church at Miller City. Frederick W. Verhoff is a pleasant young man of sturdy personal appearance and agreeable manner. He is ambitious in the better sense of the term and throughout his life has been an industrious and hard worker. She is an amiable woman and has in many ways helped her ambitious young husband.

One of the rising younger generation of farmers is Homer Edwin McKenzie, a member of one of the old families of this section. Mr. Mc- Kenzie is a man of keen mentality and pronounced views on all questions of the day. He removed to his present farm home of one hundred and sixty acres the latter part of 1914, and inasmuch as he carries on the work, of his farm along lines most approved by modern scientific investigation, being well versed in all that pertains to the best development of his interests, he bids fair to win a gratifying degree of success in his chosen vocation. He has passed the greater part of his life on the farm where he now lives, having first seen the light of day in that home on April 9, 1878. It was at that time the home of his parents, Erwin and Matilda (Barkmeyer) Mc- Kenzie. His father was a native of this state and his mother was also a native of Ohio. When Homer's father, Erwin McKenzie, was twenty-one years of age, he accompanied his mother to this county, the father having previously died in the old home. They settled in Greensburg township, where they bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and partly cleared and drained the land, which farm is where our immediate subject hves at the present time. His father was one of a family of five children, the others being Homer, Susan, Lucinda and Mary. Being the eldest of the family, much of the heavier work and responsibility devolved upon Erwin, who proved a faithful son and of great assistance to the mother.

When Erwin McKenzie married, he chose as his wife Matilda Barkmeyer, a daughter of Henry and Charlotte Barkmeyer, who was brought to this county by her parents when still a small girl. Other children of the family were Henry, Elizabeth, Nettie, Edith and Matilda. After their marriage, the parents of Homer McKenzie continued to live on the mother's farm and remained there for many years, later removing to Lima, this state, where the mother died and Homer's father continues to make his home, at 220 South Collett street, that city.

Special mention is due Erwin McKenzie, owing to the fact that during the dark days of the sixties he proved himself one of the loyal sons of the nation and donned the blue to assist in protecting the integrity of our republic. He enlisted with a regiment from his native state and served with great distinction throughout his enlistment. To Erwin McKenzie and wife were born eight children. Orville married Winnie Brown and resides at Columbus Grove; they are the parents of two living children, one dead. Effie married Wilfred Stauffer and resides near Waterloo, Indiana; she is the mother of six children; Frank, deceased, and Bessie married David Bonecutter and lives in Butler, Indiana. Other children of the family were Cora, Mary Hazel and Gilson.

Homer Edward McKenzie received his education in the district schools near his home and assisted his father in the work of the farm. He remained at home until the time of his marriage on December 7, 1913, when he was united in matrimony to Florence Wing of Continental, this county. She is a daughter of Henry and Mary (Gilbert) Wing, the former born in this eounty and the latter of Cleveland, this state. After marriage, Henry Wing and wife, moved to a farm in this 'county, where they have since resided. They were married on March 17, 1866, and to them have been born the following children: Martha, born on March 10, 1868; Albert, born on September 15, 1870; Frederick, born on September 4, 1872; Florence, born on September 7, 1873; Rufus Gilbert, born on December 16, 1877, deceased; Henry Franklin, born on August 24, 1880; Mary Ann, deceased, born on July 13, 1883, and Philip, deceased, born on June 9, 1893; Martha married Hamilton Hersh and lives in Continental, where she is the mother of seven children; Albert, who now lives in California, married Gertrude Andrews and later married Lavina Derbyshire, having five children. Henry F. married Gertrude Myers and is the father of four children.

To Homer McKenzie and his wife has been born one child. Hazel Marie, who came to them on July 5, 19 14. In addition to his general farming. Homer raises a special breed of Polled Durham cattle and Duroc hogs and is uniformly successful in whatever he undertakes. The farm contains one hundred and sixty acres of well-improved land and the buildings and residence, which Homer's father erected, are in good condition. Homer Mc- Kenzie makes the third generation of the family to make his home on this site, the land having originally been purchased by his grandmother.

Homer McKenzie's political preference is with the Democratic party, but he exercises his independence in such matters when he comes to the polls. His fraternal affiliation is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, while Mrs. McKenzie is a member of the Pythian Sisters. Both are the iinest kind of young people, genial, generous and hospitable.

William G. Mullet

The people who constitute the bone and sinew of this country are not those who are unstable and unsettled, who fly from one occupation to another, who do not know how to vote until they are told, and who take noactive and intelligent interest in the civic affairs of their community. The backbone of this country is made up of the families who have made their homes, who are alive to the best interest of the community, who attend to. their own business in preference to the affairs of others, and who work on steadily from day to day, taking the sunshine with the storms, rearing fine families to comfortable homes and honest lives. Such people are alwayswelcome in any community. They are the wealth producers. And Putnam county is fortunate in being blessed with many of them, among whom is William G. Mullet, a prominent farmer of Greensburg township.

William G. Mullet was born in 1865 at Ottawa, Ohio. He is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Crow) Mullet. Jacob Mullet was born in Switzerland, in 1840, and was the son of John and Maria (Ratz) Mullet. They came to America about 1847. They were over three months in crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel, since the wind was very low during a part of the voyage. John Mullet spent about a year at Cincinnati, and a few years at Columbus, Ohio. They located near Elm Center about 1852, while theland was all covered with timber. The land was also swampy where it was cleared, and it was necessary to bank the soil in ridges to produce any crops. Later, when the Nickel Plate railroad grade was made it gave the people work. Now this land is part of the finest land in Putnam county. It wasin this section that Jacob Mullet grew to manhood. He married Elizabeth Crow in 1864. Elizabeth Crow was born in the northeastern part of Greensburg township in January, 1842, and was the daughter of W. R. and Bersheba (Brower) Crow.

W. R. Crow came from Columbiana county. He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, April 12, 1821, and was the son of James and Elizabeth (Moreland) Crow, who settled here in 1835. James Crow was the son of Abraham and Rachael (Craven) Crow. Abraham Crow was born in 1748, and was among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. He was married in

Berks county to Rachael Craven, and moved from Pennsylvania, in 1787, west to Washington county, and to Columbiana county, Ohio, about 181 5.' A brother of his was killed in the battle of Brandywine. He had elevea children, among whom was Abraham, who married Sarah Thompson, and who was a pioneer settler of Greensburg township, and another son was James Crow, also a pioneer of Greensburg township. He left numerous progeny and died in his ninety-seventh year. W. R. Crow's wife, Bersheba Brower, was born in Randolph county. North Carolina, in 1819. She was the daughter of Frederick and Helena (Staley) Brower. Frederick Brower was born in North Carolina, a son of Adam Brower, a native of Pennsylvania. Adam's father was the founder of the family in America. Frederick Brower was born and reared in North Carolina, and there learned shoemaking and tanning. He married Nellie Staley in Randolph county. North Carolina. Her father was a cousin of the royal family of Germany.' Frederick Brower moved to Florida, returned to Ohio, and thence to Ft. Wayne, Indiana. After several other moves, he came finally to Greensburg township, Ohio, and entered ninety-three acres of land. He was the fourth settler in Greensburg township. When he came from Allen county he brought with him a hand-mill in which he used to grind corn; otherwise he would have had to go forty miles to a water-mill. In time he became the owner of four hundred and ninety-three acres, and cultivated it until his death, in June, 1875. His wife died in 1889. He was the first justice of the peace in Greensburg township and the first trustee of that township.

After Jacob Mullet married he lived in Ottawa for four years, and there engaged in the butcher business. He then spent four years on the farm in Greensburg township, and then removed to Leipsic, where he engaged in the butcher business for about six years. He then returned to- Greensburg township and farmed until his death. He and his wife owned about one hundred and sixty acres of land. Mrs. Jacob Mullet died in 1887, and he died in 1900. They were the parents of eight children : Williani G., of Greensburg township; John A., of near Continental; Amelia B, the widow of John A. Simon, who lives in Palmer township, near Kief ersville - Anna Florence, the wife of William H. Wisterman, of Toledo; Maiy Emma, the wife of Amos Ridenour, who lives near Wabash, Indiana Luther H., of Toledo; Frederick, of Three Rivers, Michigan, and Everett who lives near Butler, Indiana.

He was married, March 14, 1891, to Vela Ayers. She was born in Greensburg township, along the Blanchard river, and is the daughter of Clark P. and Sarah E. (Dangler) Ayers. Clark P. Ayers was born in 1842 in Greensburg township, and was the son of William and Rachael (Crow) Ayers. Rachael Crow was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and came to Columbiana county, Ohio, with her parents, Abraham and Sarah (Thompson) Crow, of the Crow family above referred to, who moved to township in 183^. William Ayers was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, a son of John and Sarah (Wallahan) Ayers. They lived in several counties before they came finally to Greensburg township in 1836. Clark P. Ayers grew up here and married Sarah Dangler, June 22, 1869. She was born in Greensburg township in 1849, and was the of Jacob and Susan (Guy) Dangler. Jacob Dangler was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, in 18 14, and came in 1837 to Greensburg township, Putnam county, with his parents, John and Elizabeth (Kaler) Dangler. His wife, Susan Guy, whose parents, Jesse and Jane (Schurtz) came here in 1838, was born in 1821 in Columbiana county, Ohio, and was married in this county in 1842. C. P. Ayers was a life-long farmer in -Greensburg township. He was also a justice of the peace. His great grandfather, James Ayers, was a soldier in the Revolutionary army. C. P. Ayers' grandfather, John, served in the War of 18 12. C. P. Ayers died in December, 1889. His widow lives with her children. She still owns the farm in Greensburg township. She is the mother of six children: Vela, the wife of W G. Mullet, of Greensburg township; Alta, the wife of Charles Kirkendall, of Kalida; Odula, the wife of Caius Hemry, of McComb, Ohio; William W. Ayers, of Waterloo, Indiana; Rachael, the wife of J. R. Elkins, Lacrosse, Indiana, and Merle, the wife of B. H. Stevenson, of McComb.

After the marriage of W. G. Mullet he and his wife lived about one year in Greensburg township and spent three years farming in Wabash -county, Indiana. They came back to Greensburg township, in 1896, and have lived ever since where they now live, in the southwest quarter of section I. Mr. Mullet has been a life-long farmer and a raiser of thoroughbred He makes a specialty of thoroughbred Aberdeen-Angus cattle. For the past six years he has served as a member of the county fair board. Mr. Mullet has two hundred and fifty-seven acres of land in Greensburg town-

To Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Mullet five children have been born : Nora is the wife of Claude C. Stuber and lives near Miller City and has one child.

Mr. Mullet has a fine country home, heated by furnace and lighted from a private lighting plant. He has a water plant furnishing hot and cold water to every room. He is pleasant and agreeable, as is also his wife, and the hospitality of the Mullet home is well known. Their neat and well-ordered premises and residence impress one and bespeak the character of the owner.

Edward Bernard Stechschulte

The attention of the reader is now directed to the following sketch of the career of the well-known and enterprising young farmer whose name forms the caption of this article. Mr. Stechschulte has passed his entire life in this community, and the high degree of esteem in which he is held, by friends and neighbors, is ample testimony to the fact that he is one of the worthy citizens of his community. Mr. Stechschulte is a member of one branch of the well-known Kahle family, who were pioneer settlers in this section and people of great influence, who did much in the early days to establish a high standard of living in this then new territory.

Edward Bernard Stechschulte was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on January 12, 1884, being a son of Ignatius and Magdalena (Niese) Stechschulte, both of whom were born in this same county. Ignatius Stechschulte was the eldest child of Henry and Bertha (Kahle) Stechschulte, the other children in the family being : Joseph, Frank, Gustav, Barney, Bertha, Theresa and Henry. He was born on his father's farm in Putnam county on June 2, 1854, and when a youth attended the district schools of his home neighborhood. He was noted as a most intelligent and studious pupil, and when quite young engaged in teaching school in Pleasant township. He was united in marriage on November 22, 1878, to Magdalena Niese. Shortly after marriage they took up their residence on a farm in Greensburg township, consisting of one hundred and ten acres, which farm he had at that time purchased, and upon which he proceeded to make valuable improvements in the way of buildings, etc. There the family lived, until in 1912, when Mr. Stechschulte purchased a ninety-acre farm near Owosso, Michigan, where he intends to make his future home, He is succeeding well in his chosen field of general and dairy farming, combined, and has recently disposed of forty acres of land of which he has long been the owner in this county. Ignatius Stechschulte was one of the leading farmers of his community and his absence has been felt by many to whom he had proved himself a true friend and neighbor. He was a man who took an active interest in public affairs and for six years served Putnam county as commissioner, and had at various other times filled different offices of minor importance. Mrs. Ignatius Stechschulte, who before her marriage was Magdalena Niese, was a daughter of Barney Niese and wife, both natives of Germany, who came to this country while still quite young. The families of both of whom located in Glandorf, where the young people met and were married. After marriage they removed to a farm near Glandorf,. .and there lived many years until the time of her death. The father thenmade his home with a son in Liberty township for the remainder of his life. They were the parents of six children, namely: Elizabeth, deceased; Theresa, Anna, deceased, Agnes, Barney and Magdalena, the latter beingthe mother of the immediate subject of this sketch.

Henry Stechschulte, paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Germany, having been born in Glandorf, province of Hanevr, on September 25, 1825, died on his farm home in this county on December -16, 1908. He came to this country alone, when a young man, and first located in Cincinnati, where he worked at the cooper trade for three years. He then came to Glandorf, this county, where he had friends, and where he met and married Bertha Kahle, a native of this county. Immediately after marriage they settled on a farm where they passed the remainder of their lives, having spent many years in the proper rearing of their family and their endeavors to accumulate a modest amount of this world's goods. They lived industrious and consistent lives and were well-respected by all whoknew them.

Edward Bernard Stechschulte is one of a family of nine children, the others being: Catherine, Henry, Lewis, George, DeHa, Hugo, Oscar and Rudolph. When a boy he attended the common schools of his home district, and from earhest boyhood was trained by his father in the practical work about the farm home. He remained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage, in his twenty-fifth year. He was joined in wedlock on October 27, 1910, to Miss Elizabeth Fortman, a daughter of Barney and Rose f Hermiller) Fortman. They took up their residence on the farm which they have since made their home. This is located in Greensburg township and consists of eighty-eight acres, all in an excellent state of cultivation. Since making his home on the farm in question, Edward Stechschulte has greatly remodeled the residence, has built barns and other out-buildings - and generally improved the place, until it is at the present time one of the most up-to-date homes in the community. He engages in general farming and, in addition, gives considerable attention to the raising of cattle and hogs for the- market. He is of large and strong physique, an excellent specimen of manhood, and possessed of high ambition and tireless energy. These excellent characteristics are making for him an enviable reputation among those who know him.