Ottawa Township (part 17 of 23)

Mr. Schimmoller and his family are all members of St. Joseph's Catholic church at Ft. Jennings. Mrs. Schimmoller was a devoted member of this church. Mr. Schimmoller is a Democrat. He served as township trustee for twenty-one years, has served as township supervisor for eighteen years, and at Ft. Jennings was a collector for the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of which he is also a director. Mr. Schimmoller's daughters, Millie and Wilhelmina, have both taught school. The former taught for three years. Wilhelmina was a student at one time at Crawfis College. The Schimmoller family is well known in this community, and they are all highly respected.

William Henry Rower

AVilliam Henry Rower, the proprietor of an excellent farm of one hundred and five acres, in Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, and a farm which is under a splendid state of cultivation, is descended from a long line of illustrious forbears who have had a large part in the niilitary and political history of two continents. William Henry Rower himself was born on the homestead farm of his parents, June 15, 1858. He is the son of William and Eliza Ann (Pearcy) Rower.

The patei-nal grandparents of Mr. Rower were Christian Frederick Benjamin and Elizabeth (Loiig) Rower. Christian F. B. Rower was born in Dresden, Saxony, March 19, 1779. He served in the army of Saxony in the Napoleonic Wars and was a valiant soldier. He left the army and came to America, arriving on November 30, 1802. He first settled near Pottsville, Pennsylvania, where he was a distiller, having taken up the same business in this country which he had followed in his native land. He was married to Elizabeth Long on November 12, 1807. She was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born on February 11, 1790. Her parents were of Dutch descent, and she was the daughter of Joseph Long and wife. Elizabeth Long was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania, she was a devoted member of the Baptist church, as was her husband also, both of whom took an active part in the affairs of this church.

Near the close of the War of 1812, Christian F. B. Rower and wife crossed the mountains of Pennsylvania in a large covered wagon and settled in Franklin county, Ohio, where they were among the earliest pioneers. He purchased a small tract of land and farmed until his death, September 20, 1826. His wife survived him twenty years, dying on June 10, 1846.

sanna, born on October 6, 1808, and died on March 27, 1887; Sarah, wha died November 30, 1893, was the wife of John Coble, of Franklin county; Juha A., December 5, 1812, and died in 1849, who was the wife of Ellis Long, of Franklin county, Ohio; Charlotte, December 5, 1815, and died in February, 1881 ; Susanne, October 4-, 181 7, and died on March 7, 1892, was the wife of Emanuel Conkle; Mahala, August 10, 1819, and died in 1837; John, June 15, 182 r, and died on June 28, 1853; William, the father of William Henry; and James N., February 9, 1826, and died about 1910.

William Rower, the father of William Henry, was born in Eranklin county, Ohio, on August 5, 1823, and was educated in the log school in the neighborhood where he was born. He worked on the farm of his father and, when old enough, received three dollars a month for his services He was married on September 7, 1848, to Eliza A. Pearcy, who was born on May 8, 1830, and who was the daughter of James and Sarah (Cable) Pearcy: Mrs. Eliza Rower's father, James Pearcy, was born in Ohio in 1795- He was a farmer and carpenter. His wife died on December 8, 1891. She was a devout member of the United Brethren church for the greater part of her life.

William Rower lived one year in Franklin county, Ohio, but after his marriage moved, in September, 1849, to Jackson township, Putnam county. The journey was made in a covered wagon. They settled on a tract of wild woodland which William Rower had previously purchased. It was located m the valley of the Auglaize river. William Rower and wife undertook to live in a tent until they were able to clear enough space to build a log cabin. The season was a rainy one and the tent was not waterproof against the hardbeating rain. Consequently, they were forced to abandon the tent and live with a neighbor until they were able to build their own home. Besides building this home, William Rower assisted his brother in erecting a house. William Rower cleared his farm, especially the land around his house and stable and farmed all of his life.

William and Eliza A. (Pearcy) Rower had twelve children: Samantha J., who married George Reynolds, a farmer of Jennings township, Putnam county; James M., who died in infancy; Sarah E., the wife of Richard Reynolds, a farmer in Jennings township, Putnam county; Susan Ellen the wife of Benjamin Blakely, of Kalida, Ohio; John Tallman, who married Katherme Seifert and lives in Findlay, Ohio; William Henry, the subject of this sketch; Lewis Albert, who was first married to Ella Pangle and after her death, to Gertrude McKay, who also died ; Elvin, who married Theresa Miehls and lives in Toledo, Ohio; Vallandigham, a farmer in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county; Amanda A., the deceased wife of J. R. Langston; Nancy C, who died in infancy; Gurchie M., who married Wilham Dunivan and Hves in Kahda.

Wilham Rower worked hard on the farm and improved it. He retired to Kahda in 1889 and was no longer engaged in farming. He and his wife died on the same day in Kalida, December 19, 191 1.

William Rower was a Democrat in politics and was an influential man* throughout his life. He was a justice of the peace for many years and served as township trustee for fourteen years. He always enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and was foremost in promoting anything which had to do with the welfare of the neighborhood where he lived. He and his wife were faithful members of the United Brethren church. They were among the early pioneers of the county and passed through many privations and hardships.

William Henry Rower was born on the home place. Under his father's guidance, he learned to be an excellent farmer. He also received a good classical education in the township schools of Jackson township. William Henry Rower was married on April 15, 1885, to Clara Miehls, who was born in February, 1861, in Carroll county, Ohio. She was the daughter of George and Mary (Hegner) Miehls.

George Miehls was born on October 24, 1818, in Bavaria, Germany. He was a weaver by occupation, and came to America in 1844, and located first at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was a collier for fourteen years. He was married to Mary A. Hegner on February 14, 1847. She was a native of Wurttemberg, Germany, born February 27, 1823. She came to America with her parents at the age of four years. Her parents were George Herman and Regina Hegner.

George and Mary Miehls were the parents of eleven children, George; Joseph and Catherine, twins, the latter the wife of Clements Pund; Mary, the wife of I. N. Kahle; Barbara, the wife of Wihiam Kohlhofif; Regina; Clara, the wife of Mr. Rower; Benjamin A.; Frank; Theresa, the wife of Elvin Rower, and John Albert. George Miehls lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, until 1858, and then moved to Carroll county, where he lived on a farm. He followed farming until 1866, and then removed to Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio. In this township he purchased a farm of one hundred acres, only twenty acres of which were cleared. He improved this farm and, in 1872, sold it and bought a tract of land in Jackson township, Putnam county. Only a small part of this farm was improved and only a very small clearing had been made before he bought it.

He farmed here until his death, October 3, 1876. George Miehls served six years m the German arm}^ before coming to America. He was a devout and faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic church at Ottoville. He was a Democrat and had served as township trustee. He died with the honors of an influential and upright citizen. His wife survived him and in April, 1893, she was married to Peter Wannemacher, of Ottoville. He was an ex-sheriff of Putnam county. She died on October 17, 1911, a lovable and highlyrespected woman.

On March 6, 1889, William Henry Rower purchased the old home place, where he was born. He moved to the farm, coming from Vaughnsville, Ohio, where he had spent four years after his marriage. Mr. Rower has one hundred and five acres of excellent land, as heretofore stated. He has erected a barn and several outbuildings, drained the land and made many other improvements upon this farm. He keeps thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs.

William PI. and Clara (Miehls) Rower have had three children, Mary Zora, born January 23, 1886; Zella Theresa, April 18, 1888, and George Harold, September 19, 1900. Mary Zora married George Rambo and lives at Toledo, Ohio, where he is receiving clerk in a mercantile establishment. They have one son, Claude William, born on May 22, 1914. The other two children are at home.

William Henry Rower is a Democrat in politics, but has held no offices. The Rower family are members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida. Mr. Rower is a member of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society and also the Holy Name Societ}-. Mrs. Rower is a member of the Mother's Societv.

Otto Risser

The following is the brief sketch of the life of one who, by close attention to business, has achieved marked success in the agricultural world and gained a prominent position among the enterprising men of the county, with which such interests are identified. It is a plain record, rendered remarkable by no strange or mysterious adventures, no wonderful or lucky accidents and no tragic situations. Mr. Risser is one of those estimable characters whose integrity and strong personality must force them into an admirable society which their modesty never seeks and who command the respect of their contemporaries and leave the impress of their individuality upon the community in which they live.

Otto Risser was born in Sugar Creek township, December 20 1867 the son of Daniel and Elizabeth M. (Smith) Risser. Daniel Risser was a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born on January i, 1836, the son of Abraham and Cathenne (Smitzerick) Risser. He, with his brothers, Abraham, Jacob, Henry, David and Christian, came to America in 1857, settling first in Cleveland, Ohio, where he engaged in the operation of a bus and transfer line At the outbreak of the Civil War, David and Christian Risser proved their loyalty to their adopted country by enlisting in the Union army, and serving throughout that great struggle, with great credit to themselves. Some time after locating in Cleveland, Daniel Risser went to Vera Cruz, Mexico, as an employe of a Cleveland concern, engaged in the operation of a bus line from Vera Cruz across the isthmus of Tehauntepec. The venture not proving successful, SIX months later Mr. Risser returned to Cleveland where he remamed until 1859, when he and his brother, Henry, came to Putnam county, locatmg m Sugar Creek township, where they purchased land Daniel Risser bought eighty acres, located one and one-half miles southeast of Vaughnsville, which became the family homestead, having prior to this been located a short time on forty acres near Columbus Grove. At that time the only improvements on the place were a log cabin and stable and but a small portion of the land had been cleared. He devoted himself to improving the the farm, erecting substantial buildings and tiling and ditching the land so that, in due time, it became one of the best improved and most productive farms m that section of the county. He was very industrious and intelligent in the direction of his affairs and became well-to-do and, finally, found himself the possessor of seven hundred acres of land. In addition to the carrying on of general farming operations, he gave considerable attention to the breedmg and raising of live stock. He died at the home of his son, Daniel H. Risser at Vaughnsville, on September 15, 1902, at the age of sixty-six years, and his widow died there on November 2, 1911, at the ripe old aee of seventy-seven years. She had been a consistent and faithful member of the Christian church for many years. Daniel Risser was a Democrat, and in his religious belief, was affiliated with the German Lutheran church

Daniel Risser was married to Elizabeth M. Smith on August 14 186- who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, on April 18, 1836, the daughter ol Jacob and Ehzabeth_ (R,sser) Smith. Her parents came to Ohio, L 86. buymg a farm adjoining the one owned by Mr. Risser. There were five' chddren in he Smith family, Mary, Elizabeth, Chariotte, Catherine and Jacob, all being deceased, excepting the two last named. To Daniel and

Elizabeth Risser were born six children, Julius C, born on February 25, 1864; Daniel R., born on August 27, 1865, whose sketch is contained elsewhere in this volume; Otto, the subject of this sketch; John J., born on July 21, 1870; Emma L., born on February 28, 1873; and Elizabeth A., born on October 28, 1876. All of these children are living with the exception of Emma, who died on March 5, 1893, shortl)'- after her marriage.

Otto Risser spent his childhood and youth on the paternal estate and received his education in the old Michael district school. He continued to help his father on the home farni until he was thirty years of age, when he was married. He then moved to the Michael farm, which was owned by his father, and here he Hved for about four years. He returned to the home place, taking charge of it for two years, and the following fall, after moving back to the home farm, the subject's father died on September 15, 1902. About a year and a half later Mr. Risser moved back to the Michael farm and has continued to operate this place since that time. The farm consists of one hundred and ninety-eight acres of as good land as there is in in Putnam county and here Mr. Risser has successfully followed general fanning pursuits, but also giving considerable attention to live stock, being a breeder of Polled-Durham cattle and a feeder of cattle for the market. In all of his operations he has been actuated by the desire to raise the standard of agriculture in his locality and has been largely instrumental in proving the worth of advanced methods in his vocation.

Otto Risser was united in marriage on December 23, 1897, to Ada Miller, who was born in Sugar Creek township on March 4, 1870, the daughter of Jacob W. and Catherine (Best) Miller. Both of her parents are natives of eastern Ohio, the former born in Pickaway county and the latter in Clark county. Mrs. Risser was one of ten children, four sons and six daughters, William, deceased; George, Ehzabeth, deceased; James, Jane, Ada, John, Maggie, deceased; Mary and Allie. To Mr. and Mrs. Risser have been born four children, Wilbur, born on July 12, 1900; Raymond, born on December 30, 1903; Marguerite, born on October 8, 1906; and Leonard, born on April 10, 1912. AU of these children are living with the exception of Marguerite, who died on July 7, 1907.

In his political views, Mr. Risser is allied with the Democratic party and takes such an interest as every good citizen should in the public affairs of his county, state , and nation. His religious membership, as well as that of his wife, is with the Christian church, to which he gives a liberal support. In every phase of life's activities, material, moral or social, which affect the welfare of the community, Mr. Risser stands for only that which is best and, because of his upright life and splendid character, he has won the hearty commendation of all who know him.

Rev. Father M. Muehe

Despite the persistence with which our captains of industry undertake to maintain that wealth is based on service and that earnings and profit are proportionate to service, we all know this contention is based upon an idle fallacy. Ministers of the Gospel, those stately men who bear the cross of Christianity to all parts of the world, the spiritual counselors of the church, receive little compensation compared to the sacrifice they endure and the service they perform. Theirs, however, is the larger compensation for the greater service, the compensation which cannot be measured by material standards. Among the clergy, who for many years have ministered to the spiritual needs of the congregation of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, is the Rev. Father M. Muehe, who is the best-known and the most dearlyheloved man in this community.

Born on July 5, 1865, in a little village in Bavaria, Germany, Father Muehe, at an early age, was sent to the Royal Gymnasium at Dellingen, where for several years he was a student in the classical course given by that 'institution. Father Muehe's father was a railway official in Germany.

Father Muehe emigrated to the United States in 1883 and after a course of instruction in the novitiate, and later in the 'theological seminary of the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood at Carthagena, Ohio, he was ordained to the holy priesthood by the Most Reverend Henry Elder, D. D Archbishop of Cincinnati. On St. Patrick's day, in 1889, he received his 'pastorate at St. Mary's church. Ft. Recovery, Ohio, from which place Father Muehe was transferred to Germantown, Missouri, where he was stationed for seven years. At Germantown he was instrumental in the organization and establishment of a parochial school, which remains to today as a tribute to his energy, his initiative and his consecration to the holy work to which his life has been dedicated. Coming from Germantown, Missouri, to Ohio he was pastor, for some time, of the two parishes of McCartyville and St Patrick's in Shelby county. During thepast twelve years, he has been officiating as pastor of St. Michael's parish at Kalida. Here he also has been instrumental m foundmg a parochial school, the corner-stone of the present beauti- ful building having been laid on December 8, 1905. The school is now in charge of and taught by four Sisters of Providence, and has an enrollment of one hundred and seventy pupils. The parish of St. Michael's is in a. flourishing condition, and this is largely due to the untiring effort of Father Muehe, a kindly man of tender and sympathetic impulses, born to the loving virork to which he is engaged. Under his care, St. Michael's parish promises, to become one of the leading and most prosperous congregations in Putnam county.

Aside from the noble spirit in which his pastorial duties are performed,. Father Muehe is an able preacher and eloquent speaker, and a man to whom his people naturally turn for counsel and guidance in all spiritual matter's.

Edward Kerner

Among the ambitious young farmers of Union township, Putnam county^ few are better known or more popular than Edward Kerner, a member of one of the oldest and most influential families of that part of the county, and it gives the biographer pleasure to present on this page a brief outline of the salient points of his life. On another page of this work the genealogy of the Kerner family is set out at some length in the biography relating to Mr. Kerner's father, Joseph Kerner, of Greensburg township, this county, and that detail will be omitted from this sketch as being an unnecessary repetition. For the purpose of this immediate biography, it is sufficient to say that Edward Kerner was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on November 3, 1889, the son of Joseph and Mary (Schaefer) Kerner, prominent residents of that neighborhood.

Edward Kerner was reared on the paternal farm and received his education in the schools of Greensburg township, remaining there until his marriage in 1912, at which time he moved to an eighty-acre farm in Union township, which was set over to him by his father, the same having been a part of the latter's extensive land holdings in this county. Young Mr. Kerner is alert and active, fully alive to the improved methods of farming and the energy which he has displayed in establishing his home, presages excellent things for him in the future, industry being sure to secure its own reward.

On September 11, 1912, Edward Kerner was united in marriage to- Anna Rieman, the daughter of Ignatius and Mary (Marmon) Rieman, both of whom are natives of Putnam county and who for many years lived on: the farm in Ottawa township in which Mrs. Kerner was born, this farm having been originally entered from the government by Mr. Rieman's grandfather at a very early day in the settlement of that portion of the county. Ignatius Rieman died on September i, 1904. He was one of six children of his parents, the others being Frank, John, Henry, Anna and Bernadina. Mrs. Kerner's maternal grandparents, John and Gertrude (Verhoff) Marmon, are still living at an advanced age on the farm in Greensburg township, which for many years has been their home. To them were born nine children, Frank, John, William, Christian, Charles, Joseph, Anna, Theresa and Catherine.

To Ignatius and Mary (Marmon) Reiman were born nine children, Mary, August, Clara, John, Anna, Caroline, Louis, Theresa and Laurence. August married Anna Roof and live? in the town of Leipsic. this county, and Mary, who married Benjamin Duling, is deceased, as is also Clara.

To Edward and Anna f Rieman) Kerner there has been born one child, a daughter, Marcella Mary, on October 3, 191 4, a charming little one, who is the delight of the lives of the devoted young parents.

Edward Kerner and wife are getting a good start in life and are very popular in their neighborhood. Mr. Kerner is a good farmer, having an excellent grasp on the essential requirements of his arduous and exacting vocation and his success seems assured. His wife is a natural home-maker and as a consequence they have a delightful home, one of the pleasantest in the neighborhood, where their friends always are sure of open-handed hospitality and a warm welcome.

John G. Kappauf

There is, perhaps, no record in this volume which more clearly demonstrates the force of industry and honesty in the affairs of life than does the life history of John G. Kappauf, a well-known farmer of Palmer township. Almost every civilized country on the face of the globe has sent representatives to the state of Ohio, but there is no more important or valued element in our citizenship than that which has come from Germany. John G. Kappauf is the son of a well-known German farmer, of Putnam county, who came to this country and became a successful man. Although he is now past eighty-nine years of age, he is still active.

John G. Kappauf was born on November 2, 1875, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of John, Sr., and Dora (Faber) Kappauf. John Kappauf, Sr., was born at Gross-Breidenbach, Germany, and was educated in his native land. He came overland from New York city to Pennsylvania, and from Pennsylvania tp Leipsic, Ohio. He was twenty-six years of age when he came to this country. He was a teamster m his native land and his parents were farmers. He was reared on a farm. >He spent a few years in Leipsic and then moved to the Sam Miller farm in Liberty township, Putnam county, where he farmed. He rented this farm for some time and, on March 27, 1870, moved to a farm of eighty acres in Palmer township, which he purchased. By hard work and diligent efforts on the part of himself and wife, they put the farm in good condition and later added forty acres to the original eighty. They erected all the buildings, mcludmg a residence and barn, and followed general farming. John Kappauf, Sr., retired from active farming about 1890, but he still retained his residence and turned his farm over to his son and daughter, who now operate it. John Kappauf, Sr., was drafted during the Civil War, but on account of a stiff finger on his right hand, he was rejected. He was 'born on January 6, 1826, and is now eighty-nine years of age. His wife was born m Wittenburg, Germany, and came with her parents to America. She died on February 22, 1914, at the age of seventy-six years. She was a devout member of the German Lutheran church. Her husband is also a member of this church. He is a Democrat, but never held office. He is not a member of any lodge. John Kappauf, Sr., and wife were the parents of six children Mrs. William McDonald, of Liberty township; Joseph, of LaSalle, New York; Katherine, deceased; Dora, John and Anna, all at home.

Dora Kappauf was educated in the common schools of Palmer township, Putnam county. She keeps house on the old home place and has never married, preferring to assist in the care of her father and the farm, which place has been divided between her and John, each holding half interest. John G. Kappauf is an able farmer. They are members of the Germany Lutheran church at Elm Center, in Liberty township.

John G. Kappauf and his sister follow general farming. The family have a high reputation in their community for intelligence, industry and genial m.anners, are careful farmers and have a fine farm which is always kept m good condition. Their father was one of the pioneers of Putnam county and also of Palmer township. During his dav and generation, there have been many changes made in this section of the state and the Kappauf family has had a large part in these changes and in these improvements John G. Kappauf has never married. He is a Democrat in politics, but has never held office, preferring to devote his entire time to the cultivation of his. farm and his personal business interests.

John Fischback

John Fischback, a successful farmer of Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a son of native-born German parents, who had much to do with the pioneer history of Jackson township. John Fischback's parents, Thomas and Mary (Neis) Fischback, came to America about 1859. At the time they settled on a tract of forty acres in section 20 of this township, the land, was a complete wilderness, and Thomas Fischback cut away enough timber to obtain room to erect a log house and barn. He partially cleared the place and farmed here until his death in 1865. Thomas and Mary (Neis) Fischback suffered all the privations of pioneer life. He was always a hard worker, and by dint of untiring industry and patient perseverance brought his farm to a high state of cultivation. Thomas Fischback and wife were both born in Luxemburg, Germany, while Mrs. Fishback's parents were also native born Germans, and both died in their native land. Thomas Fischback's mother died in this country about 1876. She had come to the United States alone after the death of her husband and lived among her children for several years. At the time of her death, John Fischback was about sixteen years of age and John had three uncles and two aunts, brothers and sisters of his father, he, himself, being one of four children, the others being Louis, William, Mrs. Catherine Lauf, of Jennings township, Putnam county, Ohio.

John Fischback was born on October 20, i860, in Jackson township, on the original homestead farm which his father had settled when he first came to this country. This farm is across the road from where he now lives. He grew up on the home farm and was educated in the public schools of his home township, and assisted his father on the farm until his marriage, June 7, 1890. Mr. Fischback's wife, before her marriage, was Mary Nichols, a native of Germany, the daughter of Jacob and Helen (Neis) Nichols.

Mrs. Fischback's parents were both natives of Germany and lived and died in their native land. Mrs. Fischback herself came to America with several other families who settled in Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio. She remained here until her marriage, and, in fact, this has been her home ever since coming to America. Mrs. Fischback was one of a family of nine children, two sons and seven daughters, John Peter, John, Anna, Katherine, Theresa, Mary, Anna, Katherine, Susan and Mary Ann.

John Fischback remained on the home farm of forty acres, which his father had owned after his marriage, and operated this land until he was able to purchase sixty acres just across the road in the same section as the original forty. Mr. Fischback and his family moved to this- farm in the fall of 1909. In the meantime Mr. Fischback has erected several buildings upon the farm, has remodeled the residence, put up many rods of fencing, ditched and tiled the land, and in many ways improved the appearance of the farm, as well as enhanced the value of the land. Mr. Fischback now owns the original homestead farm of forty acres in addition to the sixty acres which he later purchased.

John and Mary (Nichols) Fischback are the parents of six children. Two sons, Joseph and Henry, died in infancy. The living children are: Katherine, Peter, Henry and Alphonse.

John Fischback is a genteel German farmer, and is possessed of the predominant national trait of the German people. He is naturally thrifty and prosperous, and keeps his farm and belongings in a well-regulated and progressive manner. Mr. Fischback keeps a high grade of Hve stock, and to the stranger, his farm bears evidence of the skill of its owner and his native interest in his life's vocation.

The family are all devout members of St. Mary's Catholic church at Ottoville. Mr. Fischback is identified with the Democratic party, but has never been a candidate for office, and in fact, has never cared to hold office. Nevertheless, he is well respected in the community where he lives, as is also his entire family.

Theodore Noirot

Putnam coimty, Ohio, has reason to take pride in the personnel of her farmers and business men, one of whom, Theodore Noirot, is well known throughout the county, not only as a successful farmer, but as the field manager for the Continental Sugar Beet Company. There is a rather full measure of satisfaction in presenting even a brief resume of Mr. Noirot's life and achievements. Some time ago, however, Mr. Noirot rented out his farm in Palmer township and has lived more or less retired since, in Miller City, Ohio.

Theodore Noirot was born on July 5, 1875, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Celestian and Victoria Noirot. Celestian Noirot was born- in the village of Boncourt, France, August 10, 1835, and came to America with his parents, Francis and Francois (Raclot) Noirot, who were also natives of the village of Boncourt, France and who settled in Hancock county, Ohio, on a farm. They were here for a time, and later moved to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1862. They settled on forty acres of land, in Palmer township, at a time when the land was heavily timbered and in a swampy condition. Celestian Noirot was reared a farmer and came with his parents to Putnam county, Ohio, and farmed in a general way all of his life. He also learned the plasterer's trade in Hancock county and followed this, along with farming. Later, he followed this trade in Putnam -county and worked on many buildings. His forty acres in Palmer township was increased to more than two hundred acres. Celestian Noirot worked at his trade at Findlay, Ohio, during which time he walked from his farm, in Palmer township, to Findlay and back again. Celestian Noirot was married in Findlay, Ohio, but later moved to Putnam county. He and his wife had -eight children, Joseph, Celestian and Victoria, all deceased; Mrs. Helen Kerns; of Miller City; Celestian, Jr., who lives in Palmer township; George, who lives in Canada; Mrs. Emma Royal, who lives in Dekalb county, Indiana, and Theodore, the subject of this sketch. Celestian Noirot has held no offices except that of township supervisor and school director. He is not a member of any lodge. In politics, he is a Democrat. He is a member of St. Nicholas's Catholic church at Miller City, and is still living with his son, Celestian, Jr. He has retired from active farming. He is a man of good reputation and has done much for his children. He has been a hard worker, gone through many sorrows, and has also been blessed with much happiness. Celestian Noirot is now past eighty years of age. His wife, who was born in Alsace, France, came to America with her mother who became sick on board the vessel and died five days after landing in this country. Mrs. Celestian Noirot came to Findlay, Ohio, with her brother, George, and others. She stayed in Findlay for some time and, after her marriage, moved to Putnam county, Ohio, with her husband. She was born on August IS, 1841, and died on August 17, 1907, at the age of seventy-four years and one day. She was a good woman and an excellent mother. She was a devout member of St. Nicholas's Catholic church, at Miller City.

Theodore Noirot grew up on the home place and was educated in the township district schools of Palmer township. He was reared a farmer and has been active since early youth. He is an excellent farmer and, after leaving home, he purchased eighty acres of good land in section 15, of Palmer township, and farmed this until recently, when he rented it and moved to Miller City at which time Mr. Noirot retired from active farming. He erected all of the buildings on his farm and otherwise improved it. On January i, 1915, Mr. Noirot accepted a position as field manager of the continental Sugar Beet Company, of Findlay, Ohio. He is now active in this work.

Theodore Noirot was constable of Palmer township and Miller City for five years and gave efficient service. He is well liked, is a congenial man and a good "mixer." He is not a member of any lodge but is a Democrat in politics and active in the councils of his party. He is a member of the St.- Nicholas's Catholic church at Miher City.

John Seimet

One of the best known farmers, business men and stock breeders, of the present generation in Putnam county, Ohio, is John Seimet, of Palmer township. Mr. Seimet is a man of strong and active sympathy, his temperament warm and ardent, his feelings deep and intense. These qualities have attracted to him an unusual number of devoted friends upon whom, under all circumstances, he can rely. He is a close student of human nature and has comprehended with little effort, the purposes and motives of men. He is a lover of truth and sincerity. John Seimet is a manly man and influential m the circles in which he has moved. Of sound character and unflagging mdustry, he stands as a conspicuous example of symmetrically-developed American manhood. His position, as one of the community's representative citizens, is tmiversally conceded.

John Seimet was born on March 31, 1862, on a farm near Delphos, Ohio. He is the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Moreo) Seimet. Nicholas- Seimet was born in the duchy of Luxemburg, Germany, and his wife, Elizabeth, was born in Byre, Germany. Nicholas Seimet came to America, at the age of eighteen years, alone. He learned the tailor's trade in Germany and was educated there. He had relatives near Delphos, Ohio, and came to the home of his brother-in-law, Adam Sharke. He engaged in farming- upon his arrival in Putnam county and spent two seasons in Illinois farming and was married on January 24, 1861, to Elizabeth Moreo. After his marriage, he moved to a farm near Delphos, Ohio, where he farmed for two years. He then took a position as a boatman on the canal where he worked for some time. Later, he moved to Henry county, Ohio, and farmed forty acres. He sold this farm and bought eighty acres in Henry county. Later, he sold this- farm, about 1903, and moved to Leipsic, Ohio, where he had bought a house and lot. He spent two years in Leipsic but, his wife, preferring the farm, he again moved to a farm of one hundred and sixteen acres, in Van Buren township, which he had previously purchased. He lived here until 1912, when he again sold the farm and moved to Leipsic, where he now lives retired.

His wife, Elizabeth Moreo, came to America, with her parents, at the age of four years. They settled at x\"ew Riegel, Seneca county, Ohio. She was educated here where she lived until her marriage to Nicholas Seimet. Nicholas and Elizabeth Seimet were members of medium-sized families. Nicholas was one of three children: John, born in Germany, who died near Delphos, Ohio; Mrs. John Sharke, in Germany, came to America before her brother, Nicholas; and Nicholas, the subject of this sketch. Elizabeth MoreO' was one of six children, the others being Lawrence, Andrew, Anna, Barbara and Julia.

To Nicholas and Elizabeth Seimet seven children were born, John, Andrew, Mary, Helena, Lawrence, Joseph, George and William. Joseph and George are deceased. Nicholas and Elizabeth Seimet are members of the St. Mary's Catholic church at Leipsic, Ohio. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on January 24, 191 1, which was attended by thirty-six children and grandchildren.

John Seimet was educated at Adrian, Ohio, and during his early life was employed as an engineer. He was married on September 12, 1885, to Josephine Gustwiler, who died on December 16, 1887. After her death, John Seimet married Mary Ellerbrock, a daughter of Theodore and Anna Johannah Ellerbrock. Theodore Ellerbrock was born in Germany and when but eight years of age, came to this country with his parents, who settled on a farm near Glandorf, which they later sold. They then moved to a farm in Liberty township, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Theodore Ellerbrock was one of the following children of his parents: Theodore, Barney, William, Ferdinand, Elizabeth and Catherine. Theodore Ellerbrock grew to manhood in Putnam county and on August 20, 1856, was married to Anna Johannah Recker, who was born in Glandorf, Putnam county.

Anna Johannah Recker was one of a family of eight children of her parents, the others being Henry, Mary, Clara, Elizabeth, Catherine, Theresa and Anna.

After their marriage, Theodore and Anna J. (Recker) Ellerbrock continued to live in Putnam county. To them were born seven children, ALirv,,

of John Seimet; Barney; William; Ferdinand; Henry; Theodore and Katherine. Theodore Ellerbrock and wife celebrated their, .golden- jubilee on August 20, 1907, which was attended by forty children and grandchildren. Theodore Ellerbrock and Avife are now both deceased. During their lifetime they were held in the highest ^steem by all who knew them.

After his marriage Mr. Seimet moved to a farm in Henry county, Ohio, where he lived for one year. Selling out here, they moved to Wood county, Ohio, where he worked in the oil fields, also engaging in farming. They spent two years here and then came to Putnam county, Ohio, where he pur- 'chased forty acres, in section 15 in Palmer township. He cleared and this land and made many other improvements. Later, Mr. Seimet bought twenty acres in section 15 and later traded the entire sixty acres for forty-seven acres where he now lives. On March i, 1912, he bought an ad- -ditional twenty acres in section 22, about three miles northwest of his present farm. He erected a house and barn and farmed this forty-seven acres for four years and then rented the farm. He is now engaged in the horse business. He started in a modest way about ten years ago, at that time having been a member of a company which owned a splendid Percheron horse. He later bought a Belgian horse and engaged in the business for himself. At this time, he owns both Belgian and Percheron thoroughbred horses and has -an enviable reputation in the breeding business throughout this community. John and Mary (Ellerbrock) Seimet have had two children, Lavinia Johannah, born on June 14, 1894, and Irene Elizabeth, on May 11, 1897. Lavinia Johannah married William Doepker and has one child, Karl Franklin, born on April 11, 19 14. Irene Elizabeth is at home. She belongs to the St. Agnes Altar Society. Both daughters were educated in the Palmer township schools, both having graduated from the Mill City high school. The -elder daughter taught school one year.

Mr. Seimet was a well contractor before his first marriage, he having engaged in the erection of wind pumps for some time. He is an expert at this business. Mr. Seimet is not a member of any lodge. He is a Democrat, is chairman of the Democratic party at Miller City, was a member of the board for a number of years and, in fact, is still active. He also served as constable for seven years. John Seimet and family are members of St. Nicholas's Catholic church at Miller City. Mrs. Seimet is a member of the Mothers' Society of the church. John Seimet is a genial, unassuming man of good habits, well known and well liked. He is a prosperous and good farmer, a good judge of stock, especially of horses. Mr. Seimet is now treasurer of the Mutual Telephone Company of Miller City.

Among the worthy citizens of Continental, Putnam county, Ohio, whohave impressed their personahty upon this town and county, is Arthur L. Pollard, D. V. S., for many years a successful school teacher in Ohio, but since 1914, a practicing veterinarian in Continental. Doctor Pollard is a man of upright principles and interested in the advancement of the community where he has established himself, and where he has already built upa large and lucrative practice in his profession. After spending many years as a teacher in the schools of Ohio, Doctor Pollard acquired a splendid education for the profession in which he is now engaged. He has the confidence of the people of his community, both as a professional man and as a citizen.

Arthur L. Pollard, the subject, was born on March 6, 1885, near Six Points, in Wood county, Ohio. He is the son of Adam Lowry and Hannah (Brand) Pollard. Adam Lowry Pollard was born on May 3, 1855, in Seneca, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Abner and Anna (Wymer) Pollard., Abner and Anna (Wymer) Pollard were both natives of Pennsylvania, the former the son of an Englishman. Adam Lowry Pollard grew up in Seneca county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1862, when seven years old. During the last thirty-five years, he has lived in Wood county, Ohio. He was married twice, first to Abbie Parmerter, a widow, who died in Wood county, Ohio. In 1884, Adam Pollard married again. No children were bom by the first marriage. Adam Pollard now owns one hundred and five acres. For more than thirty years he ran a store at Six Points, Ohio, but retired from this business in 1914. By Mr. Pollard's second marriage, nine children were born, eight of whom are still living. Dr. Arthur L. was the eldest; Mrs. Lucy Chambers lives near North Rochester, in Freedom township, Wood county, Ohio; Luther died at the age of five months; Charles Raymond was the fourth child; Mrs. Bessie Zeigler lives in Portage township, Wood county; Mrs. Zella Bateson lives in Portage, Wood county. Tressie, George and Theodore, the seventh, eighth and ninth children, are all at home. Mrs. Hannah (Brand) Pollard was a native of Pennsylvania, who was born in 1858, from whence she -moved with her parents, at the age of five years, to Seneca county, Ohio, near Bettsville. Later, they moved to Wood county, where she grew up, and where her father died. She was the daughter of Michael and Hannah (Bachman) Brand.

cated m the township schools and lived at home tmtil eighteen years of age, when he went to Jersey City, Ohio, and was there graduated from the high school with the class of 1904. He taught school for seven years in various places in the county, taking summer work in Lima and Oxford. He entered the Veterinary College at Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 191 1, and spent two years here, and, subsequently, went to the Chicago Veterinary College and was graduated in the class of 1914, after which he came to Continental, Ohio, and purchased the veterinarian practice of James W. Dellenger,' D. V S. He is now actively engaged in the practice of his profession, and has a large business.

Doctor Pollard was married on February 19, 19 10, to Floss May Bowman, who was born on June 15, 1888, in Wood county, Ohio, and who is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wolfe) Bowman, the former of whom was born in 1841, and died in 1891, and the latter of whom was born in 185 1, and who is still living in western Ohio, in Wood county.

John Bowman migrated to Ohio eariy in life and, for a time, lived in Putnam county. He was a farmer near Miller City, Palmer township.' He later sold this farm and moved to Wood county, Ohio, in 1887, where he spent his remaining days on a farm. He was a veteran of the Civil War. He and his wife were the parents of nine children; Mrs. Nellie Wade, of Leipsic, Ohio; one who died in infancy; Mrs. Ida Morris, deceased; William who died in infancy; Shadrack was recorder of Wood county for six years' after having taught school for seven years, is an attorney of Bowling Green,' Ohio; John, now deceased, and who also taught school for seven years' being at the time of his death the superintendent of the Middleton township schools, and a stanch Republican; Mrs. Myrtle Burson, who lives at Tekoa Washington, her husband being J. P. Burson, an attorney; Mrs. Grace Ladd' who lives at Detroit, Michigan; and Floss, the wife of Doctor Pollard

Doctor Pollard's father was a member of the Maccabees for many years, and an ardent Republican. He also served on the school board for twenty years, and at present is a member of the township board. Doctor Pollard's paternal grandfather was a veteran of the Mexican War, and is of the four last survivors in Wood county.

.. ^^^^.'^^^^Po"^'-^ '' a Republican. Mrs. Pollard is a member of the Methodist church. Doctor Pollard is a skillful veterinarian and enjoys a lucrative practice. He is well liked as an energetic and successful young man and is bound to make his mark in the worid.

Mathtas Konst

One of the best known young business men of Miller City, Putnam county, Ohio, is Mathias Konst, a liquor merchant of this city. Mr. Konst is a self-made man in CA-ery respect, and his financial success is an example of what may be accomplished by hard and conscientious work and strict attention to duty.

Mathias Konst .was born at Elm Center, Putnam county, Ohio, on July 18, 1887. He is the son of Lucas and Caroline (Burkhart) Konst. Lucas Konst was born in Holland and came, with his parents when six years of age, to America. His parents, with their children, John, Katherine and Lucas, on coming from Holland, landed in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here Mathias Konst's father, Lucas Konst, was educated and learned the carpenter's trade, and, when a young man, he came with his father and family to New Cleveland, Putnam county, Ohio, settling on a farm of eighty acres. Of the children, John died, Katherine married Mathias Otto and lives at New Cleveland. After coming to New Cleveland, Lucas Konst's father worked at his trade. After his marriage, Lucas Konst began fanning on the John Beck place. Later, he purchased a farm of forty-seven acres, at Elm Center, Liberty township, Putnam county, where he farmed for a number of years, or until 19 lo. He then moved to Ottawa and retired. He died in Ottawa on January 8, 1913. His widow survives him and lives in Ottawa. Lucas and Caroline (Burkhart) Konst were the parents of ten children, Frank, Charles, John, Joseph, Louis, Thomas, Martha, Rudolph, William and Mathias, the subject of this sketch. Frank Konst married Anna Yenner and they live at Continental; Charles was married first to Mary Burlager; she died and he was again married to Caroline. Yenner. His second wife died and he now lives at Hicksville, Ohio. John married Catherine Krouse and lives at Leipsic, Ohio. Joseph married Zine Riggs and they live at Ottawa. Louis married Inez Kiefer and they live at Miller City. Thomas married Emma Laird, and they live at Toledo, Ohio ; Martha married William Hammond and lives at Sherwood, Ohio; Rudolph married Gertrude Ault, and they live at Ottawa; William is married and lives at San Diego, California. Mathias Konst was educated in the township schools of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, and spent his boyhood days on his father's farm at Elm Center. After leaving school he learned the barber's trade, and worked at this trade in Continental for five years, and then engaged in the liquor business. He was there in this business for four months and then came to Miller City, Ohio, where he entered the business with his brother Louis as partner. They also operate a cafe, and both are still active.

Mathias Konst was married on April 19, 1910, to Jennie Klass, a daughter oi Joseph and Anna (Steffen) Klass, both natives of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio. Joseph Klass is a farmer and had a family of five children, Jennie, Walter, Oliver, Albert and Florence, all of whom are living.

Mathias Konst is the treasurer of Miller City. Throughout his life hehas been an active Democrat. He is not a member of any lodges. Mathias. Konst, wife and family are members of St. Nicholas's Catholic church at Miller City. Mrs. Konst is a member of the Mother's Society of the Catholic church. They are well known in this section of Putnam county and are highly respected citizens.

William Wilson Frantz

What a wonderful heritage a man gives his children in passing from: this life when he leaves behind him a knowledge of an active life well spent,, and evidences of the good he has accomplished for his age and community. To be considered the foremost man of his county in his day, and the leader in all things pertaining to the welfare of the community, does not fall to the lot of many men, and only those who are truly great in heart and mind, of indomitable energy and unfailing optimism, are capable of winning the trust and confidence which places them in the leadership in matters of public good, especially in a new section. The late William Wilson Frantz, a well-known farmer of Putnam county, Ohio, was a man who belonged to this class of citizens.

William Wilson 'Frantz was born on September 27, 1849, in Blanchard' township, Putnam county, Ohio. He was the son of Simon Edward and Martha Jane (Patrick) Frantz.

Simon Edward Frantz, who was the son of Daniel and Sarah Frantz,. was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, and, with his-, two brothers, William and Daniel, came to Putnam county in 1834, settling just west and south of Gilboa. Each brother entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, Simon's farm adjoining the town of Gilboa on the west, who died on September 17, 1858. He was marrieJ. twice, the first time to Mary Conkley, by whom he had four children, two- of whom died in infancy; James and Sarah lived to maturity. He was married a second time to Martha Jane Patrick, who was the daughter of WilHam Patrick and wife, early settlers in Putnam county, whose residence here dates from the year 1834. By his second marriage Simon E. Frantz was the father of four children - William Wilson, Daniel, Martha and Ellen, all of whom are deceased.

William Wilson Frantz grew up in Blanchard township, where he received his early education from the common schools. He remained on the home farm until he was about eighteen or nineteen years of age. His father died when he was about nine years old, and his mother was married again to M. J. Olds, to which union four children were born - Jane, Thomas, Alice and Martha Ellen, who died in infancy.

At the age of eighteen or nineteen years William Wilson Frantz rented the farm -owned by his uncle, William, which was located southwest of Gilboa. He farmed this place for several years after his marriage, when he bought of the heirs of his fathers estate, the old homestead, just west of Gilboa. He continued to farm this place, until he retired in 1806 He died October 9, 1898.

William Wilson Frantz was married at the age of twenty-three on April 16, 1873, to Mary E. Hoskinson, the daughter of Alpha Robert and Elizabeth (Acord) Hoskinson. Mrs. Frantz was born in this township on March 6, 1851. Her parents settled in Putnam county in 1839. Her father was a native of Virginia, and came to Muskingum county, Ohio, in an early day. His wife was a native of Muskingum county.

To Mr. and Mrs. William Wilson Frantz ten children were born - William P., Robert Ross, Lilly Jane, Zella May, Zoa, Eva, Tony, Clyde Nettie and Grover W. William P., born August 20, 1874, married Stella A Maidlow and has had eight children, two of whom died in infancy. He is now the superintendent of the Putnam county infirmary, and is a well-known and popular citizen. Robert Jioss, born on November 18, 1875, married Frieda Brown and has three children. He is a farmer and lives in Hillsdale county Michigan. Lilly Jane, born on November 30, 1877, married John Maidlow and has had three children, of whom one is deceased. Her husband is superintendent of the state serum farm at Columbus, Ohio; Zella May born on August 4, 1879, married Reno Krohn and has one child. Her husband is a prosperous stock buyer of Pandora; Zoa, born on January 29, 1881 is unmarried and lives at home. She is a teacher in the schools of Columbus Grove, where she has been very successful in her chosen profession- Eva bom on October 15, 1883, married Julian Kempf and has one child. Mr. Kempf is interested in the Pandora Milling Company, and is a self-made and successful business man; Tony, born on April 8, 1884, married Zella Steele and has one child. He is in business at Pandora; Clyde, born on July 10, 1885, is unmarried; Nettie, born on January 14, 1887, is stenographer for the Ohio state agricultural commission; Grover W., born on September 7, 1889, is also unmarried. Clyde and Grover W. are two of Gilboa's most progressive and popular merchants. Their store reflects the character and enterprse of the men back of it. It is one of the most up-to-date stores in Putnam county, and one of which the community has reason to be jusdy proud. Clyde is a member of the Independent Order of Odd 'Fellows at Gilboa. He and his brother, Grover W., are both members of the Free arid Accepted Masons at Ottawa.

Thus it appears that William Wilson Frantz, who reared a large family, now successful citizens in many different vocations, has done more for his state and for the county where he lives than he could possibly have done in any other way. No work is greater and no success more admirable than that of leaving sons and daughters, who are guided by industrious habits, worthy ambitions and high ideals. Of such success William Wilson Frantz and his wife have had a large measure.

Henry B. Nartker

To obtain a worthy citizenship and achieve a career that is always honored and respected even from childhood, deserves more than mere mention. One may take his place in public life through some vigorous stroke of public policy and even abide in the hearts of his friends and neighbors, but gradually to rise to the same position, winning through sterling worth and faithfulness to trust, rather than by craving for exaltation and popularity, is worthy the highest praise and commendation. Such a man is Henry B. Nartker, one of the most prominent and influential farmers of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio.

Henry B. Nartker was born on February 7, 1864, at Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio. He is a son of Henry and Theresa (Vorterlandwer) Nartker, the former of whom was born in Glandorf, Hanover, Germany, on December I, 1836, and who died on March 21, 1909, at the age of seventy-two years.

Henry Nartker, Sr., was ten years old when he came to America with his parents, Theodore Nartker and wife, who settled about two miles west of where St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf, is now situated. The county was new in those times, and only a small part of the land was cleared. There, Henry Nartker, Sr., grew to maturity and married Theresa Vorterlandwer, who was born in Ottawa township, Putnam county, and who was a daughter of Herman Vorterlandwer. Herman Vorterlandwer came from Germany and was an early settler near Ottawa.

After his marriage, Henry Nartker, Sr., moved to the northwest edge of Glandorf. He worked at all kinds of work and did anything which was honorable to earn money. By extraordinary diligence he secured a good start in life, although he started in an humble way. In time he owned more than two hundred acres of land. He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity. Of these ten, two died later, Mrs. Minnie Horstman and William. The eight living children are Henry B.', Mrs. Bernadina Winkleman, Mrs. Mary Wischmeyer, Mrs. Annie Schroeder, Frank, August, Mrs. Emma Maas and Mrs. Lena Fortman. The mother of these children is still living west of Glandorf.

Henry B. Nartker grew up on the home farm and was his father's main assistance in clearing the land. He learned to use an ax and a crosscut saw very effectively. He took up his abode on the farm where he now lives in section i, Greensburg township, about 1892, and here he lived alone for about two years, while he cleared the land and operated the farm. At the end of that time he was married and has since made this farm his home. Mr. Nartker was married in 1894 to Bertha Roepke, who was born in Steinfeldt, Oldenburg, Germany, in 1872. She grew to womanhood in her native country and, in 1891, came to the United States. She first went to Covington, Kentucky, and after about a year's residence in that city, was joined by her parents, Henry and Mary (Honkomp) Roepke. The family moved to near Kalida, Putnam county, Ohio, about 1893, and were farmers there. They now live on a farm between Glandorf and Columbus Grove.

Henry Nartker and wife are the parents of eight children, Alfred, Harry, George, Rudolph, Emma, Ralph, Hildegarde and Gilbert. The Nartker family are all devout members of the Catholic church at Miller City and take an active interest in the affairs of this parish.

Henry B. Nartker is now the owner of about one hundred and eighteen acres of fine farming land, on which he has good barns and other outbuildings, as well as a comfortable house, and, in fact, his farm is well kept and cultivated, and he is among the representative and substantial farmers of his neighborhood.

Henry Nartker well remembers his childhood when his grandparents told him the story of their lives in a log cabin with no floor, a chimney made of sticks and plastered with mud, a grease lamp for light, and when they all stayed at home and worked and saved until they secured a good start in life. When H. B. Nartker was a young man he started life in a log cabin, and he and his young wife were happy with the tasks and ambitions ahead of them. His land was purchased for about one-fourth of what it is now worth. He has achieved some of his ambitions and few men are more widely acquainted and more favorably known than Mr. Nartker. He was township trustee for five years, his term of four years having been extended one year by the Legislature. He is a good citizen, a kind father, and a loving husband, and more than that, he is a substantial, enterprising citizen in Greensburg township, where he has made his home for so many years.

John Gerber

The hardy and rugged little country of Switzerland has produced many of the- men who later became numbered with Putnam county's most progressive and valued citizens. They came here filled with the energy and strength engendered by the life in their mountainous fatherland and ready to cope with whatever difficulties might rise before them in the new land of their adoption. As a class, they were intelligent, thrifty and industrious, a combination of characteristics well suited to aid them in procuring success in their efforts to establish themselves in the new country and to procure homes in which they and their children might live and achieve prosperity. Of these people, John Gerber, the subject of this sketch, is a striking example, having achieved marked success and risen to prosperity through his own efforts.

John Gerber was born in Berne, Switzerland, on December 31, 1871, a son of Daniel and Catherine (Scheideger) Gerber. His father was born in Berne on November 4, 1849, a son of Christian and Anna (Geiser) Gerber, both of whom were natives of Switzerland. Christian Gerber was a farmer who raised large herds of cattle and made cheese for the market, a business in which he attained great prosperity. To him and his wife were born eleven children. He died in 1887, and his wife died a year later.

Daniel Gerber, with John and Samuel, two of his younger brothers, came to America in March, 1891. About 1873, Anna Gerber, the eldest daughter of the family, who married Abraham Somers, came to America

.and settled first in Indiana and later in Pandora. When Daniel Gerber his two brothers, his wife and eight children came to America in i8gi ' his youngest sister, Mary, followed later in the year. She was the wife of Rudolph Peters and came to America just after her marriage. She went to Indian Territory as a missionary, and died about 1905. John Gerber the lancle of the subject, settled at Madison, Ohio, where he is farming. Samuel settled m Oklahoma. Both are married.

Daniel Gerber settled in Pandora, Ohio, where he now lives. He is a wagonmaker by trade and has lived in Pandora most of the time since commg to America. He and Mrs. Gerber are the parents of eight children who are: John, Arnold, Carl, Marion, Rosie, Leah, Lena and Adolph. Marion .and Leah are residents of Fulton county, Ohio; Adolph lives in Fort Wayne Indiana; Lena is a missionary in China, and the others make their homes in Putnam county.

John Gerber was nineteen years of age when he came to America He worked on a farm for six years and then took a position in the planing mill at Pandora, where he worked four years. After he had worked in the mill two years, he married on December 25, 1898, Levina Amstutz, who was born in Riley township Putnam county, on September 14, 1875, a daughter of Abraham and Catherine (Hilty) Amstutz. Mr. Amstutz's family historv is :given_in the sketch of his brother, P. A. Amstutz. and the family history of Ins wife IS given in the sketch of Isaac Hilty, both, of which appear elsewhere m this volume. ^^

F-bvit" ?t'' ^V^^^ '"^'"'^ °" ^P"' ^' ^906, his second wife being El zabeth Gerber, a daughter of Michael and Catherine (Moser) Gerber Michael Crber was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and Catherine Mose; was born m Berne, Switzerland. To John and Elizabeth Gerbe h ee ch 1 dren. Prudence Elnora, Lillian Odula and Elda Elvina, have been boT:

After leaving the planing mill, in the spring of 1901, John Gerber was engaged in the manufacturing of overalls, and was one of the orga^ers o he Pandora Overall Company. He retained his connection with tha firm forthree years^or until the spring of 1904, when he entered the weH^ ilHne business with Peter Somers. That partnership endured for five ^e s when Peter Somers sold his interest to John Gerber's brother, Carl The two l^rothers remained in partnership for four years, and then Car solIhisTn

John Gerber has been very successful in his business and owns a beautiful brick residence in Pandora, where he now lives. He owns two up-todate drilling machines and has all the business he can take care of. He averages from fifty to sixty wells each year, and, in all, has drilled about six hundred wells since he first established the business.

John Gerber is a supporter of the Republican party and has always taken an active and intelligent interest in local political matters. For six years he has been a member of the town council.

John Gerber and wife are both members of the Mennonite (Grace) church, and are active workers in all church affairs. Mr. Gerber is an excellent citizen and is highly respected and esteemed by his neighbors.

Earl Joshua Shaffer

Undoubtedly no other single influence has so much to do with the shaping of the character of the American people as has the public school system, and those associated with this work are indeed doing a noble duty and doubly justifying their existence. A prominent man in the school system of Putnam county is Earl J. Shaffer, of the West Leipsic public schools.

Earl J. Shafi^er was born on July 2, 1889, in Putnam county, the son of Joshua and Susan (Campbell) Shaffer, who were the parents of nine children, namely: Homer Newton, a farmer of Paulding county, Ohio; Milton Festus, also a farmer in Paulding county; Americus Vincent lives in West Leipsic; Martha Belle and Lydia Alice both live in Van Buren township; Putnam county; Joshua Smith died young; Myrtle May resides in Paulding county, Ohio; Earl J. is the subject of this sketch; Oscar Turner is. chief engineer of a large Lexington, Kentucky, tobacco-drying house.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Shaffer were Samuel and Elizabeth (Runyon) Shaffer, the former of whom was born in Highland county, Ohio, in 1814, and died in 1898, and the latter of whom was born in Virginia, and died in 1881, aged fifty-nine. Samuel Shaffer was a farmer and stock raiser who never lived outside of Highland county. He was road supervisor for several terms. He was a member of the Lutheran church, a hard-working man, and, like Lincoln, was a famous rail splitter. He was broad-minded and liberal in his views. He and his wife were the parents; of eight children, namely: Lucinda, who died in infancy; Martin Luther and Perry are Highland county (Ohio) farmers; Joshua, whose son is the subject of this sketch; Moses died at the age of four; Sarah Elizabeth died in infancy; Elijah lives in Middletown, Ohio; Mary Susan also lives in Middletown.

Joshua Shaffer was reared and married in Highland county and came to Putnam county in 1884, engaging in farming in 1885, from which year he worked as a farm laborer until 1890, when he bought forty acres of good land in Van Buren township, Putnam county. The land was uncultivated and was made productive by much hard labor. This land was tilled until 1894, when he rented a farm in the same township on which he lived for three years, and then moved to Paulding county, Ohio, where he bought twenty acres of land and lived for five years. Then, returning to West Leipsic, he established a general merchandise, store, bringing the most of his stock with him from Paulding county. One year after locating in West Leipsic, the Paulding county farm was disposed of. The store which he established is still in operation and does a thriving business. On November 27, 1867, Joshua married Susan Campbell.

A valued member of Lodge No. 536, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is Joshua Shaffer. He is a Democrat in his political views, and was a member of the school board of Paulding county for several years and also of Putnam county, and he has served on the election board for several years and is active on the board at present. He is a member of the German Reformed church, of Highland county, Ohio.

The education of Earl J. Shaffer was received in the common schools of Putnam county, and the high school of Grover Hill, from which he grraduated on May 12, 1905, and some time afterward took the teacher's examination in Putnam county at Ottawa, Ohio, passing with an average grade of eighty-seven and one-half. For five years,- he taught school in Liberty township and for one year in Van Buren township, after which he accepted his present position in the West Leipsic grammar school, in the year 1913. Mr. Shaffer holds the following teacher's certificates; three oneyear certificates, two two-year certificates, one three-year and one five-year certificate, the last two being in effect now. Mr. Shaffer is a teacher of great ability, as his winning personality is felt. On October 9, 1912, Mr. Shaffer married Ruby Violet Folk, the daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Mclntyre) Folk, and Earl Joshua and Violet (Folk) have one child, Mildred Claire.

Earl Joshua Shaffer belongs to Leipsic Lodge No. 548, of the Free and Accepted Masons, and to Lodge No. 536, of the Independent Order of Odd

Fellows, taking an active part in lodge work and being junior deacon in his chapter of the Masonic order. An active Democrat, firmly advancing the best principles of his party, he was elected in 191 1, and still serves as corporation clerk of West Leipsic. He and his family are devout members of the West Leipsic church of the United Brethren. He is financial secretary of the church, superintendent of the Sunday school, and he, with his virife, takes an active part in church duties and functions. Unassuming, yet pleasing with his quiet courtesy, Mr. Shaffer is a good conversationalist' and uses his gift to advance educational interests and the general welfare of the community. He is of an uncompromising honesty, and is open and frank in all his dealings, and is accordingly liked by his wide circle of friends and acquaintances, both in Putnam county and elsewhere. He is splendidly well informed and can talk very intelligently on a wide range of topics. He IS the type of man who holds our nation in her premier position on the earth.

John C. Madden

American politicians are becoming actively aware of the rapid growth of the Socialist vote in this country, and are being compelled to recognize in this modem development of the political life of the nation a deep-seated protest against the enormous growth of entrenched privilege which has become such a serious menace to the proudest institutions of the government and the basic liberties of the people. There has grown up in this country, along with this protest, in recent years, a very determined demand on the part of the more thoughtful elements of society, that not only the public utilities of the country, but that all lands, mines, minerals and railways, together with all the instruments of production and exchange, should be in the hands of the people, the natural conservators of the public domain. The enormous problem of the unemployed, which so long has been facing our present governmental agencies, is one of the factors that is bringing to the attention of thoughtful persons the claims of the Socialists for a reorganization of the present industrial and economic system and many of these claims, that a few years ago might have been looked upon as chimerical, are now accepted as proper doctrines of government, the approach to paternalism on the part of the federal government being accepted as a most notable concession in this direction. Though there may be a very proper disagreement as to the near approach of the promised millennium of righteousness when all social wrongs shall be righted, there can be no disagreement on the proposition that there are many very grave social wrongs that stand in need of righting and the pettifogging economists whose grasp upon the stern necessities of the times, is not sufficiently acute to detect the finer shades of meaning in the unceasing clamor that is going up for a correction of much of this modern injustice to propose a proper remedy for the evils thus hinted at, may yet find that the remedies now proposed by the Socialists shall become the universal panacea so long sought. The Socialistic propaganda has many ardent spokesmen in this country and in Putnam county there are not a few whose voices have been lifted for years in this behalf. Among these latter, however, there is none better known than the gentleman whose name the biographer has found pleasure in presenting at the introduction to this brief and modest biographical sketch, Mr. Madden being one of the best known and most active Socialists in this section of the state, his reputation in this indeed being state wide, his name having twice been submitted to the suffrages of the people of Ohio for consideration as a candidate for a justiceship in the state supreme court.

John C. Madden was born in Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, July s, 1869, the son of Hiram and Catherine (Davis) Madden, the former of whom was born in Perry county, Ohio, January 9, 1827, the son of John B. and Ruth (Hall) Madden, and the latter of whom was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1827, but who moved to Perry county, Ohio, with her parents at an early age and there grew to womanhood and was' married, later moving with her husband to Putnam county. John B. Madden grandfather of John C, was a native of Virginia, and his wife Ruth Hall' was a native of Maryland, they having migrated to Periy county after their marriage and there reared their family.

Hiram Madden was educated in the district schools of Perry county up on a farm, early becoming inducted into the principles of agriculture. He was united in marriage in 1851, to Catherine Davis, a member of one of the old families of that county, and, in 1853, moved to this county

^T\°lu i".°' °"' ^""^"""^ ""'^ '''''y '''''' i" Monroe township, where both he and his wife spent the rest of their lives, he dying on February .27, 1902 at the age of seventy-five years, she surviving but little more than a year, her death occurring in July, 1903. Hiram Madden was one of the best known and most influential men in his section of the county and had s ved the public most acceptably in the important office of townsh'p trustee besides having held minor township offices, in the administration of all of which he acted with an eye single to the public good. He was a stanch

Democrat and was well known in the councils of his party. Though not an active member of any church, he was a professed Christian and ever was found in the forefront of those seeking to advance the best interests of the people, he and his good wife, who was a timely helpmate, being ready to help those in distress or misfortune.

To Hiram and Catherine (Davis) Madden were born four children: Hugh B., who lives at Lima, Ohio; Mrs. Sarah Jane Whitman, of Monroe township, this county; Mary, who died in infancy, and John C, with whom this article particularly treats.

John C. Madden was reared on the paternal farm in Monroe township, ship, receiving his primary education in the township schools. This he supplemented with a course at the Tri-State College at Angola, Indiana, which institution he entered when he was nineteen years of age. Upon completing the course at this college, he returned home and began the study of law in private readings, after which he took a two-term course at the college at Ada, Ohio, upon the completion of which he returned home and began preparations for the practice of his profession. For one year he was located at Antwerp, Ohio, where he made a good start in the practice of his chosen profession, but at the end of this time returned to Putnam county and opened an office at Continental, where he since has made his home. In addition to his law practice, Mr. Madden is engaged in the real estate, farm loans and insurance business, in which he has been quite successful. He also has the Rawlings Company's agency, medicines and druggists' sundries and supplies, for the county of Paulding, which agency he operates successfully in connection with the extensive business he has established at Continental.

On Februai-y 12, 1899, John C. Madden was united in marriage to Miss Ruth French, who was born near Youngstown, Ohio, and to this union two children have been born, Henry and Gwennie, lively young people who are the delight of their parents' lives and the light of their home. John C. Madden takes a prominent part in the social activities of his home town and is exceedingly popular in his rather extensive social circle, at the same time being among the leaders in the good work of the community, ever being ready to lend a hand in all movements having as their object the advancement of the welfare of the people.

John C. Madden is a member of the Masonic and the Pythian fraternities, in the affairs of which he takes an active interest, and though a member of no church, has a helping hand for all deserving charities. For years Mr. Madden has been an ardent Socialist and has taken a very prominent part m the campaigns of that party in this state. In 1912 and in 1914, he was the candidate of his party for a place on the Ohio supreme bench, and,. in both campaigns, made a strong showing, despite the present minority standing of his party. The Sociahst party is made up, however, of men who seem to thrive on defeat, and Mr. Madden and many who entertain the same political belief, far from being discouraged at the showing their party has made in former campaigns, are pressing on, urging their cause in the presence of thoughtful people, in season and out of season, believing that ultimately their cause shall prevail. Among the workers in this party in Ohio, none has been more earnest or energetic than Mr. Madden. A wide reader, a clear thinker and a forceful propagandist, his campaigns have been marked by a sanity and lucidity of expression which have commended him to the serious consideration of thinking people, generally, within the rangeof his utterances and there are many in this section of Ohio who earnestly believe that he has a brilliant political future before him.

While deeply interested in political measures from the viewpoint of the modern Socialist, Mr. Madden does not permit his campaign work to interfere with his duty to the public and there is no more ardent "booster" for civic improvements, better roads and the like, than he. He is a success Er,l' man, because he has been diligent in business, it having been one of the rules of his life to give as careful attention to the lesser details of a transaction as to the greater details, and as a consequence he has inspired theconfidence and esteem of his business associates and his friends, generally, throughout this section of the state.

Joseph Kersting

In the year 1874, there arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio, a young German lad by the name of Joseph Kersting. He was only eighteen years of age at the time, and had just enough money to make the long trip from his nativeland, Germany, to this country. Today this same penniless youth of forty years ago, is one of the well-known men of Ottavi^a, Putnam county, Ohio, He has been a resident of this county since 1886, and was engaged in mercantile pursuits in- Glandorf until he took the office of county auditor in the fall of 1905. Since that year he has resided in the county, and since coming out of the office of county auditor, he has been engaged in the fire insurance business. He was the founder of the Glandorf Building and Loan Association, and served as its secretary for many years, and in every way he has shown his pubhc spirit and desire to do everything possible for the general welfare of his community. He has been very helpful in the cause of education, and has always maintained a decided stand in favor of the public schools. As a business man, his integrity is beyond question and his genial manners and ever-ready willingness to do something for others, has won for him many friends throughout Putnam county.

Joseph Kersting, the present district assessor of Putnam county, Ohio was born on April 14, 1856, in Westphalia, Prussia. He is a son of Anthony and Katherine (Dorren) Kersting, both of whom spent all of their days in their native land.

Joseph Kersting came to America when he was eighteen years of age his two brothers, Anthony and Felix, having preceded him to this country and located m Cincinnati. He joined his two brothers in that city and at once became a clerk in a mercantile establishment in Cincinnati. One of his Anthony, entered the priesthood, and belongs to the Franciscan Fathers, and is now known as Father David. Felix, his other brother became a merchant tailor and spent most of his life in this country at Miamisburg, Ohio, where he died.

_ Joseph Kersting became a bookkeeper, after a short time, and while living m Cincinnati, was married. Before his marriage, he had become a traveling salesman for a Cincinnati house, dealing in tailor's trimmings Still, later, he traveled for a Philadelphia house in Ohio, Michigan Indiana and Illinois, which also dealt in tailors' goods. Mr. Kersting moved to Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, in 1886, although he remained on the road as a salesman for two more years. He became a partner with I. H Kahle m the general merchandise business at Glandorf, in 1888, and this partnership contmued until 1892, when he purchased Mr. Kahle's interests and continued the business alone until 1904. In that year he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for auditor of Putnam county, and was elected m November of the same year. He took his office in October, igos for a three-year term, but before the expiration of his first term, the Legislature changed the length of his term to two years, so that his first term was extended a year by the Governor. He was re-elected for another term in addition, so that he held the office for six years, going out of the office in October,_ 191 1. Since retiring from the auditor's office, he has engaged in the fire insurance business at Ottawa, and in 1913, purchased the insurance business of two other firms in Ottawa, that of Zeller & Company, and Glen Claypool. He combined the business of the three firms and turned it ove^ to his two sons, Albert V. and Alphonse A., retaining a silent partnership ^ith them under the firm name of A. V. Kersting & Company. "^Howete "^ since his election as district assessor for Putnam county, he has retired from active participation in the fire insurance business in order to devote all of his^ time and attention to the duties of this office.

Joseph Kersting was married on June 3, 1879, to Anna Gieringer, who was born near Cincinnati, on a farm and was a daughter of Anthony and Thirsa (Blase) Gieringer. Her parents came from Wurttemberg, Germany, and located on a farm near Cincinnati, where they spent the remainder of their days. To this union have been born eight children, all of whom are living.

Joseph Kersting and his family are all loyal members of the Catholicchurch. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Findlay, Ohio. Mr. Kersting and his wife are justly proud of their eight children, all of whom have been given excellent educations and are now honored members of the various communities where they are living. Such, in brief, is the life history of the poor German youth, who came to the United States in 1874 to seek his fortune.

George D. Hamden

A business man of Ottawa, Putnam county, Ohio, who has been located here since January, 1877, is George D. Hamden, who has been in the grocery business here for more than thirty-eight years. He has taken a very active part m the building up of the village and is recognized as one of the most promment citizens of Ottawa. He was left an orphan at an early age and started out to make his own way in the world when a mere lad. Learning the woolen trade, he followed that for several years in various parts of Virginia, Tennessee and Ohio.

George D. Hamden, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (House) Hamden, was born m Loudoun county, Virginia, March 10, 1841. His father was born m the highlands of Scotland, and, in 1821, came to Virginia He was a machmist by trade, and, after coming to this country, married Elizabeth House, who was born and reared at Hagerstown, Maryland. For ten years after his marriage, Henry Hamden operated a canal boat on the Baltimore & Ohio canal, and in 1850 moved to Logan county, Ohio, where his death occurred about six months later. For the first seven or eight years after his marriage, in 1830, Henry Hamden worked as a machinist in the government arsenal at Harper's Ferry. His wife died in 185 1

S78 Putnam County, Ohio

When his mother died, in 185 1, George D. Hamden was ten years of age. His parents had nine children, but only seven survived the mother, and at the present time only two are living, George B. and Mahala Rice, of Hillsdale, Michigan.

The death of both of the parents of Mr. Hamden left him an orphan, and his uncle, John House, took him to rear. He worked in the woolen mills in Virginia, and learned the woolen trade thoroughly and engaged in that of business until 1877. He worked in Dayton, Springfield, Marysville, Ohio, and spent two years, 1867-68, in the state of Tennessee. After he had been in this business about seven years, he became the superintendent of woolen mill and continued as superintendent of woolen mills at various places until 1877. In that year, Mr. Hamden moved to Ottawa, Putnam county, Ohio, and engaged in the grocery business. At the same time he also -started a livery stable and operated both establishments for a number of years. In addition, he sold lime, cement and sewer pipes. For the last few years, Mr. Hamden has given all of his attention to his large grocery business.

George D. Hamden was living at Marysville, Ohio, when he was twentyone years of age, and despite his youth, was elected as a member of the school board of that village, and held this office for two terms. He has been a life-long Democrat, and wherever he has lived he has taken an active part in political affairs. While living in Marysville, he was not only a member of the school board, but served as marshal of the village for four years. Two years after he came to Ottawa, he was appointed as a member of the school board and later elected and served for a total of seven years. Following this, he served for six years on the council at Ottawa, and then was elected as a member of the waterworks board and had a leading part in the building and management of the waterworks. He has served, continuously, upon the waterworks board since its establishment. He was one of the organizers of the Ottawa Building and Loan Association, and has been an officer of this association ever since it was organized, twenty-seven years ago.

George D. Hamden was married on January 7, 1868, at West Liberty, Logan county, Ohio, to Frances E. Welch, who was born in Champaign county, Ohio, and is the daughter of Rawsen and Elmira (Thrall) Welch. Her father was a woolen manufacturer and Mr. Hamden had worked for him in his boyhood. Mr. Hamden and his wife are the parents of two children, Iva and Iscah. Iva was the wife of Vernon Cummer, who was killed by a boiler explosion at Williamstown, Pennsylvania, in 1900. He left his widow with a son and daughter, George Edwin and Lyle Vernon. George E. died about two years after his father's death. Mrs. Cummer -and her other son, Lyle V., Hve in Ottawa. Iscah makes his home with his parents.

Mr. Hamden is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Royal Arcanum. He is a man who has always been intensely interested in advancing the interests of his home village, and it can be said that Ottawa never had a more public-spirited citizen, or one who took a greater interest in its welfare.

Hubert C. Gerding

^ The Gerding family is one of the pioneer families of Putnam county, Ohio. Hubert C. Gerding was born in this county, as were his parents, while his grandparents, on both sides, were natives of Germany. Mr. Gerding has been connected with a drug store in Ottawa, since 1894, and has been proprietor of his own store since 1904.

Hubert C. Gerding, the proprietor of the "Rexall" drug store, of Ottawa, Ohio, was born in Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, August 23, 1870. His parents, Ferdinand and Veronica (Bockhold) Gerding, were both natives of Glandorf. His grandparents on his father's side came from Germany to America and were pioneer settlers at Glandorf, in this county. Veronica Bockhold was a granddaughter of John G. Bockhold and wife, natives of Osnabruck, Germany, and also early settlers of Glandorf, in this <:ounty. Mr. Bockhold was a pioneer tavern keeper at Glandorf. Ferdinand Gerding, the father of Hubert C., was reared on his father's farm in this and became a saddle and harnessmaker, following that business at Glandorf until his death. He was a soldier in the Civil War. There were five children born to Ferdinand Gerding and wife; two of whom are living, Hubert C. and Harry J., who is living in Lima.

Hubert C. Gerding was reared on his father's farm in this county and after completing the schooling which was offered in his home county, entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, leaving the department of pharmacy in the spring of 1894. He at once returned to his home county and accepted a position in his uncle's drug store at Ottawa, remaining in this store for about ten years. He then worked in W. W. Kelly's drug store for a time, and later in the drug store of Anglemyre & Buckley, buving the store -of the latter firm in 1904. Since that year, he has been in business for him- self and his store, known as the "Rexall" drug store, is one of the most attractive stores in this section of the state. He has the exclusive agency for all of the "Rexall" remedies and is a stockholder in the Rexall Company. The store is well stocked with druggist's sundries and by his courteous treatment of customers and his energetic and wide-awake methods of business,, he has built up a large and "lucrative trade in Ottawa and the surrounding community.

Hubert C. Gerding was married in October, 1897, to Emma B. Kahle,. the daughter of Hon. Ignatius H. Kahle and wife, whose history is given elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Gerding and his wife have two daughters,. Mary and Eleanor.

Hubert C. Gerding is a Democrat and has always been interested in local politics. He is now serving his second term as village clerk of Ottawa and administering the duties of this office in a very satisfactory manner. Mr.. Gerding and his family are loyal members of the Catholic church.

Joseph Liebrecht

Joseph Liebrecht is a well-known farmer of Jackson township, Putnam' county, Ohio. He is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land in this township, which comprises some of the best farming land in the county. His farm is level, well drained and well fenced, and from any point of view shows the progressive and careful proprietorship of its owner. Mr. Liebrecht began, after his marriage, with forty acres in section 6, of Jackson township, which he first cleared, ditched, fenced and otherwise improved. He built a splendid brick residence in 1907, a large barn having already been built, eight years previously, in 1899. All of the buildings which Mr. Leibrecht has erected are of the most substantial material. The Leibrecht farm has grown in acreage from time to time, until he now has one of the finest farms in Putnam county.

Joseph Liebrecht is a native of Putnam county, Ohio. He was born near Delphos, Jennings township, July 10, 1852. His parents were Frank and Clara (Nierman) Liebrecht. Frank Liebrecht was a native of Germany. He came alone to America, when a young man, and settled on a farm near Delphos. He was reared as a farmer. Frank Liebrecht's father and mother who were also farmers, were both born, lived and died in Germany. Frank Liebrecht married Clara Nierman, at Delphos, and after his marriage pur-

-chased a farm of forty acres in Jennings township. He made many improvements on the land, having cleared it first of its heavy growth of timber and having built many rods of fence. After operating this forty acres for a time, he sold it and purchased eighty acres in Monterey township, near Ottoville. He cleared most of this farm, erected buildings upon it and otherwise improved it in many ways. Here he farmed until his death in 1854. 'Frank -Liebrecht was not a member of any lodge, and held no public office. He was a Democrat, but never active. He and his family were devoted members of St. Mary's Catholic church at Ottoville.