Ottawa Township (part 16 of 23)

On October 8, 1902, at the age of twenty-five years, Mr. Tudor was married to Anna Leah Griffiths, who was born in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, on January 18, 1879. She is the daughter of John D. and Jane A. (Jones) Griffiths. John D. was born in Delaware county, Ohio, near Radner, in 1848, and died in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, in 1881, at the age of thirty-three years He was the son of Thomas D. and Sarah A. (Jones) Griffiths. The former was probably a native of Wales and the latter was of Welsh parentage. Jane A. (Jones) Griffiths was born near Comer, Allen county, in 1858, and died in Allen county in March, 1879. She was the daughter of Evan W. and Leah (Jones) Jones, both of whom were natives of Wales and who settled near Comer, where they spent the remainder of their lives. John D. and Jane A. (Jones) Griffiths had but one child, Anna Leah, who is the wife of Mr. Tudor. After the death of his first wife John D. Griffiths was again married to Nancy Brenneman, of xMlen county, and the daughter of Martin and Anna Brenneman. One child, Thomas! was born to this union, and he resides at Decatur, Indiana. After the marriage of William Tudor he took charge of the old home place, and has resided here ever since. He rented this place of his father while the latter was living, and at his death inherited the farm. William Tudor has always followe*d general farming and has been quite successful. His home place is well improved, having a seven-r<x)m, commodious residence, nicely situated, a large barn and other biiijdings in keeping with the surroundings. Mr. Tudor is

After the death of Mrs. Anna Brenneman the daughter was taken by ]\Iartin Brenneman and family to be reared. She lived with them for about two years, when her father married a daughter of Mr. Brenneman. She lived with her father until his death, which occurred about a year later. The balance of her childhood was spent with her grandfather, Thomas D. Griffiths, of Gomer.

William and Anna L. (Griffiths) Tudor have two children, John Homer was born on October 31, 1903; Robert on March 13, 1908. Wilham Tudor is a member of the Congregational church. Mrs. Tudor is also a member of this church. Mr. Tudor is a deacon in the church. He is a Republican in politics.

William Tudor is counted not only as a good farmer, but as a substantial citizen and as a man who has added prestige to the agricultural life of Sugar Creek township, where he is so well and favorably known.

Augustus Bachtall

It is always a pleasure to record the life of one who has lived wisely and well, but especially gratifying is it to commemorate those who embody in their character the sturdy qualities of famous ancestry. To endure the hardships of pioneer life required men and women of strong character and resolute purpose, and fortunate indeed is he who comes of such worthy stock. Such is Augustus Bachtall, whose grandfather and uncle fought under Napoleon, and whose father served for seven years in the French army.

Augustus Bachtall, who is now living on a farm near Ottawa, Ohio, was born in Stark county, this state, on February 13, 1849. He is the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Kessler) Bachtall, natives of Alsace-Lorraine, which was at the time of their residence there a part of France. ''

Both of Mr. Bachtall's grandparents on the father's side were born and died in France. Their children were Mathias, Fred, Catherine, Elaine, John and Nicholas. The grandfather was a soldier under Napoleon, as was also John, who risked his life in the siege of Moscow, and who witnessed the burning of that historic city. While many of his compatriots lost their lives, he returned to France and lived to be honored and aged. The grandparents of Mr. Bachtall on the maternal side, Joseph and Elizabeth Kessler, came to America from Alsace-Lorraine and settled on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Carroll county, Ohio, where, after living good and useful lives, they passed away. Their family of eight children, while born in the old country, came to America and took up their residence in Carroll county, Ohio. These were John, Philip, Michael, Charles, Louis, Mary, Jacob and Elizabeth.

Nicholas Bachtall, father of the one in whom our interest centers, was born on September 5, 1812, in Alsace-Lorraine, and died on August 20, 1895. He received his early education in the old country, and, true to his military ancestry honored his country by army service for a period of seven years. Coming to this country with his brothers and sisters, who settled in Massillon county, Ohio, he first worked at his trade of wagon making. In 1846 he was married to Elizabeth Kessler, the ceremony taking place in Carroll county. The pioneer instinct was too strong to permit him to be content with a rented home, so nine years later, on April 25, 1855, he and his family moved to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres two miles north of Ottawa. After clearing the land he built a splendid home, and engaged in successful farming until his death in 1895. He was prominent in local politics, being a Democrat, and during all of his life attended the Catholic church.

Nicholas Bachtall was survived by seven children, Augustus, Elizabeth, Caroline, Mary, Leo, Addie and Josephine. Augustus, in whom we are especially interested, was six years old when, with his parents, he left Stark county, Ohio, and migrated to Putnam county. Anxious to succeed as a farmer, the young man learned from his father the secrets of successful agriculture. He married Agnes Brendinghoff in 1886, continuing to make his home on the farm with his parents. Some years after the death of his first wife Mr. Bachtall was married to Ella Reardon. The second wife passed away in 1897. The children of this union were August, born on Deceml^er 29, 1891 ; Carence, October 29, 1896; and Mary E., May 29, 1893. The eldest son, August, married Viola Fry, widow of John Fry, and her maiden name was Viola Yager, the ceremony taking place in November. 1913. Only nineteen days after the birth of their son, Erwin Clarence, who was born on September 3, 19 14, the )^oung wife died.

Augustus Bachtall and his son, August, Jr., are now living on a farm of one hundred and twelve acres in Ottawa township.. While the active management of the farm is carried on by the younger of the two Bachtalls, yet the experience of the older man makes him a valuable assistant in matters pertaining to agricultural enterprises.

Augustus Bachtall, Jr., is a young man possessing just such sterling qualities as one coming from a fighting ancestry would be expected to pos- sess. He is alert, ambitious and energetic. His usual gaiety of spirits, however, has been marred by the death of his young wife. Since his six years of schooling in Ottawa, he, too, has been engaged in farming. Like his father, Augustus Bachtall, Jr., has always been a Democrat, and a life-long member of the St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf.

While limiting his business activities to farming, Mr. Bachtall did so in such a way as to become well-known in his community, and to merit the confidence and respect of those who knew him.

Carl Mathias Gerdemann

The twentieth century farmer knows very little of the disadvantages which surrounded the pioneer farmers of this state. No longer is the farmer compelled to rise early in the morning and continue his labors far into the night. The farmer of today can do as much work in half a day as his fathers, fifty years ago, could do in a whole day. The free mail delivery leaves the daily paper at his door each morning, his telephone, puts him in communication with his neighbors, while the interurban car and automobile enable him to participate in all the features of city life. The present generation of farmers have no forest to clear, few swamps to drain, while hundreds of inventions designed to lighten the labors of the farmers have been put into their hands. One of the farmers of Putnam county who has taken advantage of the modern inventions and improvements is Carl Mathias Gerdemann, of Union township.

Carl Mathias Gerdemann was born near Glandorf, in Putnam county, Ohio, on May 9, 1869. He is the son of Henry and Bernadina (Eickholt) Gerdemann, both natives of Putnam county, the former of whom was born on February 19, 1842, and who himself was the son of Casper and Anna Gerdemann, natives of Germany, and the latter of whom was born on May 15, 1846, the daughter of Barney and Elizabeth (Nieman) Eickholt, also natives of Germany.

Casper Gerdemann and his wife, Anha, came to America from Germany and located in Putnam county. They were the parents of seven children, Casper, Joseph, Henry, Mathias, Theodore, Mary and Eliabeth. Theodore was a soldier in the Civil War, having served in an Ohio regiment. He was captured by the eilemy and died in a military prison. Casper and Anna Gerdemann were prominent and influential members of the community in which they lived and actixt in all the good works of the neighborhood. They were buried m Grandview cemetery. Barney Eickholt and his wife, Elizabeth, who was a Nieman, also came from Germany to Putnam county, at an early date and settled near Glandorf. They were the parents of six children, Joseph' Martha, Henry, William, Charles and Bernadina, the last of whom was the mother of the immediate subject of this sketch.

Henry Gerdemann, Sr., grew to manhood on the paternal farm near Glandorf. He was married, on May 5, 1868, to Bernadina Eickholt, and immediately moved to a farm of one hundred and ten acres in Union township. Henry Gerdemann has lived retired during recent years, with his son, Henry Jr. His wife died in March. 1915. Henry, Sr., and Bernadina (Eickholt) Gerdemann had thirteen children, Charles married Anna Sandeer; Andrew married Ida Darling; Katherine married Henry Hamburg; Barney married Anna Brinkman; John married Mary Long; William married Marv Schroeder; Elizabeth married Henry Verhoff; Amelia married William Marman- Josephine is unmarried; Bernadina married Joseph Marmon; Henry married Emma Merschman; Carl Mathias is the subject of this sketch, and Mathias married Elizabeth Schumacher.

Carl Mathias Gerdemann attended school in Union township at the Barney Fortman school and lived on his father's farm until his marriage He worked out for two years on other farms in Greensburg township. He helped to clear and develop his father's farm.

Carl Mathias Gerdemann was married, on May i, 1901, to Anna Sander daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Vorst) Sander, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany. Mrs. Gerdemann's maternal grandparents were Theodore and Elizabeth A^orst, who were farmers in Germany Their children were Henry, Herman, Theodore, Mathias, Frank, Philomena, Elizabeth Catherine, Christina and Carolina. Of these, Elizabeth, Catherine, Christina, Carolina and Bernard came to this countr3^ Mrs. Gerdemann's paternal grandparents were also natives of Hanover, Germany, and lived and died in that country. Mrs. Gerdemann's parents were married in Germany where father died. Her mother married Joseph Busch a number of years after her first husband's death and came to America with her family, settling on a farm near Kalida. The children of the first marriage were Anna, Josephine and Henry. Anna is the wife of Carl Mathias Gerdemann. Henry married Emma Grover, and lives m Kalida. Josephine married Andrew Wehrie and lives near Kalida. The mother of these children died in 1913. She was survived by her husband and children. The husband lives on the old farm of sixty acres in section i8, in Union township. Mr. Gerdemann had bought this farm five years before his marriage. He has erected all the buildings on the place and has a splendid farm. His barn is covered with a tile roof.

To Carl Mathias and Anna (Sanders) Gerdemann five children have been born, Aloysius, on May 31, 1903; Lawrence, October 2, 1906; Otto, July 18, 191 1 ; Ludwina, February 24, 1913; Mary, October 17, 1914, died on January 17, 191 5. Carl Mathias Gerdemann is engaged in general farming. He raises a great many cattle of all kinds, and hogs.

Carl Mathias Gerdemann, wife and family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida. Mr. Gerdemann belongs to St. Joseph's Benevolent Society. He is a Democrat. A step-brother of Mrs. Gerdemann's, Henry Busch, is studying for the priesthood at the present time at Spokane, Washington. The Gerdemann family is among the oldest in this section of the country and among the most highly respected in Putnam county. Carl Mathias Gerdemann is a splendid farmer and a representative citizen of this vicinity.

Clarence Augustus Burkhart

While success cannot be achieved without unflagging industry, the futility of effort is often noticeable in the business world and results from Ihe ract that it is not combined with sound judgment. Many a man who gives his entire life to toil, earnest and unremitting, never acquires a competence, but when his labor is well-directed, prosperity always follows. Clarence Augustus Burkhart is one whose work ha^ been supplemented by careful management, and today he is numbered among the successful farmers of the locality in which he lives.

Clarence Augustus Burkhart was born on his father's farm in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, January 9, 1873. He is a son of John and Sarah (Cleveneger) Burkhart, the father having come to Putnam county from Reading, Pennsylvania, and the mother was a native of Union township, Putnam county. John Burkhart was a shoemaker by trade, having acquired a knowledge of that business during his youth in Pennsylvania, but did not follow it. Upon his arrival from Pennsylvania, he was married to Sarah Clevenger, and they went to live on the old Isaac McCracken farm, as renters of the place. Three years later, however, he purchased a tract of one rundred and sixty-four acres in Union township and continued farming until his death. He was a faithful supporter of the Democratic party and an ardent member of the Methodist church. While not being an aspirant to high polit- ical office, yet he was elected to the office of township trustee, which office he served with credit and honor. To John Burkhart and wife there were born, AVilham, Albert, Milton, Hattie, Paul, Rosa (deceased), and August. The mother was married a second time to William Rambo, and they reside in Kalida, Ohio. Of her children, Hattie is the wife of Albert Stump and lives in Union township, this county; Milton married Nora McDowell; William married Myrtle Sarber, they reside in Lucas county; August, the subject of this review, and Albert married Nora Johnson.

Clarence Augustus Burkhart, ha^-ing lost his father by death when he was but five years old, went to live with an uncle, Amos Beam, who lives in Union township. In this locality he received his early education and remained on his uncle's farm until he arrived at mature age. He was married, on June II, 1907, to Tizbie Smith, daughter of Madison and Caroline (Eckley) Smith, the former being a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and the latter of Putnam county, Ohio. Mr. Smith has been a traveling salesman for the wholesale grocery firm of Overmeyer & Co., of Toledo, Ohio, since 1891, and covers a large territory in the interests of that firm. His father was one of the pioneer settlers of Monroe township, Putnam county, the home being sixteen miles from Ottawa, the county seat. Many times he has related to his children of walking to and from Ottawa for provisions in the early days. To him and his wife were born Tizbie, Savilla, Seldon, Harley and Felicia, all of whom enjoy the continued devotion of their parents, who are still living^ and are active members of the Methodist church. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Burkhart were Adam and Margaret (Shovis) Smith, natives of the state of Ohio, to whom were born Sylvester, William, Salathiel, Arthur, Letitia Jane, Lorenzo, Sanford, Madison, Edson, and an infant who died very soon after birth. Sylvester was a soldier during the Civil War, serving with the Federal forces, and later on studied for and became a Methodist clergyman. The maternal grandparents were John and Eliabeth Eckley of Putntm county, whose children were Mary, Jane, Caroline, Ancil and Doretta. John Eckley was also a soldier in the Civil War with the Federal forces.

Immediately after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Burkhart they lived on the farm occupied by Albert M. Burkhart, part of which C. A. owned for five years. He had purchased a farm consisting of one hundred and sixteen acres in Union township before marriage and now makes this place their home. The house was thoroughly remodeled, new barns and outhouses constructed, and everything indicating a certain degree of prosperity. To this couple were born Ivan, on August 7, 1909, and Doris, October 23, 191 1. All of the family are members of the Methodist church and to this Mr. Burkhart is a liberal giver, according to his means. The wife is a woman of genial disposition and has always done her share toward the encouragement of her husband's undertakings.

Before her marriage Mrs. Burkhart taught school. She graduated at the high school of Dupont, Ohio, and also the normal school. She taught school for five years, two years of which were taught in the Kalida schools.

Mr. Burkhart is a supporter of the Democratic party, and has served the community as township trustee. He was also a member of the town council, is not an aspirant for public office in any sense, but as an ofificial has rendered most valuable service to the community. Personally, he is a good business, farmer, highly intelligent, genial, well-informed on current topics, and a man in whom the utmost confidence is reposed by those who know him best. He is now serving as a member of the township school board.

Rev. Henry Gerwert

Putnam county, Ohio, has been the home and the scene of the labors of many men who have not only led lives which serve as a lesson to those who follow them on the stages of life's activities, but who have also been of importance in the service of the moral and civic life of the community. The honored and highly-esteemed Rev. Henry Gerwert is a man of well-rounded character, sincere, devoted and loyal. Standing, as he does today, at the head of one of the most important churches in Putnam county, his labors have long been directed for the amelioration of the people of his community. He is not an old man, but in fact, is comparatively young, and has made rapid progress in ecclesiastical affairs.

Rev. Henry Gerwert was born on October 29, 1881, in Rheinland, Germany, the son of Henry and Katherine (Koehne) Gerwert, where he received his elementary education in the schools of his native land, and then became a student in the University of Bonn, Germany. Later he entered Mt. St. Mary's Seminary at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he studied for one year, completing a course in English. He was ordained to the priesthood in Toledo, August 28, 1908, by the Rt. Rev. Joseph Koudelka, auxiliary bishop of Cleveland, now bishop of the diocese of Superior, Wisconsin. After his ordination, Rev. Henry Gerwert was assigned to the church at Ottoville, Putnam county, where he remained until January 17, 191 4. He was then assigned to St. Nicholas's church, at Miller City, Putnam county, with the mission at Continental, Ohio. A. new school building has been built in connection with the church at Miller City, and is a substantial, one-story brick building and will have been erected largely through the efforts of Father Gerwert. The parish of St. Nicholas comprises about one hundred and thirty families. Father Gerwert is well versed in modern and ancient languages and while in college mastered Italian and French and is the author of many poems. His poetry is characterized by simple beauty and rythmical construction.

Henry Gerwert's brother, John, completed college course in 1914 in Rensselaer, Indiana, and is planning to study medicine in the near future. Henry Gerwert's sister, Catherine, who was also born in Germany, came to America in 1914 and at the present time keeps house for her brother. She is a charming young lady, with many accomplishments.

In his ministrations to the people of Putnam county as pastor and priest, the Rev. Father Gerwert has won for himself a distinct place in the hearts of his parishioners. He is a man who is truly loved and widely admired, both for his devotion and for his learning.

Jacob G. Knepper

The final causes which shape the fortunes of individual men and the destinies of states are often the same. They are usually remote and obscure, their influence wholly unexpected until declared by results. When they inspire men to the exercise of courage, self-denial, enterprise, industry and call into play the higher moral elements ; when they lead men to risk all upon conviction, faith - such causes lead to the planning of great states, great nations, great people. That country is the greatest which produces the most manly man. The intrinsic safety depends not so much upon methods and measures as upon that true manhood from whose deep sources all that is precious and permanent in life must at last proceed. Such a result may not be consciously contemplated by. the individuals instrumental in producing the civilization of a counti-y, pursuing each his personal good by exalted means, they work out this by a logical result. They have wrought on the lines of the greatest good. In reviewing the life of such a person we look back over the pathway he has trod and note its high-water mark of usefulness, its points worthy of emulation and perpetuation. What Jacob G. Knepper, of Gilboa, Putnam county, Ohio, has done for his fellow-men and the com-

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO. gjmunity in general, might in a manner be told in words, but in its far-reaching mfluences cannot be measured. For two generations Jacob G. Knepper has been a power and influence in Gilboa and surrounding country.

Jacob G. Knepper was born on June 14, 1839, in Hancock county, Ohio, seven miles west of Findlay. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Foglesong) Knepper. John Knepper was bom in 1802 in Fairfield county, Ohio; was a son of Jacob Knepper and wife, who were both natives of Germany,' and who emigrated to this country in the early days and settled in Fairfield county. He was a miller by trade, which vocation he followed after coming to America. He owned and operated a grist-mill for a great many years which was located on Walnut Creek, seven miles west of Lancaster. John Knepper was one of twelve children. He remained with his father and assisted m operating the mill until he was thirty-two years of age, when he moved to Hancock county, Ohio, where he entered land from the government m Blanchard township, one mile east of Benton Ridge He moved mto the woods, cleared his land and built a log cabin. Later he entered land m several sections, in all, about six hundred acres. He "was more fortunate than most of the pioneers of those days, as he had some money

When about twenty-one years of age John Knepper married Elizabeth Foglesong m Fairfield county. She was born in October, 1802, and was a daughter of Christian and Susan (Arnold) Foglesong. Her parents came from Maryland m an early day and settled in Fairfield county, Ohio To this union were born nine children, of whom Jacob G. Knepper was the youngest. John Knepper died on June i, 1840, in Hancock county Ohio and m 1845 Mrs. John Knepper married Peter Wise, but there were no children born to this union.

.Jacob G. Knepper received his education in the district schools of Hancock county, Ohio, and was a student for one year at Otterbein Universitv at Westerville, Ohio, and subsequently attended school one year at Findlav

L 'T'"t^ ^' ^°'"' ""''^ '''' °'''^'^^^ °^ *^ Civil War, and in August' 1862 Mr. Knepper enlisted for service in the Union army in Company d' Ninety-nmth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving until July 17'

Schofield in the Army of the Cumberland until Januarv i, 1865, when he was trans erred to the army of the east. He took the boat at Alexandria and landed m North Carolina, where his corps met the army of General Shei-man at the end of its march from Atlanta to the sea. He was finallv mustered out of the service at Salisbury, North Carolina, on June ^6 186. 52 ' ^' and was discharged on July 17, 1865, at Camp Dennison, Ohio. He wastaken prisoner at Stone River, Tennessee, in the fall of 1862, but was held only two hovxrs, when he made his escape to the Union lines. ' He participated in the battles of Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge^ Chickamauga, Resaca, Jonesboro and Kenesaw Mountain, and finally at the battle of Nashville.

After the close of the war Mr. Knepper returned home and worked on his mother's farm, and in March, 1866, was married to Mary E. Foltz, the daughter of Noah and Mary Foltz, who were residents of Eagle township,. Hancock county, Ohio.

After his marriage Mr. Knepper continued to farm the old homestead until August, 1873, when he moved to a farm in the extreme western part of Blanchard township, Hancock county. Here he remained until May, 1897, and during all of this time he was engaged in general farming, and was unusually successful.

He retired from active farm life in May, 1897, ^"d moved to Gilboa,. Putnam county. He became interested in the Gilboa Stone Company in 1900, which connection he retained until 1904. He retained his interests, however, in this company until 1907, in which year Mr. Knepper became a. stockholder in the Gilboa Banking Company and a director of this bank. He was elected president of this bank in January, 1913. He holds this office at the present time.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob G. Knepper are the parents of nine children, namely: Noah W., married Jennie Laub, and they have four children, one of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Noah Knepper died about five or six years after her marriage, and Noah Knepper later married a widow of Marine- City, Michigan, and to this union one daughter has been born. They reside at Marine City. Jennie, the second child of Jacob Knepper, is the wife of Kelly Laub, and they have three children, two daughters and one son, and reside in Findlay; Mary Elizabeth and Ada C. both died in early childhood r Viola is the wife of J. B. Thomas, and they have one daughter and live near- West Cairo, Allen county, Ohio ; Adam M. married Lilly Haddox, and they have four children, one dying in infancy, and reside at Delphos, Ohio; Charles Albert mairied Sylvia Tullis, and are residents of Leipsic, Ohio: Nellie died at the age of eighteen, December 31, 1903; Laura L. is the wife of L. A. Kemerly, and lives at Carey, Ohio; N. Harrison married Stella Buchland, and they have three children, two sons and one daughter.

Mr. Knepper is an ardent Republican, and has always taken an active interest in local political matters. He served as land appraiser in 1890 in

Hancock county, and was also trustee of Blanchard township, that county, for one term, his term of office beginning in 1876. He was appointed postmaster of Gilboa and took this office on April i, 1904, and lield it until July 31, 191 2, a period of eight years. He also served on the town council several terms. Mr. Knepper is a member of Lindsay Post, No. 75, Grand Army of the Republic, and also belongs to Gilboa Lodge, No. 459, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

That Jacob Knepper is a highly respected and influential citizen, is evidenced by the many positions of honor and trust which he has held. He is a man of sterling integrity and a progressive citizen.

Prof. Harry Miles Jay

It is not always easy to define the hidden forces that move a young man to large professional success. Little more can be done than to note the forces and call attention to them. The career of Prof. Harry Miles Jay, the present superintendent of the Kalida public schools, is a striking example of the power of well-defined purpose. Professor Jay has been able to make his ability count in the attainment, not only of his own ambitions, but for the good of his fellow men as well. For several years he has held distinctive prestige m the educational field, which requires for its success particularly strong mentality, rigid discipline of a high order and wide professional training. Although a comparatively young man, Professor Jay has attained a high degree of success and has an excellent standing among the educators of Putnam county, Ohio.

Harry Miles Jay was born in Newton township, Miami county, Ohio, three and one-half miles west of Pleasant Hill, November 4, 1888. He is the son of James and Susana (Miles) Jay, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The Jay family were of English origin and were among the very earliest settlers in Miami county. The paternal grandfather of Professor Jay, who settled on two hundred acres of land in Miami county, which he cleared of the primitive timber. He drained the land and made out of it a productive and fertile farm. His children were Joseph, Jonathan, William, Moses, Martha, and James, the father of Professor Jay. Jonathan became a minister in the Friends church and preached for many years.

The maternal grandparents of Professor Jay were Henry Miles and wife, who were early settlers in Miami county, where they lived on a farm. Their

James Jay, the father of Professor Jay, was educated in the common schools of Miami county, Ohio. He also took a course in the Northern Indiana University at Valparaiso, and, after returning from college, worked on his father's farm. He purchased and cleared forty acres of land in Newton township, in Miami county, before his marriage. After his marriage to Susana Miles he moved to his farm, where he had previously erected a dwelling. He contirfued farming on this place until 1S92, when he died, and was buried in Union cemetery in Miami county. His wife now resides with her son. Professor Jay, at Kalida. James and Susana (Miles) Jay were the parents of six children, Delia, Matilda, Alice, Wade, Russell and Henry. Of these children, Delia married Henry Klopfer, who live on the Red Top farm near Piqua, Miami county, Ohio, and have five children; Matilda maiTied Moses Tucker, of Nebraska, and they live in Idaho, where they moved in 191 3, from Nebraska, and they have six children; Wade married Clara Agnes, and they live near Covington, in Miami county, and have two children ;, Russell married Rosa Good and is the pastor of the First Christian church at Elkhart, Indiana. He was educated at Defiance College and took the four years' academic course. Fle also took a four years' theological course at Defiance. Harry Miles Jay was educated first in rlistrict No. 7, Newton township, Miami county, Ohio, and was graduated from the county schools in 1904. He then attended the Pleasant Hill high school for four years and was graduated in T907. After that he took a collegiate course in Defiance College and was graduated in 191 1, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After this, he took a post-graduate course of one year, taking the degree of Master of Arts.

Professor Jay was married on January i, 1914, to Mabel Adams, of Defiance, Ohio, the daugher of John and Phoebe (Rettig) Adams, who were the parents of the following children; Irving, Lester, Mabel, Grace and Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. John Adams are still living in Defiance. Mr. Adams is a machinist.

After their marriage. Professor and Mrs. Jay moved to Kalida, Ohio. He had accepted a position as principal of the Kalida high school and served for two years, from 191 1 to 191 3. During 191 3 and 19 14 he was superintendent of the Kalida schools, and from 1914 to the present time he has served as district superintendent of supervision No. 8, Putnam county, Ohio. To Henry Miles and Mabel (Adams) Jay have been born one child, John Adams, tie was born on October 26, 1914.

at Ottawa. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Professor Jay is a master of the Masonic lodge No. 280 at Kalida. He is generally regarded as a man of high professional attainments, is a man of pleasing disposition and of splendid executive ability. He has advanced steadily in the educational sphere of this county and has filled several positions with great credit.

J. August Smith

The object of a work of this character is not so much to portray the virtues of the present generation as to preserve for posterity the family records upon which, in succeeding generations, a proper degree of family unity may be based and maintained. The compilation of the records herein presented, and in which the leading familes of Putnam county have taken so large and so commendable a degree of interest, is not only valuable as a source of information to the present generation in this county, but will be the object of deepest gratitude on the part of generations yet unborn, for here are arrayed facts of family history, which, without being thus assembled and preserved, inevitably would have been lost, at least in a large part, to the very great deprivation of that sense of family unity, so properly prideful a quality in human kind. Among the old families in Putnam county which have been properly aroused to the value of this form of preservation of family records, the family of L. Jacob Smith is entitled to special mention, for in this volume of biography five of Mr. Smith's sons have modestly sought to preserve the data upon which their families are founded, for the benefit of posterity, a most commendable ambition and one worthy of the widest emulation. In the biographical sketch relating to the eldest brother of this family, Frank Smith, presented elsewhere in this volume, the genealogy of the family is set out at length, and it will be sufficient, in this connection, to deal in a merely introductory fashion with that feature of the biography of the gentleman whose name is noted above.

J. August Smith was born on a farm near the town of Kalida, in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, May 13, 1882, the son of L. Tacob and Florentine (Verhofif) Smith, both of whom were members of old and prominent families in this county. J. August Smith was reared on the paternal farm and received his early education in the excellent schools of Union township He remained on his father's farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began working the farm of his brother-in-law, Joseph Kahle, where he re- mained four years, at the end of which time he bought ninety-three acres of land in sections 20 and 21, in Union township, a portion of the Frank Kahle estate, and moved upon this farm after his marriage, in 1908, and has lived there ever, since, firmly establishing himself as one of the leading young farmers of that part of the county, his progressive and up-to-date methods of farming having insured his success in his chosen calling.

On May 6, 1908, J. August Smith was united in marriage to Leonora Annesser, daughter of William and Theresa (Myers) Annesser, who lived at that time in Union township, but who later moved to a farm in the province of Ontario, Canada, where they now reside. Mrs. Smith is the eldest of the six surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Annesser, the others being John, Wilhelmina, Anna, Helena and Alice.

To J. August and Leonora (Annesser) Smith have been born three children, as follow: Harry, on January 10, 191 1; George, May 28, 1913, now deceased, and Gerald, February 25, 1915.

J. August Smith and wife are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, and are warmly interested in the good works of that parish, Mr. Smith being one of the trustees of the local branch of the Catholic Knights of Ohio. He likewise is interested in all other good works in the community, and is, as well, interested in the general public welfare, being an earnest promoter of public improvements of a general character. He is one of the directors of construction of the Mutual Telephone Company, at Kalida.

J. August Smith is a substantial young farmer and he and his wife are deservedly popular in their large circle of acquaintances, their unvarying courtesy and gentle qualities making them favorites with all

William Smith

Elsewhere in this volume of biography of the important citizens of Putnam county, there is presented at some length the genealogy of the Smith family, so long and so' well known in the Kalida neighborhood in Union township, this county, the fourth generation of which in this section of the state is now doing well its part in the development of the best interests of that excellent community, following nobly the admirable example of social and civic worth set by the forbears of that family in this county. So admirable has been the spirit uniformly displayed by the members of this family in its attitude toward the communal interests, that it is a pleasure to present here another sketch relating to one of the present-day active members of the family, and to this end the biogra:pher asks the reader's attention to the following brief review of the life of the gentleman whose name appears above.

William Smith, one of the sons of L. Jacob and Florentine (Verhoff) Smith, was born on the paternal homestead near Kalida, in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, October 28, 1879, ^I'^d has lived all his life in that neighborhood, occupying today the position of one of the leading men in that community, as were his father and his grand fa,ther before him. Though the local readers of this biography need no introduction to the Smith family in Union township, it may be said, in passing here, that further details of the genealogy of William Smith may be found in the sketch pertaining to bis elder brother, Frank Smith, presented elsewhere in this volume, which traces the family descent from the first of that line to locate in this section. The genealogy of the Verhoff family, the family of Mr. Smith's mother, may be found in the sketch relating to Theodore Verhoff, of Greensburg township, her brother, elsewhere in this volume.

William Smith was reared on the paternal farm in Union township, the same on which his brother, Frank, now resides, and received his early education in the schools of that neighborhood, the period of his young manhood being spent on the home farm. For six years previous to his marriage, he worked on the farms of others in the neighborhood, the labors of the home farm not requiring the services of all the stalwart sons of the proprietor, but after his marriage, in 1909, he moved to the farm of eighty acres on which he now lives in Union township, he having previously bought this place in anticipation of marriage and the establishment of a new home. He moved the house in which he now lives to its present location, it having stood a short distance to the north at the time he bought the place. In many ways he has improved this place and has brought it up to a high standard of cultivation, making it a productive and attractive farm. Mr. Smith is an intelligent and industrious young farmer and is contemplating numerous other improvements to his already well-ordered place In addition to his own farm of eighty acres, Mr. Smith works a tract of twenty-three acres adjoining, which belongs to his father, the venerable L. Jacob Smith, who is living a life of pleasant retirement in Kalida, where he established a comfortable home some years ago upon coming to the decision to retire and enjoy the fruits of a long life of honorable activity.

On October 20, 1909, William Smith was united in marriage to Clara Rampe, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Doepker) Rampe, members of one of the olde.st and best-known families in Putnam county, frequent refer- ence to which family is made in this volume, both of whom were born in the Glandorf neighborhood, where Mr. Smith's bride grew to womanhood. Mr. and Mrs. Rampe some years ago retired from the farm on which they had so long resided and are now living in retirement in the town of Kalida, this county, where they have the esteem of all who know them. They are the parents of five children, three sons and three daughters, the others being Frank, Hubert, Anna, Ella and Clark.

To William and Clara (Rampe) Smith four children have been born, as follow: Louise, August 30, 1910; Rudolph, April 14, 1912; Edwin, December 15, 1913, and Stephen, March 10, 1915, a most interesting little family which makes the Smith home a continuous scene of merriment and joy.

William Smith and wife are members of the St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, in the various beneficences of which they are earnestly interested, and xMr. Smith is a member of the St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, m the affairs of which he takes a warm interest, being one of the most generous contributors to the general work of the parish. The Smith famili^ in that section of the county, are all interested in the good works of the community in which they live. ' With an honorable ancestry back of them it is not unnatural that they should possess a pardonable degree of family pride and It is gratifying to note that this commendable regard for family and a proper desire to perpetuate the family records has prompted five of the sons of L. Jacob Smith to furnish data to the present biographer upon which to construct biographical sketches for this valuable history of the prominent citizens of Putnam county, an instance of family consideration which their descendants will appreciate greatly in the years to come and for which generations yet unborn will thank them.

Anthony Smith

Pride of family is one of the most commendable of human virtues. "Rely upon it that the man who does not worthily estimate his own dead forefathers will himself do very little to add credit or do honor to his country " This quotation, from William E. Gladstone, touches at the very heart of the matter. The desire, therefore, on the part of so many of the prominent citizens of Putnam county to preserve family records in this volume bespeaks a very high degree of patriotism as well as the most justifiable pride of family and the community at large cannot but be bettered and strengthened by this display of patriotism, this interesting manifestation of a general desire on the part of well-thinking people to create a closer degree of family unity and to preserve for the coming generations invaluable family data that inevitably would be lost without this or some similar form of preservation. The readers of this volume will notice with interest that the five sons of L. Jacob Smith have very properly availed themselves of this general medium as a means of handing down to their posterity in orderly array the data upon which to base a family unity that will be a source of pride of the most commendable sort to generations yet to come. Frank, William, Hubert, August and Anthony Smith have furnished to the biographer data relating to their immediate families and it is a pleasure here to present the biography of the last named, the others being found on other pages in this volume. In the biography of Frank Smith, the eldest son of L. Jacob and Florentine (Verhoff) Smith, there is presented at length the genealogy of the paternal branch of this family in Putnam county, while elsewhere the Verhoff side finds equally interesting presentation under the head of Theodore Verhofif, of Greensburg township, brother of the mother of the Smith brothers.

Anthony Smith, son of L. Jacob and Florentine (Verhofif) Smith, was born on a farm near the town of Kjalida, Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, on April 17, 1885, and grew to manhood on the parental farm, receiving his education in the excellent schools of that township. He remained on his father's home place until his marriage, in 191 1, after which he bought fifty acres of his father's farm and established a home for himself. He erected the buildings now standing upon this place and has otherwise improved the same, bringing the farm to a high state of cultivation. He has but recently built a substantial addition to his house and now has one of the most comfortable and delightful homes in that part of the county. He is a young farmer of the progressive type to which Putnam county is beginning to owe so much and in his methods follows up-to-date principles of farming, assuring for himself a degree of success which is most gratifying to his friends.

On May 3, 191 1, Anthony Smith was united in marriage to Magdalena Schroeder, daughter of William and Anna (Rieman) Schroeder, both of whom were born in Greensburg township, this county, and who were the parents of ten children, Katherine, Henry, Clara, May, Nora, Magdalena Francis, Caroline, Elizabeth and Laura. Of these Katherine married w' Schierloh and lives in Greensburg township, this county; Henry married Theresa Verhoff and also lives in Greensburg township; Clara married William Verhoff and lives in Union township; Mary married Ignatius Verhoff and is now a widow, and Flora married Frank Verhoff and lives in Greensburg township. Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder are still living on their farm in -Greensburg township and enjoy the highest esteem of all who know them.

The paternal grandparents of ancestry of subject's wife, Magdalena .Schroeder, wife of Anthony Smith, Henry and Catherine (Hohenbrink) Schroeder, who were natives of Germany and came to this country and located near Glandorf, Putnam county. They were the parents of the following children: John, Mary, William, Charles, Anna, Theresa, Mathias, Clara, Doratha, Ignatius, Catherine, Philomena and Frank. Her maternal grandparents were John and Clara (Mahinne) Rieman. who also were natives of Germany, and came to this country, where they settled near Glandorf, in Putnam county. They had the following children: Frank, Mary, John, Bernadina, Henry, Bernard, Anna, Charles and Ignatius.

To Anthony and Magdalena (Schroeder) Smith two children have been .born: Gilber, on July lo, 1912, and Edward, May 16, 1914. Anthony Smith and wife are devoted members of St. Michael's Catholic church and have submitted their children to the ordinances of that historic communion. Mr. Smith is a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio and of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society and is otherwise active in the work of the parish, being regarded as an energetic exponent of all measures which have to do with the _good of the community at large, one of the leading citizens of that part of -the county.

William Washington Schafer

Among the many able, intelligent, substantial and successful farmers of <ierman birth or descent, who have added so much to the material wealth of Putnam county, none is more worthily entitled to mention in this volume -of biography, than William Washington Schafer, who was born in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, on December 17, 1869, the son of. William -and Mary (Morris) Schafer, the former of whom was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, the son of Philip Jacob and Elizabeth Schafer, and the latter whom was born in Allen county, Ohio, the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Weaver) Morris, pioneers of that section of the state.

William Schafer, the elder, was bereft of his father when he was a child and his mother married, secondly, Jacob Huffman, in company with whom she and her two sons, William and Michael, came to America, proceedin<^ to Putnam county, Ohio, where they settled on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Sugar Creek township, where Wilham grew to manhood. He helped clear this land and rapidly adjusted himself to the conditions which him in his adopted country. At the age of twenty-five he married and for a short time thereafter lived in Allen county, later returning to Putnam county, where he bought a tract of eighty acres in Palmer township, to which was added an equal tract his wife had received from her father. This farm of one hundred and sixty acres, he cleared and improved by the erection of a good type of buildings and soon brought to a high state of cultivation, iipon which he made many improvements, chief among which was the erection of many buildings of modern type. He later sold a portion of this land, which became the town site for the village of North Creek and later became one of the most substantial and influential residents of that part of the county. For a period of thirty-six years, continuously, William Schafer served his township in the capacity of justice of the peace, his magisterial rulings very rarely being appealed, and in that time did very much toward bringing to a proper state of social and economic development the community to which he became so devotedly attached and in which he was held in the very highest regard by all his neighbors. He had also given good service to the public in other local ofTices. William Schafer was a member of the German Lutheran while his wife was aij adherent of the Primitive Baptist faith.

William W. Schafer married Mary Morris, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Weaver) Morris, early settlers in Allen county, this state, Henry Morris having been one of the first judges of the circuit comprised in the counties of Allen and Putnam, the court in this county at that time being held in the town of Kalida. Judge Morris was a Democrat and was a man of large influence in the counsels of his- party in this section of the state. As a judge, he attained a reputation for fairness and justice which is not forgotten to this and in all things was a high, honorable and upright gentleman who did well his part in the upbuilding of the community in which his good influence was so widely exerted. Not only was he, widely known for his judicial qualities, but he was equally well known throughout this section as a minister of the gospel, holding to the Baptist faith and for many years occupied the pulpit the Baptist church at Vaughnsville, his sermons being noted for their great earnestness and power. The home of the Morrises was in Allen county. To Henry and Margaret (Weaver) Morris were born nine children, George, Elizabeth, Joseph, Henry, John, Sarah, Lavina, Mary Ellen and Katherine.

To William and Mary (Morris) Schafer were born twelve children, all of whom are living save the 'last born, Surilda May, the others being Henry Philip, John Sylvester, Mary Catherine, William Washington, George Lewis,

Charles Clifford, Sarah Elizabeth. Mary Emmaline, Ida Lavina, Benjamin Frankhn and Joseph Jefferson. The parents of these children are both dead, the death of the mother having occurred in October, 1902, and that of the father on January i, 1904. Michael Schafer, brother of William, served his adopted country faithfully and well during the Civil War, as a member of an Ohio regiment and at the close of the war he engaged in farming in Putnam county and later located at Delphos, this state, where he spent the rest of his life.

William Washington Schafer was reared on his father's farm, in Palmer township and received his early education in the North Creek school. During his young manhood he worked on his father's farm, but following his marriage, at the age of twenty-f^ve years, he moved to Defiance county, Ohio where he bought a farm of forty acres in Highland township and later twenty-eight more acres adjoining in Putnam county, and there he lived for thirteen years, at the end of which time he returned to Putnam county and bought the farm on which he is now living in Greensburg township. This place originally consisted of eighty acres, which now gives him one of the most compact and highly developed farms in his part of the countv. On this farm he has erected splendid buildings, a beautiful dwelling house and a large and admirably-appointed barn, with outbuildings of all kinds to match, making his farm one of the best appearing places in the county. His house is one of the best equipped, in point of domestic convenience, in the neighborhood and his barn is supplied with all the modern devices for the efficient management of a successful farm.

On October 4, 1894, Mr. Schafer was united in marriage to Luta Gertrude Pilcher, the daughter of William and Mary (Wingate) Pilcher, well known residents of Monroe township, this county. William Pilcher and wife were both natives of England, who came to America, proceeding to Ohio, in which state they were married. After their marriage they lived for a time at Findlay and at Belmore, Ohio, and then came to Putnam county, locating in Monroe township, where they are still living. They are the parents of nine children, Reuben; Milton; Clara; Stephen; Nellie; Frank, deceased; Edward- Luta and Etta. '

To William Washington and Luta Gertrude (Pilcher) Schafer have been born seven children, all of whom are at home, as follow : Clarence Frederick, on August 21, 1895; NeHie Viola, June 14, 1897; Gladys Caroline January 17, 1899; Lavma May, April 24, 1901 ; William Glenn, February 5 1904; Blanche Gertrude, May 19, 1906, and Mary Frances, September'24 1909; an interesting family who contribute very largely to the social activities of their neighborhood, in which all are very popular and held in the highest esteem by their large circle of acquaintances. William W. Schafer and wife hold to the Baptist church, but are not actiA'e members. They are deeply interested in all movements designed to elevate the standards of citizenship in their community and are very properly regarded as among the leaders in the good works of that part of. the county, a most estimable couple who have done and are doing well their part in the development of the neighborhood's best interests.

Hubert Smith

Elsewhere in this valuable work of biographical reference, mention is made of the value of the services to this commonwealth of the Smith family, descendants of one of the best-known German emigrants of the early days of Putnam county. That reference is contained in the interesting biographical sketch of Frank J. Smith, elder brother of the subject of this sketch, and It is a pleasure for the biographer here to present some additional facts relating to this family in connection with this sketch of the life of Hubert Smith, one of the best-known and most progressive farmers of Greensburg township.

Hubert Smith was born in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, January 26, 1875, the son of L. Jacob and Florentine (Verhoff) Sm'ith, the genealogy of the former of whom will be found by the reader in the sketch of Frank J. Smith, above referred to, and the genealogy of the latter of whom will be found contained in the sketch presented elsewhere under the head of Theodore Verhofif, of Greensburg township, a brother of Mr. Smith's mother. Hubert Smith was reared on the paternal farm in Union township and received his education in the township schools. He remained on his father's farm until his marriage, after which he moved upon his present farm of two hundred and eighty acres, in Greensburg township, which he purchased, and where he has ever since made his home, being today reckoned as among the leading farmers of that section of the county. Since buying this farm, Mr. Smith has greatly enlarged upon its improvements, erecting all the buildings now standing upon it, and which are of a very high class, his home in particular, being one of the models of that neighborhood. In all its appointments, his farm is kept up to the highest standard of modern agriculture, the surroundings are neat and orderly and the general air of the place speaks loudly of the systematic methods and precision of the owner.

On November 7, 1900, Hubert Smith was united in marriage to Amelia Kahle, the daughter of Frank and Bernadina Kahle, one of the old families, of Putnam county, whose genealogy is set out in the biographical sketch of Frank Kahle, of Greensburg township, presented elsewhere in this volume.

To Hubert and Amelia (Kahle) Smith have been born eight children, as follow: Wilfred, on December 26, igoi ; Bertha, September 15, 1903; Joseph, August 29, 1905; Leo, November 5, 1907; Alfred, May 21, 1909; Ignatius, February 5, 191 1, and Peter and Paul, twins, April 19, 1914.

Hubert Smith and wife are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, in the affairs of which parish they are warmly interested and to which they are deeply devoted, and they are rearing their children, in the same faith. Mr. Smith is a member of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society and takes an active part in the affairs of that beneficent organization. He is a Democrat and gives a good citizen's attention to political affairs, being much interested in all matters relating to good government. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are very popular in the wide social set in which they move in the Kalida neighborhood, and are very properly regarded as among the leaders in the life of that community. He is a man of advanced ideas in the science of agriculture and is known as an intelligent, business-like farmer, who is making a fine success of his life's work. In addition to general farming in which he engages, he has given considerable attention to the raising of blooded stock, his choice Hereford cattle and thoroughbred Belgian horses have something more than a local reputation.

Theodore Henry Ruhe

Theodore H. Ruhe is a well-known and popular young farmer of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. Here his labors have been performed and here he is well known as a man of keen perceptive faculties, unusually soundjudgment and upright dealings with all of his neighbors and fellow citizens, and his name today stands high on the roll of the meritorious young men and farmers of Putnam county.

Theodore Henry Ruhe was born on March 8, 1886, in Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is a son of Anthony and Sophia (Henken) Ruhe. Anthony Ruhe was born in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, February 28, 1857, and is a son of Joseish and Mary Anna (Wittkamp) Ruhe, both of whom were natives of Germany and were bom in about the same locality, where they grew to maturity and were married. They emigrated to the United States in an early day and iirst settled on forty acres of land situated about three miles south of Glandorf, Putnam county. Joseph Ruhe accumulated about one hundred and sixty acres of land in the county, and was a substantial citizen of his community. He assisted in building the Miami and Erie canal, and in this way helped to pay for his land. His death occurred on December 28, 1879, at the age of sixty-seven years, after having a useful and industrious life. His death occurred suddenly, while he was attending divine service in the Catholic church at Glandorf, where he was a member. His widow survived him some years, and died on the homestead farm during September, 1896. They were the parents of the following children: Barney, of Liberty township; Mrs. Thresia Hinken, of Covington, Kentucky; Mrs. Josephine Knueve, deceased; Henry, who lives on the homestead farm; Mrs. Catherine Werketter, of Williams county, Ohio; Anthony, Joseph and Theodore. Anthony Ruhe was married at the age of twenty-three, on November 24, 1881, to Sophia Henken, the daughter of Christopher and Mary Angeline (Obke) Henken,. both of whom were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Ruhe were the parents of the following children : Frank, who married Elizabeth Kleman, of Liberty township; George, who married Frances Hovest, and lives in Pleasant township; Theodore, who is the immediate subject of this sketch; Otto Frederick and Philomina, living with their parents. A complete history of the Ruhe family is found elsewhere in this volume in the sketch of Anthony Ruhe.

Theodore Henry Ruhe was educated in the township schools of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio, and he was also a student in the Ottawa township school. Lie grew up on his father's farm and was reared to the life of a farmer. He remained at home until his marriage, January 19, 1910, to Lucy Meyer, the daughter of Henry and Catherine (Ellerbrock) Meyer. Mrs. Ruhe's parental history appears elsewhere in this volume in the sketch of Charles Ellerbrock. Theodore H. and Lucy (Meyer) Ruhe are the parents of three children. Urban, born on November 6, 1910; Alvin, September 28, 1912, and Norma, October 3, 1914.

Theodore H. Ruhe removed to his ipre&ent farm in .section- 24, of Palmer township, north of Miller City, c'ifterhis marriage in 1910. The land was cleared and improved when he mo>s4 herje, and the residence and barn had already been built. Mr. Ruhe has aiMed several other outbuildings and made additional improvements, so that his farm is now well-equipped for general -farming and stock raising. He farms eighty acres of a hundred- acre tract which was deeded to him by his father. The remaining twenty acres is operated by his brother, Frank, of Liberty township, this county.

Theodore Henry Ruhe is a Democrat in politics, but so far has not taken any active part in political affairs. Ruhe and wife are devout members of St. Nicholas's Catholic church, of Miller City, where Mrs. Ruhe belongs to the Mother's Aid Society of her church. Mr. Ruhe is a congenial young farmer, a hard worker and concentrates himself upon his farm duties. He bears a high reputation in this community, and is devoted to his home, his wife and his family, and they are all very happy. He has every reason to look forward to a bright and promising future.

John Frederick Kimmerle

The business men of any community are those upon whom the community is largely dependent for its prosperity and progress. If these men happen to be progressive, alert and wide-awake, then the community is very likely to prosper. The late John Frederick Kimmerle, during his lifetime, had, perhaps, as much to do with the prosperity and progress of this section of Putnam county as any other man in the township. For many years he was actively identiiied with its business life in several capacities. Mr. Kimmerle first made a success of the hotel business, and after that was engaged successfully for many years in the mercantile business. In the meantime he had acquired considerable farm property, and was a wealthy man at the time of his death. The late John Frederick Kimmerle, throughout his entire business career, was a man who never sacrificed principles for dollars. He believed in public improvement, and gave what aid he could toward the civic advancement of his native township. He was a man whose loss was keenly felt by the people of Union township, with whom he was so vitally connected -for so many years.

John Frederick Kimmerle was born on January 18, 1856, in New California, Union county, Ohio. He was a son of John F. and Anna B. (Dittus) Kimmerle, both of whom were bom in Germany.

John F. Kimmerle was married first in Germany. His wife died there, leaving one child, Catherine. After her death John F. Kimmerle embarked for America, and while en route met Anna Dittus, a passenger. She volunteered to assist in caring for the child. From this acquaintance sprang up a mutual attachment, which resulted in their marriage when they landed in this country. They came to Union county, Ohio, where they settled in New California. He became a farmer. John F. and Anna (Dittus) Kimmerle had several children, as follow : Louise, Mary, Amalia, Urica, Marion, Gottlieb and J. 'Frederick, deceased. Subsequently the parents of these children moved to Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, and settled on a farm. There they lived until their death. They were members of the German Lutheran church.

The late John Frederick Kimmerle attended school in Putnam county, Ohio, and worked on a farm. Early in life, in partnership with Henry Rower, he engaged in the manufacture of tile. They established this business at Ottoville. He then sold out and engaged in the hotel business at Kalida.

Mr. Kimmerle was married on February 6, 1887, to Mary Parsell, the daughter of John and Charity (Eyer) Parsell. Charity (Eyer) Parsell', the mother of Mrs. Kimmerle, was born on February 14, 1836, in Fairfield county, Ohio. She was the daughter of John and Abigail Eyer. John and Abigail Eyer were born in Pennsylvania and were married in that state. John Eyer had previously married a Miss McLaughlin, and by that marriage there were four children, Adesta, Mary, Levina and a son William, who died young. After his second marriage John Eyer and wife came to Fairfield county, Ohio, and settled there. Fie worked at the carpenter trade, and also did some farming. He and his family moved to Union township' Putnam county, Ohio, about 1853, and settled on a farm. The children by his second marriage were : Charity, the mother of Mrs. Kimmerle, Cyrus and Jacob. Of the children of John Eyer, Augusta married William Hamilton of Fairfield county. Later they moved to Putnam county and lived first in Jackson and then in Union township. Both are deceased; Mary married John Piercey, who lived in Willshire, Van Wert countv, until their death- Lavma was first married to Joshua Algire. Her second husband was William Dicus, deceased. She still lives in Jackson township, in Putnam county Chanty married John Parsell. They were the parents of Mrs Kimmerle- Cyrus married Elizabeth Jeery. They live on a farm in Union township '- Jacob married Edna Beech. They are still living in Kalida. Jacob served in the Qvil War m the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted at Kalida in Company H, and was mustered out at Salisbury, North Carolina. He served, with commendable valor for three years under General Scofield, and participated in a number of battles John and Abigail Eyer died in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio. They

John Parsell, father of Mrs. John Frederick Kimmerle, was born in Lincoln, Ohio, December i, 1833, and died on July 22, 1901. When twentyfive years of age he came to Putnam county. He learned the carpenter trade in Lincoln county, and also farmed in that county. He worked at the carpenter trade in Putnam county, and was married in i860 to Charity Eyer. He was also a soldier in the Civil War, having served in Company H, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served under Colonel Mott and Captain Moore. After he returned from the war he worked as a carpenter until his death. His children were Margaret,. Mary, Sarah, Vinnie and John. Of these children Margaret married J. B. Stauffer, and lives at Kalida ; Sarah married George Claypool. They live in Eindlay, Ohio ; Vinnie married Fred Buck and lives in Toledo ; John married Lillian Vinning and they live at St. Marys, Ohio ; John Parsell, the father of these children, died on July 22, 1901. His wife died on March 2, 1905. They belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

After his marriage the late John Frederick Kimmerle engaged in the hotel business for three years, and then engaged in the general mercantile business at Kalida, one of the largest, in fact, in Putnam county. He and other associates founded the Peoples Bank at Kalida, now the only bank in this town. He founded the First National Bank at Kalida in 1904. A short time prior to his death he bought a general mercantile store in Cygnet, Ohio. He and his family moved there to take charge of it. Shortly after his arrival he became ill and went to Kramer, Indiana, for treatment. Realizing that he could receive no benefit from this treatment, he started home and got as far as Fort Jennings, Ohio, where he died, surrounded by his family.

The late John Frederick Kimmerle was the first president of the Peoples Bank at Kalida and the first president of the First National Bank at Kalida. He was also a stockholder in the Kalida Elevator Company.

To Mr. and Mrs. John Frederick Kimmerle five children were born, one son, the first child, died in infancy; Valarie, born on December 26, 1890,' died in 1891 ; Frederick, born on March 19, 1893 ; Leonore, born on December 9, 1895, and Lula was born on July 23, 1898.

Mr. Kimmerle built and owned a business in Kalida in 1904. He also built a residence in Kalida, where the family now lives. Aside from this, Mr. Kimmerle possessed considerable other property, including three hun- dred and fifty-four acres of farm land. He obtained the greatest part of his wealth after his marriage, and his phenomenal success was due largely through the co-operation of his wife, who was a woman of keen foresight and a faithful heplmate during her husband's life.

Mr. Kimmerle belonged to the Improved Order of Red Men, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Kimmerle is a member of the Daughters of Rebekah and the Daughters of Pocahontas. Mr. Kimmerle belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. His son, Frederick, is a member of the Odd Fellows, and owns a large farm in Jackson township, Putnam county. The family is active in social affairs in this community and is highly respected.

Henry Wing

Perhaps the best known citizen of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, is Henry Wing, who, with the exception of four years, has served continuously as postmaster of Miller City since 1889, a period of twenty-six years, twenty-two years of which Mr. Wing has filled this office. Of late years, Mr. Wing has been connected with the telephone exchange at Miller City. The federal government is very exacting of its public servants, and especially of postmasters, and it is a matter of great credit to Mr. Wing that he has held this office for so long a period. Perhaps it is the best testimonial that might he offered in support of his integrity, his business ability and his ability to please the patrons of this office.

Henry Wing was born on June 8, 1851, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Jarvis and Sarah (Dangler) Wing, the latter of whom was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, the former of whom was born in Montgomery county, near Dayton.

The paternal grandparents of Henry Wing were Henry and Elnore (Frazee) Wing, the former of whom was born in Rockingham, Vermont, and the latter of whom was born in Pennsylvania. After their marriage 'they moved to Montgomery county, Ohio, and remained there for some time Later, they moved to Putnam county, Ohio. This was about 1825, and at this time' they settled in Greensburg township, on the Blanchard river. Henry Wmg, Sr., first settled on the south side of the river, but later moved to the north side. He entered twenty-five acres of government land and erected primitive buildings. He cleared the land of the heavy timber and was killed m 1843 while working on the road being constructed between Ottawa and

Defiance. He was survived by his wife and the following children: Jarvis, Oliver, Rhoda, Henry, Elnora, Jane, Austin, Pauline, Cleopatra and Francis M. Of these children Henry, Austin and Frank served during the Civil War, in Ohio regiments. Austin served in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry for four years. Henry served three months. P'rank was captured at Harpers Ferry, but was later paroled. Austin was captured at Murfreesboro and confined one month at Salisbury, North Carolina. The mother of these children died on the farm in Greensburg township.

Jarvis AVing was educated in the Greensburg township schools and before his marriage worked on his father's farm. After his marriage he continued to live on the homestead farm, which he had increased to two hundred and twenty-five acres. His father had purchased two hundred acres before his death, and Jarvis Wing bought this entire at the administrator's sale. Jarvis Wing was married to Sarah Dangler, daughter of John and Barbara (Kaylor) Dangler. John and Barbara (Kaylor) Dangler came from Pennsylvania after their marriage and settled in Greensburg township, bringing their family with them. Henry Wing's mother was but six years old when she came with her parents to Putnam county. The children of John and Barbara (Kaylor) Dangler were Jacob, John, Jr., George, Elizabeth, Catherine, Sarah and Henry. Both of these parents died in Greensburg township. During his life time Jarvis Wing worked on his farm in Greensburg township. To Jarvis and Sarah (Dangler) Wing were born the following children: Henry, the subject of this sketch ; Barbara, deceased ; Ellen, deceased ; John ; Charles, deceased : Oliver, and two who died in infancy. Jarvis Wing died in Palmer township and his wife died in Topeka, Ohio.

Henry Wing was educated in Greensburg township. During his early life he lived on the home farm. He was married on February 3, 1871, to Adelia Carver, daughter of William and Mariah (Kibby) Carver, of Lorraine count}', Ohio. William Carver served in an Ohio regiment during the Civil War and was killed in the battle of Gettysburg at Gulp's Hill. William Carver and wife were the parents of three children, Elizabeth, Nora and Adelia, the wife of Mr. Wing.

Before his marriage, Mr. Wing went to Florida and was there engaged in farming. He was married in Florida and continued to live there for seven years. He then moved to Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and engaged in farming for ten years. He then went into the saw-mill business and continued in this for some time. Mr. Wing was appointed postmaster of Miller City in 1889 and served continuously ever since with the exception of four years. He also has had charge of the telephone exchange at Miller City for the past sixteen years.

To Henry and Adelia (Carver) Wing have been born the foUowing children: Nellie, Elizabeth, Lunette, Charles, Fred, Almeda, Edgar, Harold and Florence. Of these children, Nellie married William Binkley, and they live in Scott, Ohio ; Lunette married L. B. Hoyt, and they have two children ; Elizabeth married A. L. Harmon, and they live in San Francisco, California, and have one child ; Charles is in the navy, where he has served twelve years on the batdeship "New Jersey"; Fred married Elizabeth Frankhart, and they live in Bellevue, Ohio ; Almeda married Al Jones, and they live in Cleveland, and have three children; Edgar, Llarold and Florence are still attending school.

It is a matter of some interest that Henry Wing, Sr., the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, helped to survey Putnam county, assisting the government surveyor. Captain Riley, after whom Riley township was named. It is apparent that the Wing family have been identified with the history of Putnam county for many years, not only from this fact, but from the fact that Jarvis Wing, the father of Henry Wing, was brought to Putnam county when he was only six weeks old. Flenry Wing is entitled to rank as a representative citizen of Putnam county and one who has had very much to do with its progress and growth.

Charles C. Borman

Among the successful business men of his community, the subject of this review has had much to do in advancing the material interests of Putnam county, Ohio, and making it one of the important commercial centers of this section of the state. The study of such a life cannot fail of interest and incentive, for Mr. Borman is not only a distinctive representative of the banking business, but he has established a reputation for integrity and honor. He is now actively identified with the Peoples Banking Company of Kalida! as cashier, and is numbered among the substantial and worthy citizens of his community. None more than he deserves representation in a work of this character.

in the German army, coming to America when about twenty-five years of age and settling in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here he started a livery business and later a restaurant. Valentine Borman was married first to Johanna Abele, and two children were born to this marriage. After the death of his first wife, he was again married to Julianna Geringer, a daughter of Anthony and Mary Ursula (Schwertzel) Gieringer. He continued to live in Cincinnati, Ohio, and seventeen years after his second marriage he .moved to Glendorf', Ohio! Here he served as postmaster. Later, he moved to Coldwater, Ohio,' where he lived until his death, April 15, 1906. His wife, Julianna (Gieringer) Borman, died on April 23, 1915. By his second marriage, six children were born, Addie, Anna Julia, Alvin, Charles, the subject of this sketch, and William. Anna married Joseph Witthwarn, who is now decease'd, and his widow lives at Aurora, Illinois; Alvin married Gertrine Unverferth, and they live in Dayton, Ohio; Julia married Ben Nienberg, and they li've at Glandorf, Ohio; William married Nora Fox and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio; Alvin served in the Spanish-American War, having enlisted in the Seventh United States Cavalry. He was in the battle of San Juan Hill.

Charles C. Borman, the subject of this sketch, left Cincinnati, Ohio, with his parents, at the age of ten years, coming to Glandorf, Ohio. Here he grew up, attending the schools of Glandorf and the Ottawa Normal School, in which he taught school for one summer. Mr. Borman also attended the Davis Business College at Toledo, Ohio, and after that, taught school for seven years, at New Cleveland, in Liberty township. He was superintendent of the schools at Miller City, in Palmer township, Putnam county, and was cashier in the bank at Coldwater, Ohio, for seven years. He sold out his banking interest to his brother, and, subsequently, entered the employ of the Butter Tub Company. He was with this company for one and one-half years, when he came to Kalida, Ohio, as the cashier of the Peoples Banking Company. This was in July, 191 1. Since that time Mr. Borman has been active in the affairs of this bank. The Peoples Banking Company of Kalida does a remarkable business in this community, and not the least of the credit for this business is due to the energy, good judgment and management of Charles C. Borman.

Mr. Borman is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Wapakoneta, Ohio. He is a Democrat. He was corporation clerk at Glandorf at the age of twenty-one, and is now township treasurer at Kahda, Ohio, which is situated in Union township. Mr. Borman has held other minor offices, among which is that of councilman. He takes an active interest in the affairs of his party. Mr. Borman is a member of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida.

Charles C. Borman is well known for his democratic habits and is much admired for his sincerity and honesty of purpose. He is level-headed and well-informed on all matters pertaining to the banking business. He bears a high reputation in this community and is a representative citizen and thoroughly entitled to reputation in this volume.

August G. Verhoff

There are individuals in nearly every community who, by reason of pronounced ability and force of character, rise above the heads of the masses and command the unbounded esteem of their fellowmen. Characterized by perseverance and a directing spirit, two virtues that never fail, such men always make their presence felt and the vigor of their strong personalities serves as a stimulus and incentive to the young and rising generation. To this energetic and enterprising class the subject of this review may properly belong. Having never been seized with the wanderlust spirit that has led many of Putnam county's young men to other fields of endeavor and states, August G. Verhoff has devoted himself to vocation as a farmer and to the public duties to which he has been called, and, because of his personal worth .and accomplishments, he is clearly entitled to representation among the enterprising and progressive men of his locality

August G. Verhoff is the descendant of a long line of sterling German ancestry, the full account of which is given elsewhere in this volume under the caption of Theodore Verhoff, his father, and was born on his father's farm on February 5, 1877, being the seventh son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff. August Verhoff was educated in the schools of Greens- ,burg township, Putnam county, Ohio, and until the age of twenty remained under the parental roof, where he gained practical experience in agriculture and stock raising. Some time before his marriage and while still living with .his parents, he managed a virgin farm of eighty acres, which was part of a large tract his father had purchased in section 29 of Greensburg township. This farm required considerable preparation for the production of crops and kept him occupied during the winter months, but in the summer he would put in his time assisting his father. At the age of twenty-six, the subject found it necessary to give his entire time and attention to this eighty acres and at that time, 1908, the father decided to grant him a warranty deed of con- -veyance for this farm. During the years between 1900 and 1906, August G. Verhoff lived with his brother, Joseph, and sister, Mary, who kept house for them. These }-oung men had but a hmited amount of capital and underwent a great many privations and hardships before they were able to get this land into the best condition for profitable production. However, with the true German industry and self-denial, and by the introduction of a drainage system, this farm, formerly not much better than a swamp, was made a wellpayiiig proposition. In 1909 was begun the erection of necessary farm buildings, and in 1910, August G. erected his present commodious and comfortable home.

In 1907, with two of his brothers, Frank and Joseph, he bought seventysix acres near Dornington, in Greensburg township, to which he devotes much attention.

On May 3, 1910. August G. \^erhoff was married to Elnora W'estbeld, daughter of W'illiam and Mary (Brockman) ^\'estbeld, the father having been born in Glandorf and the mother in Ft. Jennings, Putnam county, Ohio. The paternal grandparents, Bernard and Caroline \A'estbeld, were born in Germany and came to this countr}- in an early day, settling in Putnam county, Ohio. Caroline Westbeld survives her husband and is now living with her son, Joseph, in Blanchard township, Putnam county. Besides Joseph, there were other children born to this union, as follow : William, Frank, Theresa, Anna, Catherine and Philomena. The maternal grandparents, Joseph and Caroline (Landwehr) Brockman, resided on a farm near Ft. Jennings, Putnam countv, Ohio, where :\Irs. Brockman still lives, making her home with a son, Louis Brockman. Other children to this union are Joseph, Henry, Caroline, Mathilda, Elizabeth, Mary.

William Westbeld, after his marriage to Mary Brockman, moved to a farm in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, and later removed to an eighty-acre tract of land ip Union township, near the town of Kalida, Ohio. To them were born seven children, Elnora, the wife of the subject, Cornelius, Lawrence, Regina, Oscar, Linus and Marcella. The daughter, Regina, having decided to make her life's work one devoted to charity, obedience and poverty, is now studying for the sisterhood in the order of the Sisters of Providence, at Newport, Kentucky. All are devout members of St. Michael's Catholic church in Kalida, Ohio.

Immediately after his marriage, August G. Verhoff occupied the residence which he had built on the original farm and to them were born two children, Oscar Theodore, on August 16, 191 1, and Norbert William, May 2^. 1913-

August G. Verhoff has improved the farm to such an extent that there are now seven large buildings on the place and everything is kept up in a business-like way. Mr. Verhoff, in spite of his many farm duties, has found sufficient time to interest himself in public affairs for the good of the community, and, now is serving in a creditable manner in the office of township trustee, is president of the Mutual Live Stock Insurance Company of Kalida, Ohio, secretary of the local agricultural extension society and is treasurer of the Mutual Telephone Company of Kalida, Ohio. In addition to his general farming he has gained for himself an enviable reputation as a stock raiser, although not on a large scale. He is taking a great interest in building up his Shorthorn cattle, which is all registered stock, in which he is an undoubted success. In addition to cattle, he is devoting considerable time and attention to hogs, particularly the Poland China breeds.

Mr. Verhoff is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, and is a regular member of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, Ohio. In all his relations of life, he has been found faithful to every trust confided in him and because of his genuine worth, courteous manners and genial disposition, he has won and retained the warm regard of all with whom he has associated, the latter including the best people of the county. Mr. Verhoff formerly attended St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf, where his father still belongs and where he has worshipped for many years.

Frank T. Giesken

In every community, some men are well known for their upright lives, remarkable common sense, moral worth, rather than for their wealth or political standing. Theii- neighbors and acquaintances respect them - their example is heeded for the emulation of their fellows. They win their way to success by untiring energy and right principles, and hold the respect of their fellow men by their genuine worth. Among the young business men of Mdler City, Ohio, who have won for themselves a commendable degree of success in business, is Frank J. Giesken, a well known hardware dealer of Miller City, Ohio.

Frank J. Giesken was born on January 30, 1889, in Monterey township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Joseph and Sarah (Swank) Giesken. Joseph Giesken was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, and was educated in the Greensburg township schools and at Glandorf. He was reared as a farmer and helped his father on the farm in Greensburg township. After his marriage, he located in Monterey township, Putnam county, where he owned a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He farmed this until his death, November 28, 1889. He was married to Sarah Swank, a native of Van Wert county, Ohio, who survived him and who Hves on the old homestead farm of eighty acres, forty acres having been sold in Monterey township. To this union were born four children, Mrs. Clementina Leis, of Chesaning, Michigan; Charles, of Chesaning, Michigan; Mrs. Emma Schlueter, who lives on the home farm in Monterey township, and Frank [., the subject of this sketch.

Frank J. Giesken was educated in the Monterey township public schools, especially at the special Brooks district No. 2 school in Monterey township.' He worked on his father's farm until 1908 and, having learned the carpenter trade, followed this vocation for a period of three years, at Ottoville, Ohio, and in Monterey township. He helped to build the Sister's house in Ottoville and the school buildings at Ft. Jennings and Vaughnsville, Ohio. He also helped to place the clock in the Catholic church, at Ottoville. Mr. Giesken then clerked in different hardware stores in Glandorf, Ohio, at Chesaning and Hemlock, Michigan. He spent one year in these three pllces and then came to Miller City, Ohio, and purchased the hardware store owned by M. E. Beck. He is still engaged in this business and enjoys a lucrative trade in Miller City. He is popular and well known for his sound business principles. Mr. Giesken enjoys a high reputation in this community and IS known to be up-to-date and progressive in all of his business methods. He has the agency for Yale motorcycles and Johnson farm machinery.

Frank J. Giesken was married on May i, 19 12, to Anna Vincke, the daughter of Ferdinand F. and Mary (Schlagbaum) Vincke. Ferdinand Vincke was born in Germany, came to America, and now conducts a general mercantile store at Ottoville, Ohio. His wife was born one mile east of Ottoville, Putnam county. To Frank J. and Anna (Vincke) Giesken, one -daughter. Celesta Mary, has been born. May 5, 1913. The store of Frank J. Giesken is the centre of trading for the farmers in the immediate vicinity and for miles around Miller City. His up-to-date and thorough stock has earned for him the reputation of the leading hardware and implement merchant of this part of the county.

Frank J. Giesken is a member of the Miller City town council and is president of this body. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat. Frank J. Giesken and wife are members of the Catholic church, at Miller City. Mr. Giesken's father and mother were also members of the Catholic 'church^ Joseph Giesken was an excellent farmer and a hard worker during his entire life. He followed general farming and was a man who was well liked by the people of his community. He was known to be a good provider, a kind father and a devoted husband.

John Henry Schimmoller

John Henry SchimmoUer is a native of Putnam county, having been born in Jackson township. At one time Mr. SchimmoUer owned a tract of two hundred and thirty-three acres of land, but distributed a hundred and forty acres among his children and now retains, of his original holdings, only ninety-three acres. Mr. SchimmoUer is no longer engaged in active farming, tut devotes his attention to supervising the ninety-three-acre farm in Jackson township. At one time Mr. SchimmoUer was engaged in raising thoroughbred horses, but he gave up that business some time ago. For many years he was prominent in the political and civic life of Jackson township, and held many positions of trust and responsibility.

John Henry SchimmoUer was born on June 3, 1840, in Jackson township. He is the son of Francis and Mary (Ritmeier) SchimmoUer, the former of whom was born in Osnabruck, Province of Hanover, Germany, and who came to this country in 1833, about two years after the arrival of Father Horstman, who settled in Glandorf . Francis SchimmoUer was married in Germany. His wife accompanied him to this country, as did also their one child, Christina. They settled on a farm near Glandorf, Putnam county, having purchased eighty acres from the government, and remained there for three years. During this period, Mrs. SchimoUer died and Mr. SchimmoUer later married Mary Ritmeier. He then sold his farm and moved to section 14, of Jackson township, and lived on a farm of fifty-five acres. He cleared and improved all but ten acres of this farm, and here erected buildings. Later he acquired more land, and altogether owned three hundred and sixty acres. By his second marriage there were six children, Frank ; John H. ; Elizabeth, deceased; William; Louis, deceased, and August, deceased. Francis and Mary (Ritmeier) SchimmoUer attended St. Joseph's Catholic church at Ft. Jennings. He was a trustee for a number of years, and died in 1855. His wife died ten years previously, in 1845. Francis SchimmoUer was a substantial and prosperous farmer and well respected in this community.

His son, John Henry, was educated in Jackson township. During his early youth, he worked on his father's farm. At the death of the father, John Henry worked for six and one-half years for Barney Leopold in the pork-packing business. He inherited sixty-six acres in Jackson township from his father, and then moved here, and erected an addition to the dwellins" in which he now lives. It was the original log house and is now covered with siding. With the improvements that have been made, it now makes a substantial and modern house.

- Two years after moving to the farm, on September ii, 1861, Mr Schimmoller was married to Bernadina Maag, who was born in Glandorf, Putnam county, and who :s the daughter of Theodore and Catherine (Doepker) Maag lo this union were born eleven children, Amelia, on October 7, 1862 married Joseph Dickman and the live in Jackson township and have five children living and one has died; Frank Theodore, October 2, 1864, married Philomena Pool who died, and he later married Anna (Tenwalde) Bentley, to' whom five children were born by the first marriage and one child by the second marriage, they live m Jackson township; William Henry, February 21 1866 married Catherine Ostendorf, and they live in Ft, Jennings township and have three children living and two dead; Maria Christina, April 30 1868 died on October 5, 1892; Anna Wilhelmina, April 26, 1870, married Ben Heidecker, and they live in Hazelwood, Ohio, and have three children one of whom died; Anna Maria Agnes, May i, 1872, died on January i, 1889- Josephine Mathilda, July 8, 1874, married Ben Sherman, and they live at' Ft. Jennings and have three children; Louis Edward, October 29 1876 died on July 29, 1878; George Joseph, November 30, 1879, married Callie Jjecker, and they live in Jackson township and have two children; William Arnold died on January 8, 1889, and Albert Edwards, twins, November 19, 1882. Albert Eaward married Wilhelmina Becker and lives in Jackson township on the old home place and has two children. Wilhelmina (Becker) Schimmoller, wife of Albert Edward, was born in Jackson township, daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Streutker) Becker, who lived in Jackson tovvnship for many years.. Joseph Becker still lives there. His wife died in i«93- ihey had six children, four of whom are still hving, Au-ust Wilhel

"'T.'v^rf '"'^ -^°^"- °" ^''°^'' ^°' ^906, Albert Edward 'Schimmoller and Wilhelmina Becker were married, after which they immediatelv came to the farm of John Schimmoller and have ever since made this their home i he two children born to them are Edmund, September 27, 1907 and Cleo October 25, 1912. / ^ /

Mrs. John Henry Schimmoller died on April 18, 1904, and is buried at ht. Jennings. She was a loyal and devoted wife and mother, and contributed largely to her husband's success. Her parents, Theodore and Catherme (Doepker) Maag, were born in Germany and married in Cincinnati, Ohio, and settled on a farm near Glandorf, Putnam county. Of their children, seven are deceased. The living are Wilhelmina. Joseph and Edward The deceased children are William, Bernadina, Frank, Bernard. Marv A<.nes and Josephine. Theodore and Catherine (Doepker) Maag were memters of the St. John s Catholic church at Glandorf. They are deceased and their remains are buried in the cemetery at Glandorf.