Ottawa Township (part 15 of 23)

Ignatius Rieman

Union township, in Putnam county, is noted for the substantial character of the farmers which compose the greater part of its sterling citizenship Not only in the main are these farmers men of the most enterprising and energetic type, but .they are firm believers in the efficacy of many of the newer methods of farming which in recent years practically have revolutionized the ancient science of agriculture, in consequence of which they are prospering probably beyond what would have been thought possible even m the wildest flights of fancy indulged in by their forefathers, the stalwart men who cleared the forests, making possible the wonderful development of this favored region a measure of development which places this county in the forefront of all that inspiring galaxy of counties which makes up the noble commonwealth of Ohio. These farmers are not only good agriculturists, bringing to the tillage of the soil the best of their intelligendy-directed industry, but they are ardent home-livers, which homes in tht section will compare well with those of any section in the Union, in point of comfort and genial hospitality. Among the well-known and prosperous farmers of Union township is Ignatius Rieman, a member of one of Putnam county's oldest and most respected families, to whom the reviewer here calls the attention of the reader.

Ignatius Rieman was born on a farm in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on December 6, 1869, a son of Frank, Sr., and Mary (Karhoff) Rieman, both of whom were members of old and well-known families in this county. The genealogy of the Rieman family is set out at length in the biographical sketch relating to Frank Rieman, Sr., father of the immediate subject of this sketch, which the reader will find presented elsewhere in this volume.

Ignatius Rieman was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the schools of Greensburg township, remaining at home until his marriage, in 1897, in which year he moved upon an eighty-acre farm in the same township, purchased from his father. He lived on this place for five years, at the end of which time he moved to his present farm in section 33 in Union township, where he has lived ever since. Upon entering upon this farm he had but eighty acres, but as his affairs prospered, he prepared to enlarge his holdings, and in 191 1 bought an additional forty acres, this addition giving him a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and upon which he has erected a fine type of buildings, the latter being regarded as among the neatest and best-kept in that part of the county. In other respects, also, Mr. Rieman has improved his place and demonstrated that he is a good farmer.

On June I, 1897, Ignatius Rieman was united in marriage with Bernadina Smith, daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Kahle) Smith, members of two of Putnam county's oldest and most influential families, for many years prominent residents of Union township, the former of whom is still living on his farm of two hundred and nineteen acres in that township. Mrs. Smith died on November 25, 1914.

To Joseph and Theresa (Kahle) Smith were born children, in order of their birth as foflow : Mary, who married Joseph Warnecke, a wellknown farmer of Union township, this county, to which union were born nine children, eight of whom are still living; Bernadina, who married Mr. Rieman ; Helena married Henry Erhart and has one - child ; Amelia, who married Joseph Missler, of Ottawa, this county, and has three children, and Francis, deceased, who married Harry Nienberg, of the town of Glandorf .

two of whom died in infancy, the survivor, Cletus, was born on March 17, 1904, now being a student in St. Michael's parochial school at Kalida, Ignatius Rieman and wife being devoted members of this parish and active in its various good works. Mr. Rieman, for seven years, was a trustee of St. Michael's church, to the affairs of which he gave his most intelligent attention, his service having proven of no small value to that parish. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and is a member of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society and Catholic Knights of Ohio, in the affairs of which organizations he is deeply interested.

Mr. Rieman is a good farmer and a good citizen in whom his neighbors repose the utmost confidence, and both he and Mrs. Rieman are held in the highest regard throughout that whole community.

Walter E. Williams

The occupation of farming, to which all of the active life of Walter E. Williams, a well-known farmer of Sugar Creek township, has been devoted is the oldest pursuit for a livelihood known to mankind. It is the one which will ever be the most independent. The Williams family have long been connected with the progress and prosperity of Putnam county, of which Walter E. Williams is a native and where, in fact, he has spent all of his life. While primarily attending to his own farming interests, his life has been devoted somewhat to the interest of his neighbors and fellow citizens. Mr. Williams has been untiring in his efforts to inspire a proper respect for law and order and he has been ready at all times to lend his aid toward uplifting the civic and social spirit of the community where he has lived.

Walter E. Williams was born in Sugar Creek township, on November 26, 1878. He is the son of David L. and Mary Elizabeth (Griffith) Williams, whose family history is to be found in the sketch of John D. Williams, a brother of Walter E., on another page in this volume. Walter E. was born on the old homestead of his father, one mile south of Vaughnsville, where he spent his childhood and youth. He first attended the old Michael district school and later the public school of Vaughnsville. After finishing school, he continued to help his father on the old home farm and remained here until his marriage.

Garner. She was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, on March 4. 1876. The complete family history of Mrs. Williams is to be found in the sketch of J. H. Miller, whose wife, Mrs. Carrie Miller, is a sister of Mrs. Williams and which history is to be found elsewhere in this volume. To Walter E. and Ellen (Garner) Williams two children have been born. The first on August 3, 1903, died shortly after birth; the second, Leland L., July ^7, 1904. Mrs. Williams died on August 8, 1904. She was a member of the Christian church and a devoted and faithful wife and mother.

Mr. Williams was married on September 25, 1905, to Sicily Elizabeth Garner, a second cousin to the first Mrs. Williams. She was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, on December 14, 1876, and is the daughter of Rev. George B. and Sarah Anna (Webb) Garner, the former a native of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, born on September 18, 1850, and the latter born on October 18, 185 1, at Pittsfield, Lorain county,' Ohio. 'Rev. George B. Garner was reared and educated in Putnam county and here entered the ministry. He was twice pastor of the Christian church at Vaughnsville, which charge he filled with rare credit. He is now attached to the Northwestern Ohio Christian conference and presides over the Christian church at Berkey, Ohio. Rev. George B. and Sarah A. (Webb) Garner had five children, Joseph Franklin, born on June 9, 1874; Sicily Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Williams ; Zoe and Zella, twins, July 28, 1878, died in infancy! and Mrs. Blanche Hefifner, November 20, 1880. Mrs. Williams's mother,' Sarah Anna Garner, died September 17, 1902.

Walter E. Williams has continued to live on the old home place, where he was born and where he now resides. After his first marriage, he took charge of the home farm. It consisted of one hundred and twenty acres, which his father bequeathed to him and to which he has added forty acres' since his father's death. Mr. Williams has always done general farming and has engaged, to a limited extent, in raising thoroughbred Shorthorn Durham cattle. He has also fed a considerable number of cattle for the market. To Walter E. and Sicily E. (Garner) Williams, his second wife, six children have been born. Garner L., on August 13, 1906; Anna Marion, May I, 1908; Maurice W., February 3, 1910, died on August 8, 1912; Arthur L., October 15, 191 1 ; Joseph F., May 27, 1913; and Charlotte B., March 28' 1915-

Walter E. Williams is a member of the Christian church at Vaughnsville and is assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. Mrs. Williams is a member of the First Christian church at Lima, Ohio, and was a charter member of that church. Mr. Williams is a member of Knights of Pythias

Lodge No. 711, at Vaughnsville. He is a Republican, he having served as township assessor from 1910 to 1912, inclusive. Mr. Williams is one of Sugar Creek township's and Putnam county's clean-cut and progressive young farmers. He is well liked and favorably known throughout this section of Ohio and enjoys the respect'and confidence of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. From any standpoint, he is a farmer who is thoroughly entitled to representation in a volume of this character.

Thomas S. Williams

Thomas S. Williams, long one of the leading farmers and stock men of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, is noted for his strong individuality, breadth of wisdom and indomitable perseverance. He used wisely and well the talents with which he was endowed, and has directed his efforts along the lines pointed out by good judgment and discrimination. Mr. Williams is possessed of a rare measure of native sagacity, fidelity to purpose and sincerity in all the relations of life. He belongs to one of the old-time families of Putnam county, and from many standpoints is entitled to rank as one of its representative citizens.

Thomas S. Williams was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, on the old homestead of his father, south of Vaughnsville, on January 16, 1867. He is the son of David L. and Mary (Griffiths) Williams. David L. Williams was born in North Wales, on January 16, 1832, and died on the old Williams homestead, south of Vaughnsville, on February 6, 1908, at the ripe old age of seventy-six years and eight months. He was the son of Hugh and Catherine (Lloyd) Williams, both natives of North Wales. Hugh Williams was a quarryman and was killed as the result of a blast in a stone quarry. His death occurred when David L. Williams, father of Thomas S., was a mere lad. His wife, who before her marriage was Catherine Lloyd, survived him a few years. They had four children, two sons and two daughters, the eldest of whom was David L., the father of Thomas S.

David L. Williams spent his youth in Wales and, while a lad, he had the misfortune to receive an injury to one of his eyes, which nearly resulted in the loss of the eye. He also suffered an injury to his knee which caused him to adopt the trade of a shoemaker. Fortunately, the injured knee grew better in later years and he then gave up his work as a shoemaker. David L. Williams received a limited education in his native country, but he later improved himself by home study and became a well-informed man. He was very fond of music in which he was quite proficient. For many years he was the leader of the choir in the Vaughnsville Congregational church. Mr. Williams helped to organize this church and was a charter member. When he was twenty-four years of age, about 1856, he came to America and located first at Rome, New York, where he was employed for about a year on a farm. He then came to Licking county, Ohio, where he located at Newark, and resumed farming. It was a few years later, February i, i860, that he was married at the age of twenty-eight, to Mary Griffiths, who was born in South Wales, September 17, 1835, and who was the daughter of William T. and Charlotte (Jones) Griffiths. She came to America with her parents when a very small child. They settled in Licking county where they were farmers, and it was here that they spent the remainder of their lives. There were nine children, seven daughters and two sons, born to Mrs. David Williams' parents, of whom she was the third child.

After his marriage, David L. Williams, who owned a small farm in Licking county, Ohio, continued to farm there for about six years. In the spring of 1866, he moved to Putnam county, settling in Sugar Creek township, one mile south of Vaughnsville, where he bought eighty acres of land and, a little later, added forty acres more to his original farm. This farm was pretty well improved by that time. It had a large frame house and barn, and had about sixty acres cleared. David L. Williams was a very successful farmer, who came to America a poor boy and by dint of energy and perseverance accumulated about five hundi'ed and sixty acres of land. He was a Republican in politics, originally, but in later years became a Democrat. He was one of Putnam county's most substantial citizens, a devout Christian and a man of especially high ideals and of unquestionable integrity. Mrs. Mary (Griffiths) Williams was also a member of the Congregational church. She was a devoted wife and loving mother and a woman admired by her neighbors. She died two years prior to the death of her husband. May 19, 1907. They had ten children, seven sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to maturity. They are as follow: William G., on November 15, i860; John D., March 10, 1862; Catherine, October 14, 1863; Charlotte, August 7, 1865, and died at the age of twenty-three years in July, 1888; Thomas, S., the subject of this sketch, January 16, 1867; David L., December 21, 1869; Henry R., November 5, 1871 ; Hugh, November 19, 1873; Mary, January 30, 1876; and Walter E., November 26, 1878. All of these children married except Charlotte.

Thomas S. Williams was born on January 16, 1867. He spent his -childhood and youth on his father's farm. He attended the old Michael district school and, after finishing the common schools, continued to help his father on the old home place, where he remained until twenty-three years of age or until the time of his marriage.

Thomas S. Williams was married on February 19, 1890, to Mary J. Edwards, who was born on the homestead of her father, August 23, 1865, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio. She was the daughter of Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards. Josiah Edwards was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, on May 30, 1826, and was the son of Josiah, Sr., and ^'largaret (Jones) Edwards. Josiah Edwards, Sr., was a farmer by occupation and lived and died in Wales. Josiah Edwards, Jr., and wife and one child came to America in 1855, settling first in Utica, New York, where he was employed on a dairy farm. The following fall, in 1855, they came to Allen county, Ohio, and settled at Corner. His first employment was with Criffith John, a contractor who built the Pennsylvania railroad from Lima to Elida. The following summer he rented a farm on "Calico Ridge" in Sugar Creek township, Allen county. Here he lived for about seven years when he moved in 1862 to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, and settled on eighty acres, one and one-half miles southwest of Vaughnsville on the old Ridge road. This farm he bought in its virgin state, only an acre or two being cleared. Josiah Edwards proceeded to clear and drain his land and improve it and succeeded in getting it all under cultivation except about eight acres. He built a large frame house in 1873, consisting of ten rooms, and a large frame barn in 1879. He was always engaged in general farming. He was a very successful farmer and attributed his success mostly to raising corn and hogs. He was also successful in raising good horses.

Josiah Edwards, Jr., enlisted in the One Hundred and Eifty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, near the close of the Civil War. He was a "hundred days" soldier, having been mustered in. May 13, 1864, at Camp Chase, Ohio, and mustered out on August 27, 1864. The regiment was first stationed at Forts Sumpter, Mansfield and Simmons. During the active operations of the rebels against Washington, D. C, on July 11 and 12 the larger part of the regiment was under fire. Several of the companies were in the forts which were engaged in the battle.

Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards had one child before coming 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 Comer. The parents came by canal boat from Utica, New York, to Buffalo, and thence by steamer to Cleveland and Toledo on Lake Erie. Then they followed the Miami and Erie canal from Toledo to Delphos and walked from this place to Comer. There were five children born to Josiah and Susan (Breese)

Edwards, John, born in Wales, January 21, 1851, died at Gomer, November 8, 1855: Margaret, the second child was the deceased wife of B. F. Thomas; Joseph B. is the subject of a personal sketch in this volume; Mary married Air. William, the subject of this sketch ; John W. was the fifth child. Josiah Edwards died on August 17, 1897, at the ripe old age of seventy-one years. He was a member of the Gomer Congregational church and a deacon of this church for many years. His wife also was a member. He was a Republican in politics, a devout Christian and a man of high ideals.

After his marriage, Thomas S. Williams was employed during the first summer on neighboring farms. The following spring he and his wife moved to the old James Clevenger farm just south of his father's old homestead. He rented a part of the farm from his father and here remained for about two years. He then traded a forty acre farm in Allen county, which he received from his father, for sixty-seven acres, one and one-half miles west of Vaughnsville on the Valley road. In this transaction Mr. \A'illiams paid the difference in money between the forty and sixty-seven acres. This new farm had an old plank house of four rooms and a frame barn. On January 24, 1895, this house was destroyed by fire. In this fire Mr. Williams and wife lost their two children, David and Minnie, four and one-half and one and one-half years, respectively. It is an event that will live forever in their memories as the greatest tragedy of their lives. David was born on November 23, 1890, and Minnie on June 23, 1894, both of whom died on January 24, 1895. After this, Mabel was born on June i, 1896; John AA'alter, April 24, 1899; Homer, November 24, 1903, and Robert Earnest was born on April 24, 1907.

Thomas S. Williams has continued to live on the present farm since moving here. He has greatly improved it by the erection of a commodious eight-room residence which is nicely situated. In addition to this, he has added to his farm and erected other buildings in keeping with the surroundings. Mr. Williams has been successful in raising wheat, but of late years he has been devoting his attention to corn and hogs, and has been very successful.

Thomas S. Williams and wife are members of the Vaughnsville Congregational church. Their two eldest children, Mabel and John Walter, are also members of this church. Mabel is a senior in the Vaughnsville high school, a member of the class of 1916. Thomas S. Williams is one of Sugar Creek township's and Putnam county's substantial citizens and well and favorably known in this section of Putnam county and is entitled to representation in this volume.

Mathias J. Kerner

AriKjn-- the well-known and popular citizens of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, is he whose name heads this sketch Mr. Kerner is of a sociable nature, who readily wins friends and retains them by virtue of his sincere friendliness and generous disposition, tie is considered one of the most up-to-date farmers of the community, having a splendid equipment for his chosen life work, and the e^^cellent condition of the residence and other buildings bespeak success in his undertaking.

Mathias J. Kerner is a native of this county, having been born on a farm in section 22 of Greensburg township on April 6, 1874. He is a son of Joseph and Mary (Schaeffer) Kerner and is the eldest of their family. The other children are Elizabeth, Caroline, deceased; Amalia Kathrina, Mary Theresa. Mary Ann, John Edward and Rosa. Joseph Kerner, father of our subject, is a son of Mathias and Elizabeth Kerner, who were among the early settlers of this county. The father was a native of Germany and the mother was from Pennsylvania. The parents were married on November 6, 1872, and after marriage continued to live on the farm formerly owned by Joseph Kerner's father, and on that farm he has lived almost his entire life Mary Schaeffer, mother of Mathias J. Kerner, was the daughter of Henry and Agnes (Hoffman) Schaeffer, both of whom were natives of Germany, coming from Hanover, where they were married, and shortly after marriage left for this country. After living on one or two different places they finally settled in Glandorf, this county. They were the parents of three children, John, Clara and Mary.

Mathias J. Kerner attended the district schools near his home when a boy and in young manhood worked with his father on the home farm and for twenty-one years followed the occupation of a thresherman. He was united in marriage on October 21, 1896, to Mary Merschman, daughter of John and Clara Merschman, both natives of this county, where they still reside. Mrs. Kerner is one of a family of eleven children, namely Frank Mary. Amelia, AVilliam, deceased; Veronica, Lucy, Emma, Helena, Harry' deceased; John and Petronella. John Merschman, father of Mrs. Kerner' is a son of Barney and Katherine (Hageman) Merschman, both natives of Germany, who came to this county at a comparatively early date in its history and settled on a farm, where they lived for many years. Mrs. Kerner's mother is a daughter of Joseph and Gertrude Gattman, also natives of Germany, who lived in this county for many years and were accounted among the worthy residents thereof.

Mathias J. Kerner and wife have an interesting family of five children, the eldest of whom is their daughter Eleanore, born on March 13, 1898; Harry, August 26, 1900, assists the father in the work of the farm; Loretta, November 22, 1902; Emma, November 15, 1906, and Victor, December 26, 1912. All of the children still remain under the parental roof. Mr. Kerner has a well-kept farm of forty acres and is one of the progressive men of the community. Mrs. Kerner is a charming and intelligent woman and the entire family is well liked by a large circle of friends. Their pleasant home is the center of a delightful spirit of friendliness, which includes both well established friend and stranger alike.

The entire family are communicants of the St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf, and Mr. Kerner holds his fraternal affiliation with the I-Cnights of Columbus, while in politics he votes the Democratic ticket.

James H. Miller

Fealty to fact in the analyzation of the character of a citizen of the type of James H. Miller, a well-known successful farmer in Sugar Creek township, is always required to make a biographical sketch interesting to those who have at heart the good name of the community honored by his residence, because it is the honorable reputation of the man of standing and affairs more than any other consideration that gives character and stability to the body politic. While advancing his individual interest, he has never lost sight of his obligation to the community in general, and for many years he has held a high place in popular confidence and esteem.

James H. Miller was born in Sugar Creek township on September 9, 1866, the son of Jacob W. and Catherine (Best) 'Miller, for personal mention of whom the reader is referred to the subject's brother, George W. Miller, elsewhere in this volume.

James H. Miller was reared on the paternal homestead and there spent his youth and young manhood, attending to the duties of the farm and securing his education in the schools of the neighborhood. In addition to the ordinary duties he also applied himself to the clearing of about sixty acres of the home farm. He has spent practically his entire life here, and has earned a high reputation among those who know him because of his success as a farmer and because of his high standing as a citizen in private life. He is now the owner of one hundred acres of land considered as good as anv in Putnam county, and his place is improved with a substantial eleven- room residence, finely situated, located one-eighth of a mile south of the Ridge road and one and three-cjuarter miles east of Vaughnsville. A large barn, cattle shed and other buildings go to make up the group of structures which make his farm one of the up-to-date and pleasing views of the community. In the operation of his farm Mr. Miller has not specialized along any one line, but has followed a general system of farming, raising such crops as are common to this locality. He has also given considerable attention to the breeding of Double Standard Pure-bred Polled Durham cattle, of which he has a herd of twenty head. For a number of years he has been a feeder of cattle for the market.

James H. Miller was married on ^Slay i8, 191 4, to Carrie Garner, who was born in Sugar Creek township on March 10, 1880, the daughter of James W. and Lydia Ann (Slusser) Garner. James Garner was born in Virginia on July 3, 1837, and was the son of William and Elizabeth (Stone) Garner, also natives of Virginia. They came to Ohio in an early day, settling in Sugar Creek township, one mile northeast of Vaughnsville. At the outbreak of the Civil War James Garner proved his patriotism by enlisting as a private in the Fifty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which command was assigned to the western army and, with his regiment, Mr. Garner took part in many of the most arduous campaigns and battles of that great struggle, including the memorable march to the sea, with its attendant skirmishes and conflicts. At the conclusion of hostilities Mr. Garner returned home and was married to Lydia Ann Slusser, after which he settled on a farm one and three-quarter miles east of Vaughnsville, where he remained until his last years, which were spent on the farm now owned by George W. Miller, where his death occurred on November 29, 1907. His wife, Lydia Ann Slusser, was born in Shelby county, Ohio, on February 8, 1847, the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Abbot) Slusser. She came to Putnam county with her parents when only a child, the family settling one and onehalf miles east of Vaughnsville on the Ridge road. To these parents were born ten children, Nora Belle on August 12, 1867, died on December 16, 1893; EHza Ann, September 16, 1869; Viola May, September 4, 1871 ; James Madison, October 25, 1873; Delia Jane, March 22, 1876; Ella Leora, February 8, 1878, died on August 9, 1904; Susan Carrie, November 10, 1880; Charles Sherman, May 21, 1882; Mary Elizabeth, January 25, 1886, and an infant son, who died at birth. Lydia Ann (Slusser) Garner died on July 27, 1912.

In his political views Mr. Miller gives his support to the Democratic party, though too busy with his own afifairs to give much attention to matters of- public importance. His religious connections are with the Christian church, of which his wife is also a member. The testimony is ample that Mr. Miller is a good citizen in the full sense of the term and worthy of honor and public trust, ever doing worthily and well whatever he puts his hand to do.

John A. Schutz

Success in life comes to the deserver. It is an axiom demonstrated by all human experience that a man gets out of this life what he puts into it, with a reasonable interest on the investment. The individual who inherits a large estate and adds nothing to his fortune cannot be called a successful man. He that falls heir to a large fortune and increases its value, is successful in proportion to the amount he adds to his possession. But the man who starts in the world unaided and, by sheer force of will, controlled by correct principles, forges ahead, and at length reaches a position of honor among- his fellow-citizens, achieves success such as representatives of the two former classes cannot understand nor appreciate. To a considerable extent, the subject of this sketch is a creditable representative of the class last named, a class which has furnished much of the bone and sinew of the country, and has added to the stability of our government and its institutions.

John A. Schutz was born on November 30, 1861, in Berne, Switzerland. He was the son of Jacob and Anna (Gruber) Schutz. Jacob Schutz was born in April, 1829, in Berne, Switzerland, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Schutz. Jacob Schutz, Sr., and his wife were farmers and reared a large family. He was a cheesemaker.

Jacob Schutz, Jr., moved from the canton of Berne to the canton of Neuchatel, Switzerland, when John A. was only one and one-half years old. This county is along the French border, and here his parents again took up farming. John A. Schutz attended the schools in his neighborhood until he was thirteen years old. For three years afterward he attended the night school. He helped his father until he was twenty-one years of age and then came to America in 1883, direct to Pandora, Ohio. Jacob Schutz, Jr., and wife were the parents of fourteen children - Elizabeth, Jacob, Gottfried^ deceased; Albert, John A., Mary, deceased; Andrew, deceased; Anna, Amiel and Louisa. Four children died in infancy.

county, Ohio, in 1884. Four years later they moved to Tippecanoe county, ten miles southeast of Lafayette, Indiana, and here he died about seven or eight years later, in 1895. His wife then returned to Ohio and lived with her son, John A. Schutz, and her daughter, Louisa, until her death, in October, 1906.

John A. Schutz was twenty-one years of age when he arrived in America, April I, 1883. He came directly to Putnam county, and worked in the stone quarries in that district. He followed other odd jobs for about three years and then learned the carpenter trade, which he followed for two years. At the age of twenty-six Mr. Schutz had saved considerable money. At this time. May 24, 1887, John A. Schutz was married to Mary Bixler, who was born on the old Bixler homestead, June 22, i860. She was the daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Welty) Bixler, the former of whom was born in Wayne county on June 4, 183 1, and the latter in Wayne county on April 14, 1832. Jacob Bixler was the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Kammerman) Bixler, both of whom were natives of Switzerland, the former of whom was born in 1801 and the latter on September 28, 1797 They emigrated to America on the Danish ship "Tetes," whose voyage took, forty-four days to cross the water. Mrs. Bixler was the daughter of John and Barbara (Lugibihl) Welty, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter a native of France. She came to America in 182 1. Jacob Bixler and wife had two children, Sarah, who married Albert Schutz, and Mary who married John A. Schutz. '

Jacob Bixler, Sr., started for America on May 14, 1821, and landed in July of that year at New York City, and later became a pioneer of Putnam county. Jacob Bixler and wife were the parents of the following children- Anna, who died in infancy; Abraham, deceased; Barbara, Peter, Christian John, Elizabeth, Jacob Jr., Anna, Abraham, Daniel, deceased; Daniel Catherine, deceased; Mary and David, only two of whom are living

John Welty was born on November 14, 1797, a native of Switzerland He came- to America in 1824 and settled in Wavne county Ohio Later came Barbara (Lugibihl) Welty, his wife, who was born in February 1807 and who died on November 4, 1883. She came with her parents to America m 1825, when she met and married John Welty in AVayne county To them were born nine children-Christian, Catherine, Barbara, Peter, Anna Madalena, May, Fannie and John, who died in infancy, only two of whom are living at this time.

one-half miles east of Pandora, which he later bought. At this time it comprised eighty acres, to which Mr. Schutz later added twenty acres, and then he purchased the old John Suter farm of one hundred acres, on which he now lives. Mr. Schutz has always done general farming, and during recent years has made a specialty of feeding cattle and hogs.

Mr. Schutz purchased a lumber yard and planing mill at Pandora about 1902, where he moved on account of his wife's failing health. He operated this mill for five years, and then sold out and returned to the farm. In addition to his other interests, Mr. Schutz is a stockholder in the Farmers' Banking Company at Pandora.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schutz - Martha, who died in infancy ; Lavina, who is the wife of Walter Geiger and lives on the old home place; Hiram, who lives with his sister, Lavina; Elmer, who is unmarried and a student in Otterbein University; Hula, who is unmarried and at home, and Matilda, who died in infancy.

John A. Schutz has been a member of the Putnam county fair board for eight years. He is a Democrat and has served his township as trustee for twelve years. He and his wife are members of the Grace Mennonite church. John A. Schutz is one of the most substantial citizens of this community. He is a man of resolute determination and high ideals, and enjoys the entire confidence of the people who live in his community. No better evidence of this can be cited than the long term which he has served the people of Riley township as trustee, the duties of which oiifice Mr. Schutz has discharged to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.

Charles Rhodes

One of the well-known farmers of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, who has long been prominent in the agricultural life of this county, is Charles Rhodes, a native of Sugar Creek township and the grandson of one of the pioneer settlers of this county. The Rhodes family has long been connected with the history of Sugar Creek township and in all of these years have gained for themselves an enviable reputation for sobriety, intelligence and congeniality. They have long been known for their success in agricultural affairs and for the large measure which they have contributed to the progress and prosperity of this section of Putnam county.

ship, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of James and EHzabeth (Guffy) Rhodes, the former of whom was born in FrankHn county, Ohio, March 12, 1828, and who died on October 12, 1914. James Rhodes was' the son of Peter and Catherine (Huffman) Rhodes. Peter Rhodes came to Putnam county in 1834 and entered land from the government on Hog creek in the western part of Sugar Creek township, where he afterward operated a gristmill on the banks of Hog creek. He also operated a store in the early days, was one of Putnam county's first citizens and passed through all of the pioneer experiences of his time. He died while still a comparatively young man. His wife survived him only a short time. They had eight children, six sons and two daughters, John, Jacob, James. William, George, Mary, Elizabeth and Joseph, who died in childhood. James Rhodes, the father of Charles, was only four years old when he cam.e with his parents to Putnam county.' He spent his childhood on the old Rhodes homestead and here grew to manhood. When he was thirty-two years of age, he was married on May 6, i860, to Elizabeth Guffy, who was born in Sugar Creek township, August 20,' 1840, and who was the daughter of William and Mary Ann (Jacobs) Guffy.' William Guffy was born on November 22, 1806, in Franklin county, Ohio, and was the son of John and Nancy (Pendleton) Guffy. John and Nancy Guffy were natives of Kentucky. Henry Guffy, the father of John, came with two brothers from Ireland and settled in Kentucky at a very early date. He was killed by the Indians. John Guffy had one full brother, one full sister and five half-brothers and sisters. - Of these, the full brother, Henry Guffy, was killed by the Indians near Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1812 or 1813. John Guffy was a young man when he came to Ohio with his mother and stepfather, who settled in Franklin county. John was married there and lived on leased land. He came to Putnam county in 1829 and entered a tract of land in Sugar Creek township. He did not come permanently to reside however, until 1831, when he entered additional land, making a total of three hundred and four acres, upon which he made his home until his death, July I, 1874. Of his land, forty acres were obtained with a warrant granted him for services in the War of 1812. This tract was increased to three hundred and four acres, and he owned, besides, one hundred and twenty acres in Kansas. John and Nancy Guffy were the parents of the following children - Isaac and William, twins, of whom Isaac died in Kansas in 1885 : Margaret' deceased, who married Samuel Parker; Henry, deceased; Jane, who married James McKinley; Joseph, who was killed by a falling tree in 1835- Aquilla, who died leaving a family of six children ; Sarah, who married Jacob Rhodes; Nelson, who lives in Michigan; and Elizabeth, who married Will- iam McLain. William, one of the twins, married Mary Ann Jacobs and they have the following children, Samuel, Elizabeth, Alexander, Anetta, George, James, Sarah and Alice. Mary Ann Guffy died on November 8, 1864.

James Rhodes went to California in 1850 and worked in the gold mines for four years. Later, he returned to Putnam county and, after six years was married and settled on a part of the homestead of his father, just north of Rimer, in Sugar Creek township, where he lived the remainder of his life, with the exception of three years which he spent in Columbus Grove. He died on the old home place on October 12, 1914, at the ripe old age of eighty-six years. He was a member of the Ottawa River Christian church and a Republican in politics.

James and Elizabeth (Guff) Rhodes had five sons, Francisco, who died at the age of eighteen months ; William, who married Mary Blosser and lives in Sugar creek township ; Frank, who lives in Texas ; Charles, the subject of this sketch ; and James, who died in infancy.

Charles Rhodes, who was born on the old homestead where he spent his childhood and youth, has resided on the farm since that time. He attended the Rimer district school, and after finishing school, he continued to help his father on the home place. At the age of nineteen years, he took charge of the place and at the age of twenty-seven he was married on February 12, 1896, to Elizabeth Stevick, who was born in Allen county, in Marion township, December 3, 1868. She was the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Thomas) Stevick.

Jacob Stevick was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1843, and was of German descent. His wife, Mary Thomas, was born in North Wales, on July 13, 1840, and was the daughter of John W. and Mary (Arthur) Thomas. She came to America with her parents when five years old and spent the remainder of her life in Allen county. She died in July, 1872, and Jacob Stevick died in February, 1906, at the age of sixty-six years. He and his wife had five children, three sons and two daughters, John, who married Emma Eoote ; Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Rhodes ; William, who died at the age of five years; Margaret, who is the wdfe of P. N. Patton; and Archibald, who died in infancy.

After Charles Rhodes was married, he continued to farm the old home place, which has been his residence since that time. He has always done general farming and has been very successful. Mr. Rhodes' farm has a seven-room, modern residence, a commodious barn and other outbuildings which are neatly kept. He owns fifty-five acres and, with his brother William, farms one hundred and eighteen acres.

Charles Rhodes attends the Ottawa River Christian church of which yirs. Rhodes is a member. He is a RepubHcan. He is a member of Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 711, of Vaughnsville. He is one of Sugar Creek township's well-known and substantial farmers. He is a clean-cut and progressive citizen and, from every standpoint, is highly deserving of representation in this volume.

William D. Rhodes

The success of men in business, farming or, iii fact, any other vocation, depends upon many things, but among the things upon which it depends is character in the individual. The relations of life between farmers and business men demand confidence, and where that is lacking business relations of the farmer end. In every community some men are known for their upright lives, common sense and moral worth. Neighbors and acquaintances respect them and the younger generation heed their example. They win their way as a consec|uence of untiring energy and correct principles and through proper application hold the respect of their fellow-men. Among the wellknown farmers of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, who has won in the battles of life by sheer merit is William D. Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes belongs to one of the pioneer families of Putnam county, and his name is one that has been honored for several generations in the history of this county. William D. Rhodes was born in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, on August 30, 1861. He is the son of James W. and Elizabeth (Guffy) Rhodes. James Rhodes was born in Franklin county, Ohio, on March 12, 1828, and died on October 12, 1914. He was the son of Peter and Catherine (Huffman) Rhodes. Peter Rhodes came to Putnam county in 1834 and entered land from the government on Hog creek, in the western part of Sugar Creek township. He established a grist mill on the banks of Hog creek, and also operated a store in the early days. He was one of Putnam county's pioneer citizens and passed through all of the pioneer experiences of the day. He died when still comparatively a young man. His wife survived him only a short time. They had eight children, six- sons and two daughters, John, Jacob, James, William, George, Mary Elizabeth and Joseph, who died in childhood.

James Rhodes was only four years old when he came with his parents "to Putnam county. He spent his childhood and youth on the old Rhodes homestead and here he grew to manhood. When he was thirty-two years of age he was married on May 6, i860, to Elizabeth Gufify, who was born in Sugar Creek township on August 20, 1840, and who was the daughter of Wilham and Mary Ann (Jacobs) Guffy. Wiliiam Guffy was born in FrankHn county, Ohio, on November 22, 1806, and was one of twins, the first-born children of John and Nancy (Pendleton) Guffy, natives of Kentucky. John Guffy's father, Henry Guffy, came with two brothers from Ireland and settled in Kentucky at a very early date. Henry Guffy was killed by the Indians. John Guffy had one full brother, one full sister and five half-brothers and sisters. His full brother, Henry Guffy, was killed by the Indians near Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1812 or 1813. John Guffy was a young man when he came to Ohio with his mother and step-father, who settled in Franklin county. John Guffy was married there and lived on leased land until in 1829, when he came to Putnam county. Fort}- acres of his land was obtained by a warrant granted him for his services in the War of 1812. This tract he increased to three hundred and four acres, and owned, besides, one hundred and twenty acres in Kansas. Mr. Guffy was a well-known farmer in Putnam county. He was married to Mary Ann Jacobs in 1834, and to them were born ten children, two of whom died in infancy. Those who lived were: Samuel, Elizabeth, the wife of James Rhodes; Alexander, who died a prisoner in the Civil War; Anetta. who married Noah Meyers; George and James, farmers ; Sarah, who married John Cratty, and Alice, who married Christopher Sakemiller. U'illiam Guffy's wife died on November 8, 1864.

James Rhodes went to California in 1850 and worked in the gold mines for four years. Later he returned to Putnam county, and six vears afterward was married. He settled on a part of the homestead of his father just north of Rimer in Sugar Creek township, and here he lived the remainder of his life, with the exception of three years, M-hich he spent in Columbus Grove. Here on the old homestead he died on October 12, 19 14. He was a member of the Ottawa River Christian church and was a Republican in politics. James and Elizabeth Rhodes had five sons, Francisco, who died at the age of eighteen months; W^illiam, who is the subject of this sketch; Frank, who lives in Texas; Charles, who is a farmer in Sugar Creek township, and James, who died in infancy.

AVilliam D. Rhodes spent his childhood and youth on the old Rhodes homestead north of Rimer, at which time he attended the Rimer district school and, with the exception of one term spent at the Keirns district school received all of his education in this school. After finishing school he continued to help his father on the farm, where he remained, with the exception of one year, until he was twenty-five years of age, when he was married.

^Yilliam D. Rhodes was married on December 9, i88'6, to Mary A. Blosser, who was born in Fairfield comity, Ohio, on May 14, 1859. She is the daughter of Jacob and Sophronia (Seitz) Blosser. Jacob Blosser was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1830. He came to Fairfield county, Ohio, when a young man and here he met and married Sophronia Seitz. After their marriage they resided for a few years in Fairfield county, and when Alary A. was an infant they moved to Union township, Putnam county, about three miles east of Kalida. In later years they moved two and onehalf miles south of Kalida, where they now reside. Jacob Blosser died at this place in August, 1892, where his wife, Sophronia, still survives. Jacob Blosser was a lifelong member of the Baptist church. He was a Democrat in politics and a successful farmer, who owned one hundred and four acres of land. He was a faithful member of the church, a devoted husband and a loving father. His wife is also a member of the Baptist church. Jacob Blosser and wife had thirteen children, five sons and eight daughters, Lydia, Mary A., Catherine, Alice, Sarah, Elizabeth, Sophronia, John S., Charles D., Enoch, deceased ; Noah, deceased ; Ida and Edson. Mrs. A'Villiam D. Rhodes received her early education in Union township and remained there until her marriage to Mr. Rhodes.

After his marriage William D. Rhodes lived on the old home place for three years, and the following spring, in 1889, he moved to a farm owned by his father just south of Rimer, which farm consisted of fifty-eight acres. Four years later he purchased this farm from his father, it having at the time only an old frame house and a log barn. Mr. Rhodes proceeded to drain, clear and fence the farm. He built a substantial eight-room residence and a commodious barn, thirty-six by fifty-four feet, and other buildings in keeping with the surroundings. Today Mr. Rhodes has one of the finest farms in the township, and it is almost wholly the result of his own efforts. In addition to operating this land, Mr. Rhodes is in partnership with his brother Charles, who farm altogether one hundred and twenty-one acres. William D. Rhodes has always done general farming and attributes his success to the raising of hogs.

To William D. and Mary A. (Blosser) Rhodes two children have been born, Elizabeth and Harvey J. William D. Rhodes is a member of the Ottawa River Christian church, of which Mrs. Rhodes and both the children are also members. Mr. Rhodes is a Republican.' He served as township assessor for two terms. Both of the Rhodes children were graduates of the Vaughnsville high schol of the class of 1909.

Joseph B. Edwards

It is with pleasure that the biographer has an opportunity to place before the readers of this work the life record of the honorable gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph. The history of Putnam county would be wholly incomplete were the name of Joseph B. Edwards not included in the list of well-known citizens, who have contributed so much to the progress and prosperity of this county. Joseph B. Edwards has spent many years of influence and usefulness in this community and is a broad-minded, conscientious worker and a successful farmer. He is honored and respected by his neighbors, and his career is a splendid example of what the young man of today may accomplish if he starts out in life with worthy ambitions and right ideals.

Joseph B. Edwards was born in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, Ohio, November 29, i860. He is the son of Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards. Josiah Edwards 'was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, May 30, 1826, and was the son of Josiah, Sr., 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 - m 1855, arriving here in the spring. They settled first in Utica, New York, where he was employed on a dairy farm. The following fall, in 1855, he came to Allen county, Ohio, and settled at Gomer. His first employment was with Griffith John, a contractor who built the Pennsylvania railroad from Lima to Elida. The following summer he rented a farm on "Calico Ridge" in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, and here he lived for about seven years. He moved to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county in 1862, and settled on eighty acres, one and one-half miles southwest of Vaughnsville on the Old Ridge road which farm he purchased. The land was in a virgin state and had only an acre or two cleared. Josiah Edwards, Jr., took this task in hand and succeeded in getting it all cleared except eight acres, and drained. He built a large frame house in 1873, consisting of ten rooms', and a large frame barn in 1879. He has always been engaged in general farming and attributes his success mostly to raising corn and hogs. He has also been successful in raising good horses.

Josiah Edwards, Jr., enlisted in the Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, near the close of the Civil War, and serv^'ed one hundred days. He was mustered into the service on May 13, 1864, at Camp Chase, Ohio, and was mustered out on August 27, 1864. The regiment was first stationed at Forts Sumpter, Mansfield and Simmons. During the active

Operations of the rebels against Washington, D. C, on July ii and 12, the larger part of the regiment was under fire, and several of the companies were in the forts which were engaged in the battle.

Josiah Edwards, Jr., and wife had born to them one child before they arrived in America. This child, John, arrived at Gomer, in Allen county. Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards came from Utica, New York, to Buffalo by canal boat, and from Buffalo to Cleveland by steamer, from Cleveland to Toledo on Lake Erie by steamer, and from Toledo to Delphos, Ohio, by the way of the Miami and Erie canal. They walked to Gomer from Delphos. Josiah and Susan (Breese) Edwards had five children, John, born in Wales on January 21, 1851, died at Gomer, November 8, 1855; Margaret, the second child was the deceased wife of B. F. Thomas ; Joseph B., the subject of this sketch; Mary, the wife of Thomas S. Williams; John W was the fifth child. Josiah Edwards died on August 17, 1897, at the ripe old age of seventy-one years. He was a member of the Gomer Congregational church and was a deacon in this church for many years. His wife was likewise a member. Josiah Edwards, Jr., was a Republican. He was a devout Christian and a man of high ideals and sterling integrity. He enjoyed the respect of his fellow citizens. Susan (Breese) Edwards was the daughter of John and Mary (Edwards) Breese. She was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, May 13, 1827. She had one brother and five sisters, all of whom came to America and all of whom settled in Iowa, except Mrs. Sarah Morris, who settled at Vaughnsville where she died. Mrs. Susan (Breese) Edwards lived on the old home place until her death on November 5, 1909,

Joseph B. Edwards was born on "Calico ridge" in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, and when about two years old his parents removed to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county. It was on this old homestead of his father that he spent his childhood and youth. He attended the old Bryn Tawa district school. After finishing the common school, he attended the Ohio Northwestern University at Ada, where he took a commercial course in 1 88 1, after which he returned home and helped his father on the home farm. He remained on the farm until twenty-six years of age when he was married on December 15, 1886, to Mary A. Lewis, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, June 10, 1865, and who was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Jones) Lewis. The ancestral history of the Lewis family is to be found in the sketch of John A. Lewis, contained elsewhere in this volume, the subject of which sketch is a brother of Mrs. Joseph B. Edwards.

west of Vaughnsville, where he remained until the present time. 'He purchased forty acres of land and at different times twenty acres, fifteen acres and forty acres, making one hundred and fifteen acres in all. Mr. Edwards has rebuilt his residence and now has a commodious eleven-room residence, and a large barn and other buildings in keeping with the surroundings. His farm is well improved and consists of splendid land.

Joseph B. and Mary A. (Lewis) Edwards have seven children, four sons and three daughters, John Robert, William Josiah, Bessie, Grace, Spencer, Edith and Joseph B., Jr. Of these children, John Robert was born on October 29, 1887, married Mabel Clevenger, and they have one child, Maxine. They live in Sugar Creek township; William Josiah, May 28,' 1889, married May Surdival, and they reside in Lima; Bessie, March 21,' 1891, is unmarried and lives at home; Grace, June 5, 1894, is a student at the Ottawa Normal School; Spencer, November 21, 1896; Edith, May 4, 1902, and Joseph B., Jr., November 27, 1910.

Joseph B. Edwards and his wife are members of the Congressional church at Gomer. Mr. Edwards is a trustee in this church. He is a Republican, having served as trustee in Sugar Creek township from 1891 to 1900. He also served several years as a member of the township school board.

Improvement and progress may well be said to form the key note of the character of Henry R. Williams, a well-known and influential farmer and stock raiser of Sugar Creek township, for he has been a nindustrious man all his life, keeping abreast of the times in every respect. A leading citizen of the township, he has made his influence felt among his fellow men, and has earned a name for enterprise, integrity and honor that entitles him to worthy notice in a work of the nature of this volume.

Henry R. Williams was born in Sugar Creek township on November 5, 1871, the son of David L. and Mary (Griffith) Williams, who are mentioned, specifically, in the sketch of the subject's brother, John D. Williams elsewhere in this work. Henry R. Williams was reared on the paternal farmstead, and attended the old Michael district school in the neighborhood where he secured a good practical education. He then took a term of normal work in the Tri-State College, at Angola, Indiana, after which he remained at home and assisted his father in the operation of the old homestead until attaining his majority. He was then employed in Lima, Ohio, two years, working in the Lima steel works and then for a year was in the West. The next two years he spent in the Lima oil fields where he gained valuable experience, and in March, 1908, decided to apply himself to the pursuit of agriculture. To this end he located on a part of his father's farm, one and onecjuarter miles south of Vaughnsville, where he has continued to reside ever since. He first purchased eighty-five acres, to which he later added fortyone acres, and still later another tract of twenty-five acres, thus giving him an estate of one hundred and fifty acres, comprising some of the best farming land in this section of Ohio. To the cultivation of this farm he has applied himself unremittingly, and by the most indefatigable effort, combined with sound discretion and good management, he has achieved a splendid success as a farmer.

Henry R. Williams was married on ;\Tay 20, 1896, to Emma Gander, who was born in Sugar Creek township on December 11, 1869, being the daughter of John and Susan (Garner) Gander. John Gander was born in Franklin county on October 6, 1822. the son of John and Elizabeth (ICendall) Gander. John Gander, Jr., came to Putnam county in 1838, and on June 24,

1847, was married to Susan M. Garner, who was born in Culpepper county, Virginia, on June 17, 1827. The senior Mr. Gander and his wife are both deceased, he dying on September 2, 1858, and she on November 21, 1865. Mrs. Gander's father, William W Garner, died on June 6, 1867, and her mother, Elizabeth (Storer) Garner, died on March 5, 1853. They came to Putnam on January i, 1S37. John Gander was a justice of the peace for eighteen years, an assessor for seven years and he also held the offices of township clerk and treasurer for a number of years. John Gander died on January 3, 1894, and his wife, Susan Gander, on October 3, 1909. They were the parents of nine children, namely: John William, born on April 15,

Mrs. Emma Williams was born on the old Gander homestead, just east of Vaughnsville, and there grew to womanhood. To Henry R. and Emma (Gander) Williams have been born seven children, as follow: Clyde, on March 3, 1897; Harold, July 13, 1899, died on October 22, 19 14; Allen and Aileen, twins, August 2t, 1901 ; George, August 21, 1903: Ivan, October 25, 1905 ; Willard, January 20, 1908.

the Christian church, of which he is a trustee. He is a member of Lodge No. 711, Knights of Pythias, at Vaughnsville, while poHtically, he gives his support to the Repubhcan party. During the years 1902 to 1906 he served efficiently as trustee of Sugar Creek township, winning the commendation of his fellow-citizens by his conduct of the office. His well-directed energy in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his own business interests and his sound judgment, have demonstrated what may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition, who proved that he is the possessor of those innate qualities, which never fail to bring success if properly directed. Because of his high character and clean life, Mr. Williams enjoys a well deserved popularity throughout the community where his life has been spent.

John Henry Hoffman

The earliest representatives of the Hoffman family in America came from the village of Glandorf, in the Province of Hanover, Germany, and settled near Glandorf, Putnam county, about one year after the arrival of Father Horstman and his colony, who founded Glandorf, Putnam county. They were the paternal grandparents of John Henry Hoffman, the immediate subject of this biographical review, who is a farmer in Jackson township and owns eighty acres of land in section 12. Mr. Hoffman has not lived upon this farm continuously during his marriage, but a part of the time occupied the old Hoffman homestead. For many years Mr. Hoffman was a vocalist in the St. John's Catholic church choir at Glandorf. He now sings in the choir of St. Michael's church at Kalida. The paternal grandparents of John Henry Floffman were the first Hoffmans to settle in this county. They had only two children, Ferdinand, deceased, and William F., the father of John Henry.

John Henry Hoffman was born in Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, on December 8, 1867. His parents were William Frederick and Clara (Sch'roeder) Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman's maternal grandparents came from Germany and settled near Glandorf, in Greensburg township. Among their children were Henry, Carl and Clara. William Frederick Hoffman attended school at Glandorf in his early youth and lived on his father's farm. He learned the carpenter trade and worked at it at Glandorf. Later he became a school teacher and was an accomplished musician and was organist at St. John's church at Glandorf for many years. Fie was also organist at St. Paul. Ot- tawa and at St. Mary's church at Leipsic. He established a dry goods store and general mercantile business at Glandorf and divided his attention between business and farming. He owned abput eighty acres of land. His teaching experience covered a period of about twenty-five years. William Frederick and Clara Hoffman had the following children : John, deceased ; Mary, William, Theresa, Amelia, who died when two years old; Frank, John Henry, Anna, who died in 1908, and Charles. William Frederick Hoffman died on April 29, 1 91 5, on the old home place with his son Charles. Mrs. William F. Hoffman died on February 6, 1898. Her remains were interred at Glandorf, as was also those of her husband. William F Hoffman was a member of the Ohio General Assembly for two terms, having been nominated and elected on the Democratic ticket. He served for many years as justice of the peace at Glandorf.

John I-Ienry Hoffman was educated in Glandorf, and in early youth worked on his father's farm, where he also worked at the carpenter trade. Mr. Hoffman was married on June 12, 1895, to Elizabeth Hertzog, the daughter of Barney and Mary f Wilkins) Hertzog. After his marriage Mr. Hoffman remained one year on the home farm and then removed to his present eighty acres in section 12 of Jackson township, land that he had bought previous to his marriage. He lived on the eighty-acre farm for two years and then returned to the home farm, where he lived for three years, at the end of which time Mr. Hoffman again returned to his farm in Jackson township. He erected the buildings which are now standing on the farm and improved the place generally. He cleared forty acres of the land and has thoroughly drained it. John H. and Elizabeth (Hertzog) Hoffman have had five children, Hugo, born on March 29, 1897; Clara, January 30, 1899; Louisa, September 4, 1901 ; Alma, September 13, 1904, and Alwin, September 9, 1908. All of these children are attending St. Michael's parochial school at Kalida.

Bernard Hertzog father of Mrs. Hoffman, was born in Germany,, and his wife was born in Dayton, Ohio. He came to this country and settled in Dayton and was there married to Mary Wilkins, the daughter of Henry and Agnes (Siefker) Wilkins, who lived near Dayton. Four children were born to this marriage, two of whom, John and Clemens, are deceased. The other two are Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Hoffman, and Frank. Mrs. Hertzog died on April 19, 1879, and after her death Mr. Hertzog was remarried to Mary Smith and had two children by this marriage, Herman and Anna. Mr. Hertzog died on October 23, 1914. Of the Hertzog children by the second marriage Frank married and lives in. Sycamore, Illinois. Herman married Mary Timmer and lives in Dayton, Ohio. Anna married Carl Zink and lives in Dayton also.

John Henry Hoffman and family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, wliere Mr. Hoffman is a prominent member of the church choir. Mr. Hoffman is a ]:)emocrat in politics and served on the school board of Jackson township. He is well known and highly respected in this community. His wife and family are greatly admired and this family may well be counted among the best families of Putnam county.

Ignatius Kahle

Prominent among the younger generation of progressive and successful farmers of Putnam county, Ohio, is Ignatius Kahle, the well-known citizen of Greensburg township. Mr. Kahle is a descendant of some of the earliest pioneers of this section, men and women who have left the impress of their personalities upon the life of the community, and in his own day and generation Mr. Kahle is so ordering his life as to also make of himself an example of exemplary manhood. He is ambitious to make for himself a success of life not only in material matters, but in the things that count for most and are of lasting value, and, judging of the esteem in which he is held, he is already succeeding in the undertaking he has in mind.

Ignatius Kahle was born on the family homestead in Greensburg township, Putnam county, in February, 1876, a son of Frank and Bernadina (Brmkman) Kahle. Frank Kahle, Sr., father of Ignatius Kahle, was born on December 21, 1839, on the family homestead in Greensburg township, and passed his entire life in the one spot, his death occurring on February 23,' 1898. He was a son of John F. and Bernadina (Wilberding) Kahle and in early manhood was united in marriage with Bernadina Brinkman, born in 1846, in this county, who was a daughter of Henry and Mary (Rieman) Brinkman. The Brmkmans were natives of Germany, who had emigrated to this country early in their married life and, after locating in one or two different places, finally settled permanently in this county.

Ignatius Kahle is one of a family of twelve children, for particulars of which the reader is respectfully referred to sketch of the career of Frank Kahle, Sr., elsewhere in this volume, and when a youth received his education in the common schools of his home township. From earliest boyhood he was carefully trained in the art of successful husbandry by his painstaking father, and by the time he had reached manhood he was well versed in the practical side of agriculture.

Mr. Kahle was united in marriage on April i6, 1902, to Catherine Duhng, a daughter of WilHam and Anna (Schroeder) Duling and a native of this county. WilHam Duling, father of Mrs. Ignatius Kahle, was born m this county and educated in its public schools. His parents were both natives of Germany, who lived for many years in Ottawa township, this county, where they were known as successful farmers. Anna Schroeder, wife of William Duling, was a daughter of Henry and Catherine Schroeder,' who came from Germany directly to this county, where they located in Greensburg township and were actively engaged in farming for many years. She was one of a family of thirteen children; the others living are: John, William, Charles, Matthew, Frank, Katie and Theresa. After William Duling and Anna Schroeder were married they moved to a farm of eighty acres in Greensburg township, on which spot their family was reared. At the time they obtained possession of it there was not much done to it in the way of improvements, but they bravely set to work, cleared the greater part of the land, put it all into an excellent state of cultivation and built many buildings, so that it came to be one of the comfortable homes of the community. They were the parents of four children, namely : Henry, Catherine, wife of our immediate subject; Anna and Frank. Henry married Adeline Recker and resides in Ottawa township, this county; they are the parents of five children. Anna became the wife of Barney I^ottenbruck, a farmer of Ottawa township, and is the mother of nine children, three of whom are dead. Frank chose Rosa Barlager as his helpmeet, and they make their home with his widowed mother on the old Duling homestead, where he carries on farming.

After marriage Ignatius Kahle and wife took up their residence on his present homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, which land was at one time a portion of his father's estate. He has made all the improvements on this land in the way of buildings, having erected fifteen structures in all which are accounted among the best farm buildings in the county. This is saying considerable when the excellent conditions prevailing in this county are considered. Mr. Kahle carries on general farming, conducting his business along lines most approved by modern scientific experiment and is, therefore, meeting with well deserved success. He also pays particular attention to the rearing of Shorthorn cattle, finding this a most remunerative side line to his regular business as agriculturist. In all, Mr. Kahle owns three hundred and thirteen acres of some of the best farm land in this section, and every acre of it bears silent witness to the excellent care given it by the owner. ' To Ignatius and Catherine (Duling) Kahle have been born an inter- estmg family of six children, namely: Frances Mary Bernadina on March 22, 1903; Amos Frank John, July 7, 1905; Clara Mary Ann, June 26, 1907; Henry Frank William, November 2, 1909; Herbert Barney Ignatius, March 15, 1912, and Anna Mary Katherine, May 21, 1914. Mrs. Kahle is a woman of charming manners, who is much admired among her circle of friends and whose true mother heart is anxious that the little ones in her care shall be so trained as to be able to fill places of usefulness in the world when they come to years of manhood and womanhood.

Ignatius Kahle and family are devout members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, while the others mentioned within this sketch were of St. John's at Glandorf . Mr. Kahle votes the Democratic ticket, although he has no aspirations for the doubtful honors of a political career. He is an excellent specimen of sturdy young manhood and such as he form the foundation upon which the structure of our national wholesomeness is built.

Orren Bryant Gurney

A distinguished veteran of the Civil War and a resident of Putnam county, Ohio, since 1883, Orren Bryant Gurney is one of the highly respected citizens of Van Buren township, where he has long made his home. As a youth he was very anxious to serve his country during the war, and made two attempts to enter the service before he finally succeeded, his father spoiling the first two attempts he made to get into service. He has been a life-long farmer, and has met with excellent success in all of his agricultural operations.

Orren B. Gurney, the son of John and Ruth (Pearson) Gurney was born on February 4, 1844, at Alexandria, Licking county, Ohio. His father was born on January 31, 1815, at Cummington, Massachusetts, a son of Asa J. and Lucy (Bryant) Gurney, natives of the same place. Asa Gurney was a son of Asa Gurney, Sr., a Revolutionary soldier, who enlisted no less than seven different times during the struggle for independence.

The family record of the Gurney family has been distinctly traced back through generations to Mollie Reed, who was one of the Mayflower party now famous in American history. It is stated on reliable authority that Orren B. Gurney can trace his ancestry without a break in the lineage to 1603, and with one or two breaks in lineage to 950. Asa Gurney, Jr., was a woolen manufacturer in Massachusetts, and made annual trips to Ohio in the early part of the nineteenth century to buy wool. In these trips it was his custom to purchase a horse and saddle, which he used to ride over the country in buying wool for his factory. After finishing his trip he would trade his horse and saddle for a piece of land, and in this way accumulated two hundred and fifty acres of farming land in Licking county. He bouo-ht the best quahty of Merino wool, which he shipped through the old Ohio canal to Cleveland, from which point it was sent by lake and the Erie canal to its destination in Massachusetts. Asa Gurney, Jr., sold out his woolen mill interests in Massachusetts along about 183 1 and moved to Alexandria, Licking county, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life, with the exception of about fifteen years, when he lived in Granville, Ohio.

John Gurney came to Alexandria with his parents at the age of sixteen, after which time he helped his father on the farm until he was married on May 27, 1840, to Ruth Pearson, of Auburn, New York. To this union seven children were bom - Paul Pearson, born on May 27, 1842 ; Orren B., born on February 4, 1844; Heber, born on April i, 1846; David, born on May 16, 1848; Wilhs, born on August 2, 1850; Lucy, born on January 27, 1852; Winona B., born on December 8, 1853. John Gurney continued to live on the old Gurney homestea'd, in Licking county, until within a year of his death, in April, 1888. His wife was of Revolutionary stock, a member of the Episcopal church and died in 1873.

Orren B. Gurney attended the common schools of Licking county, and remained at home until the opening of the Civil War. After two ineffectual attempts to enlist he succeeded in being mustered into the service, May 2, 1864, and became a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was honorably discharged at the end of his enlistment, on September i, 1864. During his service he participated in the battle of John Brown's school house, near Harper's Ferry, and during this fight his company lost fifteen killed and two companies were taken prisoners just prior to the opening of the battle.

After he returned from the war he went to Lyons, New York, where he attended the high school for a time. He then returned to Ohio and took a commercial course at Oberlin College, and on leaving college took a trip to Missouri, where he remained a year. Upon his return, in 1869, he married and continued residing in Licking county until 1883. In that year he came to Putnam county and bought twenty acres of land at that time in Van Buren township, which he cleared and still retains. Subsequently, he added about one hundred acres more to his farm, and now has one of the best improved and most highly productive farms of the township. SI

Mr. Gurney was ixiarried on April i, 1869, to Martha J. Holler, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Holler, of Newark, Ohio, and to this union three children were born - Roberta Blanch, R. H. and Ruth. Roberta Blanch became the wife of William Riches, of Townwood, Ohio, and has four children, Adeline, Bryant, Robert and Tracy; R. H. Gurney married Christina Sechrist, and they are the parents of four children, two of whom are deceased; Ruth is the wife of James W. Jennings, who lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and has eight children.

The first wife of Mr. Gurney died on January 14, 1910, and on November 6, 191 3, Mr. Gurney was married to Mrs. Mary A. (Niebel) Dunn, a daughter of Obed and Hannah (Nease) Neibel. She was born near Mc- Cutchenville, Wyandot county, Ohio.

Mr. Gurney is a charter member of the North Ridge Grange, No. 1421, of which he has been the master for about six years. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Leipsic, and has served as its commander. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons at Leipsic. He was formerly a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but now he is a member of the Evangelical church, to which denomination his wife also belongs.

Louis Konst

Not a few of the enterprising citizens of Putnam county, Ohio, were either born in the little Kingdom of Holland or are descended from people who were born in that thriving domain. The people who have come from Holland and their immediate descendants are among the best citizens not only of Putnam county, but of any county where they have settled. The Konst family has long been known in this section of the state, and one of the enterprising and progressive members of that family is Louis Konst, of Miller City, who is now engaged in the retail liquor trade in Miller City.

Louis Konst was born on February 19, 1872, in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, on a farm, the son of Lucas and Caroline (Burkhart) Konst, the former of whom was a native of Holland and the latter a native of Ottawa township, this county.

Lucas Konst was born in Holland, and when six years of age came to America with his parents, who brought with them their entire family, as follow: John, deceased; Katherine and Lucas. The family first settled in Cincinnati, where Lucas attended school, and in that city he learned the car- penter trade. When a young man he came with his father and the rest of ' the family, to New Cleveland, Ohio, where they settled on a farm of eighty acres. Lucas Konst's sister, Katherine, married Mathias Otto, and lives at New Cleveland. After coming to New Cleveland Lucas Konst worked at his trade as a carpenter, and here married Caroline Burkhart, the daughter of Adam Burkhart and wife, and after his marriage he engaged in farming on what is known as the John Beck farm. For some time Mr. Konst farmed on shares. Later he moved to the Kinnecke farm, near Columbus Grove, where he remained for three years, when he bought a farm at Elm Center, consisting of forty-seven acres, where he lived until 1910, and then removed to Ottawa, where he lived until his death on January 8, 191 3. He was survived by his widow and the following children : Frank, Charles, John, Joseph, Louis, Thomas, Martha, Rudolph, William and Mathias. Of these children Frank married Anna Yenner, and lives in Continental, Ohio; Charles first married Mary Barlager, and after her death he married Caroline Yenner, who died at Continental, Ohio, after which he married Clara Vanvlera, and now lives near Hicksville, Ohio; John married Catherine Krouse and lives at Leipsic, Ohio; Joseph married Zine Riggs and lives in Ottawa; Louis is the subject of this sketch; Thomas married Emma Laird and lives in Toledo, Ohio ; Martha became the wife of William Hammond, and they live at Sherwood, Ohio; Rudolph married Gertrude Alt, and lives in Ottawa; William lives in San Diego, California; Mathias married Jennie Klass, and lives in Miller City.

Louis Konst received his education in the schools of Elm Center, Ohio. During the early years of his life he lived on a farm, where he worked for some time. Later he was employed in a stave factory.

Louis Konst was married on April 5, 1898, to Imus L Kiefer, the daughter of Marion and Mary (Gingrich) Kiefer, who were residents of Continental, and were the parents of the following children : Benjamin, Amanda, Imus and Ovel. Mrs. Kiefer is now deceased, and her husband is still living at Continental. After his marriage Mr. Konst lived in Ottawa and was engaged in the restaurant business. He also worked for a time in Continental and then engaged in business with Joseph Gingrich. Subsequently he engaged, on September i, 1900, in business for himself at Continental and later moved to a farm of one hundred and forty-nine acres in Defiance county, Ohio, which he purchased. He lived there for two years, and improved the farm in many ways, erecting a house, barn and other outbuildings. He then bought one hundred acres additional on January i, 19 15. Subsequently he moved to Defiance and later engaged in the meat business on June i, 19 10, in Continental, after which he purchased the business of his brother, Rudolph, on November 28, 1910, and formed a partnership with his brother, Mathias. on March i, 1914, which has continued ever since.

To Louis and Inius I. (Kiefer) Konst have been born two children, Beulah, on Januarj^ i, 1899, and Curtis, August 28, 1901.. Beulah is a student in the Miller City high school and Curtis is also attending school at Miller City.

Mr. Konst owns his property in Miller City, and also owns two hundred and forty-nine acres of land in Defiance county, Ohio. In every respect he is a self-made man, and deserves the confidence and respect of the people of the county for his industry, frugality and good business management.

Mr. Konst is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and in politics is a Democrat, but has not been active in political matters. He has devoted his attention to his own personal and private business affairs, which accounts in a large measure for his success in life.

Charles W. Beard

One of the well-known farmers of Putnam county, Ohio, is Charles W. Beard, who owns a fertile and productive farm and one which is well improved in every respect. He is a man who has encountered many obstacles in life, but he has never been discouraged and has always succeeded in surmounting whatever obstacles that might arise. Mr. Beard's predominant trait, perhaps, is his optimism, and on this account he is popular among his neighbors, highly respected and admired by them. Charles W. Beard comes from one of the oldest families in Putnam county ; one which has been intimately connected with the history of this county almost from its beginning. He is, therefore, in every respect a representative citizen and one entitled to representation in this volume.

Charles W. Beard was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on December 6, i860, the son of John and Mary Beard. John Beard was born in 1830 in Fairfield county, Ohio. He is the son of John, Sr., and Mary (Carey) Beard. The paternal grandfather of John Beard was a native of Ireland, who settled in the state of Maryland, where he was a teacher. He lived to be one hundred years old. John Beard, Sr., was born in North Carolina and came to Fairfield county, Ohio, when a young man. His wife, who before her marriage was Mary Carey, was born in Maryland on July 4, 1802, the daughter of John and Mary Carey. To John, Sr., and Mary Beard were born six children, Mrs. Margaret Pickering, George, Jacob,

Samuel, John and Cornelius. John Beard, Sr., was a miller by trade, and died of cholera in 1832. His widow was later married to J. M. Allen and, after bearing him six children, died on January 13, 1889.

John Beard, Jr., the father of Charles W., was reared as a farmer and educated in the common schools. He began on his account at the age. of fourteen. In the fall of 1855 he taught his first school at Cuba, in Putnam county, and taught four winter terms after that, continuing his professional work, however, until 1866, in Greensburg and Jackson townships and in the town of Ft. Jennings. After living for a time in Putnam county Mr. Beard moved to Franklin county, but subsequently returned to Putnam county and purchased a farm near Ft. Jennings in 1866. He purchased a farm in Greensburg township in 1872 and moved to this farm in that year. John Beard was married on November 2, 185.4, at Columbus, Ohio, to Mary Jane Case, a native of New York and the daughter of Jacob and Anna Case. There were two children born to this union, William H., who died in infancy, and Charles W., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Beard died in 1866 and on September 22, 1867, Mr. Beard was married to Mrs. Sophia (Shank) Guyton, who was born in Ottawa, Putnam county, Ohio, and who was the daughter of Henry and Barbara (Meyers) Shank, natives of Maryland. Henry Shank was born near Hagerstown, and was the son of Christian Shank, Sr. Barbara Meyers, his wife was born in Maryland and was the daughter of John and Mary Meyers. She married Henry Shank in Maryland, soon after which they moved to Putnam county. To this second marriage of John Beard six children were born, Christian, a farmer near Auburn, Indiana, who married Maude Bibler, and has four children, Joyce, Elsie, Samuel and Charles; Lucy A., who married John Bibler, of Greensburg township, and has had ten children, eight of whom are li^'ing, Flossie, Fay, Velma, Coral, Ella, Delia, Raymond, Dale, Pauline and Woodrow Wilson; John F., of near Edgerton, who married Mary Wynkoop, and has four children, John Milton, Icy, Preston and Zola; Margaret, who died in infancy; Ella E., who lives on her father's farm, married Clyde M. Fletcher and has one son, Paul Clarence, and Samuel S., who lives south of Kalida, married Minnie Kirkendall and has three children, Doyle, Helen and Annabel.

Charles W. Beard, a son by the first marriage, was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools of Putnam county. He remained on this farm until he was twenty years of age.

Charles W. Beard was married on March 4, 1886, to Lydia Ridenour, the daughter of John and Barbara (Nemire) Ridenour. John Ridenour was a native of Putnam county, and was the first white child born in Ottawa township. He was born on April 3, 1834, in Putnam county, and was reared on his father's farm. In 1852 he was married to Barbara Nemire, who was born in Maryland and came to Putnam county, Ohio, when quite young. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Beard were Henry and Margaret (Bonthaver) Ridenour, who were early settlers in Putnam county, where they entered land in Ottawa township. Barbara Nemire was one of eight children born to John Nemire and wife. The others were : Hiram, Edward, Samantha, deceased ; Mary, Lydia, Henry and John. The father of these children, John Nemire, followed farming in Ottawa township, and died at his home on January 16, 1892. John and Barbara Ridenour had five children, Barbara A., Mary, Lydia J., Henry and John. Barbara A., born on January 21, 1859, married Jonas Shank and has six children. They live near Kalida in Putnam county; Mary, March 18, 1861, married Alfred Shank and has one son. They live in Ashtabula, Ohio; Lydia J., September 12, 1863, is the wife of Mr. Beard; Henry, September 18, 1864, married Carrie Wright and lives near Ottawa, Putnam county; John, March 14, 1867, married Catherine Farley and has six children. They live near Miller City, Putnam county.

Charles W. Beard and wife moved to a farm owned by his father in Greensburg township, Putnam county. They continued to live there until he purchased the farm upon which he now lives, consisting of eighty acres. Mr. Beard rebuilt the house and erected a new barn and other buildings. During the flood which swept this part of the state he lost a large number of live stock. The water covered almost the entire first floor of his house. Despite this loss Mr. Beard took a new start and has regained it. He is a man of affluence and also of influence. He devotes his farm to general lines and has a well-kept place. Mr. Beard is industrious and a man of strict integrity.

To Charles VV. and Lydia (Ridenour) Beard two children have been born, Margaret Ann on January 7, 1887, died in infancy, and Mary, June 11, 1884, who is unmarried and lives at home.

Mrs. Charles W. Beard has every reason to be proud of her illustrious ancestors. The Ridenour family dates back to colonial days. They held a family reunion and have printed a volume showing the genealogy of the family. It presents an unbroken line of more than one hundred years.

Charles W. Beard is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Charles W. Beard, wife and family are members of the Christian church and are active in both the work of the church and Sunday school. Mr. Beard was a member of the school board for eight years, in which office he is still serving. He is now serving on the board of trustees.

It is with marked satisfaction that the biographer refers to the hfe of Wilham Tudor, a prominent young farmer of Sugar Creek township, who has attained success in a vocation which requires definiteness of purpose and determined action. Such a Hfe, whether it be one of calm consecutive endeavor or of sudden meteoric accompHshment, must abound in both lesson and incentive and prove a guide to young men whose fortunes and destinies are still matters for the future to determine. William Tudor is distinctively one of the representative farmers of Putnam county. By patient and persistent endeavor he has succeeded in overcoming many obstacles with which his pathway was beset, and is today considered one of the foremost farmers of this county.

William Tudor was born on July 12, 1877, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Humphrey and Sophia (Davis) Tudor. Humphrey Tudor was born in 1838 at Drefoldwyn, North Wales. He came to America with his mother in 1857 at the age of eighteen. They shipped from Liverpool, England, and on account of the smallpox on board the ship they changed their course and went to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they remained in quarantine for about two months. After this they resumed their journey and landed in New York. He then came to Ohio, and settled near Venedocia, Van Wert county. There he remained for a short time and then removed to Allen county, where he obtained employment with Richard Evans, a farmer, for whom he worked about three years.

During this Humphrey- Tudor purchased forty acres of land three miles west of Gomer, in Allen county. He then rented a farm two miles from Gomer. on which he lived for about four years. Just before moving to this farm, and when he was twenty-five years of age, he was married on November 7, 1862, to Sophia Davis, who was born near Gomer. To this union were born nine children, three of whom died in infancy. Those that survived were as follow: Mary, the wife of Owen B. Owens, who died in March, 1894; Margaret, who died at the age of twenty- four, July 22, 1891 ; John, who married Kate Griffith; Jennie, who married Elmer Reese, and who died in June, 1894; Elizabeth, who died at the age of sixteen, on June 7, 1891, and William, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Sophia (Davis) Tudor died on April 12, 1883, when William Tudor was not quite six years old.

Humphrey Tudor next moved to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, where he purchased one hundred acres of land, known as the Sol. Slusser farm. It was located one and one-half miles south of Vaughnsville. During the first summer the family Hved in the house on the farm of D. L. WiUiams while Humphrey Tudor was building a residence on his own farm, and into which the family moved in the fall. On March 27, 1895, Humphrey Tudor was again married to Catherine Jones, of Corner, Allen county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Cadwalader Jones and wife. To this last union no children were born. Three years after settling here Humphrey Tudor and wife moved to Comer, where he lived in retirement for seven years, or until his death, March 27, 1895. He was sixty-eight years old at the time of his death.

Wihiam Tudor spent his early childhood on .the home place, and the remamder of his youth until he was seventeen was spent on a farm just south of the old home place in the edge of Allen county. He received his early education at the old district No. 1, or the old Martz, school. After finishing the common schools he took a normal course at the Lutheran College at Lima, Ohio. The year following, at the age of nineteen, he taught school in Sugar Creek township, Allen county. For the ensuing six years he farmed with his brother John in partnership. They had charge of the two hundred and four acres belonging to their father.