Ottawa Township (part 13 of 23)

Edward Stechschulte's wife (Elizabeth Fortman) was a daughter of Barney and Rose (Hermiller) Fortman, the former being the son of Anthony Fortman and wife, and was born on his father's farm near Ottawa, this county, where he remained on the family homestead until the time of his marriage. He was one of a family of seven children, the oldest two being sons named Anthony, both of whom died in early childhood, the remaining members of the family being: Gertrude, Theodore, Bernadina, Anna and Barney. Rose Hermiller, mother of Edward's wife, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and was brought to Putnam county by her parents when a little child of three years. Her parents were Barney and Bernadina Hermiller, both natives of Germany. After coming to this county, they settled a farm in Greensburg township, where they lived for a number of years and where his death occurred. She then took up her residence in Glandorf, where she passed her remaining days. They were the parents of eight children, Louisa, Sophia, Rose, Mary, William, Henry, Frank and Minnie.

After their marriage, Barney Fortman and wife moved to the farm on which they stih live in Putnam county. Their family consists of the following children: Barney, Dina, Mary, Ignatius, Joseph, Elizabeth, subject's wife; William and Frank. Mr. Fortman's present farm consists .of eighty acres, but his holdings, formerly, were much larger, as he divided two hundred and forty acres among his sons at the time of their marriage. Mr. Fortman has practically retired from the more active duties of life, having spent many years in hard labor and having won a competency which enables him to pass his remaining years in quiet retirement if he so chooses.

Our subject votes the Democratic ticket and both he and his wife are communicants of the Roman Catholic church. They now attend St Michael's at Miller City, but formerly were of St. John's at Glandorf. Edward Stechschulte and wife are both held in high esteem by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. She is a charming young' matron, ''full of appreciation and sympathy for all her husband's undertakings. There are no children.

Frank Rieman, Jr

The biographer here presents a short sketch of the career of one of the 3'ounger agriculturists of Greensburg township, Putnam county, and a member of one of the old families of this section. The Rieman family first came here in pioneer times and the name has ever stood for all that is best.

Frank Rieman, Jr., the immediate subject of our sketch, is a son of Frank, Sr., and Mary (Karhoff ) Rieman, and first saw the light of day on the family homestead in Greensburg, township, on November 14, 1871. Frank's father is also a native of this county, having been born in Ottawa township, of parents who were natives of the German Empire, and the same is true of his mother, who was Mary, daughter of Henry and Adelaide Kerhofif.

When a boy, Frank Rieman attended the common schools of Greensburg township and assisted the father in the work about the farm, remaining under the parental roof for a year and a half after his marriage. This ceremony was solemnized on October 17, 1900, in St. John's church, Glandorf, his bride being Miss Helena Edelbrock, a daughter of WiUiam and Mary (Herlage) Edelbrock. William Edelbrock was born in Germany and came to this country with his parents where they settled on a farm in Greensburg township, the parents living here until death. William Edelbrock attended school in this county and worked at farming during his early youth. He was one of the following children of his parents: William, Andrew, Henry, Charles, Christina, William (father of Frank's wife) was married in St. John's church at Glandorf. She was a native of this county, having been born in Glandorf, where she grew to maturity and was married, after which they located on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres where they passed the remainder of their lives. Their children were: Mary, Minnie, Helena, wife of our subject; Amelia, deceased; Frank and Edward. Minnie became the wife of Henry Wurst, who lived near Ottawa, and is now widowed. She had five children, one of whom has passed away. She belongs to Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic church at Ottawa. Frank married Ida Doepker, who has died and since which time he has resided in Glandorf- This family are members of St. John's church at Glandorf.

When Frank Rieman and wife decided to go to themselves, they took up their residence on a farm adjoining the homestead, which farm contained one hundred and three acres and was owned by his father. This land he has since purchased and in addition has bought twenty-six acres adjoining, from Ignatius Kahle. Mr. Rieman carries on general farming and also raises con- siderable cattle, however, having no particular breed. He takes pride in having good horses and many good animals have come from his stables. Since taking up his home on this farm, he ha,s remodeled the buildings and all are in good shape and well adapted for the uses to which he puts them. Frank and Ida (Doepker) Rieman are the parents of four children; Alfred, born on April 7, 1902; Linus, born on September 9, 1906; Edward,^ died on January 26, 1915, and Cornelia, born on November 19, 1914. Mr. Rieman's religious membership is with St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf, and in politics he espouses the cause of the Democratic party. He is a man of marked domestic traits, devoted to his family and their best interests- She is an amiable woman, a devoted mother and a loyal and helpful helpmate.-

Frank W. Doepker

One of the well-known and interesting citizens of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, is the man whose name forms the caption of this" article. Mr. Doepker is a native of Germany, born in the Province of Hanover on February 29, 1841, a son of Henry and Maria Doepker. The father was a poultry dealer and farmer and in comfortable circumstances. Therewere nine children in the family, pur immediate 'subject being the youngest. The others were: Theresa, Agnes, Louise, Joseph, Henry, Ignatius, William and Phihp. Henry emigrated to America, locating in Ohio, and at the begmning of the Civil War, enlisted with an Ohio regiment and went to the front. He became sick while in service and died somewhere in the South Joseph is still living at Akron, this state, and Louise came to this county and' IS now the wife of Henry Rayman, living in Ottoville.

Frank W. Doepker was twenty-eight years of age before he embarked for America. He landed in New York, where he remained for a short time workmg m a factory. He then came to Toledo, this state, and later to Putnam county, where he worked for his brother, Joseph, in a saw-mill He however, remained there only six months and then became a laborer for bricklayers in this county. He, eventually, learned that trade and worked at It for many years. He was married in Germany previous to emigrating to this country. This was in 1867, and about two months after marriage the young couple started out for the "land of the free." Twentv-five years' ago he purchased the farm where he still resides and there the nine children were raised. Frank married Katrina Ginther and resides in Chicago; Minnie married Henry Kohls and had three children, two of whom died. Mrs. Kohls died some time ago, when Mr. Kohls chose as his second wife his first wife's sister, Mary; they now reside in Ottawa, and have one child. Anna is unmarried and keeps the home for the father; Josephine became the wife of John Yauch, and they reside in Middletown, this state; Elizabeth married Joseph Tomlinson and lives in Dayton; Gustav died when a baby of but one year; Lena married Alva Cox and lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and William chose Lavina Seimetz as his life companion and they reside on a farm in Greensburg township, this county. Frank's wife passed away on July 24, 1893.

Two years ago, in 1913, Mr. Doepker, in company with his friend, Harry Landwehr, of Glandorf, this county, made a journey back to the Fatherland, remaining there for two months. They visited scenes of Frank's days and traveled extensively throughout the Empire, sightseeing and enjoying many sights of which he had merely heard when a young man and living there.

Frank W. Doepker's farm contains seventy-eight acres and he carries on general farming. He has erected all the buildings on the place and made all the improvements. He is a Democrat and at one time served as assessor -of the township. He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church, being of the parish at Miller City. Mr. Doepker is a genial and friendly man who has a host of friends and is much liked and admired by all who know him, for his sterling qualities of heart and mind.

Joseph Henry Kahle

By the marriage, in the year 1900, of Joseph Henry Kahle to Wilhelmina Smith, there was effected a happy union of two of the oldest families in Putnam county, and it is but fitting that there should be presented in this valuable volume of biographical narrative relating to the prominent families of this county a brief sketch of the head of the new household that was then created.

Joseph Henry Kahle was born on a farm in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, January 18, 1874, the son of Frank Kahle, a member of one of the oldest and best-known families in Putnam county, the genealogy of which will be found set out in a biographical sketch of Frank Kahle, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, presented elsewhere in this volume.

Joseph Henry Kahle was educated in the schools of his native township and grew to manhood on the paternal farm, being carefully instructed in all the details of farming life, and there he remained until his marriage, in the year I900, after which he moved on a farm of eighty acres, which he had purchased in section 17 of Union township, where he has since made his home. This original eighty acres was a part of the old Kahle farm, and Mr. Kahle later added to the same a tract of one hundred and eightytwo acres adjoining, eighty acres of which lies in Greensburg township. TJns farm is noted far and near for the excellent character of its buildings, there being eight in all upon it, all of the most substantial structure from the splendid dwelling house to the humblest outbuilding, and all of which are designed for the greatest convenience and comfort. Mr Kahle believes in taking proper care of his domestic animals, and the buildings erected for them have left nothing to be desired for the most humane treatment of his stock.

In addition to his considerable operations in the line of general farming and stock raising, Mr. Kahle has become a potent figure in the business life of his community, and is reckoned as among the leading men in that section of the county in all things pertaining to the highest development of the commumty interest. He is the president of the Peoples Bank at Kalida and IS well known and popular among the business men in all parts of the county There are few public enterprises, affecting his immediate neighborhood, m which Mr. Kahle is not in some manner interested, and his influence m the affairs of that section of the county is growing constantly

. jTf 7^ ^'''^' "^^^ ""''"^ '"^ marriage, on November 7, 1900 to Wilhelmma Smith, daughter of the late L. Jacob Smith, who, for man^ years, was one of the best loved and most influential men in that part of the county For further details of the genealogy of Mrs. Kahle the reader is referred to the biographical sketch of her brother, Frank Smith, presented -elsewhere m this volume. cscnieu fno Ik ; t°" " ^"^"'^ ''' ^9-' J^^^Ph Cyrrels, born on July ,' 1904; Alfred Harry, born on June 5, 1906; Hubert Joseph, bom on De cember 30, 1909; Florentine Mary, born on July 27, 191 1 CletuT Tndd born on March 3:, 19:3. and August Robert VicL,trn on April .4 T^' This promising quiverful of youngsters keep things lively about the Kahfe home and are the great delight of their devoted parents' Les

Mr. and Mrs. Kahle are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, and their children are being reared in the firm faith of the churchy to which institution they are devoted and are earnest and active supporters of its various beneficences, their service to the parish being as unselfish as it is generous. In all the other good works of the community they are also deeply interested, and no couple in that part of the county is more popular or more highly esteemed than are Mr. and Mrs. Kahle.

Mr. Kahle is a man of the most engaging personality, wholesome and genial in his demeanor and popular with all. He is a good farmer and an excellent business man, and is doing well his part in the community.

Joseph Kerner

The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished. An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have been successful in their life work and who, at the same time, have left the impress of their strong personality upon the community, men who have won honor and recognition for themselves and who have conferred honor upon the locality in which they reside, would be incomplete with a failure to make specific mention of Joseph Kerner, a well-known retired farmer of Greensburg township. His life has been a busy one, but he has never allowed anything to interfere with his Christian obligations or the faithful performance of his church duties. Mr. Kerner has lived to rear a large family which is highly esteemed and respected throughout all Putnam county.

Joseph Kerner was born on September 24, 1848, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Mathias and Elizabeth Kerner. Mathias Kerner was born in German)^, and his wife was born in Pennsylvania. The former came to America and settled in Putnam county early in life, but prior to arriving in Putnam county he spent three years in South Carolina. His wife came to Putnam county from Pennsylvania after the death of her parents. She met and married Mathias Kerner and they moved to the farm where Joseph Kerner now lives. They acquired a substantial competency and Hved upon this farm during practically their entire life.

Joseph Kerner, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm and attended the public schools in Putnam county. Mr. Kerner was married on November 6, 1872, to Mary Schaeffer. She was born on Novem- ber i8, 1853, and is the daughter of Henry and Agnes (Hoffman) Schaeffer Both her parents were born in Germany, and were there married Three days after their marriage, Henry and Agnes Schaeffer came to America and settled in Brooklyn, New York, where they remained for some time' Subsequently, they removed to West Virginia, and, eventually, came to Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, where Mr. Schaeffer followed the blacksmith trade, which he had learned in his native country. They lived in Putnam county for many years and reared a family of four children, John was born in 1856, Clara was born in 1859, Mary became the wife of Mr Kerner, and Clara, deceased, married Barney Kolaff. John was thrice married, the first time to Theresa Schrader, the second to Katrina Recker and the third time to Caroline Lemkuhle. After their marriage, Joseph Kerner and wife moved to Mr. Kerner's farm in section 22, Greensburg township and here they have spent practically their entire life.

Joseph Kerner and wife are the parents of the following children- Mathias, born on April 6, 1874; Elizabeth, born on December 6 187s - Carolina, born on November 9, 1877, and died on October 21, 1881 - Amalia was born on November 22, 1879; Katrina was born on January 26 188,2-

«r ; Z^'^T °" °'''"^''' ^' '^^4' ^^^'^ A"" ^^^ born on April 26.' 1887; John Edward was born on November 3, 1889; Rosa was born on October 20, 1892. Elizabeth Kerner married Barney Merschman, and they have the following children: Philomena, Edward, Clara, Frank Bernard and two who died in infancy. Their home is in Ottawa. Amalia married John Ko hoff and they hve near Alma, Michigan. They have four children, Wilfred, Alvme, Cletus and Collette. Katrina married Barney Gerdmg and they have six children, Clarence, Louis, Adelia, Edwin, Marcella and Ambrose. Mary T. married John Siebeneck and they have two chiWren are proud of their^ many grandchildren and are a happy couple. Mrs Kerner is a very active woman, of motherly disposition. The Kerner family has been very highly esteemed in Putnam county for several generations. All the members of this family are affiliated with the Catholic church, and politically, most of the Kerners are Democrats.

John B. Edelbrock

John B. Edelbrock, to a short sketch of whose career the attention of the reader is directed, was born on the- farm where he now lives on May ii, 1871, being a son of Henry and Theresa Edelbrock.

Mr. Edelbrock is a descendant of some of the oldest pioneers of this section, being a grandson of Peter and Anna M. Edelbrock, who were natives of Prussia, Germany, and were married in that country about 1823 and remained in Germany until about 1834, when they emigrated to America, landing at Baltimore. They remained here for a short time, then came and joined Father Horstman's colony of German settlers in Glandorf, Putnam county, and after a short time settled on a farm near Glandorf, where they lived until death. He died in 1844, and his wife in 1864. They located on a farm in Greensburg township, containing eighty acres. This was government land which they secured and virgin soil. They lived the life of the pioneers to the day when they could see their farm developed into a clean and productive piece of land. Their children were, Frank, William, Andrew, Henry, father of our immediate subject; Clara and Christina, Charles, Edward and Theodore, all of whom are now deceased. Frank and William served in the same Ohio regiment during the Civil War, and Frank was killed during a battle. They served in the Thirty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Henry Edelbrock received his education in the district schools near his home, and also at Glandorf. During his young manhood he worked on his father's farm and, in 1857, was united in marriage to Theresa Siebeneck and, after their marriage, they went to live on the farm which is now occupied by the subject. Theresa was the daughter of Henry and Mary Siebeneck, also of the Province of Hanover, Germany, and members of the same colony above referred to. They took up a tract of government land, containing forty acres, and there they lived until the end of their lives. There were two daughters in the family, the other being Mary, who became the wife of Barney Ellerbrock and lives in Glandorf. She is widowed, her husband having been dead for some time. Both Henry and Theresa Edel- brock have passed from this life, but they leave behind them the memory of thrifty, honest lives, and both were of so genuinely friendly natures that they were much liked and esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

John B. Edelbrock is one of a family of eight children, namely : Frank, William, Mary, Kate, John, Joseph, Benjamin and Minnie. Frank is in Central America. William married Theresa Huester and lives in Greensburg township. He is the father of three children, Hulda, Louis and Elnora. Mary became the wife of Henry Fipp, of Glandorf, and is the mother of two children, Charles and August. Kate is Mrs. Frank Erhart, of Greensburg township, and is the mother of six children, Laura, Flora, Benjamin, Harry, Edna and Minnie; both boys, however, being deceased. Benjamin married Elnora Kacht and lives in Greensburg township. ' He has four children, Velma, Clarence, Raymond and Mabel. John, Joseph and Minnie remain unmarried. The father of this family died in 1907 and the mother passed away in 1912.

John B. Edelbrock, with his sister, Minnie, lives on the old homestead. This farm contains one hundred and twenty acres, all under cultivation, with good buildings. They are accounted among the good and substantial people of the community and are much liked. Both are members of St. John's, Glandorf, the entire family being communicants of the Roman Catholic church. The Edelbrock family from the very earliest arrival in this country have been, and are today, among that substantial class of Germans who have done much for Putnam county and its material prosperity.

Lewis Simon

One of the influential citizens of Putnam county, Ohio, is Lewis Simon, who, for many years, has been a well-known farmer in Greensburg township! He is a man of excellent endowments and upright character and has been a valued factor in local affairs. Mr. Simon has long commanded the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the people of Putnam county. He has been loyal to the upbuilding of his community and ever vigilant in his efforts to promote the interests of his county, morally and otherwise. Although Mr. Simon is enfeebled and is no longer able to work, as he formerly did, he is possessed of a remarkable memory and is, personally, familiar with the most mteresting details of the entire growth of this section of Putnam county.

Lewis Simon was bom on April 24, 1838, in Putnam county. He is the son of John P. and Savilla (Genshimer) Simon, the former of whom was born in Kintingheim, Germany, on the Rhine, and the latter of whom was also born in Germany, in 1812.

John P. and Savilla (Genshimer) Simon had several children, as follow: John, a farmer near Dupont, Ohio, who was born in Germany; Catherine and Philip have long been deceased; Lewis, the subject of this sketch; Jacob, who died in childhood; Barbara, who became the wife of Michael Rinkle, of Dupont; Louisa, deceased; Sophia married the Rev. Philip Kesler, of Dupont; Mrs. A. L. Hauck, of Ottawa; Anna, who became the wife of W. J. Varner, of Greensburg township; Savilla, who married J. W. Parnell, of Greensburg township; Elizabeth, deceased, and John Adam, who died at the age of ten years.

After their marriage, John P. and SaviUa (Genshimer) Simon, came to the United States, locating in Philadelphia. Subsequently, they located in Richland county, Ohio, where they were pioneers. They located in Putnam county, Ohio, in 1836. John P. purchased a tract of wild land, upon which he lived until 1863. During all of this period he was closely identified with the pioneer history of the county. He became a general merchant at Ottawa, in 1863, and was successful. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity at Defiance and afterward became a charter member of the lodge at Kalida. He was a commissioned officer in the state militia and stood high in Putnam county as one of the leading exponents of law and order. Before the Civil War, he was identified with the Democratic party, but after that, was independent in politics. He was prominent in politics, locally, and filled many offices. He died on April 29, 1888, at which time he was a member of the Presbyterian church. John P. Simon's first wife, Savilla Genshimer, the mother of all of his children except John Adam, died in 1856. Later he married Mrs. Margaret M. Landis, who bore him one son, John Adam, in 1859. His third wife was Mrs. Margaret Hedges, who died on March 2q 1895.

Lewis Simon, the son of John P. and Savilla (Genshimer) Simon, was reared on the farm and obtained his education in the log school house, typical of his day and generation. Lewis Simon was first married on April 13, 1861, to Barbara M. Dangler, daughter of George and Fannie (Fender) Dangler. Four children were born to this marriage, Anna married H. J. Kirkendall; Veronica married George Ridenour; John A. lived to be fortyfive years of age, and Barbara died in infancy. Mrs. Barbara M. (Dangler) Simon died on May 11, 1868. Mr. Simon was next married to Jennie Apger on March 13, 1870. She was a daughter of John R. and Elizabeth Apger, and a native of Carroll county, Ohio, born on February 10, 1874. To this second marriage seven children were born, Mary L. died on October 31, 1876; Charles E., married Carrie Shafer, and lives in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, and they have six children, Paul, Helen, Mary, George, Margaret and Ruth Anna; Chester L. was first married to Maud Jenkins, daughter of David Jenkins and wife, and had three children by this marriage, Edna, Gale and Lowell; he was married a second time to Carrie Holbgewoks, daughter of John Holbgewoks, of Putnam county, and lives in Palmer tovroship, Putnam county; Ora A. married P. D. Russell, son of John P. and Carolina Russell, of luka, Illinois, and they have one child, Jennie; -Lewis W., Jr., married Grace Keck, daughter of Levi and Lucy Keck, of Continental, Ohio; Lewis W., Jr., died in 191 1 ; he was survived by his wife and three children, Edna, Robert and Howard, the widow and children now living in McBride, Michigan; Blanche married Ralph Schaefer, son of John :and Ruth Schaefer; they live in Perry township, Putnam county, and have two children, Geraldine and Howard; Ralph B., the youngest living child, was bom on September 15, 1887. He attended the common schools of Putnam county, and also attended the Continental high school. After that he entered the Ohio State University and took the degree of Bachelor of Science. Raph B. Simon was a student from 1908 to 1912. During his college life, he was a director of the glee club. He married Rowena Kuntz on May 22, 1913, and makes his home at his father's farm. His wife's par- -ents were natives of Putnam county and were farmers. Her father died in 1912.

Lewis Simon is a man of remarkable memory. He has led an active life and chafes at the thought of enforced idleness on account of his sickness. His farm consists of one hundred and fifty-five acres of splendid land, where general farming is carried on. Ralph B., who has active charge of the farm, also specializes in stock raising. The buildings on the farm are models of completeness. The farm is one of the best in Putnam county. The barn especially is not excelled in Putnam county for size, substantiality and convenience. Mr. Simon is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 325, at Ottawa. Until recent years he has been active in the United Brethren church and an active Sunday school worker. Lately, he has been identified with the Prohibition party. He has filled the office of justice of the peace of Greensburg township in a most satisfactory manner.

was born in New Jersey, in 1816, and was a son of Isaac Apger, also a native of New Jersey and of English descent. Isaac Apger was one of the pioneer farmers of Carroll county, Ohio, and moved to Wood county in 1847, when, that county was unbroken wilderness. John R. Apger, Mrs. Simon's father, was educated in New Jersey and reared as a farmer. He learned the shoerpaker's trade and worked at it occasionally. He married Elizabeth Atchley,. in 1837. She was a daughter of Isaac and Anna (Van Horn) Atchley, natives of New Jersey, but who later resided in New York. To this marriage the following children were born : Mary C. ; Mrs. Lewis Simon ; Marion M. ; Isaac N., deceased; Anderson S., who was a soldier in the Civil War; Alletty A., deceased, and Lizzie, also deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth Apger was bom in New Jersey in 181 2 and moved with her parents to New York before her marriage. Mr. Apger settled in Carroll county in 1865, farming there for ten years. He then moved to Wood county, Ohio, and entered a tract of land, clearing the land and teaching school in the meantime. His first wife died on March 25, 1865. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Apger was next married in Wood county, in 1866, to Mrs.. Matilda Wyckoff, and four children were born to this marriage, Benton, Earl J., Cloise and Blanche. Mr. Apger was a Democrat in politics. He died on May 12, 1882. He was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

George D. Kinder

There is no agency which exerts a more powerful influence upon the nation today than the press, and the editor who keeps in close touch witL the progress of the times and faithfully records the news from day to day,, is performing a mission of inestimable value. Ohio has several hundred newspapers, and there is not a county but has its local papers, usually both of the leading political parties being represented thereby. Putnam county Democracy has supported the Putnam County Sentinel for nearly threequarters of a century, and the paper, during all of these years has stood not only for the principles of the party, but has also taken an active part in the advancement of every measure which has been proposed for the general welfare of the county.

For nearly half a century George D. Kinder has been connected in one capacity or another with the Sentinel, and his record as a newspaper man' is such that he rightly ranks with the leaders of the profession in the state of Ohio. Starting in to learn the business when a mere youth, he has made it his hfe work, and the success which has attended, his efforts is ample evidence of his ability. As a newspaper editor, as a county official, as a member of the school board of Ottawa, as a successful business man, as a public-spirited citizen and as a man devoted to his home and family, George D. Kinder may justly be included among the truly representative men of his county and state.

George D. Kinder was born in Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, November 6, 1836, a son of Captain George and Ehza (Schnorf) Kinder. On the paternal side he traces his ancestry back to the burghers of Holland, and the Dutch characteristics of thrift and conscientious devotion to duty have beea handed down through each succeeding generation. After receiving a good common school education, the youthful George entered the printing office of his brother when he was fifteen years of age. His brother, at that time, was the owner and editor of the Haiiiilfou Telegraph, one of the leading papers of that city. He served as an apprentice for a few years and learned all the little details which go to make a successful newspaper man. He then worked as a journeyman printer until 1862, when he went to Sandusky,. Ohio, and established the Erie County News, a Democratic weekly, which. he published until 1864. He then moved his newspaper plant to Port Clinton, Ohio, and founded the Ottawa County News. He continued this paper for only a short time and then disposed of it to advantage and purchased the Greenville (Ohio) Democrat. This paper was not very prosperous when Mr. Kinder took charge of it, but, under his able management, it was soon put on a paying basis. For two years he remained in Greenville at the head of the paper and then disposed of it at a handsome profit. His next venture was with the Bncyrus Forum, which he managed and edited for Thomas Coughlin until the summer of 1867.

Mr. Kinder came to Ottawa, Ohio, in June, 1867, and purchased an mterest in the Putnam County Sentinel, becoming the editor and general manager of the paper. A year later he became the sole owner of the^paper, retaining the ownership until in January, 1900. A complete history of thispaper is given in the newspaper chapter elsewhere in this volume. Dur his long connection with the paper Mr. Kinder made it one of the leadi Democratic papers of this section of the state. While he was always ct fearless advocate of the principles and policies of his party, he was always fair to his political opponents and won their resi^ect if he did not secure their favor. As long as he was connected with the paper he refused to become a candidate for public office, although he was frequently importuned to do SO by his many friends. It is safe to say that, for a quarter of a century, he was the leader of his party, not only in local matters, but also for many years one of the men who helped to shape the policies of his party in -State affairs. Serving frequently on congressional and state committees, he was thrown in touch with the leaders of his party in the state, and was thus given an opportunity to be of benefit to the party whose cause he so ably espoused.

After retiring from the Sentinel in 1900, Mr. Kinder became a candidate for county treasurer and was elected, in the fall of the same year, by a handsome majority. His first term gave such universal satisfaction that he was renominated by his party and again elected, filling the office for a of four years. He introduced many needed reforms in the administration of the duties connected with the office and had the satisfaction of knowing that his changes in the conduct of the office have been followed by his successors. After leaving the treasurer's office, Mr. Kinder was elected a member of the board of public affairs, and has been re-elected two years since the passage of the law creating the office. His present term expires in January, 1916. The only other public office which he has held was that of school director, filling a position on the board of Ottawa for five years.

When Mr. Kinder retired from the newspaper business, in 1900, he never expected to identify himself with a paper again, but the call of the press could not be denied. Immediately after leaving the treasurer's office he found himself unable to keep away from the Sentinel office, and few went by which did not see him at his old desk. He assumed complete editorial management of the Sentinel in 191 1, and continued in this capacity until 1913, when A. P. Sandles became the editor. Since that time Mr. Kinder has devoted himself to the local department of the paper, and the chances are that he will retain his connection with the paper as long as he is able to get to the office. For considerably more than half a century Mr. Kinder has been in the newspaper business, and it is probable that there is not a man in the state who can ec[ual his record for continuous service.

Mr. Kinder was married in February, 1869, to Zella Gordon, and to this union have been born two children, Gordon and Zella. Gordon was educated in the Ottawa schools and later graduated from the law department of Ohio State University. He married Charlotte Duncan and has two interesting little children. He is now practicing law in Martins Ferrv, Ohio. Zella, the other child of Mr. and Mrs. Kinder, is the wife of J. C. ^Spencer, a real estate and insurance agent of Findlay, Ohio.

Mr. Kinder has been a director of the Ottawa Home and Savings Association for many years and has extensive property interests in his home town. As a newspaper man he has been unusually successful in a financial way, and has always invested his money in local enterprises. In his social connections, Mr. Kinder is a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding his membership in the blue lodge, chapter and council at Ottawa, and in Shawtiee commandery at Lima. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Arcanum.

The publishers were glad to avail themselves of Mr. Kinder's services in the preparation of the present history of Putnam county. His connection with the leading newspaper of the county during the past half century and his active participation in every phase of the county's development makes him as able an editor as could be secured for a work of this kind.

Frank F. Verhoff

Among the men of sterling worth and strength of character who have made an impression upon the life of the locality in which they live, none .have received a larger reward of popular respect and regard than Frank F. Verhoff, whose family name is well known throughout this section of the Lifelong residence in one locality has given the people an opportunity to know him in every phase of his character, arid that he has been true to life in such measure, is manifest in the degree of confidence and regard in which he is held by those who know him.

Frank F. Verhoff was born in Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, March -24, 1847, and is the son of Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff. The paternal grandparents were born, lived and died in Germany, and the maternal grandparents, Theodore and Gertrude (A^eraking) Kramer, were married in -Germany and resided there many years. Coming to this country when Mr. Kramer was about fifty years of age, they settled on a farm in Putnam Ohio, and to them were born six children, William, Henry, Catherine, Christena, Mary and Frederick, all of whom are now deceased, excepting a son, Frederick.

Francis Verhoff, father of Frank F. Verhoff, was born in Westphalia, Prussia, and came to America in the year 1836, by himself, and settled on a small tract consisting of twenty-six acres, near the town of Glandorf, Putnam' -county, Ohio. He, having learned the trade of a blacksmith, bore the reputa- tion of having started the first shop of this kind in Putnam county, the same having been operated in connection with the farm for many years. This shop carried a reputation for doing first-class worlcmanship and furnishing high-grade material for the work at hand.

About the year 1837, Francis Verhoff and Mary Kramer were joined in wedlock and took up their residence on the former's farm. To them were born eleven children, Theodore, Gertrude, Christena, Catherine, Mary Ann, Frank, Henry, William, now deceased; Charles, William and Florentine. The father, prior to his death in 1863, had acquired a full section, consisting of six hundred and forty acres of land. With the assistance of his sons, the greater portion of this land was cleared and prepared for general farming and the raising of stock. Mr. Verhoff was one of the pioneer settlers of this community, coming here shortly after the founding of the town of Glandorf . by Professor Horstman, who was a native of Germany. Francis Verhoff and wife were active members of St. John's Catholic church, of Glandorf, Ohio, from which church they were buried during the year 1901, leaving behind them reputations for high-class citizenship and setting a good example for posterity to imitate.

Frank F. Verhoff, the subject of this review, received his education in the county schools and lived under the parental roof until the time of his marriage on April 30, 1873, and up to which time he had acquainted himself with the necessary knowledge for farming by assisting his father around the place. His wife was Catherine Mersman, whose parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Recker) Mersman, were natives of Germany, but who came to this country separately. By their marriage, besides Catherine, were born Theresa, Henry and Mary. Theresa is the wife of Henry Drerup and lives in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio; Henry is married to Anna Hulker, and now lives in the town of Glandorf, Ohio.

Soon after the marriage of Frank F. Verhoff, he, with his wife, took up their residence on the one hundred and forty-four acres which was deeded to him at the time of the elder Verhoff's death, being a portion of the six hundred and forty acres acquired during his lifetime, all of which was divided among the sons. The children born to Frank F Verhoff and wife are : Elizabeth, born on January 20, 1875, and deceased on January 4, 1878; Anna, born on November 19, 1877; Mary, born on February 24, 1881, and Frank, born on March 11, 1884. Of these children, Anna became the wife of Frank Kahle and to them were born four children, their mother now being deceased; Mary was married to Lawrence Hamel and they have three children, and reside near Kalida, Ohio; Frank married Nora Schoeder and they have three children, the latter family making their home on his father's farm. Besides general farming, a specialty is made of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc hogs. Frank Verhoff's wife died on March 23, 1884.

Mr. Verhoff is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. He is a member of St. John's Catholic church of Glandorf, Ohio. In farming, political and social circles, Mr. Verhoff enjoys a wide acquaintance and is deserv- -edly popular, possessing, to a marked degree, those qualities of character which win and retain friendship. He is quiet, unassuming and very intelligent. He is retired from active work.

Frank Kahle, Sr

Although some time has elapsed since the subject of this memoir was called into the life beyond, yet his memory is still fresh in the minds and hearts of many of his friends and neighbors. Frank Kahle was a popular man in his own community and had the reputation of being a man of boundless energy and ambition. It is said that those who live the closest to us know us best and, this being true, Frank Kahle was indeed a worthy man, for those most closely associated with him hold him the dearest in their memories.

Frank Kahle, Sr., was a native of this county, born in Greensburg towntownship on his father's farm on December 21, 1839. He was a son of John F. and Bernadina (Wilberding) Kahle, who were among the oldest settlers of this community. The Kahle family has, throughout a long stretch -of years, been numbered among the best citizens of this section and the subject of this memoir added his quota to the excellency of the family name. Frank Kahle was reared on his father's farm in Greensburg township and passed his entire life on the one homestead. In early manhood, he was united in marriage to Bernadina Brinkman, born in this county in 1846, a daughter Henry and Mary (Rieman) Brinkman. The Brinkman's were both natives of the German Empire, and upon emigrating to America, they first located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where, however, they remained but a short time. They, eventually, came to Glandorf, Putnam county, and later engaged in farming. There were two children in the family, Bernadina, widow of Frank Kahle, and John. John chose Minnie Maag as his helpmeet and they were the parents of three children : Frank, Harry and Francis.

with Father Horstman and settled the town of Glandorf. His father was John Kahle, and with Father Horstman, preceded the rest of the colonists, who remained in Detroit, and Father Horstman and John Kahle prepared the settlement for them and they came from Detroit a short time later. His son, Joseph, is president of the Peoples Bank of Kalida, a sketch of whom is found elsewhere in this volume.

To Frank Kahle and wife was born a family of twelve children, as follow: Mary Wilhelmina, deceased; John Frank, John Heinrich Joseph, John Ignatius Gustav, Mary Bernadina Amalia, Theresa Bernadina, Mary Helen Elizabeth, Mary Frances Paulina, deceased; John Heinrich Bernard, Anna Maria Theresa, John August Louie, deceased, and Maria Clara Wilhelmina. Of these children, Mary married Frank Schrader and lived in Greensburg township up to the time of her death. She passed away five years ago and is survived by her husband and nine children. John Heinrich Joseph married Wilhelmina Smith and is the father of six children. Mary Bernadina Amalia became the wife of Hubert Smith and is the mother of eight children. They reside in Greensburg township. Theresa Bernadina remains unmarried, and lives with her mother. Mary Helena Elizabeth is the wife of Frank Smith and is the mother of six children. That family lives in Union township, this county. John Heinrich Bernard chose Anfia Schroeder as his wife and lives on the old family homestead; he is the father of one child. Anna Maria Theresa married Joseph Grote and has one child. Maria Clara Wilhelmina resides with the widowed mother. John Frank married Anna Verhoff, who died later. He is now in the sugar-beet industry. There are four children in ^that family. John Ignatius Gustav married Katrina Duling and they reside on a farm in Greensburg township, where they are raising a family of six children.

Frank Kahle possessed considerable of this world's goods. His father had left him a goodly portion, but by habits of thrift and energy he greatly added to it until he had accumulated quite a fortune. The farm on which his widow continues to reside, contains two hundred acres and it has on it the finest buildings to be seen in many miles. It easily ranks as one of the very finest farms in Putnam county and ranks with the very best throughout this state. Mrs. Kahle has kept up her interest in the farm home, and in spite of her years, is closely associated with her son, Benjamin, in the active management of the farm. Her vitality, both mentally and physically, is far beyond that of the average woman of lesser years and she is well versed in all that pertains to the best interests of their business. The farm is given over to the cultivation of grain and the raising of cattle.

Frank Kahle's death occurred on February 23, 1898, and both himself and family were of the parish of St. John's, Glandorf. It is all too true that our influence lives, a vital force, long after we are gone from this world. This is well when our lives have been all that they should be, and to be deplored when evil influences have been set in motion by us, but the children, of this good man can well be thankful that his life was so lived as to shed a beneficent influence on, not only the ones of his immediate household, but the charm of his personality permeated the lives of his large circle of friends.

Benjamin Edelbrock

Benjamin Edelbrock, member of the well-known family of that name,. connected with the early history of Putnam county, Ohio, was born on his. father's farm in Greensburg township on May 20, 1879. He is a son of Henry and Theresa (Siebeneck) Edelbrock, and Henry in his turn is a som of Peter Edelbrock, who, together with his wife, came from their native: home in the Province of Hanover, German Empire, as members of the colony headed by Father Horstman, which founded the city of Glandorf in this, county. This was about the year 1834, and the Edelbrocks have been prominent in the life of the county ever since.

Benjamin Edelbrock remained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage. When a boy he attended the district schools, near hishome, and during spare times was educated in the work about the farm home. He chose as his bride Miss Elnora Kracht, daughter of Frank and Theresa Kracht, with whom he was united in marriage on June 23, 1903.

Frank Kracht, present county commissioner of Putnam county was born at Cmcinnati, Ohio, on December 25, 1851, and six years later was brought by his parents to this county, where they located on a farm near Glandorf. He married Theresa Hoffman, born in Glandorf, on January 6 1859, and to their union was born a family of five daughters, namely Ameha, born on August 22, 1878; Theresa J., born on March 18 1880 - Laura A., born on November 8, 1881 ; Elnora, born on April 24, 1883 and Carolme, born on January 27, 1886. The mother of this familv died on August 29 1886, and Mr. Kracht later united in marriage with Anna Neidert, who bore him six children. Her death occurred on June i^ 1901 and he was agam married, this time to Catherine Pund. Mr. Kracht was for many years a farmer and thresherman and in this way formed a wide

-acquaintance. Being a man of pleasing manner, when he entered the political arena, his success was an assured thing from the start. He has been a has served as clerk of Ottawa township and also as its treasurer, and is at present filling out his term as county commissioner.

Of Mrs. Edelbrock's sisters, Amelia married Louis Welde and resides in Ottawa. She is the mother of four children, one being dead. Laura married Anthony Prusendorfer and is now widowed. She makes her home in Defiance, this state, where also Caroline, who has never married, resides. Theresa married Henry Fembert and lives in Pleasant township, Putnam -county.

After marriage, Benjamin Edelbrock and his wife took up their resi- on the farm where they now live. This contains forty acres, given to him by his father at the time of his marriage, to which he has added another twenty. The land has since been well cleared and -drained. All the buildings have been erected by him and are in good condition. Mr. Edelbrock conducts general farming and also raises a few head of cattle each year for the market. Into the home have come four children, namely: Velma, born on March i6, 1904; Clarence, born on April 10, 1905; Raymond, born on "July 19, 1906, and Mabel, born on February 21, 1912. Mr. Edelbrock is a most agreeable man to meet and Is able to number his friends by the score. He is a Democrat in politics and his religious affiliation is with St. John's at Glandorf. He is an active and ambitious young man, -with the natural industry of his family.

Barney Gerdeman

A member of one of the oldest and best-known families in Putnam Barney Gerdeman, a prosperous and progressive farmer of Union township, this county, enjoys the esteem of all who know him and very properly is accorded a place as among the leading citizens of the part of the county in which he was born and where his whole life has been spent. His wife, also, is a member of one of the old families of the county, and the two are very popular in their large circle of acquaintances.

Barney Gerdeman was born in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, May II, 1873, the son of Henry and Bernadina (Eickholt) Gerdeman, both natives of Putnam county, the former of whom was born on February 19, 1842, the son of Caspar and Anna Gerdeman, natives of Germany, the latter

Caspar Gerdeman and his wife, Anna, came to America from Germany and located in Putnam county, Ohio, at an early day in the settlement of the county. Here they cleared a farm, and on this farm reared their family and spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of seven children, Caspar, Joseph, Henry, Mathias, Theodore, Mary and Elizabeth. Of these, Theodore served in the Civil War as a member of an' Ohio regiment, was captured by the enemy and died in a military prison. Caspar and Anna Gerdeman were prominent and influential members of the community in which they lived and were active in all the good works of that neighborhood. Their bodies are lying at rest in the Grandview cemetery.

Barney Eickholt and his wife, Elizabeth, who was a Nieman, also immigrated from Germany, coming to Putnam county at an early date and on a farm near the town of Glandorf, where they made a prominent place for themselves in the estimation of their neighbors and where they spent the rest of their lives, their bodies lying at rest in the Glandorf cemetery. They were the parents of six children, Joseph, Martha, Henry, William, Charles and Bernardina, the latter of whom was the mother of Bernard Gerdeman.

Henry Gerdeman grew to manhood on the paternal farm near Glandorf, receiving his education in the village school. He was united in marriage to Bernardina Eickholt on May 5, 1868, and made his home on a farm of one hundred and ten acres, which he bought in Union township. He cleared this farm and improved it in excellent shape, erecting thereon a good class of buildings and bringing it to a high state of cultivation, becoming known as one of the most prosperous farmers in that neighborhood. During late years, Henry Gerdeman has been retired from the active work of the farm, though still living on the old home place, which is now the home of his son, Henry. His wife died in March, 191 5.

To Henry and Bernardina (Eickholdt) Gerdeman were born twelve children, as follow: Charles married Anna Busch and lives in Union township; Andrew, who married Ida Baling and is now deceased; Katherine, who married Henry Hamberg and lives in Jackson township, this county; Barney, the subject of this sketch ; John, who married Mary Lang and lives at Delphos, Ohio; William, who married Mary Schroeder and lives in Greensburg township, this county; Elizabeth, who married Henry Verhof¥, and lives near Columbus Grove ; Amelia, who married William Morman and lives near Leipsic, this county; Josephine, who is unmarried; Bernadina, who married Joseph Morman and Hves in Greensburg township; Henry, who married Emma Merschman and hves on the old home farm, and Mathias, who married Emily Schumacher and lives in Union township.

Barney Gerdeman was reared on the old home farm in Union township and attended the neighborhood school in his youth, making a good account of the time spent in the school room. He assisted his father on the farm, remaining there until his marriage in 1898, when he moved upon a farm of ninety acres in Union township, that had previously been purchased by him, where he has lived ever since. This farm he has improved in fine shape, his buildings being substantial and of a modern type, the place presenting a general air of prosperity which marks its owner as a progressive and up-todate farmer.

On October 19, 1898, Barney Gerdeman was united in marriage to Anna Brinkman, daughter of Barney and Bernardina (Wehrie) Brinkman, both of whom were born in the Glandorf neighborhood, in this county, their parents having been among the numerous German immigrants who colonized in that part of the county at an early day. For some years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brinkman lived in Greensburg township, and later moved to a farm in Jackson township, where Mrs. Brinkman is still living, Mr. Brinkman's death having occurred on March 28, 1914. Barney Brinkman was one of the best known men in the county. He had served the public faithfully and well in the capacity of county commissioner, and was deeply interested in local public affairs. He also had served his township as a" public officer in various capacities and had always been attentive to the needs of the community. His chief activities were confined to the farm, however, and he had prospered in his labors. To Barney and Bernardina (Wehrie) Brinkman were born thirteen children - Joseph, Anna, Bernadina, Mary, Amelia, Andrew, Frank, Elizabeth, Josephine, Matilda, Elnora, Caroline and Loretta, of whom all are living saA'e Bernadina, Elizabeth and Josephine. The Brinkman family were members of the St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, and took an active part in the affairs of that parish.

Mr. and Mrs. Gerdeman belong to St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, and are active participants in the various beneficences of that parish. They are popular and well Hked in the community in which they live, and are regarded as among the leaders in the social and civic life of that section of the county. They have no children. Mr. Gerdeman is not only a good farmer, but is recognized generally as an excellent business man and a man of fine executive ability. He is a director of the Peoples Bank at Kalida, a director in the fire insurance company at the same place, and has served as a member of the county fair association, in all of which service he has exhibited executive qualities which have gained him the highest confidence of his business associates. Mr. Gerdeman is a Democrat, and takes a good deal of interest in the county's political affairs. He has served as supervisor of public roads m his home township; he has held various other township offices during the past fifteen years, and in other ways has shown his high interest m public affairs.

John T. Matheny

If asked to present a list of occupations which, because of their very nature, interest and inspire, few there are who would include farming or if they did, this vocation would not head the list. Here and there, however are men who, by their attitude toward their work, make of the meanest task a pleasure, and thereby dignify both the doer and the thing they do

Were you to travel through Putnam county, Ohio, one of the 'farms which wordd immediately attract your admiration is that of J. T. Mathenv theTel^' f-f;P-^ed fence and well-kept lawn, in front of the house t'o the neatly-stacked woodpile m the rear, there is evidence not only of thrift but of mtelhgent personality back of it. And there is, for the owner love' until the discovery of gold in California fired his ambition, and, in the yea" of 1849 he, hke many others, went to seek his fortune in th W^ ^He traveled by way of the Isthmus of Panama. For four years he me wkh success a. a miner, but -finally, home called louder than fo tune and he dropped his pick to follow the plow back in the county he had left The retun. journey also was made by way of Panama. Soon a ter ht'retur: to Ohio he rnarned Adelia Rogers, removed to Kalida, Ohio and b ecar^e merested in buying and shipping stock, and farming. He bo'uX and de ve oped a large tract of land near Kalida. He was a'faithful member of the" tltrm h^r d *'' '"'' °' '^'""^^ ^^*->'' -h-h took place on

John T. Matheny had three sisters and one brother. They were Eva, Clara, Emma and Howard. Of these, Clara married H. M. Summers, a real estate dealer living in Ottawa, and they have five children ; Emma married a hardware merchant, named Basil Sparling, and they live in Monroe, Michigan, and they have three children. Going back another generation, we find that Mr. Matheny's grandparents on the father's side were born and died in Virginia, and that their children were James, William, Robert, Samuel and Jane. The children of the maternal grandparents were John^ Howard, Marion, Mary, Sinah, Emma and Adelia.

John T. Matheny's school days were interspersed with wholesome farm work, yet it seems he did not allow his tasks to crush him ambition. He attended school in Kalida, and when still a young man, married Nettie Varner, on December 10, 1902, daughter of W. J. and Annie Varner. Mr. Matheny's wife also came from a substantial old family of pioneers whose ambition brought them from Virginia early enough to travel on horseback, for there was no other mode of transportation. The grandfather on the paternal side took advantage of conditions by trading with the Indians who lived within the vicinity of the settlement.

W. J. Varner, father of Mrs. Matheny, is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. He was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, in 1848, and married Annie Simon, of that township, whose parents, also, were early settlers and prominent in the county. That Mr. Varner was public-spirited is shown from the fact that he was treasurer of the township, and for ten years was a member of the county board of agriculture.

For six years after his marriage, Mr. Matheny gave all of his attention to farming. He then moved to the old W. J. Varner homestead in Greensburg township, Putnam county, where he still resides. This is a splendid farm of one hundred acres. The children born to John T. Matheny and wife are : Nelson Varner, born on September 8, 1903 ; Howard Samuel, born on . September 4, 1909; John Wilson, born on November 18, 1912. The two elder boys are attending school.

John T. Matheny has been unusually successful in raising Jersey cattle and Duroc hogs, but, not content with present efforts, he is preparing to make extensive improvements on his property. Like his father, he is a Republican, and has held public office, having served on the county council and as corporation clerk while living in Kalida. Everybody knows the Mathenys, and everybody likes them. As members of the Methodist church they have many friends, and are among those whom we call the leaders in the community in which they live. Mr. Matheny is a Free and Accepted Mason. He has always kept in close touch with public affairs. So genial and wholesome are John T. Matheny and wife that their home is a social center. It has never been bound by narrow interests. In all of his activities, Mr. Matheny is assisted by his able and charming wife.

Robert Wilford Downing

Robert Wilford Downing was born on October 6, 1870, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, on the old Downing homestead. He is the son of Robert and Rachel (Hooper) Downing, the former of whom was born three miles east of Canton, in Stark county, Ohio, June 15, 1821, and who died on November 21, 1874, at the age of fifty-three years. He was the son of Adam and Sarah (McLothen) Downing, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and who settled first in Stark county, Ohio. They came to Allen county in 1837, where they entered a section of land near Rockport. Here they spent the remainder of their lives. Robert Downing, the father of Robert Wilford, grew up on this Alien county farm. He came to Putnam county in 1863, and located in Sugar Creek township, where he bought two hundred and forty acres of land. He followed general farming until his death. He received his early education in Stark county, leaving that county at the age of sixteen. He was married in Allen county, September 3, 1857, to Rachel Hooper, who was born on October 10, 1833, in Franklin county,' Ohio. She was the daughter of Philip and Rachel (Stevenson) Hooper, the former of whom was a native of Scotland and who came to America, settling first in Virginia. Later, he moved to Franklin county, Ohio. He served in the Indian War. He was married in Maryland to Rachel Stevenson, whose mother was a native of Germany and who first settled in Maryland and later moved to Franklin county, Ohio. Philip Hooper lived in Franklin county, Ohio, for several years, when he migrated to Putnam county in 1839, settling about two miles south of Columbus Grove in what is now Allen county Here he spent the remainder of his life. Philip and Rachel Hooper had thirteen children, all of whom are now deceased except Philip, Jr., a brother of Robert Wilford Downing's mother. Mrs. Rachel Downing was next to the youngest child. She died on September 21, 1907. Robert and Rachel Downmg had three children, Albert, born on April 17, i860, and died on November 7, 1897; John M., born on June 15, 1862, and died on July 6, 1902. and Robert Wilford, the subject of this sketch.

Robert Wilford Downing was born on the old homestead farm of his father, where he now resides. Here he spent his childhood and youth and here he grew to manhood. He attended the district schools and since leaving school has followed farming. When nearly thirty years of age, Mr. Downing was married on September 23, 1900, to Anna E. Shusser, the daughter of Wilham and Nancy (Garner) Shusser. Mrs. Downing was born on September 27, 1870, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county. After his marriage, Mr. Downing continued farming on the old home place. His farm of one hundred and sixty acres joins the town of Vaughnsville on the northwest and is on the Kalida road. His residence commands a fine view of Sugar creek and the surrounding country. Mr. Downing has remodeled his residence, which is the house where he was born, is built on generous lines and bespeaks the comfort and culture of its occupants. Mr. Downing built a large and commodious barn in 1912, and from time to time has added other buildings as occasion demanded. He now has one of the most completelyecjuipped farms in Putnam county. Mr. Downing is a good judge of live stock and raises thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle.

Robert Downing, the father of Robert W., was a member of the radical wing of the United Brtehren church. He was township treasurer for two terms and was a stanch and active supporter of the Republican part}^. Mr. Wowning's great-grandfather on his maternal side, John Stevenson, whose father was a native of Germany, was a native of Maryland and a slaveholder. He never left the state of Maryland and was known as "Granddad John." Both great-grandparents on the Hooper and Stevenson sides of Mr. Downing's family were Revolutionary soldiers, and added much to the credit Of their family by valiance and bravery. Both were slaveholders. Philip Hooper, the grandfather of Mr. Downing, died on the old Hooper homestead south of Columbus Grove, about 1844. His wife, the grandmother of Mr. Downing, lived to be ninety-three years of age and died in Columbus Grove about 1887.

Mrs. Downing's father, William Slusser, answered the call for volunteers in the War of 1861 and enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years, when he was mustered out of service.

Mrs. Downing is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Downing is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 711, at Vaughnsville. He is a Republican in politics and has been trustee of Sugar Creek township for three terms. In addition to other activities, he was nominated by his party during the last election, for county commissioner.

Putnam, County, Ohio Joseph Webster Neill

Joseph Webster Neill, one of the best-known agriculturists of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a native born son of this county, having first seen the Hght of clay on his father's farm on November i6, 1859. He is a son of Seth W. and Mary A. (Shank) Neih, the former born in Hagerstown, Maryland, and the latter a native of this county. Seth W. was a son of John and Anna (Crow) Neill, who, in their youth, were among the earlier settlers of this county. They became acquainted during the early pioneer days and were married, locating on a farm in section 11 of Greensburg township, where they passed through the experiences common to pioneers in a new country. They were the parents of seven children, namely : Webster, J. T., Martin, William A., Susan, Samantha and Elizabeth. John Neill died on March 27, 1863, at the age of fifty-eight years. His wife had preceded him into the Great Beyond by a few days only, her death having occurred on March 8, 1863, when in the forty-ninth year of her age. Seth W. Neill secured such education as the schools of that time afforded, being, however, rather limited in their scope, but he received from his careful father the best training in the art of successful husbandry. He remained with his father for a time after his marriage, on April 19, 1857, to Mary A. Shank, a daughter of Jonas and Fanny Shank. They were among the early settlers of this county, having come here from their native home in Maryland. Their children were Susan, Elizabeth, Saphronica, Mary, Joseph, Samuel, Christian, John and Jonas. After a few months spent in his parental home, Seth W.' Neill took his bride to the eighty-acre farm, which he had secured in section II of Greensburg township, where he made his home for the balance of his life. It was there the children of the family were born and reared. Beside Joseph Webster Neill, who was the second child of the family in order of birth, there were: John Allison, bom on March i, 1858; Samuel Morton, born on December 28, 1861, and died on September 23 of the following year, while still a small child and while the father of the family was at the front during the Civil War. Seth Edwin, born on January 25, 1864; Saphronica Ann, born on May 28, 1866; Mary Emma, born on December i' 1868, the latter now deceased; Cora Edith, born on March i, 1871, and Jonas Sheldon, an infant, who died at birth, was born on January 16, 1874; William Orlan, born on April 21, 1875, and Oscar Delos, the youngest of the family, born on May 17, 1878.

On August II, 1862, when a young man of twenty-six years, and with a wife and three small children, Seth W. Neill so strongly felt the call of his country in her time of need, that he laid aside his personal interests and donned a suit of blue as a private in Company I, Ninety-ninth Regiment,, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He entered service under Captain Hawkey and scarcely more than a month after his enlistment, on September 21 followring, he was sent to the United States military hospital at Covington, Kentucky, where he remained for over a month. On October 29 he was ordered home for a rest and entered the service again within a short time. However, he had become so disabled, physically, owing to the illness contracted in the service, that he was found to be unfit for duty and was sent home. He was honorably discharged and later pensioned. He spent the balance of his life on his farm, and there passed away on September 8, 1899. His widow sur- - vived for a number of years, her life on earth ending on November 18, 1914. Both Seth W. Neill and wife were faithful members of the Christian church,, and in the tenets of that faith they reared their family.

When a lad Joseph Webster Neill attended the district schools near his home and assisted his father during vacation periods. After leaving school, he farmed by renting fields, for a few years before marriage. On December 31, 1884, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Timmons, a native of thiS' county and a daughter of Joshua and Catherine Timmons. Joseph Neill and his bride took up their residence in section 11, of Greensburg township, on a farm adjoining that formerly occupied by his father, where they have continued to since make their home. This farm consists of one hundred and fifty-five acres and is in every respect well kept. The residence and all buildings are in a good state of repair, and everything about the place is neat and orderly, bespeaking the well-regulated mind and business ability, of its owner.

Joshua Timmons, father of Joseph Neill's wife, was born in Piqua county, this state, and his wife was a native of Pennsylvania. They met and were married in this county and after marriage settled on a farm in Perry township. To them was born a family of twelve children, as follow : Alice, John, Daniel, Samuel, Peter, Mary, Helena, Lucy, Louisa, Laura, Emma and Nancy.

Joseph Webster and Mary E. (Timmons) Neill are the parents of four children, Louis Alfred, born on December 8, 1885; Lottie Alice, born on March 23, 1889; Robert Homer, born on June 16, 1891, and Ora Joseph, bom on January 18, 1894. Lottie Alice is the wife of Leonard McEldery, a farmer of Pleasant township, this county, and is the mother of one child, Margaret Marie; Robert Homer attended the township schools when a boy, and later, securing a higher education, taught school for three terms, when he took a course in the business college at Ottawa and later studied at the agricultural college at Ada; Ora Joseph, the youngest of the family, remains with the father, assisting him in the work of the home place; Louis Alfred, the eldest of the family, was united in marriage, on March 20, 19 12, to MisI Bessie Wirth, a daughter of George and Mary Ann Wirth, both natives of this county. George Wirth is a son of Samuel and Mary Magdalena Wirth, both of whom were natives of Germany, and upon emigrating to this country, came directly to this county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. George Wirth received his education in the public schools of this county and worked with his father on the home farm. On December 13, 1885, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Guyton, and to their union, were born six children, as follows: Matilda, Mary, deceased; Frank, Charles, Bessie, wife of Louis Alfred Neill, and Alta. After marriage, George Wirth and wife moved to the farm of one hundred and sixty acres where they lived for many years and where his widow still resides. He is now deceased. To Louis Alfred Neill and wife have been bom two children, Thelma, born on December 30, 191 1, and Catherine Jane, born on January 2.7, 1913. The Neill family are well known through this section and both father and sons are regarded as men of industry and integrity and among the most substantial citizens of the community.

Frank Erhart

One of the popular and well-known citizens of Putnam county Ohio is Frank Erhart, whose reputation for unfailing cheerfulness and optimism' smcere friendlmess and whole-souled generosity is founded on fact and most justly deserved. Mr. Erhart won many friends when twice candidate for sheriff on the Democratic ticket, but unfortunately failed of election He has at different times served as county assessor, justice of the peace and township ditch commissioner, and for twelve years was a member of the school board. He is engaged in farming in Greensburg township, where the family is well known.

« "^S"^. ^'^^'* ^^^ '" °"^^^ township, this county, on March 18, 1866, being a child of Henry and Anna Bernadina (Barlager) Erhart both natives of this county, born of German parentage. Henry Erhart was a son of Barney and Elizabeth Erhart, the other children of the family bemg Andrew, Mary, Elizabeth, Rosa, Anna and John. The parents left their native land of Germany shortly after marriage, coming direct to this, county, where they had friends. They settled on a farm three miles west of Ottawa, this county, where they hved for the balance of their hves and where their children were born and reared. Anna Bernadina Barlager, mother of Frank Erhart, was the child of Henry and Gertrude Barlager, both born in the German Empire. They emigrated to America early in their married life and located in this county on a farm some two miles west of Glandorf , where all their children were born and reared, and where they passed the remainder of their days. They had five children, namely: Katherine, Henry, Elizabeth, Bernadina and Joseph. They were devout members of the Catholic church and in that faith their family was reared.

Henry Erhart, father of Frank, passed his boyhood days on his father's farm, attending the district schools whenever possible. He early showed an aptitude for agricultural work and immediately after his marriage on July 5, 1865, he took his bride to the eighty-acre farm, where he toiled and passed the remainder of his life. His death occurred in March, 19J4. His widow still resides on the farm, which she operates. In spite of her advanced years, she is in possession of a mental alertness and physical strength that would do credit to a woman scarce half her age. She is the mother of seven children, Frank, Caroline, William, Mollie, Elizabeth, Mary and Frances. The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church.

When a youth, Frank Erhart secured such education as the district schools of his home locality afforded and assisted his father in the work of the farm home. He was united in marriage on September 20, 1888, to Catherine Edelbrock, daughter of Henry and Theresa Edelbrock, and soon after their marriage the young couple removed for residence to Jackson township, this county. For twenty-six years they remained on the farm, which had been their original home and, in March of 1914, they removed to their present home in Greensburg township. This farm consists of one hundred and tw'enty acres, and Mr. Erhart devotes his time to general farming and the raising of live stock.

Henry Edelbrock, father of Airs. Erhart, was a native of Germany, who came to this country when a young man and, for many years, was a well-known farmer of this county. His death occurred in 1906. His wife was Theresa Siebeneck, and she survived her husband several years, her death occurring in 1913. She was a native of this county, born of German parentage, and was the mother of eight children, Frank, William, Mary, Catherine, John, Joseph, Benjamin and Minnie, the entire family being communicants of the Roman Catholic church.

born on July 12, 1889, who is the wife of August Myers of Glandorf, this county, and is the mother of three children; Flora, born on April 26, 1891, is a graduate of Ottawa business college; Edna, born on August 16, 1899, attends the Glandorf high school; Benjamin, born on February 9, 1901, is deceased, as is also Harry, born on November 15, 1903, and Minnie, born on March 8, 1904, is still in the grades. The various members of the family are prominent in the life of their community, making themselves agreeable to both friend and stranger alike. All are communicants of the Roman Catholic church.

John B. Stephens

One of the conspicuous names on the list of Putnam county agriculturists is that of John B. Stephens, who operates a splendid farm in Sugar Creek township, and who is a -gentleman of high standing, to whom has not been denied a full measure of success. Long recognized as a factor of importance in connection with the farming and stock-raising industries here, he is prominently identified with the material growth and prosperity of this part of the state, his life having been closely interwoven with the history of the county where he has been content to live and follow his vocation.

John B. Stephens was born in Union township on January 26, 1868, and is a son of Marion and Margaret (Nonemaker) Stephens. Marion Stephens is a native of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Union county on July 11, 1843, and there spent his boyhood days and received his early education. His parents dying when he was but a child, he was reared by relatives, and during his young manhood was employed at farm labor. At the outbreak of the Civil War Marion Stephens enlisted as a private in the Fifty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which command was attached to the Army of the Tennessee. Mr, Stephens was a participant in many of the most hotly-contested battles of that great struggle, including many campaigns and the historic march of Sherman to the sea. After the war Mr. Stephens returned to Union county, where, shortlv afterward, he married Margaret Nonemaker, who was born in. Fairfield county about 1845 a daughter of John Nonemaker and wife, both of whom were natives of Germany and who settled in Fairfield county, Ohio. Later they moved to Union county, settling near Plain City, and there remained the rest of their lives Their surviving children were seven in number, namely: Jacob, who was killed m the service during the Civil War; Samuel, Catherine, Lucmda

Martha, Margaret and Nancy. Margaret, who married Marion Stephens, died in July, 1875, when her son, the subject of this sketch, was seven years old. To Marion and Margaret (Nonemaker) Stephens there were born three children, Martha, John B. and VVinnif red, the deceased widow of Edward Lippencott.

Some time after the death of his first wife Marion Stephens was married to Elizabeth Best, of Putnam county, the daughter of George and Anna Best. To this union were born six children, three of whom survived them,, Joseph, George and Grover. After his first marriage Marion Stephens remained in Union county for some .time and then moved to Putnam county,, where he remained but two years. During this time John B. Stephens was born. The family then moved to Madison county, where the wife and mother died. The father returned to Putnam county in 1879, locating on a farm which he had purchased in Sugar Creek township, in partnership with Jacob Miller, the tract comprising one hundred and sixty acres, located one mile northeast of Vaughnsville. Here he remained until 1905, when he moved to the state of Michigan, but in 1912 returned to Putnam county. He now lives in Kalida.

John B. Stephens was about eleven years old when his father returned to Sugar Creek township, where he remained until attaining maturity. His education was received in the common schools of Vaughnsville, and his early years were spent in work on the old home farm. After his marriage in 1893: he lived for a while at his wife's home, and in the following year moved tothe Joseph Garner farm, on which he resided for two years. He then returned to his mother-in-law's home place of eighty acres, and there he has since continued to reside, Mr. Stephens being engaged in the operation and management of the farm. He is a progressive and up-to-date farmer, giving attention to the most advanced ideas relative to agriculture, and has achieved a noteworthy success in this enterprise.

John B. Stephens was united in marriage on October 12, 1893, with Olive Vandermark, who was born in Putnam county, March 11, 1872, the daughter of William and Mary Jane (Mayberry) Vandemark. William Vandemark was born in Putnam county on June 22, 1830, and met his death by the hands of a bank robber at Columbus Grove, his death occurring on August 9, 1891. Mary Jane (Mayberry) Vandemark was born in Ross county on December 16, 1833, being the eldest daughter of James and May Mayberry. To William and Mary Vandemark were born the following children: Malinda on April 4, 1856, died on August 4, 1856; James, February 27, 1858, died on January 21, 1894; John M., April 17, 1861, died on May 26,

T864; Serilda, January 5, 1864, died on June 14, 1864; Charles E., September 13, 1866; Margaret L., July 7, 1869, died in infancy; Luella died in infancy on April 2, 1870; Olive, Mrs. Stephens, March 11, 1872; Lawrence, May i, 1875. Mary Jane Mayberry had been married prior to her union with Mr. Vandemark, the first husband, Aaron Jones, was born on December 20, 1825, their marriage occurring on August 22, 185 1. William Vandemark was one of nine children, Agnes, Jeremiah, Elizabeth, Esther, Nancy Ann, Elvira, William and a twin sister, Mary Jane, and Daniel, all of whom are deceased. To John B. Stephens and wife have been born four children, William, Velma, Lawrence and Ethel.

Mr. Stephens is a Democrat, and has taken a commendable interest in local and public affairs, having served efficiently as a member of the township school board. He is affiliated with the Christian church, of which he is a trustee, and of which his wife is also a member. The qualities which Tiave made Mr. Stephens one of the prominent and successful men of Sugar Creek township have also brought him the esteem of his fellow-citizens, for his career has been one of well-directed energy, strong determination and .honorable methods.

Francis M. Rimer

Not long ago there was a period from the middle of November to the first of March when very little work was done on the farm. The business man cannot afford a four or five months' vacation nor can the farmer afford it. The business man at the head of any enterprise hardly dares to quit work for two weeks. ^ Not that the farmer does not work hard enough, but his work is poorly planned if he has nothing that he can do during a third of each year. It were far better for the farmer to quit work at noon on Saturday every week in the year than to work long hours during the spring and summer season and cease work altogether during the winter months. The farmer who loves his work and is bent'on attacking its problems' systematically will not care to pass long periods in absolute idleness. He will find something possible to do no matter how bad the weather may be, and he will work where he may be comfortable. He will have carefully planned his work for the next season, will have attended carefully to the feeding of his stock, the long evenings he will have spent reading the literature of the farm and in studying farm problems. This is the typical life of the present-day progressive farmer, and one of the men who falls in this class is Francis M. Rimer, of Sugar Creek township. Mr. Rimer is a man of more than average intelligence.

He is a man who has kept abreast of the times with the application of the latest methods, and has kept informed with regard to the latest developments in agriculture, which is evidenced by the fact that he employs all of the latest devices in his farm work.

Francis M. Rimer was born on July 19, 1857, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Rimer. Jacob Rimer was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on January 29, 1815. He was the son of Daniel and Catherine (Vandemark) Rimer. Daniel Rimer was a native of Pennsylvania and was born near Rimersburg. He was of German parentage and came to Fairfield county, Ohio, from Pennsylvania, about 1812. Here he remained until 1832, when his son Jacob, the father of Francis M., was seventeen years of age. In this year he located in Union township, Putnam county, where he entered land from the government south of Kalida. Here he spent the remainder of his active life and spent his declining years with his son, Jacob, in Sugar Creek township, where he died on July 5, 1857. His wife surviving him about seventeen years, died in 1874.

Jacob Rimer was born in FairfieM county, Ohio, where he spent his childhood and received his early education. When sixteen years of age, in 183 1, he came to Putnam county, Ohio, one year ahead of his parents. After they settled in Union township he remained with them until his marriage on March i, 1838, at which time he was twenty-three years of age, and when he settled on a farm of eighty acres in section 8 of Sugar Creek township. This land was covered with virgin timber and partly with water. Jacob Rimer built a one-roomed log cabin and a barn and proceeded to clear his land, in which latter undertaking he nearly succeeded during his lifetime. A few years later he built a frame house adjoining the log cabin. This house was of five rooms and quite pretentious for those times. In later years he built a more commodious residence, which is still in use today. Jacob Rimer's wife, Elizabeth Rhodes, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, on July 21, 1816. She was the daughter of Peter and Catherine (Hoffman) Rhodes, and came to Putnam county with her parents when sixteen years of age, in 1831, who settled on the west bank of Hog creek, just below Rimer. Elizabeth here grew to womanhood and was married to Jacob Rimer on March i, 1838, at the age of twenty-two. Jacob Rimer's parents had five children, three sons and two daughters, Eliza, Jacob, Jeremiah, Daniel and Parmelia, all of whom are deceased. Peter and Catherine Rhodes had seven children, two dauohters and five sons. Jacob and Elizabeth Rimer had nine children, seven sons and two daughters, Joseph, born on December 18, 1838, and died on December 21

Jacob Rimer spent a most active and useful life and died on the old homestead, which was largely the work of his hands, in December, 1901. He was a Democrat and an active member of the Baptist church. He was township trustee for several terms, was well known and highly respected and was a man of high ideals and sterling integrity. His wife preceded him to the grave, having departed this life on December 22, 1893. Francis M. Rimer was born on the old homestead of his father and here spent his childhood. He attended the local district school, known as Woods College. Here he grew to manhood and helped his father on the old home farm until he was twentyeight years of age, when he married.

Francis Rimer was married on December 10, 1885, to Margaret Elizabeth Oard, who was born in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, on January 28, 1866. She was the daughter of Noah and Margaret (Oglevie) Oard. Both of them died wherT Mrs. Rimer was only fourteen years of age. Noah Oard was born in Allen county in 1824 and was the son of Peter and Anna Oard, the former a native of Pennsylvania. Margaret Oglevie was the daughter of parents who came from Virginia. Her father was a native of Scotland and came to Virginia when nine years of age, settling in Putnam county in pioneer times two miles north of Vaughnsville. To Noah and Margaret Oard, fifteen children were born, fourteen of whom grew to maturity. They were: James Henry, who died in 1912; Mary Jane, deceased Thomas Clinton; David R. and Peter L., twins; Anna C, deceased; John A. Amanda O.; Noah O. ; Margaret E., the wife of Mr. Rimer; Cynthia A., Viola, who died at the age of five years; Eva; Lottie and an infant who died at birth.

After his marriage Francis Rimer settled on a part of his father's farm of sixty-one acres, where he built a twelve-room residence and a large barn and other buildings. To his original farm Mr. Rimer has added twelve acres, making seventy-three acres in all. He has always done general farming.

Francis M. and Margaret E. (Oard) Rimer have had seven children: Lenore, born on January 20, 1889; Ralph, February 25, 1891 ; Helen, May 5, 1894; Russell, September 26, 1897; Louis Richard, July 24', 1899;' Margaret, September 24, 1905, and Elizabeth, October 31, 1907. Lenore, who was graduated from the Vaughnsville high school, attended the Lebanon

Normal School, and is now teaching in Oregon. Ralph, who is a graduate of the Vaughnsville high school and the Lima Business College, is also teaching in Oregon. Helen, also a graduate of the Vaughnsville high school, took the normal course at Ohio Northern University and a special normal course at Ottawa. Russell is also a graduate of the Vaughnsville high school. Louis Richard is now a student in the Vaughnsville high school.

Francis Rimer attends the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Rimer is a member. Mr. Rimer is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 711, at Vaughnsville. He is a Democrat, having served as school director, township supervisor and township trustee. Francis M. Rimer is well known in Putnam county and highly respected as an up-to-date, progressive and intelligent farm.er.

Herman Holtkamp

There are few public officials, of the federal class, in Putnam county who are better known or more deservedly popular in the community in which they reside than the genial postmaster at Kalida, to a brief sketch of whose interesting career the biographer, with pleasure, calls the attention of the reader at this point. Though of foreign birth and a resident of this county a matter of less than three decades. Postmaster Holtkamp has so thoroughly absorbed the spirit of American institutions and has so completely familiarized himself with American manners and customs that there is no more thorough American than he, nor none more sincerely devoted to the welfare of his adopted country. One of the best known merchants in the county, he for years having been engaged in the hardware business at Kalida, Mr. Holtkamp also has the interests of the county at large very deeply at heart, and none is more prompt in furthering any movement having the commonwealth's best development in view than is he. Not only that, but his fine musical education and taste make him popular in those circles which contribute in largest measure to the cultural development of the communal life, and he, therefore, may properly be looked upon as one of the most valuable citizens of this county. No review of the history of this section would be complete without proper mention of his services and activities since coming to this county, and it is with pleasure that the biographer presents here a brief and modest sketch of the career of this excellent citizen.

December 4, 1856, the only son of Everhard and Gertrude (Asholt) Holtkamp, farming- people, whose lives were spent on their farm near the town of Vorhelm, in Westphalia, and to whom also were born two daughters, Christine and Anna, the former of whom is dead and the latter of whom still lives in Germany, the parents both being dead.

Herman Holtkamp received his early education under the admirable scholastic system of his native province and early in life was apprenticed to a wood carver, asquiring a most skillful proficiency in this difficult and important trade. For a time after completing his apprenticeship he followed this trade in Germany, and then decided to seek an extension of his fortunes on this side of the Atlantic. With that end in view, he came to America in 1887, landing at New York, from whence he came direct to Putnam county, locating in the town of Kalida, where he has ever since made his home. Upon arriving at Kalida he opened a wagon and wood-wprking shop, which he operated for twenty-two years, becoming in that time one of the best known and most successful artisans of that class in the county. At the end of that time he formed a partnership with James Tennison, the two buymg the hardware store of Fanger & Recker, in Kalida. Later Mr Tennison sold his interest in this store to John W. Fortman, since which time the house has been doing business under the firm style of Holtkamp & Fortman, and has been quite successful, doing a general and quite extensive busmess m hardware, farming implements, etc., also taking contracts for tin work, roofing and the like. In addition to his extensive business interests Mr. Holtkamp is deeply concerned in matters of public improvement and IS regarded as one of the leaders in all movements having to do with liie best development of the interests of his home community. For three vears he served, most acceptably, as township treasurer of Union township' and for a like period of service was clerk of the school board, in which latter capacity his deep interest in educational and cultural matters proved of large value to the community.