Ottawa Township (part 18 of 23)

Joseph Liebrecht's mother was born in Germany, coming to America with her father and three sisters, her mother having died in the Fatherland. She located, with her father and sisters, in Monterey township, Putnam where they were among the early settlers of this community. She was about twenty years of age when she came from Germany, and after settling permanently in Monterey township, made this her home until her to Frank Liebrecht. Her father died on the farm in Monterey township, it being the same place where he first located after coming to Ohio, shortly after his arrival in America. After his death, his wife lived on the farm for a time, but afterward sold it, and she is now deceased. Joseph Liebrecht is one of three children born to his parents, the others being William, who lives at Upper Sandusky, Ohio; Mrs. M'ary Kiefer, -deceased.

Joseph Liebrecht grew to maturity on the old home place in Monterey township. He received practically all of his education in the Ottoville district schools. He remained at home, assisting on the farm, until his marriage, which event took place at St. Mary's Catholic church at Ottoville Ohio, in October, 1875, at which time Mr. Liebrecht was united in marriage to Mary Bedeker, herself a native of Germany. She died in 1885. Joseph Liebrecht was married on September 4, 1888, to Margaret Gergen who was a daughter of Mathias and Catherine (Niese) Gergen, who were born m Germany and were married there. About four years after his marriage Mathias Gergen and wife and children came and settled in Jackson township on a farm. They had two children bom in Germany, Nicholas and Margaret, who married Joseph Liebrecht, and Peter, Mary, Susan, Anna, Clara deceased, born in Putnam county, Ohio. Mathias Gergen died in Jackson township on his farm, May 2y, 1910, his wife died on May 20, 1912 Thev belonged to the St. Mary's Cathohc church at Ottoville, Putnam county

Emma, born on December i6, 1876; John, born on March 30, 1878; Barney, born on May 17, 1880; William, born on October 28, 1881 ; Tille, born on January 31, 1885. By his second marriage there were six children, as follow: Catherine, born on October 12, 1889; Elizabeth, born on March 2, 1892; Frank, born on March 30, 1894; Arnold, born on April 22, 1897; I awrence, born on May 15, 1900; Veronica, born on July 7, 1905. Of these children, John, the second child, married Elizabeth Kleman, and is engaged in farming in Union township, in this county. He and his wife are the parents of four children, Ascella, Gilbert, Elmer and Lucina. Barney married Flora Heidnischer, and they live in Greensburg township. They are the parents of two children, Sylvester and Rose Marie. Tillie, the fourth child in order of birth, is the wife of Fred Kreinbrink, a farmer living in Greensburg township, and they have two children, Leona and Henrietta. The rest of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Liebrecht are unmarried and living at home.

Joseph Liebrecht is a congenial, progressive and public-spirited farmer and citizen. He is known in the neighborhood where he lives as a good father and husband, and the Liebrechts have a happy home.

Mr. Liebrecht is identified with the Democratic party, but has never been active in politics. Mrs. Liebrecht is a devout member of St. Mary's Catholic church at Ottoville, and her husband and all the children are members of the same church. He has one of the most attractive and well-kept farms in this community.

William J. Varner

A pioneer settler of Putnam county, Ohio, is William J. Varner, who was born, reared and has spent all of his life within its limits. As a boy, he remembers distinctly of the wolves howling around their cabin door, and of seeing the deer roaming through the woods near their house. In fact, all kinds of wiW game were abundant in his father's woods in his boyhood days. The Indians were still here when he was a lad and his father often traded them salt in exchange for venison. Consequently, Mr. Varner has been identified with the history of this county from its very beginning, and well deserves the title of pioneer.

William J. Varner, the son of Jacob and Eliza (Guy ton) Varner, was bom in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, December 6, 1848. His father was Jporn in Luray valley, Page county, Virginia, of German parentage. Jacob grew to manhood in Virginia and, when twenty-one years of age, made the long overland trip from Virginia to Putnam county, Ohio, and entered government land in Greensburg township. He cleared a farm and lived here until he was past ninety years of age. His wife, Eliza Guyton, was born in Maryland near Hagerstown, her father being a native of Ireland. Eliza Guyton came to Putnam county with her parents, after she was grown, and her father entered government land in Ottawa township. Jacob Varner and wife were the parents of eight children: Mrs. Mary Ayres; Mrs. Ellen Benedict; Isaiah; Mrs. Ruth Shafer; Mrs. Ehzabeth Cushman; William J., of Ottawa; Mrs. Rebecca Bibler and one who died in childhood.

William J. Varner was reared on his father's farm in Greensburg township, and received such education as was afforded by the rude subscription schools of his boyhood days. He remained at home until his marriage and then began farming for himself on rented land. He rented for several years, and then bought a small farm, upon -which he began his independent career as a farmer. As he prospered, from year to year, he added to his farm, until he now owns three hundred and fifteen acres, in Greensburg township, and sixty-seven aces, in Ottawa township, part of his farm being within the corporate limits of Ottawa. While he spent most of his time in agricultural pursuits, he has been actively interested in the buying and shipping of live stock for about ten years. He retired from active farm life in 1908 and moved to Ottawa, where he is now residing, after a long and arduous career on the farm.

William J. Varner was married on November 21, 1869, to Anna Simon, who was born in Greensburg township, in this county, a daughter of John P. Simon and wife. Her parents were born near Amsterdam, Holland, and were married in the land of their birth, one of their children being born in Holland. They then came to America, and soon after coming to this country located in Putnam county, Ohio, where Mr. Simon engaged in farming. Later, he embarked in the grocery business at Ottawa and dealt in farm produce of all kinds, in connection with his regular grocery business. Mr. Simon was a man of prominence in his community and became one of the substantial citizens of Ottawa.

William J. and Anna (Simon) Varner are the parents of five children- Nettie, Gertrude, Carl C., Zoe and Laura. Nettie is the wife of John T. Matheny and lives in Greensburg township and has three sons, Nelson, Howard and John Nelson; Gertrude is the wife of William Fridley and lives' near Pandora on a farm and has three children, Ethel, Clarence and Charles; Carl C. married Lene Wagner and lives in Ashtabula county, Ohio, on a farm, where he gives much attention to the dairy business, and has- four children, Irene, Jay, Wilham Lowell and Carl Gordon; Zoe is the wife of Eugene R. Hunt, of Ottawa, and has three sons, Lucius, Theodore and William; Laura, the youngest child, died at the age of sixteen.

William J. Varner has always identified himself with the Republican party, and, although he did not seek the office, he was elected treasurer of his township. For about ten years he served on the Putnam county board of agriculture. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and also belongs to the chapter and council. He is a public-spirited and broad-minded citizen and deeply interested in the welfare of those around him, and such a man as lends stability to our commonwealth.

Daniel M. Leffler

It is a well-authenticated fact that success comes as a result of legitimate and well-applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in a course of action which one has decided upon. Success was never known to smile upon the idler or dreamer and she never courts the loafer. Only the men who have- diligently sought her favors are crowned with her blessing. In tracing the history of Daniel M. Leffler, a grocer and influential citizen of Leipsic, Van Buren township, Putnam county, Ohio, it is plainly seen that the success which he enjoys has been won by commendable qualities, and it is also his personal worth that has gained for" him the high esteem of those who know him and those who have had business relations with him.

Daniel M. Leffler, a well-known grocer of Leipsic, was born on December 21, 1869, in Leipsic, Van Buren township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Daniel G. and Lavina (Hyde) Leffler. The late Daniel G. Leffler, who, during his life, was a commissioner of Putnam county, was born on August 13, 1837, in Fairfield county, Ohio, the son of Solomon and Christina (Weidner) Leffler. Solomon Leffler was born in Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, February 8, 1808, and died on February 25, 1898. His wife, whom he married on October 10, 1833, was born on May 19, 1815, in Wittenburg, Germany, and died on August 27, 1895. .When a young man, Daniel G. Leffler came to Putnam county with his parents, who located two and onehalf miles north of Leipsic. After living here for twenty-five years, they moved mto Leipsic and lived here until their death. Daniel G. Leffler answered Lincoln's first call for volunteers, and in April, 1861, enlisted for three months in the Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He re-enlisted at the expiration of this period and served for three years, or until Lee had surrendered in Company I, Forty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Leffller was wounded three times at Chickamauga. After the war, he married Lavina Hyde in June, 1866. She was born three miles north of Leipsic and was the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Hyde, who came from Germany.

Mr. Leffler went into the merchandise business in Leipsic about 1866, and continued until 1883, when the store was changed into a grocery. He conducted this store until 1890, when he was succeeded by his sons, Daniel M. and Charles H. He devoted his time, after this period, to looking after his farm and attending to his interests in public affairs. He was a Democrat and a member of the first city council of Leipsic, and served, in all, twelve years as a councilman. At the same time, he was a member of the board of education, treasurer of the school board, and also treasurer of Leipsic. He was appointed county commissioner in 1894 to serve out an unexpired term, and was elected and re-elected, in all seven years. He died on January 4, 1912, while his widow still lives in Leipsic. They were both members of the Lutheran church. Donald G. and Lavina (Hyde) Leffler were the parents of five children, of whom four are living : Charles H. ; Daniel M.; Ella A., the wife of T. H. Whisler; and Arietta J., the wife of R. C. Firestine. Edward V. died on July 13, 1901. Mr. Leffler built a hotel at the corner of Defiance and Commercial streets in 1895.

Daniel M. Leffler grew to manhood in Leipsic and from his boyhood helped his father in the grocery store. He grew up as a grocer, and, in 1890, he and his brother, Charles H., became partners in the grocery business, succeeding their father, who had been in the business, and so diligently built up the grocery trade and who had conducted it for so many years. The two brothers have carried on the business as partners since that time.

Daniel M. Leffler was married in the spring of 1891, to Emma M. Pfister, who was born about three and one-half miles west of Leipsic, and is the daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Long) Pfister. Her parents were born in Switzerland and her father was a farmer near Leipsic. Mr. Pister was an old resident of Leipsic and died in 1890. His widow now lives with Mr. and Mrs. Leffler. Daniel M. and Emma M. (Pfister) Leffler have three children living and one dead: Ray V., born on February 28, 1892; Gladys, March 3, 1894, and died on January 12, 1899; Serge H., April 28, 1896, and Maxine H., August 7, 1905.

Daniel M. Leffler takes an active interest in local public affairs and has served in various capacities, as a member of the board of education, the city council, and also as city treasurer. In all of these positions, he has acquitted himself as becomes one devoted to the cause of good American government. Mr. Leffler and family are members of the Lutheran church.

Charles H. Leffler, the brother of Daniel M., and his partner in the grocery business, was born on April lo, 1868, in Leipsic. He grew up in Leipsic and also helped his father in the store from his boyhood. In 1890 as heretofore mentioned, he and his brother, Daniel M., purchased his father's interest in the grocery store and succeeded him in this business.

Charles H. Leffler was married on September 22, 1909, to Rebecca Wentz, who was born in Findlay, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob A and Ehzabeth S. (Kanable) Wentz. Jacob A. Wentz was born and reared in Hartford City, Indiana, and was married at Bucyms, Ohio, to Elizabeth S Kanable. She was a native of Springfield, but was reared in Bucyrus After their marriage, they resided in Hartford City, Indiana, for about ten years on a farm, when they moved to Cass township, north of Findlay, where Mrs. Leffler was born. Her parents still reside there. On the fifth anni versary of the marriage of Charles H. Leffler and wife, Mr. and Mrs Wentz celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Charles H. Leffler and wife have one daughter, Elizabeth Lavina. Mr. Leffler and family also belon^. to the Lutheran church and he is a member of the Knights of Pythias

Elliott Clark

The late Elliott Clark spent his whole life in Putnam county, Ohio Born and reared in this county, he lived here more than seventv-four years' during which long period he was actively identified with the various phases of his county s development. He was a man of integrity and honor, highly esteemed by those who knew him, and a man whose word was as good as his bond. He was a lifelong farmer and, although primarilv interested in his own advancement and the care of his family, he never neglected the duties he owed to the community as a public-spirited citizen. his passing the county -lost one of its sterling pioneers and a man whose span of life practically covered the history of the county from its earliest beginnino- ship, Putnam county, Ohio, and died at his home in Leipsic, October 21, 191 3. He was a son of William and Harriett (Woods) Clark. His father was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was born on September I, 1812, a son of Samuel and Margaret Clark, also natives of Penn- S3dvania.

Samuel Clark was a blacksmith by trade and was employed to construct the ironwork on Perry's flagship, the "Lawrence," which won the memorable battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. It was this famous victory which caused the captain to send the message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours," to the President. Before Samuel Clark's work on the flagship was completed, the contract for services had expired, but so anxious was Captain Perry to have the work finished that he gave Mr. Clark double pay until the flagship was ready to launch. Samuel Clark came from Pennsylvania to Wayne county, Ohio, and later removed to Putnam county, locating in this county about 183 1. He entered land in Ottawa township, about three miles southwest of the present city of Leipsic. About two years later, William Clark, the son of Samuel, came with his wife, Harriett, and two small children, to Putnam county, where, like his father, he entered government land. Thus it is seen that the Clark family has been identified with the history of Putnam county from its earliest beginning. They started in to make homes for themselves in the wilderness and endured all of the struggles and privations incident to pioneer life in a new country. William Clark prospered and at one time was rated as one of the largest landholders of the county.

William Clark was twice married. First to Harriet Woods, and to this union nine children were born, one of whom died in infancy. His first wife died in 1855, and he later married Lois Edgecomb, whose parents came from Maine to Putnam county, and to this second marriage three children were born, one of whom died in infancy. The second wife of Wihiam Clark died in 1896, Mr. Clark himself passing away in 1877.

Elliott Clark was born in Ottawa township, and when a small child moved with his parents to Blanchard township on the present site of Pleasant Grove. It was here that young Elliott grew to manhood and attended the neighboring log cabin school houses. When about twenty years of age, he made a trip to Illinois, which was then considered the far West. He worked in that state for a man who owned a large tract of land on the shore of Lake Michigan, part of which is now covered by the city of Chicago. When young Elliott grew homesick and wanted to return home, his employer who had grown to like him, ofifered as a reward for staying with him, a tract of land

After his return home from Illinois, Elliott Clark was married at the age of twenty-one, June 6, i860, to Julia Ann Payne, a daughter of George Payne and wife, who were pioneers of Putnam county, and to this union were born two children, Laroma and William Cortez. Laroma married Abraham Zimmerman, now deceased, and has one daughter, Mabelle. William C, who is deceased, married Susie Little, and the four children born ta this union all died in infancy.

Elliott Clark was married the second time on January 24, 1878, to Susan A. Leffler, a daughter of Solomon and Christina fWeidner) Leffler and to. this second union were born two children, Alura and Charles, who' died in mfancy. Alura was married to John Welburn Guisbert, who died on April 6, 1905, leaving his widow with one daughter, Florence Clark. Mr Guisbert was a son of Samuel and Emma D. (Meyers) Guisbert. pioneer settlers of Seneca county, Ohio. John W. Guisbert came to Leipsic and established the leading store and while here he met and married Alura Clark. After his death, the business was sold to Albert Wise.

Solomon LefHer. the father of Mr. Clark's second wife, was born on February 8, 1808. in Shelby county, Ohio, and died on Februarv -^5 1897 His wife, Christina Weidner, was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, on May 19. 181S, and came with her parents to America, at the age of sixteen to avoid being forced into a marriage with her cousin. Mr. Leffler and 'his wife were the parents of sixteen children, two of whom died in infancy

Mrs. Jean P. Vale

A woman of unusual accomplishments is Mrs. Jean P. Vale the editor and manager of the Ottawa Gazette. Born and reared in Ottawa of excellent parentage, she graduated from the local high school and then began the teaching of school and music. She began when a young girl to take music and has been interested in music all of her life. After her marriage to a newspaper man, she lived in various parts of the United States for seven years, going with her husband in search of his health. He was a newspaper n^an and his work took him to the daily papers in large cities, and in this way Mrs. Vale became interested in newspaper work. After her hus band's death, in 1902, she became interested in the estabHshment of hbraries for one of the large book companies of Toledo, Ohio, and here demonstrated wonderful capacity for work. She was determined to give her daughter a dramatic education, and with this end in view, made almost superhuman efforts to maintain her daughter in a school in New York City. She has the satisfaction of knowing that her daughter graduated with distinction^ and has filled an important place in the theatrical world. For the past few years Mrs. Vale has been the editor and general manager of the Ottawa Gazette, and in addition to the general editorial management of this paper,, she does an immense amount of work on the outside. In fact, she is a woman whose versatility is indeed remarkable, and this brief review can but memorize her achievements.

Mrs. Jean P. Vale was bom in Ottawa, Ohio, in the hotel which wasthen owned by her parents. She is a daughter of Day and Elizabeth (Davis) Pugh. Her father was a native of West Virginia, and of Welsh and Scottish ancestry on both his father's and mother's side. He was a lawyer and' practiced his profession at Ottawa for nearly twenty years. Elizabeth Daviswas a native of Pennsylvania and survived her husband several vears in Ottawa.

Mrs. Jean P. Vale was reared in Ottawa and graduated from the local' high school in 1880, when Professor DeFord was superintendent. Early in her childhood days, her parents began to give her music lessons, and after shegraduated from the high school, she began to teach music at Leipsic and at Belmore, and also taught in the public schools of West Leipsic for twoyears.

Jean P. Pugh was married on July 6, 1884, to Edmond L. Vale, and for seven years after their marriage, lived in various parts of the United States. Her husband was in poor health, and in addition to seeking newspaper work in large cities, was also looking for a more salubrious climate in which to live. It was while working with her husband that Mrs Vale first became interested in newspaper work. After seven years of traveling over the United States, Mr. and Mrs. Vale located at Columbus Grove in Putnam county, Ohio, where Mr. Vale bought the Putnam County Vidette and operated that paper for about nine years. He was appointed postmaster of Columbus Grove in 1897, and held that position until his death in November, 1902. He died very suddenly, being sick only about six hours beforehis death. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arcanum, the Modern Woodmen and several other fraternal orders After

Mrs. Jean P. Vale was left with one daughter, Helene, and it was her dearest ambition to give her daughter a good education. With this end in view she leased the newspaper, which her husband had been managing, and went to New York City with her daughter to give her a dramatic education. She placed her daughter in the American Academy of Dramatic Art in New York and expected to get work of some kind in the city in order to support herself and daughter while the latter was finishing her education. She had to get employment in a music or art store, but could not find just what she wanted. However, she was determined to succeed, and it was not until after the holidays that she found a place to work. It was not even office work, but it offered her steady employment at a fair wage. She found a place where she could make patterns in a pattern factory and in this way secured enough money to maintain herself and daughter until the latter completed her course.

After her daughter graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Art in New York City, Mrs. Vale returned to Columbus Grove and managed the J^idctte for about a year and a half, at which time she sold the paper to Frank Ward, and went to Toledo, and took a position with Brown, Eager & Hall, the largest book concern of that city. At the time she took this position her daughter was in a hospital and required the attendance of nurses day and night, and it was the direst necessity which spurred the mother to find something to do in order to take care of her daughter. The position which she accepted with the book company had been considered exclusively a man's field, and she was the first woman the company had ever placed on the road. She secured the position by answering an advertisement for a man, and, in fact, before she secured this position, she answered at least a hundred advertisements asking for men. This position necessitated her traveling throughout the country, establishing libraries, and when on the road she frequently walked as far as four miles into the country to see members of committees with whom she had to deal. After spending three and one-half months on the road for this company, they ofifered her a position in the store at Toledo, where she was given charge of one of the book departments. She remained six months longer with this company and then returned to Putnam county, and entered the office of the Ottaim Gazette, and has been connected with this newspaper ever since. A few years ago, the paper was sold to a stock company, and the directors placed Mrs. Vale in complete

In addition to editorial duties on this paper, she is correspondent for ten newspapers and writes club papers for a clientage extending throughout Ohio and into many neighboring states. She writes addresses of welcome, formal addresses and papers on all sorts of topics requiring research work. In addition to her manifold duties as a newspaper writer, she has also taught mstrumental, as well as vocal music. She is an accomplished vocalist and has a contralto voice with a range of more than two octaves, ranging from E-flat below middle C to F above. She has sung for several years in choirs and quartettes from Iowa to Ohio. She has written much verse which has been put to music, and among other songs has written a love song, entitled, "Surrender Your Heart to Me," a song which she composed so unconsciously that she at first thought she had probably heard it elsewhere. Versification comes very easily to her and much of her poetry has real literary merit. Limericks, songs, sonnets and beautiful sentiments for postcards flow from her fluent pen with little effort. She has a facility of expression which gives a poetic charm to that which others would pass by as commonplace.

Mrs. Jean P. Vale is an incessant worker, and has little use for the idler m life. When she was teaching music, she taught all day steadily and allowed herself eighteen minutes for dinner, and after spending a similar length of time at the supper table, she continued teaching in the evening She has accomplished so much because she has worked for it. Much of her hard work in her earlier years was inspired by the promptings of necessity and by the desire on her part to give her daughter a good education Although Mrs. Vale has shown the ability to do a man's work yet she is neither masculine in looks nor manner, but maintains her distinctive womanly charm.

This brief resume of Mrs. Vale's life cannot be dismissed without sav mg something concerning her accomplished daughter. Helene is a beautiful girl of marked theatrical ability. She has spent several years on the sta^-e although she IS at the present time engaged in giving readings. She started out as a member of the Military Octette, in the Laskey-Rolfe production and was with this company for several years. Later, she played with a stock company m Toledo and Brooklyn. For some time she was on the Keith vaudeville circuit and made the larger cities of the East and Middle West

Frank Giesken

The student interested in the history of Putnam county does not have to carry his investigations far into its annals before learning that Frank Giesken has long been one of its leading citizens in agriculture, stock raising and business, and that his labors have been a potent force in making this a rich, agricultural region. For several decades he has carried on general farming, gradually improving much valuable land which he Owns, and, while Mr. Giesken has prospered, he has also found the time, opportunity and inclination to assist in the material and civic development of Putnam county..

Frank Giesken was born on December 26, i860, in the southeastern part of Greensburg township, where he now lives. He is the son of John and Clementine (Rieman) Giesken, the former born in Hanover, Germany,, in 1805. John Giesken came to America in 1835 and worked two months in Buffalo, after which he came to Toledo and there cut cord wood on the site of what is now Summer street. It was then covered with timber. Mr. Giesken could have purchased the land for two dollars and fifty cents an acre at that time, but decided to come on to Glandorf, Putnam county, which was as good a town or better than Toledo. After one winter in Toledo, he came on to Glandorf in the spring of 1836, walking from Toledo. In Putnam county he purchased eighty acres in the southeast part of Greensburg township. All of this land was covered with timber and Mr. Giesken passed through the toil and hardships necessary to the pioneer life of this community. Here he made his permanent home and in time purchased eighty acres more. He was a life-long farmer. He married Clementine Rieman, who was born in Oldenburg, Gei-many in 18 19, and came to America in 1830 with her parents. They landed in Baltimore and traveled from Baltimore to Pittsburgh with a four-mule team to haul their baggage. Clementine Rieman walked all the way from Baltimore to Pittsburgh with her parents. From Pittsburgh they came by boat to Cincinnati, where she lived until seventeen years old, attending school there. From Cincinnati the fainily moved to Putnam county on foot, from which place it required a week to walk to Glandorf, and after arriving in Putnam county, the family located along the west line of Ottawa township, where her parents made their permanent home.

Frank Giesken is one of five sons and five daughters born to his parents, John, deceased, who made his home in Missouri ; Elizabeth, the widow of Joseph Lemkuhle, of Kalida; Clara, deceased, who was the wife of Henrjr Frede and lived in Missouri; Henry, of Monterey township; Maiy, who-

at the age of two and one-half years ; Catherine, deceased, who was the wife of Joseph Frede and hved in Missouri ; Clementine, deceased, who was the wife of Charles Eickhoh and lived in Alissouri; Joseph, deceased, who lived in Monterey township; Frank, of Greensburg township; and Barney, of Shepherd, Michigan.

The father of these children died on June 29, 1892, and the mother followed him on December 17, 1905. The father was eighty-seven years old and the mother about the same age at the time of their deaths. She was well preserved and had her second eyesight at the time of her death. She was also able to use a needle. Both the father and mother were unusually well educated and especially well versed in the Bible. Both had wonderful memories.

Frank Giesken grew up on the home farm, and, in 1900, was married to Elizabeth Halker,-who was born two miles south of Glandorf on a farm. She is the daughter of William and Louisa (Vogeding) Halker, whose family history is given in connection with that of Mrs. Giesken's brother, -George Halker. To Mr. and Mrs. Giesken, eight children have been born, Anna, who died at the age of sixteen months, Mary, Veronica, Frances, Harry, Lawrence, Clara and Leo.

Since his marriage, Mr. Giesken has farmed the home fai-m where he was born. He has purchased more land and now has three hundred and fifty-six acres and has lately bought fifty-eight acres in addition, making a total of four hundred and fourteen acres. He has remodeled his house and barn and has one of the finest farms in Putnam county. The house is heated with hot water and is modern throughout. Mr. Giesken has also built fine large barns and has a splendid farm in every respect. He has made a specialty of registered Percheron horses and makes a business of raising thenJ for the market. He also raises pedigreed Shorthorn dairy cattle. Mr. Giesken has been raising thoroughbred horses for about eight years, but has just began to specialize in thoroughbred cattle. He has about fifteen head at the present time. He has had wonderful success with his horses, having sold several two and three-year-old colts for five and six hundred

For the past eight years, Mr. Giesken has been interested in the hardware business and is a member of the firm of Fisher & Giesken at Glandorf,

Frank Giesken has taken an active interest in public affairs throughout his life. He has served as township trustee, as township assessor and was a member of the school board for seventeen years. He is now a member of the county school board and has held other appointive county offices. The Giesken family belong to the Catholic church at Glandorf and Mr. Giesken is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is well known as one of the leading and progressive farmers in Putnam county and stands high in the estimation of the people of this county, a standing which he richly deserves for his many good works and high-minded ideals of American citizenship.

Julian Kempf

The stability and prosperity of any community is determined largely by the character of the business men in whose hands the life of the community, to a great extent, lies. This responsibility rests even more heavily on the younger business men, for on them depends the future prosperity of the community, and it is their integrity and energy which will determine the standard of citizenship which the community is to maintain. In this respect, Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, is indeed fortunate in numbering among its younger and rising business men many whose integrity cannot be questioned and whose energy and business enterprise is being daily demonstrated. Of these the subject of this sketch, Julian Kempf, is an excellent example.

Julian Kempf was born on March 20, 1883, in Pandora, Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, a son of Rudolph and Anna (Wehrley) Kempf. Rudolph Kempf was born in Berne, Switzerland, April 9, 1852, and died in Pandora, Putnam county, August 21, 1914. He was a son of Christian and Mary Kempf.

Christian Kempf, about whom little is known, operated a tile mill in Switzerland. He and his wife were the parents of sixteen children, nine of whom were boys and seven girls.

Rudolph Kempf came to America in 1868, when he was twenty-one years Of age. He came direct to Ripley township, Putnam county, where He remained for about three yeats. -During that time he was employed on the farms of Daniel King and Isaac Hilty. He was then recalled to Switzerland on account of his mother's death. Shortly afterward he returned to this country and again resumed farm work, in which he continued until the time of his marriage, October 2, 1881. He married Anna Wehrley, who was bom in Riley township, Putnam comity, in March, 1855, a daughter of Anthony and Catherine (Suter) Wehrley. Her, ffither was a native of Switzerland and her mother was born in Riley township.

After his marriage, Rudolph Kempf entered the quarry business and conducted a stone quarry, which had formerly been known as the Hart stone quarry. He remained in that business for several years and then entered the mercantile business, at Pandora, in which business he remained for several years. When Julian Kempf was six or seven years of age, Rudolph Kempf engaged in the restaurant and meat business for about three years. For the next ten or twelve years he operated a dray line, and was. then appointed township road supervisor, which position he held until his death, about five years later.

Rudolph and Anna (Wehrley) Kempf were the parents of two children, Mary and Julian. Mary is now the wife of Noah Schumacher, and lives at Pandora. They are the parents of three children.

Julian Kempf spent his childhood and youth in Pandora, where he attended the common schools and the high school. After he had completed his studies, he began his business career by assuming charge of his father'sdray line, in which business he remained four years, or until August, 1904,, when he entered the employment of the Pandora Milling Company.

His first duties with the milling company were of a minor character,, but, as he proved his efficiency, he was given more responsible duties, and at the end of two years was put in charge of the company's accounts. At that time he was also made secretary of the company, a position which he stilf holds.

On January 4, 1904, he married Eva Frantz, of Gilboa, a daughter of William W. and Elizabeth (Hoskinson) Frantz. She was born at Gilboa,. Ohio, October 15, 1882. She attended the public schools of Gilboa and remained with her parents until the time of her marriage. The details of her family history are given in the sketches of her brother, William Pratt Frantz, and Frantz Brothers, which appear elsewhere in this volume.

To Julian and Eva (Frantz) Kempf have been lx>rn two children, Francis, who was born on November 26, I9ir,raiqd Elizabeth, who was born on January 31, 191 5. Mr. Kempf is a supporter of the Democratic party and has taken an active interest in the political affairs of his community. He has been twice elected town councilman,, and was appointed clerk of the corporation to fill out an unexpired term, discharging the duties of the office so satisfactorily that he was later elected to the office.

Julian Kempf is a clean-cut and progressive young ^business man of unquestioned integrity. He is junior member of the firm of Steiner, Hilty & Kempf, who operate the Pandora Milling Company, a position into which he gradually worked himself by keen and efficient business ability. He is popular with all who know him and is a prominent member of his community.

Fred A. Hermiller

Among the representative fanners of Greensburg township, Putnam Ohio, there is none who occupies a more highly respected position than Fred A. Hermiller, a young farmer of this township. As a self-made man, he stands as a shining example of what may be accomplished by hard, conscientious work and strict attention to business. The farmers of this country have always been the bone and sinew of the land and they will continue to be so for many generations to come. Mr. Hermiller is one of those young men who has appreciated the present-day opportunities of the farmer and he is devoting his life assiduously to his chosen profession and business. He is a young man who believes strongly in public improvements, also believes in maintaining his farm in a good state of cultivation, and has made an unusual success for the comparatively short time he has been engaged in farming.

Fred A. Hermiller was born in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, January 16, 1892. He is the son of William and Philomena (Recker) Hermiller. William Hermiller was born in January, 1858, in Ottawa township, and died on November 24, 1910. He was reared as a farmer and educated in the Ottawa township schools. He remained on his father's farm until his marriage to Philomena Recker. After his marriage, he moved to Union township, where he had purchased eighty acres of land. Subsequently, he added to this farm until he had over four hundred acres, or about four hundred and twenty-five acres, at the time of his death. Throughout his life, he was a hard worker. He cleared a good portion of his land and farm until his death. His wife, who, before her marriage, was Philomena Recker, was also a native of Ottawa township. Her parents were Henry Recker and wife, natives of Germany, who settled in Ottawa township, Putnam county, in pioneer times. They undei-went the privations of pioneer life and of home-building in the wilderness. They were accustomed to the howl of and the yells of the Indians. Mrs. Philomena Hermiller survived her husband and lives on the homestead in Union township. She had been an excellent mother and a hard worker all of her life. She has played her part in building up the family fortune and in rearing her children. Having assisted nobly in this work, she now enjoys the satisfaction of knowing that her children are well provided for.

William and Philomena Recker had eight children, Benjamin, Louis, Pred, the subject of this sketch, William, Herman, Maiy, John and Denia. The last Eve named live on the home farm in Union township. Benjamin, who is a farmer in Union township, married Elizabeth Verhoff and has one daughter, Marcella; Louis, who is a farmer in Palmer township, married Mary Hannaman, and has one daughter, Marcella. William Hermiller was a Democrat but never held office. He was a member of the Catholic church at Glandorf, where all the members of the Hermiller family are identified.

Fred A. Hermiller was educated in the Union township public schools. He remained on his father's farm until his marriage, after which time he moved to his present farm in Greensburg township. He purchased seventyeight acres from his father's estate and most of the buildings were erected on the farm when he came to it. He has made many additional improvements, and keeps the farm under a fair state of cultivation. Mr. Hermiller purchased the farm in August, 1914, and was married in the spring of the same year.

Fred A. Hermiller was married on June 2, 1914, to Amalia Hannaman, who was born in Union township, Putnam county, September 12, 1893. She is the daughter of Barney and Anna (Rolfes) Hannaman. Barney Hannaman was born in Glandorf, Germany, and came to America, with a colony, at the age of eighteen years, to escape the army services in Germany. He settled in Ottawa township, Putnam county, which at that time was heavily timbered. He played his part in building up the settlement m this township. He worked on a farm until his marriage and afterward bought a farm in Union township, consisting of forty acres. He farmed this and added to It until he had accumulated one hundred and ninetv-five acres. He still lives on this farm. Mrs. Anna Hannaman was born 'in Germany and came to America alone when about twenty-two years old. She was educated in Germany. She settled in Ottawa township, Putnam county, near Glandorf where she was married. She is still living on the homestead faim in Union township. Barney and Anna Hannaman reared a family of six children Mrs. Henry Jerwers, of Union township; Frank, who lives on the home farm; Milea, the wife of Mr. Hermiller; Mrs. Louis Hermiller, of Palmer township; Clementine and Joseph, who Hve at home. The Hannaman family are all members of the Catholic church at Glandorf. Mr. Hannaman is a Democrat.

Fred A. Hermiller is not a member of any lodge and has held no offices. He is identified with the Democratic party, and together with his wife, are members of the St. Nicholas Catholic church at Miller City. They have no children. Mrs. Hermiller was educated in the township schools of Union township and lived on her father's farm until she was married. Fred A. Hermiller is a congenial, industrious farmer, well-liked and possessed of a sterling character. He is favorably known in this community and comes of old pioneer stock.

William F. Verhoff

The record of the gentleman whose name introduces this article, contains no exciting chapter of tragic events, but is replete with well-defined purposes, which, carried to successful issue, have won for him an influential place in business circles and high personal standing among his fellow citizens. His life work has been of unceasing industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods which he has ever followed have resulted not only in gaining the confidence of those with whom he has had dealings, but also in the building up of a farming estate of fair proportions.

William F. Verhoff is the son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff and was born on August 22, 1866, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio. The father was born on June 17, 1838, and is the son of Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff, early settlers in Putnam county, Ohio, a complete sketch of whom is given elsewhere in this biographical work.

The subject of this review was reared under the parental roof and secured his education in the schools of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio. Upon attaining mature years he decided to continue farming, and, on April 22, 1 89 1, was married to Agnes Lemper, born on November 19, 1866, daughter of William J. Lemper and wife. Mrs. Verhoff 's parents were natives of Germany, leaving there in 1867, emigrating to this country* and settling on a farm four miles west of the town of Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio. To them were born five children, Theresia, Clara, William, Agnes and Mary. Clara was married to William H. Edelbrook and now resides on a farm one and one-half miles south of the town of Kalida, Ohio; William was married to Helena Wortman, who is now living in Saginaw,

After the marriage of Agnes Lemper to WilHam F. Verhoff, they removed to the farm which formerly belonged to her father, William Lemper, and to them were born seven children, names and birth dates as follow : Ben, on March 9, 1892; Joseph, on December 29, 1893; Adela, on October 18, 1895; Martha, on April 12, 1899; George, on June 23, 1903; Amanda, on July 7, 1907; Agnes, on September 27, 1914. Of these children, Ben was married on October 29, 1913, to Theresa Rahrig, daughter of Frank Rahrig and wife, who reside six miles south of the town of Grafton, Lorain county Ohio.

William F. Verhoff is the owner of one hundred sixty acres of good farm land, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, and, with his wife, has made this place their home for the past eight years. Desiring to gain a little more farming land for special purposes he recently acquired a tract consisting of eighty acres near the town of Owosso, Michigan. The son, Ben, and wife make their home on a farm near Owosso, and are following out the example of thrift and industry set for them. Thus far, the life of Ben Verhoff has been one of strenuous activity and by reason of his ambition it is predicted by his many friends that he will occupy a place of great usefulness and distinction at no late date in the future. The entire family are devout and practical members of St. John's Catholic church in Glandorf, Ohio, and socially move in the very best circles of this region.

Henry Hilty

The history of a county or state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly a chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by those of Its representative citizens, and yields its tribute of admiration and respect to those whose words and actions constitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride. Among the prominent citizens of Putnam county Ohio, who are well known because of the part they have taken in the community hfe, as well as the fact that they come from an old and honored family, is Henry Hilty, a prominent farmer and stockman of Riley township.

county, Ohio. He is a son of Isaac and Annie (Blosser) Hilty, whose family history may be found in the life story of Isaac Hilty, contained elsewhere in this volume.

Heni-y Hilty was born, on the old Hilty homestead northwest of Pandora, and here he spent his childhood, attending the common schools of Pandora. After finishing school he continued to assist his father on the farm and in the saw-mill until he was twenty-four years of age, at which time he was married. After his marriage he started farming for himself, one and one-half miles north of Pandora, where he rented the Abraham Lichty farm. Here he remained for two years and then removed to a farm two miles southeast of Columbus Grove. This farm was owned by Theodore Kuneke, and here Mr. Hilty remained three years. He then moved to the old homestead farm and operated his father's stone quarry for four years. Subsequently, Mr. Hilty purchased a farm of his own, comprising one hundred acres, located two miles northwest of Pandora. This farm is well improved, has a modern, ten-room residence, large and commodious, and other outbuildings in keeping with the large and imposing house. Mr. Hilty has always been a general farmer, but he has made a specialty of the raising and breeding of Percheron horses and Shorthorn cattle. He received the first prize for a yearling Percheron stallion at the county fair in 1913.

Henry Hilty was married on November 17, 1891, to Sarah Ann Zimmerman, who was born one and one-half miles east of Pandora, January I, 1868. She is a daughter of Jacob and Fannie (Amstutz) Zimmerman. Mrs. Hilty spent her childhood and youth with her parents, with whom she remained until the time of her marriage. /

Mrs. Hilty's father, Jacob Zimmemian, was born in Fulton county, Ohio, January 8, 1844, and died at Pandora, July 17, 1912. He was a son of John and Fannie Zimmerman, both natives of Switzerland. They had four children before coming to America, a fifth child dying on the voj^age across the Atlantic. They came direct to Fulton county, Ohio, where John Zimmerman probably entered government land, and after the children grew to maturity they removed to Henry county, Ohio, where Mrs. Zimmerman died, and Mr. Zimmerman was married a second time, to a Miss Schwartz, and to this union there were five daughters and five sons bora, one of whom was Jacob Zimmerman, the father of Mrs. Hilty. Jacob Zimmerman was reared in Fulton county and came to Putnam county as a young man, where he was married to Barbara Amstutz, a daughter of Christian Amstutz and wife, and to this union one child was born. Christian. After the birth of this child Mrs. Zimmerman died, and Jacob Zimmerman then returned to

Fulton county, where he remained for about one year. Subsequently he returned to Putnam county and married Fannie Amstutz, a niece of his first wife, and a daughter of John and Annie Amstutz, and to this union eleven children were born, five sons and six daughters. Sarah Ann, the eldest child, is now the wife of Henry Hilty. Among the other children were Menno, Emil, Noah, Ella, Edwin, Jacob, Levina, Fannie and Ezra.

Jacob Zimmerman was a farmer by occupation, and after his second marriage remained in Putnam county until his fourth child was born, when he removed to Henry county, where he operated a farm for ten years He then returned to Riley township, Putnam county, and for six years lived on a farm one mile west of Pandora, after which he removed to a farm one and one-half miles southeast of Pandora, where he lived for four years After this he moved to Pandora, where he engaged in the livery business and m teaming. He died suddenly on July 17, 1912.

To Henry and Sarah Ann (Zimmerman) Hilty three children have been born: Melvin, on January 30, 1893; Lester, November 13 1807 died on March 21, 1908; Gladys Elizabeth, August 3, 1905.

Henry Hilty is independent in politics, and believes in supporting measures and men rather than parties. He, with his wife, is a member of the Missionary church, in which they are both active. Mr. Hilty is a clean-cut and progressive farmer. He is a man who is well known in Riley township a man of splendid character, of untiring energy and of broad-minded liberal views m all respects.

Isaac Hilty

The biographies of representative men of a county bring to light many hidden treasures of mind, character and courage, well calculated to arouse the pride of their family and of the community. It is a source of regret that the people are not more familiar with the personal history of such men m the ranks of whom may be found farmers, mechanics, teachers, lawyers physicians, bankers and men of other professions and vocations. Isaac Hiltv IS distinctly one of the leading citizens of Putnam county, and as such has made his influence felt among his fellow men. He has earned a reputation for enterprise, integrity and honor that entitles him to worthy notice in a work of the nature of this volume.

Peter Hihy, Sr., came to America in 1826, with his wife and five children. These children were John, Barbara, Peter, Catherine and Christian. On the voyage to America his wife died. Peter Hilty, Sr., came direct to Ohio and settled near Dalton, in Wayne county. Peter, Jr., was taken by the Lugibihl family to be cared for. They lived in Holmes county, near Winesburgh, and it was with this family that he lived until he reached manhood. Peter Hilty, Jr., came with the Lugibihl family to Putnam county in 1837. He was sixteen years old at this time, and continued to live with the Lugibihl family until he was married.

Peter Hilty, Sr., worked on the Ohio & Erie canal, which was then being built in eastern Ohio. Little is known of his life, after coming to America, except that he owned a farm of eighty acres in Richland township, Allen county, and that he spent his declining years with his son, Peter, Jr., in Richland township. He died there in 1868 at a ripe old age, probably seventy-seven years of age.

At the age of twenty, Peter Hilty, Jr., was married to Elizabeth Neuenschwander, in the spring of 1841. She came to America with her parents when she was five years old. She was a native of Switzerland, and her people came to America, settling in Wayne county, in 1824. They later fnoved to Allen county, where they owned a farm of eighty acres. Peter Hilty, Jr., after his marriage, purchased a farm in Richland township, Allen county, and cleared and improved it. He was a hard-working farmer, and in addition to general farming, he raised truck, such as potatoes and melons, for the Lima market. When he died, on April 8, 1892, he owned one hundred and twenty acres of land. In addition to this, he helped his children to get a start in the world, rendering them considerable financial assistance. He was a man of splendid character and a devoted member of the Mennonite church, of which his wife was also a member. Peter and Elizabeth Hilty had eleven children: Isaac, the subject of this sketch; John S. ; Barbara; Catherine ; Benjamin; Noah; Susan, who died in infancy; Mary, deceased ; Peter B. ; Samuel and Elizabeth, deceased. Isaac Hilty was the eldest child and his childhood and youth were spent on the old homestead in Richland township. Here he received his early education and helped his father on the home place until he was twenty-three years old.

Isaac Hilty was married on December 6, 1866, to Anna Blosser, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Basinger) Blosser. After his marriage he moved to the old Blosser homestead, which he rented from his wife's

Henry Blosser vi^as the son of Henry and Magdalena (Shank) Blosser, who were natives of Virginia. Henry Blosser, Jr., was also a native of Virginia and came to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1837. He was a blacksmith by trade, and a mechanical genius. He was county surveyor of Putnam county for several years, and also did a great deal of surveying for private parties. He made all of his implements, including his compass, the needle of which he charged with a lodestone found by his father in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Mr. Blosser finally devoted all of his time to farming, which occupation he followed until the time of his death, in 1863. His wife v\'as a daughter of Christian and Fannie (Schuhmacher) Basinger, both natives of Switzerland, and who came to America in an early day. Christian Basinger first came to Virginia, landing at Alexandria, and went to live with the Blossers. who were rather wealthy for those days. It seems they had an extra farm, which was run down, and on this place they put young Christian in charge. He succeeded so well, in a few years, that when he with the proprietors, he received enough money to come to Ohio and start in for' himself. He came first to Columbiana county, and, a short time later, removed to Putnam county, where he entered land from the governtnent.

After his marriage, Isaac Hilty became interested in the threshing business, which he followed successfully for about twenty years. He also operated a stone quarry for several years, and for a period of eighteen or twenty years he operated a saw-mill. All of this business he carried on in addition to his operation of the farm. He has been a successful farmer and has always done general farming and stock raising.

To Isaac Hilty and Anna (Blosser) Hilty ten children have been born: Henry, Elizabeth, Catherine, Peter, Jesse, Sarah, Mary, Minnie, Aldine and Abraham. Henry, who lives in Riley township, Putnam county, married Sarah Zimmerman and has three children : Melvin ; Lester, who died at the age of ten years, and Gladys. Elizabeth, after finishing her common school -education, attended the Ohio State Normal at Ada, where she took a course in music. After this she attended the Bible Training Institute at Bluffton -and Fort Wayne, and was appointed to a post as a foreign missionaiy, going to China in 1905, where she remained for six years, and, after a va'cation, she again resumed her work. In her efforts in behalf of humanity she has been very successful. Catherine, who died at the age of forty-one, was immarried. Peter, who lives on the home place, married Dora Long and has two children, Irvin and Margaret. Jesse, who Hves in Pandora, married Rosella Rice and has one son, Aaron. Sarah died at the age of four years. Mary, who is unmarried and hves at home, after attending the common and high schools, attended the Bible Training Institute at Fort Wayne for two years. Minnie, after graduating from the common and high schools, attended the Ohio State Normal School at Ada, after which for several years she taught school and attended the Fort Wayne Bible Training Institute. After completing this work, she joined her sister, Elizabeth, and went to her new field in China in 1913. Aldine. who lives at Lima, Ohio, married Delia Basinger and has two sons, Francis Harold and Karl Edward. He was graduated from the high school and taught school successfully for two years. He is now in the real estate business. Abraham, who lives at home, married Nettie Basinger and has two children, Cyril Stanley and Marceille Elizabeth.

Isaac Hilty is a Democrat, but he is more or less independent in his voting. He was township treasurer for several years and for about twenty years was school director. For many years, also, he was a member of the school board and successfully discharged the duties of all of these offices. Mr. Hilty is a member of the Missionai^ church, of which his wife is also a member. He is a member of the missionary committee of that church, with headquarters at Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is a trustee of the association. Mr. Hilty is a fine type of Christian gentleman. Ble has been a successful farmer and is held in high esteem by all with whom he has been brought into contact in any way. He is a man, therefore, who is entitled to representation in this volume.

Rev. Albert Schumacher

There is no earthly station higher than the ministry of the Gospel, and no life can be more uplifting and grander than that which is devoted to the betterment of the human race, a life of sacrifice for the improvement of the brotherhood of man, one who is willing to cast aside all earthly crowns and laurels of fame, in order to follow in the footsteps of the lowly Nazarene. It is not possible to measure adequately the height, depth and breadth of such a life. Their influence continues to permeate the lives of others through succeeding generations; the ultimate influence cannot be known until the last great day when the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible. One of the self-sacrificing, ardent and true spirits that has been a blessing to his community and who is now the pastoi- of the Grace Mennonite church at Pandora, is Albert Schumacher. He is a young man whohas been splendidly trained for the ministry and whose life forcibly illustrates what energy, integrity and fixed purpose can accomplish when animated by noble aims and correct ideals.

Albert Schumacher was born on September 25, 1883, in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio, the son of Christian P. and Regina (Steincr) Schumacher, the former of whom was born on April 20, 1848, in Richland township, Allen county. He was the son of Peter and Magdalene (Suter) Schumacher. Peter Schumacher was born in Basel, Switzerland, in 181 7,, and was the son of Christian Schumacher and wife. Christian Schumacher, Sr., was a native of Florimont, France, and was a miller by trade. He operated a mill at Basil, owned by a firm by the name of Forkhart, Wise & Sons. The mill was located in the basement of the house in which Christian Schumacher lived and was run by water from the Rhine river. Christian Schumacher, Sr., was in the employ of the above-named concern for about eighteen or nineteen years. This firm was among the wealthiest in Basel. Christian Schumacher, Sr., was a trusted employe and a highly respected citizen. On leaving Switzerland he advertised his departure and welcomed all whom he might owe to present their bills for payment. He came to America with his son, Peter, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and spent his declining years with him. Peter was a minister in the Mennonite church and also a teacher in the schools of Ohio. He was a notary public and muchsought for the drawing of legal papers. Peter came to America at the age of eighteen, in 1835. An extensive account of the history of the Schumacher family is to be found in the sketch of Christian Schumacher, contained elsewhere in this volume.

Albert Schumacher spent his boyhood days on the old homestead farm in Richland township, Allen county. He received his early education in tlu^ district school and assisted his father on the home farm. He then spent one year in the high school at Bluffton and finished his academic studies, at Bluffton College, graduating from the academic department in 1904.. After this he took two years more in the classical course, graduating from the Junior College in 1906. In that year he entered Oberlin College, where he completed his classical college -course in 1908. After that he took a threeyear theological course at Oberlin College and graduated from this department in 191 1. After completing his college work, Mr. Schumacher went abroad, visiting Gibraltar. Algiers, Africa, Italy, Southern Tyrol, Alsace- Lorraine, Switzerland, France, the Rhine valley, Belgium, London, Strat- ford-on-Avon and Sonthampton. Two years later, on- his return from abroad, he was married to EHzabeth Weida, of Caledonia, Minnesota. This marriage took place on October i6, 19 13. Mrs. Schumacher graduated with the class of 191 1 from the Conservatory of Music at Oberhn, Ohio, specializing in voice and piano. Mrs. Schumacher is the daughter of Owen J. -and Jennie (Sweet) Weida, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ontario, Canada.

In the fall of 191 1. Mr. Schumacher accepted the pastorate of the Grace Mennonite church at Pandora. He is a charter member of that church, which was organized in 1904, and it was considered fitting that at the completion of his education he should be called to preside over the same church. Under his leadership the membership has increased from two hundred and twenty to three hundred and thirty, and the Sunday school now numbers three hundred and fifty.

No young man in Putnam county is more earnest in his life's vocation, or more serious in his life's purposes, than the Rev. Albert Schumacher. Pie has worked hard to equip himself for this vocation and he is expected to have a brilliant career.

Samuel P. Krohn

The Union soldier, during the war between the states, builded wiser than he knew. Through four years of sufifering and wasting hardship, through the horrors of prison and amid the shadows of death, he. laid the superstructure of the greatest temple ever dedicated to human freedom. The world looked on and called those soldiers sublime, for it was theirs to reach out the mighty arm of power and strike the chains from oft the slave, preserve the country from dissolution and the only flag that ever made tyrant tremble. For all the unmeasured deeds the living present will never repay them. Attention and political power may be thrown at their feet, art and sculpture may preserve upon canvas, granite and bronze their unselfish deeds, history may commit to books and cold facts may give to the future the tale of their sufferings and triumphs, but to the children of the generations yet unborn will it remain to record the full measure of appreciation and undying remembrance of the immortal character carved out by the American soldiers of the early sixties, numbered among whom was Samuel P. Krohn.

pany G, Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, the former on September 23, 1863. He served in the Army of the Cumberland, and saw service in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Alabama, and, finally, in Tennessee, again. He was in many hardfought battles, his last active service being in a raid lasting about sixty days. This campaign was known as the last great "Stoneman Raid." Samuel P. Krohn was under General Stoneman, and his company, which was attached to the first brigade under Colonel Palmer, was exceedingly active. Mr. Krohn's brigade traveled hundreds of miles on this campaign. Gen. D. J. Cox, at Chicago, in 1868, referred to this final expedition in the following words :

"In March, 1865, General Stoneman made another important expedition out of east Tennessee into southwestern Virginia and the Carolinas, destroying the railroads by which escape from Richmond was possible for Lee's army and performed services which, but for the fact that it occurred during the general crush of the rebellion, would have attracted universal attention.

"A little later the same dashing horsemen had almost succeeded in the person of Jefferson Davis, whose escort surrendered, but he himself, by changing his direction of flight toward the Atlantic coast, escaped for the moment, but only to fall into the hands of General Wilson and his gallant troopers."

Samuel P. Krohn was born on April 4, 1848, just west of Pendleton, now Pandora, in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Weaver) Krohn. Samuel Krohn, Sr., was born on February 10, 181 7, in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. He was the son of George and Margaret (Fry) Krohn, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, who died in 1850, at Pendleton. His wife, Margaret Fry, before her marriage, also died at Pendleton, on January 25, 1871. Both of them passed the last days of their life at the home of Samuel Krohn, Sr.

George Krohn came to Ohio from Pennsylvania when Samuel Krohn.^ Sr., was a young man. He first located at Stratton, Delaware county, Ohio, where he operated a grist-mill. Later he moved to Butler county, where he was engaged in the milling business. He lived near Jacksonburg while a resident of Butler county. After a few years, in 1844, he came to Putnam county.

uel Krohn, Sr., was born on September 17, 1820, and was married on November II, 1841. At this time Samuel Krohn, Sr., was twenty-four years old. Henry Weaver was a pioneer of Butler county, Ohio, and a farmer. In early life he was a soldier in the War of 18 12, and marched through western Ohio with the United States soldiers who were engaged in clearing the territory of the Indians. During this march he discovered the good land here, and later returned and entered land from the g'overnment just northwest of where Pandora now stands.

By his first marriage Samuel Krohn, Sr., was the father of eight children: George W. was born on .September 13, 1842; Margaret, January 5, 1844; Henry, November 20, 1845; Samuel P is the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, July 29, 1849; J^Iartin, September 17, 1853; David, November 29, 1857, and died at the age of seven years, while Sarah A. was born on June 18, i860. Samuel Krohn, Sr., was married the second time, on December 22, 1864, to the sister of his first wife, Madeline Weaver. She was born on July 3, 1837. By this second marriage one son, Edward, was bom on December 3, 1868.

Samuel Krohn, Sr., was trustee of Riley township for four years and treasurer for six years. He was a man, therefore, of exceptional prominence in the community where he lived. When he first came to Putnam county, in 1844, he settled on the place of Henry Weaver, his father-in-law, which he had purchased a few months before. He lived on this farm until his death on April 6, 1886. He engaged in general farming and also owned and operated grist-mills, as well as .saw-mills. At the time of his death he owned about two hundred and eighty acres of land. He was a Democrat in politics and a member of the German Lutheran church.

His son, Samuel P Krohn, the subject of this sketch, received his early education in the typical log cabin school, and helped his father on the farm. Samuel P., Jr., was only fifteen years old when he enlisted in the army of the Union to preserve the republic, but, despite his youth, he acquitted himself with exceptional credit in the service of his country. After the war he came home and remained with his parents, working on the old homestead farm. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Krohn was married to Lucy A. Day, the daughter of Dr. Hriam and Harriet (Pierce) Day. The marriage took place on December 2^,, 1869: After his marriage Mr. Kohn farmed his father's place for two years and then engaged in the mercantile business for twelve years, or until 1884, when he engaged in buying and selling live stock. He again entered the mercantile business in 1888 and operated a grocery store and hotel until 1900. In this year he sold out the grocery and remained in the hotel business until 1902. He then re-engaged in the live stock business, to which he devoted all his attention, until 191 1, when he turned the business over to his son, Reno A.

Mrs. Samuel P. Krohn's parents came to Putnam county in 1840. Her father was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, born on January 29, 1816; he died on April 23, 1890. Mrs. Krohn was born on August 17, 1849, at Pendleton. Her mother, Harriet ( Pierce ") Day, was born in Kent county, England, January 4, 1822. She was the daughter of William and Ruth (Stevenson) Pierce.

To Samuel P. and Lucy A. (Day) Krohn have been born four children: ilertie Estelle on September 27, 1870; Hiram Samuel, October 10, 1875; Reno Alvin, October 14, 1877; Harriett, March 29, 1881.

Samuel P Krohn is a Democrat. He was elected township treasurer in 1870, and served continuously, with the exception of four years, until the present time. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Columbus Grove and of the Knights of Pythias No. 364, at Pandora. Mrs. Krohn is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her husband also attends this church. Samuel P. Krohn is one of the best known and most universally respected men in this part of Putnam. He has represented his community in an official capacity for more than forty years, which speaks volumes for his reputation as a citizen and as- a man. He has always led an active life, and is a clean-cut, progressive citizen, a man of high ideals and of unquestioned integrity. He is counted as one of Putnam county's most substantial -citizens.

Mrs. Leah Basinger

To the many sterling characteristics of the Swiss people, who played a prominent part, during its earlier days, in the settlement of this section, Putnam county, Ohio, owes much. Not only did the Swiss contribute many fine inhabitants to this county in years past, but today the descendants of those earlier citizens are carrying on the work of the county, maintaining the ideals of their forbears and upholding the county's standard of citizenship in every way. They represent the best blood of the county and are in every way a type of citizens of which Putnam county has ever reason to be proud. These ideals are exemplified by the subject of this sketch, whose fathers played important parts in the foundation of the country.

born in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio, December lo, 1858, a daughter of Christian and Catherine (Steiner) Gratz. Christian Gratz was bornin Wayne county, Ohio, on June 22, 1833, a son of Frederick and Anna (Lugibihl) Gratz.

Frederick Gratz was born in Basel, Switzerland, but all that is known: of his early life is that he was an orphan and was reared in a children's, home at Basel. While in the home, he learned several trades, and when he was a young man he came to America. He was three or four months in making the voyage to this country and, after his arrival, settled in Wayne county, Ohio, where he worked at these trades. He was a very ingenious man and was able to turn his hand to any work which demanded mechanical knowledge. By trade he was a carpenter and brick mason, and was also a tailor of no small ability.

After a sojourn of three years, in Wayne county, he moved to two miles east of Beaver Dam, Allen county, Ohio, where he located permanently. He first took a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he gradually added, until his holdings eventually totaled about three hundred acres. It was to that farm that Leah Basinger's father, Christian, came with his parents when he was two years of age.

Frederick Gratz met the pioneer conditions with the courage and determination which have been characteristic of all pioneers of Swiss birth and ancestry. Out of the wilderness, a heavily-timbered country, he made his. new home, and it was amid those surroundings that Christian Gratz spent his childhood and attended school in the typical log cabin school house. During the first few winters, Frederick Gratz taught the school. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Gratz were the parents of four sons and four daughters, of which Christian was the eldest.

Christian Gratz grew to manhood on the old homestead and remained there until he was about twenty-three or twenty-four years of age. At that time, about 1856, he married Catherine Steiner, who was born in Richland township, Allen county, June 30, 1837, a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Schumacher) Steiner, both of whom were natives of Switzerland and who came to America immediately after their marriage. They settled in Richland township about two and one-half miles west of Bluffton, where Catherine Steiner was born, the eldest of a family of seven daughters and four sons.

After his marriage. Christian Gratz located one and one-half miles southwest of Bluffton, his farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land. It was there he reared his family of fifteen children, four of whom died in infancy. Among the children were three sets of twins, one of each pair having died in infancy. The names of the twelve surviving children are: Samuel, Leah, Andrew, Elias, Louis, Marian, Lydia, Barbara, Peter,. Fannie, Isaac and Lena.

It was on the old Steiner homestead that Leah Basinger spent her girlhood and attended the district school, which was first held in an old churchand later in a brick school house. On May 9, 1881, at the age of twenty-two, she married Noah W. Basinger, her late husband, who was born on September- 20, 1858, in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, about three miles southwest of Pandora, and who died at Columbus Grove, September 23, 1903.

Noah W. Basinger was the son of Christian and Anna (Amstutz) Basinger. Christian Basinger was a native of Switzerland. His parents died while he was a child and he was reared by Leah's great-great-grandfather Steiner, who brought him to America when he was sixteen years of age. He grew to manhood in Wayne county, Ohio. Shortly after his marriage he moved to Riley township, Putnam county, where he bought the farm, which later became the property of Noah W. Basinger, his youngest son, and where Leah Basinger now makes her home.

Christian and Anna (Amstutz) Basinger were the parents of nine children, two of whom died in infancy. The surviving children are : Jonathan, John, Catherine, Stephen, David, Christian and Noah.

Noah Basinger was born and reared on the old homestead, three miles southwest of Pandora. There he attended the district school and early took up his life work as a farmer. He continued to operate the home farm, after his marriage? and until 190T, when he retired from farming and entered the coal business at Columbus Grove. That business he continued until the time of his death, September 23, 1903.

Noah Basinger was a supporter of the Democratic party, but never took an active interest in political matters. He was a successful farmer and made a specialty of stock feeding. He was a member of the Ebenezer Mennonite church, of which his wife was also a member. She later joined the Grace church. Noah Basinger was a well-known and popular citizen, always interested in local affairs and ready to support any movement which seemed for the betterment of the community. He was a good Christian, and a man' of high ideals and unquestioned integrity.

To Noah and Leah (Gratz) Basinger were born eight children : Tilman was born on April 25, 1883. He married Lena Stouffer and made his home at Columbus Grove. To them have been born three children, Alice Rexine, Sarah Medway and Janice Hildreth; Sophia, November 2, 1885, and is the wife of Charles Eversole. They are the parents of three children, Adrian Eugene, Ethel Elnora and Ray Olan, who died in infancy; Orville, July 7, 1887, died March 27, 1891 ; Denis, October 7, 1889, died on October 19, 1891, at the age of two years; Delia, July 12, 1891, died on April 30, 1893; Hiram, September i, 1893, ^^'^^ Luella and Llewellyn, twins, March 9, 1897. Leah Basinger is a prominent member of her community, being closely identified with church work and with many local matters. She is held in high respect and esteem by all her neighbors and has a large circle of friends.

Louis Hermiller

The farm is the granary for the office, the store and the shop. It is the farm which must feed and clothe that section of the population which produces no food and no raw material for clothing. Prices of food and clothing have experienced an upward trend for several years and are becoming next to prohibitive for great sections oi the population. The conclusion is obvious that the production must be increased if the non-producers of food are to be fed. It is very generally agreed that there is not enough food to go around, that a shortage of supply has enhanced the prices for all classes. This condition has made farming very profitable. Within recent years the young farmers have been able to make a substantial profit out of their business, and one of the prosperous young farmers of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, is Louis Hermiller, who has devoted himself assiduously to his chosen vocation.

Louis Hermiller was born on April 29, 1888, in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, three and one-half miles from Glandorf. He is the son of William and Philomena (Recker) Hermiller.

William Hermiller was born in Ottawa township, in January, 1858, and died on November 24, 19 10. He was reared as a farmer and received his education in the Ottawa township schools. He remained on his father's farm until his marriage to Philomena Recker, and after his marriage moved to Union township, where he had purchased an eighty-acre famr. Subsequently, he added to this farm until he had more than four hundred acres at the time of his death. He was a very industrious man and his success was due to his untiring industry and splendid knowledge of farming, as well as to his business ability. He cleared the land and remained on the farm until his death. Mrs. Philomena (Recker) Hermiller was also a native of Ottawa township. She was a daughter of Henry Recker, who was a native of Germany and who came to America and settled in Ottawa township, Putman county, in pioneer times. They underwent the privations and hardships common to their day and generation. At that time much wild game abounded and the land was heavily timbered. There were no roads and few settlers.

To William and Philomena (Recker) Hermiller the following children -were born: Benjamin, Louis, Frederick, William, Herman, Mary, John and Bernadina. Of these William, Herman, Mary, John and Bernadina live with their mother in the home place in Union township. Benjamin married Elizabeth Verhoff. He is a farmer in Union township and they have one child, Marcella. Fred married Amalia Hanneman, and they live in Greensburg township. The mother of these children lives on the old homestead in Union township with her unmarried children. She assisted materially in the success of her husband and is highly respected by the people of this community.

Louis Hermiller was educated in the Union township schools and was reared on his father's farm, where he passed his early life like the average farmer's son. Mr. Hermiller was married on April 17, 1912, to Mary Hanneman, who was born in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, and -who is the daughter of Barney and Anna (Rolfes) Hanneman.

Barney Hanneman was born in Glandorf, Germany. He came to America at the age of eighteen with a colony of Germans and settled in Ottawa township, Putnam county. He helped develop this township, clearing the land of the heavy timber, and was prominent in the affairs of this community throughout his life. After his marriage, he bought a farm in Union township, of forty acres, which he developed. To this he, subsequently, added a hundred and fifty-five acres, making a total of a hundred and ninety-five acres. He still lives on the farm in Union township. Mrs. Barney Hanneman, his wife, was born in Glandorf, Germany, and came to America alone when twenty-two years of age. She was educated in her native land and' after her arrival in America, came to Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, which was a German settlement, and which had been settled by natives of Glandorf -Germany, where she had been born. She is still living on the farm in Union township. She and her husband are members of the Catholic church at Glandorf, where she reared a family of six children, as follow Mrs Henry Jerwers, of Union township; Mrs. Fred Hermiller, who lives in Greensburg township; Clementine and Joseph who live at home Mr and

After his marriage, Louis Hermiller came to his present farm of eighty acres, in section 36, of Palmer township. He worked hard and, eventually, converted this farm into a paying proposition. He built most of the buildings and made many other improvements. Mr. Hermiller had a hard time^ at first, but by unceasing industry he has succeeded and made out of his farm one of the best in this section of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Hermiller have, one child, Frances, born April 25, 1913.

Mr. Hermiller has a barn equipped with all the modern conveniences. He has erected a specially-built farm power-house. It is equipped with a gasoline engine and has line shafting which operates the feed cutter, washing machine, milk separator, apple press, seed separator and many other laborsaving devices. Mr. Hermiller also has his own forge and machine shop.

Louis Hermiller is a Democrat. He and his family are members of St. Nicholas Catholic church, at Miller City, Ohio. He is a successful farmer, progressive in all his ideas, not in reference to farming, but with reference to civic, political and social life. He is pleasant and agreeable in manner, and is well read and well informed.

John A. Myers

There came to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1883 a young couple who had just been rriarried. They bought a farm in Van Buren township and there started to make their home. They had a small, two-roomed log cabin, and in this they lived until such a time as they were able to provide for themselves a more comfortable home. Today, John A. Myers is one of the substantial farmers of his township, and the success which has come to him and his good wife bears ample witness to the fact that they have worked faithfully and well to provide for themselves and their children.

John A. Myers, the son of David and Mary E. (Eraker) Myers, was born on May 6, 1861, in Franklin county, Ohio. His father, who was the son of Chris Myers, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and came tO' Franklin county, Ohio, where he bought a farm near Reynoldsburg. He made two trips from Pennsylvania to Franklin county, Ohio, before he finally located in the latter county, bringing his wife and one child with him on his second trip.

David Myers was a shoemaker by trade and worked at this when he was not engaged in farming. He remained on this farm only a few years and then removed west of Columbus, where he bought another farm, on which he hved until his death, on April 23, 1887. His wife, Mary Fraker, was also a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. David and Mary (Fraker) Myers were the parents of eight children : Margaret, deceased ; John A., of Van Buren township; David W., of Hillard, Ohio, who married Anna Burket, and has three children. Hazel, Flossie and Norman, the latter of whom died at the age of nineteen; Ezra, who marrid Carrie Rodgers, and has three children. Perry, Flora and George; Eva, who married Charles Glasier, a farmer of this county, and has four children, Ethel, Lester, Garnet and Ivalu; Katherine and Theney both died in infancy, and Benjamin F., who married Annie Miller, and has two children, Earl and Elizabeth.

John A. Myers was reared in Franklin county, Ohio, and lived there until he was married at the age of twenty-two. He received a good common school education and remained at home, assisting his father on the farm until that year. Immediately after his marriage he and his young bride set out for their new home in Putnam county, where thev purchased a farm just east of Belmore on the old Defiance road. Their assets consisted of their good health and a strong ambition to succeed. The little log cabin in which they started to housekeeping is still standing. It was here that they saw their early struggles and here it was that most of their children were born. They worked with a determination to improve their farm and they have succeeded to an admirable degree. Mr. Myers has been especially successful in raismg stock and has given particular attention to hog raising He is free to give much credit to his excellent wife for much of the success which has attended his efforts.

John A. Myers was married on October 11, 1883, to Caroline E Smith a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Fedders) Smith. Her father was a native of Germany and came to America, at the age of four, with his parents and located m Franklin county, Ohio. Margaret Fedders was a native of New York state and came to Franklin county, Ohio, with her parents when she was a child. John A. and Caroline E. (Smith) Myers are the parents of eleven children, Elizabeth Jane, David Elmer, Lulu May, Mabel John E Garnet William, George A., Eva Marie, Zula Pearl, Gladys Fay and Blanche Margaret. Three of these children are deceased : Mabel, who died at the age of nineteen; Eva Marie, who died at the age of two years, seven months and twenty-nine days, and Zula Pearl, who died at the age of fourteen David Elmer, a farmer of this county, married Eva Rader, and has two children, Harold and Glenn; Zula May married Harry Todd, a farmer of this county, and has two daughters, Agnes and Lucile. The other children are still single and living at home.

John A. Myers is a Democrat in politics, but has never cared to take an active part in poHtical work. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Belmore, and his two sons, John and Garnet, are also members of the same lodge. Although not a member of any church, Mr. Myers is an attendant of the Presbyterian church, of which denomination his wife is a member. Mr. Myers is a man of energy and industry, and he and his family are highly esteemed in the community where they reside.

A successful member of the dental profession who is now residing at Leipsic, Putnam county, Ohio, is Alpha H. Barber, D. D. S., who has been a resident of this county for the past seven years. Receiving a good common and high school education, he taught school for a time and then graduated from an excellent dental school, since which time he has been following his profession. Since becoming a resident of Leipsic, he has taken an active part in the life of the community and has taken a deep interest in religious, educational and fraternal 'affairs.

Alpha H. Barber, who is the son of Hiram S. and Charlotte (Shoop) Barber, was born at Swanton, Fulton county, ' Ohio, May 25,^1875. His father was also a native of Fulton county, his birth occurring there about 1841, his mother being born in Erie county, Ohio, January 9, 1845. Hiram S. Barber and wife were the parents of four children: Rose, who died at the age of fifteen ; Mary, the wife of George Murphy, of Antwerp, and the mother of two children, Claren and Jennie; Lottie, the wife of William Tehan, of Toledo, Ohio, and the mother of two chillren. Alpha F. and Pauline, and Dr. Alpha H., of Leipsic.

Hiram S. Barber grew to manhood on the same farm, in Fulton county, where he was born. He enHsted for services in the Union army by becoming a member of the Fifty-fifth Regiment, Ohio ^Volunteer Infantry, and served during practically the entire struggle. His regiment was with General Sherman on his famous march through Georgia, and he participated in all the hard-fought engagements in that state. He also fought in Virginia. His health was seriously impaired while he was in the war and he- returned.

a few months before it ended, and died shortly afterw^ard, from disease contracted while in the service. Hiram S. Barber and Charlotte Schoop lived in Swanton for about fifteen years, and then moved to Paulding, Paulding county, Ohio, where the mother is now living.

Alpha A. Barber lived in Swanton until he was about five years of age, and then the family moved to Antwerp, in Paulding county. He graduated from the common and high schools at Antwerp, and immediately after finishing the course in the high school began to teach in the public schools of that county. After teaching two years he became a student in the Ohio Dental College, at Cincinnati, and took a complete three-years course in that excellent institution. Immediately after his graduation, he located at Deshler, Henry county, Ohio, for the practice of his profession and remained there for eight years. He then removed to Leipsic, where he has since been practicing with a success which speaks well for his ability as a skillful dentist.

Doctor Barber was married on May 9, 1904, to Vesta Cunningham, the daughter of Robert and Mary (Hipkins) Cunningham, and to this union one son has been born, Robert, who is now eight years of age. Robert and Mary (Hipkins) Cunningham were the parents of three children, Vesta. Doane and Edward.

Doctor Barber is president of the board of education of Leipsic and actively interested in education matters. He and his family are loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a member of the official board of his denomination. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and is worshipful master of his lodge. He. is also a member of the Modern Woodmen, and is clerk of the lodge at Leipsic.

Noah Schumacher

Success is the result of many factors which are not likely to appear in a bare statement of facts concerning a man's life. Success, however, is by no means a matter of accident. On the contrary, it is the result of careful, painstaking, diligent attention to business. Imagination, perhaps, is more vital to success than industry or even economy in personal and private life. Good judgment is merely one phase of a healthy, active imagination. Noah Schumacher is possessed of all these qualities and, moreover, has won the reputation for strict honesty and square dealing, no small factors in his personal success. Everything he has touched has turned out well, because he reasoned well regarding the future. Now, although he has hardly arrived at the prime of life, he is able to look back upon his career with keen satisfaction, for he is a man who has made each moment count for something.