Ottawa Township (part 19 of 23)

Noah Schumacher was born on August 14, 1877, in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio, the son of Christian P. and Regina (Steiner) Schumacher. Christian P. Schumacher was also born in Richland township, Allen county, April 20, 1848, the son of Peter and Magdalene (Suter) Schumacher. Peter Schumacher was a native of Basel, Switzerland, who came to America about 1835, and who settled in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio, where he entered land from the government. Peter Schumacher and wife were the parents of sixteen children, all of whom grew to maturity and, in turn, reared large families. Their names are: Christian, Adam, David, Daniel, John, Benjamin, Peter, Magdalene, Barbara, Elizabeth, Mary, Fannie, Catherine, Susan and Sarah, twins, and Lydia.

Peter Schumacher lived on the old homestead in Richland township, Allen county, until his death. In addition to being a farmer, he was a minister of the Mennonite church ; Christian, the eldest son, was reared on the old homestead and, when twenty-two years old, was married to Regina Steiner, the daughter of Benjamin and Mary Ann (Moser) Steiner. Her parents were also pioneers. After his marriage, Christian Schumacher located on part of his father's land and here he lived until 1908, when he sold this place and purchased a farm adjoining Pandora, on the north, where he now lives in retirement. Christian Schumacher and wife have had fourteen children; Samuel, of Arizona; Helena, the wife of Daniel Diller, also resides in Arizona; Menno, who married Lena Diller; Noah, the subject of this sketch; Reuben, who lives in Putnam county ; Sarah, who resides in Arizona ; Albert, who married Sarah Weida ; Cyrus, who married Olivia Hilty ; Franklin and William, twins, who died in infancy; Hiram, who lives at Napoleon, Ohio; Orlin, Salena and Oliver, all of whom are single and at home.

Noah Schumacher spent his boyhood days in Richland township, on the old homestead, and attended the common schools, and later, the Ohio Normal University at Ada. After finishing school, he took a position with Hipkins Brothers of Ottawa and, in the late fall of 1897, purchased an interest in the firm of P. A. Amstutz & Company. This connection he retained until 1903, when the firm changed to the Pandora Dry Goods and Clothing Company. At this time he became manager, and still holds this position. Under his direction the firm has enjoyed a very healthy growth, until today it is one of the leading stores in Pandora. In addition to his interests in this mercantile business, he has other financial and commercial interests.

On August 19, 1902, at the age of twenty-five, Mr. Schumacher was married to Mary Kempf, the daughter of Rudolph and Anna (Wehrley) Kempf, of Pandora. The former is a native of Switzerland and the latter of Riley township, Putnam county. To this happy union have been born three boys, Glenn Frederick, Earl Franklin and Wayne Richard.

Noah Schumacher is a member of the Missionary Church Association, of which association he is also treasurer. The headquarters of the church is at Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Noah Schumacher is a deacon in the local church. He is a clean-cut, young business man and one who enjoys, to the utmost, the confidence of the citizens of his community. He is modest, intelligent and honest, a devout Christian and, in fact, one of the finest types of manhood to be found anywhere in Putnam county.

John D. Bridenbaugh

John D. Bridenbaugh is one of the most enterprising farmers of Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is a man, who, by correct methods and a strict regard for the interest of others, has made his influence felt in Riley township. He is one of those men whose integrity and strength of character must bring them into admirable notice, yet a notice which their modesty never seeks. John D. Bridenbaugh is a man who has lived an honorable and useful life. He is one of those individuals to be found in nearly every community, who, by reason of ability and force of character, rise above the heads of the masses and command the highest esteem of their fellow men.

John D. Bridenbaugh, a successful farmer of Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born there on August 2, 1862. He is the son of Michael and Jemimah (Graham) Bridenbaugh, the former of whom was born on December 15, 1820, in Summit county, Ohio. Michael Bridenbaugh's parents were natives of Pennsylvania and his grandparents of Germany. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers of Michael Bridenbaugh were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, two of his brothers, William and David, were in the Civil War, the former of whom was killed, and another in the Mexican War.

Michael Bridenbaugh came from Summit county, Ohio, to Putnam county, in 1835, settling in Blanchard township. It seems that Michael's father settled in Hancock county, west of Findlay, where he entered land from the government. Michael was one of a large family, consisting of about fourteen children, ten of whom lived to maturity. Michael was next to the eldest and, at the age of fifteen, he began to shift for himself. He came to Blanchard township and worked for several of the old pioneer farmers. He was married, first to Nancy Evans on November 5, 1854. She lived only a short time after their marriage and, at her death, left one son, Nathan Emery, who was born on August 14, 1855, arid died at the age of eight years, July 30, 1863. Nancy Evans was born on August 4, 1828. Michael Bridenbaugh was married again, shortly afterward, on February 5, 1857, to Jemimah Graham, who was born in Big Lick township, Hancock county, Ohio, and who was the daughter of John and Sarah (Thomas) Graham. John Graham was a pioneer of Hancock county, who entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Big Lick township, about 1832. He and his wife were natives of Kentucky and had three sons and two daughters: George W. ; Jemimah ; Monroe ; Thomas, who was killed in the Civil War, and Mary, all of whom are now deceased. After his second marriage, Michael Bridenbaugh settled on the banks of Riley creek, in the northwestern part of Riley township, where he purchased about one hundred and sixty acres of land. He later added to this farrn, until he owned two hundred and seventy acres when he died. None of the land was cleared when he acquired possession of it. He first built a small one-story frame house and a log barn. This little house was replaced, in 1877, by a more commodious brick residence, in which John D. Bridenbaugh lives today. Michael Bridenbaugh also built barns and other outbuildings in keeping with the brick house. He was a breeder of Belgian horses and was very successful with them. He was a Democrat and has served as county commissioner for two terms, or in all, six years, and was also trustee of Riley township for six years, was also a member of the school board for several years and held other honorary positions and was a member of the United Brethren church, as was also his wife. By his second hmnagt, there were three children, Sarah A., born on January 31, 1858, die^ on August 16, 1863; John D., the subject of this sketch; and Emma E., March 16, 1867, who is the deceased wife of A. M. Emmons. She had five children, Carrie, Gertrude, Earl, Jemimah and Laurel, deceased. The mother of these children died on September 12, 1903. Michael Bridenbaugh was a typical pioneer who started with nothing and who, by great industry, established a home and built up a comfortable fortune in what was once a wilderness. He was a man of strong convictions, high ideals and unquestioned integrity, as are evident by the number of offices conferred upon him by his fellow citizens.

John D. Bridenbaugh was born on the old homestead and spent his childhood here. He attended the district schools and after finishing his studies there helped his father on the home place, until his parent's death.

On September 20, 1898, John D. Bridenbaugh was married to Ella Diller, who was born on May 29, 1873, in Riley township. She was the daughter of John D. and Fanny (Wearley) Diller, both of whom came from pioneer stock. John D. Diller's father was a native of Switzerland and came to Putnam county at an early day.

After his marriage, Mr. Bridenbaugh continued to farm the old place on which he has been very successful. He now owns two hundred acres of land and has always done general farming, feeding cattle and hogs for the market.

John D. Bridenbaugh is a Democrat and has been a member of the school board for several years. Mr. Bridenbaugh is an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church, where his wife is a member. He is a progressive farmer and one of the substantial citizens of Putnam county.

A promising young dentist of Leipsic, Ohio, is Ewing V. Burns, D. D. S.,- who has been practicing his profession in that place since 1905. He comes, from a prominent family of Troy, Ohio, where his father has been engaged inthe practice of law since the close of the Civil War, in which struggle he was an honorable participant. Doctor Burns is a graduate of the high school at Troy and of the dental department of the University of Cincinnati, and, in addition, has taken special training in other dental schools. He is a young man of exceptional ability, and, since living in Leipsic, has taken a very prominent part in the civic life of that place, and is now serving in an efhcienti manner as mayor of the village.

Ewing V. Burns, who is the son of Charles N. and Eliza (Bailey) Burns, was born in Troy, Ohio, on January 21, 1882. He is one of two sons born to his parents, the other son being John C.

Charles N. Burns, the son of Robert and Eliza (Vance) Burns, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 21, 1839, on the site now occupied by the John Church Company, at the corner of Fourth and Plum streets. When- he was thirteen years of age, Charles N. Burns moved, with his mother, to Troy, Ohio, and there attended the common and high schools, graduating from the latter in three years. At the age of twenty-one he enlisted in an Ohio regiment and served until 1864, when he was honorably discharged on account of wOunds received in the service. Among other leaders in that great conflict under whom he served were Generals Burnside and McClellan. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Antietam, South Mountain and the second battle of Bull Run. After the close of the Civil War, he returned to his home in Troy, Ohio, and took up the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in a short time at Troy. He continued in the active practice of his profession until 1914, when he retired. Charles N. Burns was twice married, his second wife being Eliza Bailey, to whom he was married on October i, 1873. She was born at Sidney, Ohio, on January 4, 1841, her ancestors being English descent. The Bailey family of Ohio have traced their family record back to the landing of the "Mayflower," when a member of the family came to America. Eliza Bailey's father was born at Baltimore in 1799, while her mother, Lydia Day, was born at Frederick, Maryland, on December 28, 1806.

Ewing V. Burns was educated in the public schools of Troy, Ohio, and graduated from the high school. He took a prominent part in athletics while in high school, and was captain of the Troy football team in 1899. After leaving the high school he entered the Central Dental College at Indianapolis, Indiana, and remained there two years. He completed his dental course in the University of Cincinnati in the spring of 1903, and then took special work in Chicago, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati for the ensuing two years. He located at Leipsic, Putnam county, Ohio, in 1905, where he has huilt up a large and lucrative practice in his chosen profession.

Ewing V Burns, D. D. S., was married on August 11, 1909, to Bessie L. Davis, of Troy, Ohio, a daughter of J. O. Davis and wife, of that city. Doctor Burns is a member of the Eree and Accepted Masons and the Royal Arch, of Ottawa, the commandery at Eindlay and Zenobia Temple Mystic Shrine at Toledo. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Arcanum. He gives his hearty support to the Republican party and has been one of the leaders of his party in Leipsic since becoming a resident of this place. A striking evidence of his popularity as a public-spirited citizen is shown by the fact that he was elected mayor of Leipsic in November, 19 13, and is 'now performing the duties of this office in a very satisfactory manner. Doctor Burns is a young man with progressive ideas in regard to civic life and a man whose ideals are in accordance with the highest type of American citizenship.

John A. Walters

The prosperity and substantial welfare of a community depend very largely upon the character and enterprise of its business men, as much on those of the younger and rising generation as on those who have already achieved success and reached the goal of their desires. It is the progressive, wide-awake men of affairs who make the real histoi-y of a county or state and upon them also rests the responsibility of giving moral tone to the body politic, of directing thought and shaping opinion, and of taking the lead in all progressive measures for the public good. To this class of strong, virile young men belongs John Walters, of Riley township, Putnam county, a young man of sterling character and sttirdy worth.

John Walters was born on September 12, 1885, in Monroe township, Allen county, Ohio, a son of Jesse S. and Mary (Krass) Walters, the latter of whom was the daughter of Michael and Lyda Krass. Jesse Walters was bom in Fairfield county, Ohio, on February 15, 1839, and died at Bluffton, Ohio, June 24, 1914. He was a son of John Walters and wife, married first to Lila Ramsey, who died, after which he married Anna Moore.

Grandfather John Walters was a farmer and moved from Fairfield county, Ohio, to Hancock county, about 1849, when Jesse Walters was about ten years of age. There he bought a fai-m on the banks of the Blanchard river, between three and four miles west of Findlay, Ohio, and it was on that farm that Jesse Walters grew to manhood. John Walters was twice married, having had seven children by his first union, and three by his second. Jesse Walters was a son of the first marriage, his mother having died after he had himself married. John Walters died on July 15, 1864.

Jesse Walters attended a typical log-cabin school and helped his father on the old homstead. He was a great reader and improved his mind at every opportunity. After his marriage to Mary Krass he bought a little farm near the old homestead, where he and his wife lived for a few years, after which they moved to Monroe township, Allen county. It was on this fann that John Walters was born. There Jesse Walters bought a farm, which was nearly all timber, while a large portion of it was under water. Only sufficient land had been cleared for the erection of the house, a one-room afifair, built of planks. This served the family for several years, after which a somewhat more pretentious house was built. It was in this second house that John Walters was born.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Jesse Walters enlisted in the Twentyfirst Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at the first call for volunteers. He served throughout the entire war and, during his last years as a soldier wascommander of his brigade. He participated in several of the most important engagements of the war, including Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and the march to the sea.

To Jesse and Mary (Krass) Walters four children were born, as follow : Emma, who is the wife of John Gillespie, of Kent, Ohio, and to whom has been born three children; Mable, deceased; Howard and Melvin; Harmon, who lives in Beaver Dam, Ohio, married Sarah Stager and has five children, Florence, Charles, Lillie, Elmer and John; Mary (Mollie) who is the wife of Brake Fruchey and lives near Rockport, Ohio, is the mother of three children, Wilbur, deceased; Mary; Lawrence; and John, the subject of this sketch.

Jesse Walters and wife were both members of the United Brethren church, in which denomination Jesse Walters was a preacher, attached to> the church at Lewis Comers, Allen county, and to St. Paul's church, Riley township, Putnam county. He was a devout Christian and took part with Reverend Furgeson in several revival meetings. Mrs. Walters was likewise an active church worker and a beautiful Christian character.

When John Walters was about two years of age, his parents moved to near Rockport, Monroe township, a few miles from his birthplace. The family lived there for about twelve years, and. it was there the subject spent his childhood and attended the old Rockport district school. From that place, the family moved to Pandora in the fall of 1899, where Jes^e Walters lived a somewhat retired life until his death. It was there that Mrs. Walters died on September 20, 1910, at the age of sixty-one. In October, 191 1, Jesse Walters married a second time, his second wife being Mrs. Kate Putnam. They lived in Pandora for one year, and then moved to Bluffton, where Mr. Walters died, two years later.

John Walters did not go to Pandora with his parents, but came to that place in the spring of 1900. During the next two years, he employed his time in doing odd jobs, and, at the age of sixteen, obtained a position with the Pandora Overall Company, with which concern he has been associated, continually, since that time, with the exception of one year. His first employment with that company was that of a button riveter, and from that position he has risen steadily through all the departments of the manufacturing end of the business. He is at present in charge of the cutting department, a position which he has held for nine years.

on October i, 1880, a daughter of William and Hattie Agner. To this union have been born two children, Leonard and Raymond. Mrs. Walters spent her childhood with her parents, near Ottawa, where she attended both the -common and high schools. She remained with her mother until the time -of her marriage, her father having died several years previous to that time.

John Walters is a supporter of the Republican party and has always taken an intelligent interest in the political affairs of his community, although he has never aspired to public office. Mrs. Walters is a member of the Church of Christ, in which she is an active worker. Mr. Walters is one of the clean-cut and progressive citizens of Pandora, a man of excellent character, high ideals and unquestioned integrity. In business, his qualifications are best expressed by the appellation "live wire," so often used as the highest form of compliment in these days of hustle.

Howard Humphreys

There is no profession which is more closely interwoven with the intimate things of humanity or in which a follower must possess more of the milk of human kindness than in that of the undertaker. He is called into a house of mourning at a time when the inmates are bowed down by the first throes of their grief, when their thoughts cannot be centered upon the next steps to be taken and when, above all other times, they need the presence of a helping hand to which they can, with implicit confidence, entrust the cares and duties the occasion requires. At such times the undertaker enters the family circle, coming not in the guise of one who is to remove from it a beloved member, but rather as a true friend to whom may be trusted the care of the earthly remains of one who, at that moment, is held more dear than ever before. He comes without ostentation and with words of sympathy and comfort ready his lips ; he practically assumes, for the time being, all the responsibilities the bereaved family, and stands between its members and all jarring contact with the outside world. He is the friend in need and the trusted adviser, never conspicuous, but ever at hand to ward off from the grief-stricken family all outside influences which might threaten to profane these, the holiest moments of their lives. Small wonder it is that the men who perform such -offices should be among the most beloved members of their communities, and it is with such a man that this sketch deals.

Ohio, a son of William J. and Margaret J. (Davis) Humphreys. William J. Humphreys was born in North Wales on August 27, 1828, and died in Marion township, Allen county, Ohio, November 18, 1888. He came to America with his parents when he was thirteen years of age, and settled in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, where his father spent the remainder of his life. William Humphreys remained with his parents until he reached his majority, then he came to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked for a short time.

In Cincinnati he met and married Margaret J. Davis, who was born in South Wales, April 7, 1832, a daughter of Jabez Davis and wife. She died on October 8, 1874. Mrs. Humphreys came to America with her parents about 1S42, when she was ten years of age. The family settled in Jackson county, Ohio, where her father engaged in farming. There he lived and died at an advanced age, his wife having died several years previous to his death.

After his marriage, William Humphreys returned to Cambria county, Pennsylvania, where he remained for a few years, and then returned to Marion township, Allen county, Ohio. There he purchased eighty acres of land for himself and eighty acres for his father. Later, after his father's death, he purchased the latter's farm also. At the time of the original purchase of the farms the land was practically in a virgin state and Mr. Humphreys was obliged to expend much energy and hard labor in clearing it and preparing it for cultivation. The family lived in an old log house, which stood on the father's land, where seven of William Humphrey's ten children were born. The old log house was later replaced by a substantial frame structure, in which William Humphreys passed his declining years.

Ten children were born to William and Margaret J. (Davis) Humphreys, as follow: John W., who married Margarette Jane Evans, deceased, who had four children, one of which is deceased; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Noah E. Brenneman and the mother of four children, three of which are living; Harriett, who died at the age of twenty-eight; George W., who married Frances Ridenour and has two children; Howard, the subject of this sketch; Mary, who was taken to bring up by her father's sister, Ellen, of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, and who died at the age of six years; David, who married Delia Sherrick and has two children; William, who died at the age of twentytwo, and Emily, deceased, who was the wife of Daniel Huffer and who had one child, and Margaret, died in infancy.

Howard Humphreys remained on the homestead until he was twentyeight years of age. He attended the schools of his township and assisted his father in the work of operating the farm. In November, 1888, when he was twenty-six years of age, he married Myrtle Babcock, a daughter of William

Babcock and wife. Her parents were natives of Crawford county, Ohio, and later settled in Putnam county. Mrs. Humphreys died on November 26,. 1896. No children were born to that union.

Two years after his, marriage, in 1890, Mr. Humphreys bought a farm. in Washington township, Van Wert county, Ohio, where he remained four years. He then removed to Blufifton, Ohio, where he engaged in the livery business for two years. In the spring, after his wife's death, he moved tO' Columbus Grove, where he continued in the livery business for one year. He then purchased an interest in the furniture business of Hartman & Alstetter,, buying Mr. Alstetter's interests, the firm being then known as Hartman & Humphreys. He retained his interest in that business for three years and then sold his share to Mr. Hartman. His next business enterprise was when he purchased the interest of J. M. Crawford in the Columbus Grove Lumber Company, with which he was identified during the next four and one-half years. Six months after selling his interest in the lumber company, he bought a half interest in the furniture and undertaking business of C. B. Sterling. That was in 1906, and Mr. Humphreys has been identified with that businessup to the present time, having met with great success.

On October 9, 1899, he married a second time, his second wife being Emma R. Light, who was born in Putnam county, on August 13, 1873, a daughter of David and Rosanna Light. David Light was born on November 2"], 1840, in Richland county, Ohio, a son of David and Barbara (Fackler) Light, who came from Lebanon county, Pennsylvania. Rosanna (Bricker) Light was born on March 7, 1842, a daughter of Levi and Catherine (Warner) Bricker, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Howard Humphreys was educated in the common schools of Putnam county and in the high school at Columbus Grove. She later attended Fostoria Academy, where she took a normal course. Three children have been born to Howard and Emma. R. (Light) Humphreys, as follow: David Walter, William Howard and Norman Light, all of whom are living at home and are still attending school.

Howard Humphreys is a supporter of the Republican party and hastaken an intelligent interest in the political affairs of his community, althoughhe has never aspired to public office. He is a member of Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 376, of Columbus Grove, Ohio. Both Howard Humphreys and wife are members of the First Christian church and are active in church work, Mr. Humphreys having served the church as a trustee.

As a citizen, Mr. Humphreys ranks high in his community, where he is deeply respected by all who know him. He is a man of high ideals, strict business integrity and many sterling qualities.

John Barney Verhopf

It cannot be other than interesting to note, in the series of personal sketches appearing in this work, the varying conditions that have compassed those whose careers are here outlined. An effort has been made in each case to throw a well-focused light on the individuality and to bring into proper perspective the scheme of each career. Each man who strives to fulfill his part, in connection with human life and human activities, deserves recognition, whatever his field of endeavor. And it is the function of works of this nature to perpetuate for future generations an authentic record concerning those represented in its pages. The value of such publications is certain to be cumulative for all time, and will present for posterity the individual and specific accomplishment of each generation.

John Barney Verhoff, a well-known farmer in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born on his father's farm, April 15, 1875. He is the son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff, the former of whom was born in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, June 17, 1838, and the latter of whom was a daughter of Theodore Egbers, and a native of Germany. Theodore Verhoff and Elizabeth Egbers were married on June 18, 1861, and had twelve children. Theodore Verhoff was the son of Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff, the former of whose parents lived and died in Germany, and the latter of whom was the daughter of Theodore and Gertrude (Veraking) Kramer.

John Barney Verhoff attended school in Greensburg township, and worked on his father's farm. He performed the usual labor which falls to the average country boy, and was industrious from the time of his youth.

Mr. Verhoff was married on November 3, 1903, to Mary Lemper, who was born on September 5, 1872, and who is the daughter of William and Clara (Drop) Lampert, natives of Germany, where they were married. The children of William and Clara (Drop) Lemper were as follow: Mary, the wife of J. B. Verhoff; William, Clara, and Agnes. William married Lena Wortmann, and lives in Michigan. They have six children; Clara married William Edelbrock, and lives in Union township; Agnes married William Verhoff, and lives near Owosso, Michigan. They have seven children.

After his marriage, John Barney Verhoff moved to his present farm of eighty acres, in Greensburg township. Mr. Verhoff owns this farm, upon -which he has erected some fine buildings, and made many substantial and

John Barney Verhoff beheves in having good horses and hve stock. He ow^ns some splendid Belgian horses and is also contemplating getting into the full-blood cattle-raising business, at this time having some splendid Shorthorn cattle on his place. Taken all in all, his live stock may be counted as first-class in every respect. He has a fine substantial barn on his place. He is very industrious and a hard-worker, which indicates a successful future. He has well-grounded opinions on topics of the day, is devoted to his wife and family and they, with their children, fonn a very happy circle.

John Barney Verhoff makes a specialty of chickens and thoroughbred Duroc- Jersey hogs. He is township health officer of Greensburg township, and in politics is a stanch Democrat. He is a sturdy type of the young 'German farmer, ambitious and acquainted with all the problems touching not only his vocation, but the political affairs of his state and the country at large. Temperamentally, Mr. Verhoff is pleasant and agreeable. He is popular in the township where he lives, and is a man who has never been known to violate a spoken or written prom.ise. Mr. and Mrs. Verhoff and family belong to the St. Nicholas Catholic church, at Kalida. His wife has co-operated faithfully with Mr. Verhoff to his ultimate success. They have a charming family.

Christian Schumacher, Jr

Among the worthy residents of Putnam county, Ohio, whose presence has been an important factor in the development of this great county, is Christian Schumacher, Jr. Mr. Schumacher's success has been due in a large degree to his prodigious industry, good management and upright character. The business of farming demands confidence, and where that is lacking, business is liable to end. Christian Schumacher has always possessed the confidence of his neighbors and the men with whom he has had business relations. His immediate associates and acquaintances respect him, and the younger generation has taken his life as an example for their careers! He not only is a progressive man of affairs and successful in material pursuits, but is a man of modest and unassuming demeanor, well informed and a fine type of a self-made American, a friend to the poor, charitable to the faults of his neighbors and always ready to unite with every good work

Christian Schumacher was born on April 20, 1848, in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio. He is the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Suter) Schumacher, the former of whom was born in 18 19, at Basel, Switzerland,. Christian Schumacher, Sr., and Elizabeth (Lugibihl) Schumacher were the parents of Peter Schumacher.

Christian Schumacher, Jr., lived on the old homestead farm, in Putnam county, until he was twenty-one years of age. Prior to attaining his majority, he attended the typical log cabin school until he was fourteen years of age. When about eighteen years of age, he learned the carpenter trade, and, at the age of twenty-one, left home and followed his trade for one year.

When Mr. Schumacher was twenty-two years old, he was married to Regina Steiner, the daughter of Ulrich and Mary Ann (Moser) Steiner. Ulrich Steiner was a native of Alsace, France, and the son of Christian and Catherine (Lugibihl) Steiner. His wife, who was Mary Ann Moser, was the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Wolley) Moser, all of whom were natives of Switzerland. Christian Steiner came to America in 1835, and was one of the founders of the Mennonite church in Putnam county. His son, Ulrich, became the first bishop of the church. Jacob Moser and family came to America in the early part of the nineteenth century, settling first in Virginia. Later, they came to Wayne county, Ohio, near Dalton.

After his marriage, Mr. Schumacher located on a farm four miles west of Bluffton, in Allen county, where he remained for thirty-five years. He then moved to a farm adjoining Pandora on the north. This farm, to which he moved after his marriage, had eighty acres which he rented for five years, when he purchased it. Later, he purchased twenty-nine acres more, giving him in all one hundred and nine acres. He sold this farm in 1907 and moved to the farm where he now lives. This farm he purchased, two years later, and in 1908, he bought the Deiter farm in the southeast part of Riley township, which consists of eighty acres. In January, 1915, Mr. Schumacher purchased forty-five acres lying east of the present home farm, giving him eighty-five acres in this farm. He has always done general farming and has been quite successful. He and his wife have been hard workers all their lives and have earned an honorable competence.

Christian and Regina (Steiner) Schumacher have been the parents of fourteen children, Samuel is unmarried and lives in Arizona; Helena is the wife of Daniel Diller, and lives in Phoenix, Arizona, where they have children as follow : Oliver, Edith, Herbert, Eunice, Catherine, Rhoda, Goldie,

Lillian, Glenn, Robert, who died at the age of three, and a baby who died in infancy; Menno married Lena Diller, and lives in Riley township, where they have two children, Arthur and Edgar; Noah lives in Pandora, where he married Mary Kempf and they have three children, Glenn, Earl and Wayne; Reuben is unmarried and lives in Riley township; Sarah is unmarried and lives at home; Albert married Sarah VVeida and lives in Pandora; Cyrus married Olivia Hilty, they have one child, Paul; Franklin and William, twins, died in infancy; Orlin is unmarried and at home; Hirham lives at Napoleon ; Salina and Oliver also live at home.

Reverting to Mr. Schumacher's ancestors: Christian Schumacher, Sr., his grandfather, was born in Alsace-Lorraine at the town of Florimont, in 1789, and came to America in 1836, with his wife and four children, Barbara, John, Peter and Christian. Christian Schumacher, Sr., operated a gristmill at Basel, Switzerland, and was also a wine merchant in Alsace-Lorraine. He did a wholesale, or brokerage, business in wine. He had a little farm of sixteen acres, just outside of Basel, which he sold to wealthy land owners there, on coming to America. Christian Schumacher and wife were thirtysix days on the water on their voyage to America, and a week in coming from New York City to Wayne county, Ohio. Part of the trip was made by canal boat. They remained in Wayne county, Ohio, about two weeks, visiting relatives, and then proceeded to Richland township, Allen county', formed a part of Putnam county, and here settled on a farm of two hundred and thirteen acres, three and one-half miles north of Shannon, later Bluffton, which he purchased of a man by the name of Gray. He later bought another farm of about two hundred acres southeast of the old homestead, from a man by the name of Sackett. In addition to this land, he entered other land from the government and had in all about nine hundred acres.

Christian Schumacher, Sr., was considered pretty well-to-do when he settled in the new country. He first lived in a log cabin, however, which was on the place, but soon afterward built a pretentious house of eight rooms after the colonial style. This house is still standing and is in a good state of preservation.

One of Christian Schumacher, Sr's, daughters, Barbara, was married to Peter Sterner before coming to America, he coming with the rest of the family.

Peter Schumacher, the father of Christian, Jr., was sixteen years old when he came with his parents to America. It was on the old homestead that he grew to manhood, where he was married, at about the age of twentyone, to Elizabeth Suter, the daughter of Christian and Magdalene (Steiner)

Suter, who was born on December 6, 1821, and who died on October 12, 1897. The Suters came originally from Berne, Switzerland. From there they moved to Alsace-Lorraine and it was there that Elizabeth Suter was bom. The family first settled in Rockingham county, Virginia, after coming to America, but remained only two years when they came to Holmes county, Ohio, remaining there but a short time, finally arriving in PutnaiTi county, Ohio, where they settled, one and one-half miles southeast of Pendleton, now Pandora. Here Peter Schuiiiacher continued to farm the old homestead, until his death on May 28, 1881, at the age of sixty-two. In addition to the two hundred and fourteen acres, in the original Schumacher homestead, which he inherited from his father, Peter purchased ninety acres from his brother John's son. Christian, which adjoins the old place on the south. Peter Schumacher lived on the old homestead all his life. In addition to being a farmer, he was a minister in the local Mennonite church. He was a well-educated, self-made man and spoke three languages fluently, German, French and English. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Among his other accomplishments, he taught school for three years and was appointed, on various occasions, to act as administrator and executor of estates. He was frequently called upon to draw up legal papers and to settle differences between his neighbors. In many ways he was easily the leader in the community. He was a man of high ideals, of sterling integrity and, in every way, a most excellent character.

Peter and Elizabeth (Suter) Schumacher had sixteen children, all of whom grew to man and womanhood, and all of whom reared large families. Barbara first married Christian Amstutz, and after his death David Basinger ; Magdalene married Abraham Bixler; Fannie is the wife of Peter T. Steiner; Mary married Christian Lugibihl; Elizabeth married Benjamin Hilty; Christian is the subject of this sketch; John married Barbara Geiger; Catherine became the wife of Jacob Steiner; Peter married Elizabeth Moser; David married Marian Geiger; Adam married Sarah Welty; Daniel married Sarah Gillion; Benjamin married Sarah Miller; Sarah became the wife of E. D. Kohli; Susan became the wife of Ulrich Steiner, and Lydia married Noah Moser.

In a large degree. Christian Schumacher has followed in the footsteps of his worthy father. He stands high in the community where he lives and commands the respect of everybody. He enjoys the reputation of being an upright citizen and one who has done very much for the community where he lives. Mr. Schumacher is a Democrat. He is a member of the Grace

Mennoiiite church, of which his son Albert is now the pastor. Formerly, Mr. Schumacher was a deacon in the Ebenezer church for ten years. He is. a man of strong religious convictions and faithful to every religious trust and duty.

Philip Neuenschwander

^ It is by no means an easy task to describe, within the limits of this review, the life of a man who has been eminently active and useful, and who by his own exertions, has reached the position of honor and trust in his business and in the political life of his community. But biography finds justification, nevertheless, in recording such a life history, since the public claim a certain interest in the career of every individual. The time invariably arrives when it become advisable to set forth the facts in a man's career. It IS with a certain degree of satisfaction that the chronicler essays the task of touching briefly upon the record of Philip Neuenschwander, a well-known citizen of Pandora and the proprietor of an automobile garage at this place. Philip Neuenschwander was born on July 23, 1861, in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio. He is the son of Isaac and Mary (Steiner) Neuenschwander. Isaac Neuenschwander was born in 1820, at Basel, Switzerland, and, in 1825, came to America withhis parents when five years of age. They were seventy-eight days on the voyage, and, upon arriving in this country, came first to Wayne county. There were five children in the family, three sons and two daughters, all of whom were born in Switzerland. They entered government land in Wayne county, the deed for which was written on leather. Here Isaac Neuenschwander spent his childhood on the homestead, and, when a young man, came to Richland township, Allen county, where he made his home with his brother, John, who was firming about four and one-half miles northwest of Bluffton. He remained with his brother about ten years when he was married to Mary Steiner. She was born in Richland township, one and one-half miles northwest of Bluffton about 1827, and her parents were pioneers of Allen county. After his marriage, Isaac Neuenschwander located on a fami five and one-half miles west of Bluffton, which comprised one hundred and sixty acres and was heavily timbered and largely covered with water. Here he lived until his death, in 1890. He passed through all of the pioneer experiences. He built a one and one-half story log cabin, which later burned in midwinter when there was a heavy snow on the ground. It was replaced by another, which served for a number of years, or until Mr. Neuenschwander built a tenroomed brick house, where Philip Neuenschwander was born and where he spent his childhood and grew to manhood. He attended the district schools in winter and helped his father and brothers clear the land during the summer. He remained on the old home place until twenty-three years of age.

Philip Neuenschwander was married in January, 1885, to Maggie Bixel, the daughter of Peter and Fannie (Suter) Bixel, the former of whom was a native of Wayne county and descended from Swiss pioneer stock, and the latter born two miles southeast of Pandora also of Swiss stock. After his marriage, Philip Neuenschwander located about two miles east of Pandora on the Ridge road, on the old Lenhart farm of eighty acres, and which he purchased, living here from 1885 until 1909. When Mr. Neuenschwander purchased this farm, fifty acres were cleared. He cleared the remainder of the land with the exception of seven and one-half acres. On this farm three children were born and reared. 'Five years after his marriage, he suffered the greatest misfortune of his life when his wife, who had been faithful and devoted to her husband, died on January 11, 1890.' She was a member of the Mennonite church and a young woman with a beautiful Christian character. Philip and Maggie (Bixel) Neuenschwander were the parents of three children, Willis Lee, who' is a student at Oberlin College, where he is preparing for the ministry; Waldo Milton, a graduate of the Ohio State Veterinary College, who was employed by the state for one year, when he located in Bluff ton, where he now enjoys a growing- practice in his chosen profession. He married Elma Steiner and they have one daughter, Elenora; Magdalena is still single and at home.

Philip Neuenschwander has been a very successful farmer. He retired from the farm in 1909, and moved to Pandora. Two years later, he disposed of his farm. After moving to Pandora, he was appointed township road supervisor and held this position for one year. After this, he bought an interest in the Pandora Cement Block Company and acted as manager of this firm for four years. He disposed of his interests in 19 14, and purchased the garage of Henry Suter. In company with L. G. Steiner, he has operated this garage since 19 14, which is known as the Pandora Auto Company. It has up-to-date equipments, a splendid salesroom and a large patronage.

Philip Neuenschwander is a Democrat, has been a member of the Riley township school board for five years, during which time the Pandora high school was built. He is a member of the Grace Mennonite church and a trustee of that denomination. There are no better men in Riley township than Philip Neuenschwander and few citizens who are more progressive and up-to-date than he. As a man, he enjoys the respect of all who know him, for he has a clean character and his integrity is unquestioned.

Edmund L. Laibe

It cannot be other than interesting to note, in the series of personal sketches appearing in this work, the varying conditions that have compassed those whose careers are outlined, and the effort has been made in each case to throw well-focused light upon the individuality and to bring into proper perspective the scheme of each respective career. Each man who strives to fulfill his part in connection with human life and human activities is deserving of recognition, whatever may be his field of endeavor, and it is the function of works of this nature to perpetuate, for future generations, an authentic record concerning .those represented in its pages, and the value of such publications is certain to be cumulative for all time to come, showing forth the individual and specific accomplishments of which generic history is ever engendered.

Edmund L. Laibe was born in Buffalo, New York, on November 7, 1854, and is the son of Marcus and Catherine (Basinger) Laibe, both natives of the old country from the Province of Alsace-Lorraine, and where the paternal and maternal grandparents lived and died. The maternal grandfather was a soldier under the great Napoleon, accompanying him on the march to Russia, and was present at the siege of Moscow. He was one of the few who returned to France after the great campaign of that year. Of the paternal grandparents' children, there was a son, John, besides the father of the subject of this review, who came to this country, and later died in the state of Michigan.

Marcus Laibe came to this country when he was twenty-one years of age, and, having learned the blacksmithing trade, entered into that business in New York and carried it on until about the time he met his future wife. Catherine Basinger left the province of Alsace-Lorraine when a very young girl, and was forty-eight days on board ship crossing the Atlantic ocean before her arrival in New York. After her marriage to Marcus Laibe, they continued to reside in New York, where he engaged in the baking business, laving learned the baker trade in the old country, which business he con- tinuecl for several years. Having decided to remove to the city of Buffalo, Nev\f York, where he located and established a blacksmith shop on Walnut street, he remained there for three or four years, then removed to the town of Pandora, Putnam county, Ohio, where he also engaged in blacksmithing, erected a shop for that purpose, and continued for a period of fourteen years. After these years, Edward Laibe's father acquired a farm consisting of eighty acres in Riley township, this county, which he cleared for general farm purposes, besides conducting a blacksmith shop in connection therewith, when he, subsecjuently, purchased one hundred twentyfive acres additional land. Having successfully farmed and served the community by blacksmithing for a period of twenty years, he decided to take up his residence near the town of Ottawa, Ohio, where he purchased five acres of land and built a substantial home, in which he and his wife resided until their deaths. To them were born the following children : Amelia, Edmund, Ely, Edward, William, George, Frank Mark, and an infant, which died without name. The deceased parents were highly esteemed citizens of sterling worth, and, together with the family, are members of St. John's Catholic church of Ottawa.

At the time Edmund L. Laibe's father and mother removed from the city of Buffalo, New York, and settled in Putnam county, Edmund L. was. about one year old. In his youth he attended the school in Pandora, this county, and lived under the parental roof until the time of his marriage to Magdelene Croft on November 11, 1876, who was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Croft, natives of the Province of Alsace-Lorraine, and who settled in Ottawa township, Putnam county, in a very early day. Besides the . wife of our subject, there was born to that union, Joseph, Mary, Katherine, Mary Magdelene, John, Jacob, Matthew, George and Frank.

After his marriage, Edmund L. Laibe removed to a farm in Riley township, containing one hundred and twenty acres, which he purchased and cleared, erecting a number of farm buildings and, in general, putting the place in first-class condition. After residing on this place for twenty-one years, he decided to move to Ottawa, where he built a residence near that of his father's and engaged in the meat business. Later on he discontinued this for the purpose of devoting his entire time and attention to the buying of live stock, in which line he has been very successful, and is at this time--.. engaged. The residence erected in Ottawa remained his home for nineteen years. He is now pleasantly domiciled in a substantial home just north of the town. To Edmund L. and Magdelene (Croft) Laibe have been born the following children : Mary, who is married to Benjamin Herringhaus,.

resides in Ottawa, and have thi'ee children, Francis, Cornelius and Robert; Frank, the husband of Cordeha Kahle, an enterprising druggist of Ottawa;, Blanche, the wife of Cornehus Ellis, who lives in Bloomington, Illinois, and where he makes his headquarters as a traveling salesman. They have two children; George married Laura Kahle and they have two children, and reside in Ottawa, where he is occupied as a traveling salesman. Of Edmund L. Laibe's children, Frank, Blanche and George received their education in the schools in Ottawa, to which George added a course in a business college in Lima, Ohio; William attended college in Rensselaer, Indiana, and Mary was a student at the Ursuline convent in Toledo, Ohio.

Edmund L. Laibe, wife and family, are members of St. John's Catholic church at Ottawa, and Mr. Laibe is regarded by all as being one of the foremost citizens of this community, having established a firm reputation for honesty of purpose in all his dealings with his fellow men, and by being the advocate of clean and wholesome principles in the home, society and politics. Because of his splendid character and good business ability, he has earned and enjoys the sincere respect of all who know him.

Charles W. Draper

A representative of the younger modern business man, is Charles W.. Draper, of West Leipsic, Ohio, who displays, to a marked degree, those qualities which accentuate the men who are at the head of affairs today. Mr. Draper is thoroughly aware, of the opportunities which confront him and in his business he welcomes any innovation which is practical and suits, his needs.

Charles W. Draper was born on September 23, 1879, in Hancock county, Ohio, and is the son of Warren C. and Almira (Hosier) Draper, who were the parents of four children, Charles Warren, Belle, Harry H. and Bernice.

The father of Mr. Draper, Warren C. Draper, was born in Summit county, Ohio, on January 2, 1853, the son of Warren Luke and Louisa^ (Loracole) Draper, who were the parents of the following children; Sarah- Ann, Warren C, Salina Elizabeth, James Edward, Maretia J., Charles. Warren C. Draper was reared in Hancock county and lived at home until hewas twenty-three years of age, when, on December 23, 1876, he married' Almira Jatie Hosier, the daughter of John and Isabella Hosier, who were pioneers of Hancock county. Warren Draper, after marriage, lived four years near Arcadia, Hancocii county, and then moved to within three miles

(northeast) of Gilboa, Putnam county. He bought eighty acres, which were but partly cleared, although the land is practically all cleared now. Mr. Draper is a general farmer and stock raiser.

The education of Charles Draper was obtained in the common and high schools, also in Crawfis College, from which he graduated, and after which he took a business course of shorthand and accounting in the Lima Business College, Lima, Ohio. Later, Mr. Draper taught school in Putnam -county for four years. After this he spent four years in the lumber business in Arkansas. He returned to the North and was employed by Hixon & Company, a lumber firm, in Toledo, Ohio, as superintendent of their yards at Glandorf, in Putnam county and at Winchester, Indiana, where he worked three years. He came to Leipsic about 1909, where he was employed as manager of the Lucas Produce Company, of West Leipsic, which position he now holds. The Lucas Produce Company is a New York concern, which buys poultry and ships it dressed.

- On June 20, 19 10, Mr. Draper married Edith Terflinger, whose father, J. P. Terflinger, was a native of Virginia and his wife was a native of Allen county, Ohio. Charles W. and Edith (Terflinger) Draper are the parents of three children, James Edward, John Warren and Richard Charles. The Leipsic chapter of the Knights of Pythias consider Mr. Draper as a valuable member. In his politics, he is a Republican, while he and his family are members of the Lutheran Evangelical church. Mr. Draper is friendly and congenial, and endowed with a happy disposition, which has gained for him a wide circle of friends. At the same time his recognized ability and trustworthiness enables him to maintain a high standing in his sphere.

Herman B. Schmenk

Herman B. Schnienk, son of Louis and Dorothy (Lammers) Schmenk, was born on May 8, 1872, in the southeastern part of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio. His father was born in Liverpool, Ohio, August 8, '1849, whose parents, Herman and Lydia Schmenk, were natives of Germany', where they were engaged in farming, but, later immigrated to this country and settled in Putnam county, Ohio. Four children were born to this linion : Henry, Jennie, Catherine and Louis. The parents are now deceased.

Soon after the marriage of Louis Schmenk and Dorothy Lammers, who was the daughter of Bernard and Lydia Lammers, of New Cleveland, they moved to Liberty township, Putnam county, where he engaged in the manufacture -of brick and drain tile. The tile factory was located near the town of Leipsic and was operated for about ten years. Concluding to discontinue the manufacturing business, Mr. Schmenk then purchased a sixty-acre tract of land in Liberty township, to which twenty acres were added at a later date. To Louis and Dorothy Schmenk were born three children : Herman, Bernard and Mary; and, by a second marriage, to Elizabeth Winkler (deceased), ten children were born : Casper ; Henry ; Addie, deceased ; Adolph ; John ; 'Gertrude ; Walter ; Amelia ; Romana and Louis.

Herman Schmenk's mother died when he was in the fifth year of his -age, and his early life was spent about his father's farms. Upon attaining the age of nineteen, he concluded to leave the farm and found occupation with a railroad company, working in the capacity of a section hand. After eighteen months' experience in this class of labor, performing the hardest kinds of manual work and receiving but little compensation, he was taken severely ill and was obliged to give up. As a result of this arduous employment, he acquired habits of industry and extreme frugality, which proved a valuable asset to him in his later undertakings.

Herman B. Schmenk was married in 1899, to Catherine Wischmeyer, of Ballman, Ottawa township, Putnam county, daughter of Ferdinand and Catherine Wischmeyer, who were natives of Germany. Immediately after his marriage, he removed to Fulton county, Ohio, where he opened up and a restaurant business for a short time. Not being entirely satisfied with this occupation, he discontinued it, and then secured a place in a saw-mill. This change resulted in such a severe accident that he was disabled for four years, occurring but six months for the time of his marriage. Misfortune seemed to follow him, and at the time of his recovery from the in the saw-mill, he contracted typhoid fever, which kept him down for some time.

While these happenings greatly affected him physically, and depleted him financially, he was not daunted from striving for success. Through all his misfortunes he was constantly encouraged by his ever-faithful, loyal and loving wife, whose close attention to him gave him inspiration to forge ahead. After the last illness, he went to Ottawa, where he secured employment in a restaurant, and, on regaining his strength, he went to work in a tile factory, where he earned fair wages and began to accumulate funds -which would give him a new start in life.

It was in the year 1910 that he secured a position on the road with a dealer in produce as a salesman. Having given this business his close and undivided attention, acquiring a keen knowledge of the details, he decided, after two years in the service of his employer, to embark in a similar line for himself. Establishing as a dealer in poultry, butter and eggs, a buyer and shipper of cream and other products, Mr. Schmenk has placed himself in an enviable position, has proved himself highly successful as a business man. His business has grown to such proportions that it is necessary for him to employ numerous purchasing agents, who cover the surrounding territory in wagons. All this has been accomplished within the time of a very few years, despite continued reverses, gaining for himself and family a most substantial business, a comfortable home situated on four and one-half acres of the choicest land, valued at about three thousand five hundred dollars.

To Herman B. and Catherine (Wischmeyer) Schmenk were born four children : Hugo, Harold, Ilva and Alveda. All are members of Sts. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic church at Ottawa. The ever good, loving, faithful and true wife and mother, unfortunately, was called from this' world on January 2, 19 15.

John Henry Hartman

Nothing is so essential to a lasting business success as absolute integrity and this is undoubtedly the cause of the prosperity attending the business of John Plenry Hartman, of Columbus Grove. His honesty is unquestioned and he has the confidence and esteem of his fellow men.

It was in Monroe township, Allen county, on September 8, 1857, that John Henry Hartman came into this world. He is the son of John S and Elizabeth (Morris) Hartman, who were the parents of the children briefly mentioned as follow: Mrs. Levina Jennings lives in Lima, Ohio- John H. is the subject of this sketch; William lives in Allen county, Ohio' Joseph IS on an Allen county farm; Mrs. Maggie Hufifubuat lives in Allen county, as does George Hulbert; Mrs. Ella Blosser resides in Cloverdale Ohio, and Mrs. Cora Snyder lives on the homestead.

John Henry Hartman's paternal grandfather, Godfrey Hartman was a native of Germania, Pennsylvania, who entered government land 'ei-ht miles north of Lima, Ohio, when his son, John S., was two years of age to which land he came from Pennsylvania in a wagon drawn by oxen He was a successful, hard-working man and a power in his community He died on the homestead in 1873, when John H. was sixteen vears of age

John S. Hartman worked on the home farm until he was married, when he bought forty acres of wild land for four hundred dollars, the land being located three miles southwest of Columbus Grove, in Allen county. He spent his life on this farm, which he greatly improved, and where he died in March, 1906. He was a member of no lodge of a fraternal order, and never sought political honors, although he was township trustee for a time and held several other offices elected on the Democratic ticket. He was a devout tnember of the Christian church at West Cairo, Ohio. His wife is a native of x\llen county, Ohio, and was born in October, 1835, the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Weaver) Morris, and she still lives on the home farm, at the age of seventy-nine years.

As it was necessary that he work on the home farm, John Henry Hartman was poorly educated, attending the township schools as opportunity offered. He lived at home until his marriage and then bought a farm three miles west of Columbus Grove, Ohio, which he cultivated for six years, when he moved to Columbus Grove, where he successfully maintained a livery stable for three years, after which he sold out and moved back to Allen county, where he rented a farm for a short time and then bought it. Later, he bought his father-in-law's place, which he farmed for about four years and then sold out, moving back to Columbus Grove, where he established a furniture store, which he still operates in partnership with his son. Jay L., under the firm name of John H. Hartman & Son.

On November 18, 1879, John Henry Hartman married Martha Pettitt, the daughter of John and Jane (Severus) Pettitt, the former of whom was' a native of Pennsylvania and who settled in Coshocton, Ohio, at an eariy date, farming there until his marriage, when he moved to Putnam county, where he settled in the swamps near Ottawa, where he successfully developed a farm. He died in December, 1909. His wife was a native of county, Ohio ; she died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. H. Hartman, August 12, 1906, at the age of eighty-three.

To the union of John Henry and Martha (Pettitt) Hartman were born the followmg children : Lula, who married Orio Michael, lives at Van Wert Ohio, where he is employed in a furniture store, to whom were born two children, John and Martha Maxiam; Alta married Charles Jones, a Pleasant township farmer, and they have two children, Morris and Charies; Jay L married Clara Clevenger, a native of Kalida, Ohio, and they live in Columbus Grove, Ohio, where he has a half interest in a furniture store with his father, and they have two children, Louise and Richard; Ray married Elsie Bogert and lives in Columbus Grove, where he maintains a thriving ..rocery

John Henry Hartman is a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World, is a Democrat and has been on the town council for four years. He and his family belong to the Christian church, of which he has been trustee for twenty years. He was formerly Sunday school superintendent and has always taken a deep interest in church work. He is a good businessman and his well-known integrity assures him of universal friendship and respect.

There could be no more comprehensive history written of a city, or county, or even of a state and its people, than that which deals with the lifework of those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have placed themselves where they well deserve the title of "progressive," and in this review will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active and less able plodders on the highway of life, one who has not been subdued by the many obstacles and failures that come to everyone, but who has made them stepping stones to higher things, and, at the same time that he was winning his way in the material affairs of life, gained a reputation for uprightness and honor.

William Rampe was born in Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, on January II, 1853, and is the son of William and Theresa (Ellerbrock) Rampe, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio. The father was born on December 11, 1827, in the Province of Hanover, Germany, where he attended school and learned the shoemaker trade. When he was twenty years old, he decided to immigrate to America, and was joined in the trip by his two brothers. This was in the year 1847, and upon arrival in this country he decided to make his home in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he followed his trade for the ensuing two years. He made a trip to the town of Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, in 1849, which was known to be largely settled by natives of Germany, and remained there until the following year, when he went to Dayton, Ohio, for the purpose of establishing himself in business. Six months later, however, he decided to return to Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, where he went into the business of manufacturing and retailing shoes. In this business, he attained a widespread reputation throughout the northwestern portion of the state of Ohio, and many times found it necessai-y to employ nearly fifteen shoemakers to take care of the production and thus enable him to supply the demand for his goods. Mr. Rampe's shoe trade was handled through established shoe dealers throughout this region, and he maintained a retail business himself to supply the local inhabitants.

In the year 1850, William Rampe was married to Theresa Ellei-brock,. a daughter of William Ellerbrock and wife, who were among the early settlers coming to the town of Glandorf, Ohio, and to them were born twelve children. The wife and mother of these children was taken away by death on March 17, 1875. At a later date is recorded the second marriage to- Wilhelmina Schmidt, and that he died in Glandorf, Ohio, on November 28, 1893, after havifig spent a noble and most useful life with his family and the inhabitants of Putnam county.

William Rampe, Jr., went to school in the town of Glandorf, Ohio, and in his youth plied his trade, as a shoemaker, in the employ of his able father. Under his father's direction, he became a master workman in this line, and remained in the business for a number of years. At a later date, Mr. Rampe established himself in the retail shoe business, in the town of Ottawa, Putnam county, Ohio, where he was very successful, and after many yearsof service to the public in the sale of shoes, retired. Being a hustler and a man of sound business judgment and sagacity, having an excellent knowledge of actual real estate values throughout this and other counties and states, Mr. Rampe, could not content himself by leading the life of a retired merchant, and, consequently, decided to embark in the real estate business, making a specialty of dealing in farm property in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. In this line he has been a great success, possessing himself with largeholdings in the surrounding country, and being a public-spirited man, is Always ready to give just consideration to meritorious propositions for the advancement of the community in which he lives. His residence and chief place of business, is in the town of Ottawa, Ohio, where he is reputably known to have been associated with real estate transactions for the past twenty-five years.

William Rampe was married three times, first time to Agnes Nienberg now deceased, and by which marriage two children were born, Charies and Carrie; the second time to Anna Dummeldinger, now deceased, and by whom there were three children, Elnora, Lillian and Alfred; the third marriaoe was to Elizabeth McGeery, to whom one child, Mary E., was born Mary E is now attending school at the Ursuline convent, Toledo, Ohio- Charles w' is married to Emma Fisher, formerly of Toledo, who now resides in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. To this union there were born four children, John, Paul, William and Robert. The father is the treasurer and one of the original founders of the well-known 'Foster Nut & Bolt Company, of Cleveland, Ohio; Carrie took a course in the art of nursing and follows that profession in the city of Cleveland, Ohio; Elnora is the wife of J. J. Lynch, formerly city auditor of Toledo, Ohio, and now engaged as a solicitor for the Hocking Valley railroad, to whom one child was born, Elnora; Lillian is the wife of H. Stechschulte and they reside in Lima, Ohio, where the husband is occupied as manager of the clothing house of the B. R. Baker Company, clothiers. Two children, William and Mary, were born to this union; Alfred, at present a bachelor, is secretary and treasurer of the W. H. Coffee Company, of Toledo, Ohio, a high-priced tailoring establishment, and in which he is interested financially.

William Rampe, personally, is a man whom it is a pleasure to know, being generous-hearted, kind, helpful, honest in all his dealings with his fellow men and eminently worthy of the trust and respect- reposed in him, and he is today regarded as one of the county's most representative men. He is a member of Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic church, of Ottawa, and an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

John M. Heck

One of the highly respected retired farmers of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, is John M. Heck, a loyal and courageous soldier in the Civil War, a successful farmer, prominent in fraternal circles in his community, and has been honored with positions of political and public responsibility.

John M. Heck was born in 1835, in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, the son -of Michael and Christina (Klotz) Heck. Michael Heck came from Wurtemberg, Germany, and lived in Tuscarawas county, until 1870, when he moved to Putnam county and settled in Liberty township at what was called Maderia, an old stage-coach stop that had hopes of becoming the county seat at one time. Here he was a fanner for about fourteen years when he moved to Indiana, and there spent the remainder of his life. Christina Klotz was also a native of Wurtemberg and came to America about 1830, at the age of seventeen, with her parents, Frederick and Catherine (Harr) Klotz. Cath- Harr, the maternal grandmother of John M. Heck, was born in Wur- temberg, Germany, the daughter of Jacob Harr, who kept a hotel at Breitenholtz called "At the Sign of the Lamb." He was a wealthy man and left a fund in perpetuity, the income of which was to furnish bread to the poor of that village. That fund is still in existence.

Michae' Heck was the son of Jacob Heck, whose father came from Holland to Switzerland and then to Wurtemberg, whence the family came to America. The name was originally spelled Hockh. Mr. Heck still has the certified copy of the parish record of the family's births, baptisms, and deaths with the seal on it. In that record the name is retained with the original spelling.

John M. Heck grew up in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and followed boating on the Ohio canal. Later, he managed coal mines, furnaces and public works. He served as a soldier in Company A, One Hundred and Sixtyfirst Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in the service untiljust before the close of the war.

He remained in Tuscarawas county until 1873, when he came to Leipsic He bought a farm one mile northwest of West Leipsic in 1872, and moved there m 1873. With the exception of two years, when he lived in Leipsic he has farmed on this farm.

Mr. Heck was married in 1861 to Louisa Eckfeld, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob and Margaret Eckfeld who were born and married in Oldenburg, Germany. Nine children were born to Jacob and Margaret (Eckfeld) Heck, of whom two died in infancy The other seven living children are George Frederick, Susan Amelia, Louisa Chnstma, Harvey Michael, Emma Catherine, Nellie May and David Nelson George F. married Lillian Thompson and she died, leaving three children who were reared in Mr. Heck's home; Susan married George Hollabaugh of West Leipsic, and has eight children; Louisa married Henry Boeard' who died in October, 1909, leaving six children; Harvey, who is unmarried" lives at Ottawa; Emma married Calvin Nemire, of Leipsic, and has four children living and three dead; Nellie married W. H. Reichelderfer, of near \ Wayne, Indiana, and has three children. They live on the Heck farm and Nelson, who married Laura Arnold, lives in Leipsic and has one child.' William H Reichelderfer, who married Mr. Heck's daughter, Nellie was born near Harlan, Indiana, the son of Jacob and Sarah (Harter Reichelder er. Jacob Reichelderfer was born and reared on the farm where he now lives near Harlan and has lived for eighty years. William H Reichelderfer helped to build the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton railroad through West

Leipsic, in 1897 and 1899. For the first three years after he married NeUie Heck, they lived in Detroit, but came back to her old home, west of Leipsic^ and helped her father conduct the farm. Their children are: Forest, Lucile and Mildred. William Reichelderfer and wife belong to the Lutheran church and Mr. Reichelderfer is a member of the Masons, while he and his wife both belong to the Patrons of Husbandry.

John M. Heck served one term as trustee of Liberty township and discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of the people of that township^ Mr. Heck is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, having been a member since 1871, and a charter member of Leipsic Lodge No. 548. Mr.- Heck and his family belong to the Lutheran church.

Mrs. John M. Heck died on March 12, 1912. She was an earnest and devoted Christian woman, reading much in her German Bible and other good books and left to her children a noble example of Christian faith tried by affliction. She was an affectionate mother and a faithful helpmate to her husband to whom she was joined in wedlock for nearly fifty-three years.

Henry F. Light

No more comprehensive history could be written of a city or county or even of a state and its people than that which deals with the life works of its. people, who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have achieved success in their respective vocations. Henry F. Light is a man, who, in the business world, has outstripped his competitors on the highway of life, one who has never been subdued by obstacles and failures that come to every one, but he has made them stepping stones to higher things. At the time when he has been winning success in the material things of life, he has likewise won a reputation for uprightness and square dealings, no inconsiderable factors in the career of the present-day business man..

Henry F. Light was born on August 19, 1858, at Columbus Grove,, Ohio, the daughter of John and Mary (Walters) Light. John Light was a native of Richland county, Ohio, born on February 15, 1834. He is still living on his farm five miles west of Lima, Ohio, in Allen county. He is now retired at the age of eighty-one years. He has been a farmer most of his life, and during that time has conducted a grocery and meat market,, having come to Putnam county at the age of twenty-one years. Here he engaged in farming until 1902, when he moved to Lima, Ohio. John and!

Mary Light celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary on December 14, 1914. Jolin Light was a township trustee of Putnam county, and has held other minor township offices, has been an active Democrat throughout his life, and is a member of the Methodist church at Helsel Chapel, Ohio. During his active career John Light was much interested in the work of his church and was a liberal donor to its enterprises. Very few obstacles could prevent his attendance at church. He has been a well-known man in his community. His wife, who before her marriage was Mary Walters, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1836, and came to Richland county, Ohio, with her parents at an early age. She is still living in Allen county at the age of seventy-nine years. Her father owned eighty acres of land, which he purchased when he came to Defiance county in 1855. Mrs. Light has been a kind and loving mother, and she and her husband have been the parents of four children: George W., who died in 1890; Henry R, whose history is here presented ; Alfred H., who lives on the homestead farm in Allen county with his parents, and Frances B., who married Edward Norris, the owner of a livery barn in Ohio City, Ohio. She owns a millinery store in that city.

Heniy iF. Light spent his boyhood days in the vicinity of Columbus Grove, Ohio. Until his marriage he lived with his parents on the homestead farm in Putnam county. About one year before his marriage he learned the drug trade with J. M. Crawford, who became his father-in-law. He worked here as a clerk for about five years, and for the next five years worked in different business places in that capacity. Subsequently he took the examination for railway mail clerk and was appointed as clerk on the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton and later on the Pennsylvania railroad, servmg in this capacity, altogether, two years. He resigned to enter the drug business at Columbus Grove with his brother-in-law, W. L. Crawford. They continued in business for three years, when Mr. Light sold out to Mr. Crawford and engaged in the hardware business at Columbus Grove with his father-in-law, John M. Crawford. This partnership continued for about four years, when they both sold out, and together they entered the lumber busmess. Mr. Light is still active in this business and has been for the past seventeen years.

Henry F. Light was married on May 5, 1881, to Minnie E. Crawford the daughter of John M. and Sarah A. (Martin) Crawford. They have had two children, Archie L. and Cathaline, both of whom are deceased Mr and Mrs. Light adopted a daughter from the Orphans' Home at Cincinnati

Henry F. Light, who was associated with John M. Crawford so long in business, is himself a member of the Methodist church, as well as his family. Mr. Light is now a trustee of the church and teacher of the men's Bible class in the Sunday school. He is an active Democrat and can always be depended upon when support is needed. Mr. Light is a member of Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 376, of Columbus Grove. He has served as mayor of Columbus Grove for one term, a member of the board of public affairs for several terms, town clerk for two terms and member of the school board for two terms. Henry F. Light is a congenial man and has a host of friends in and around Columbus Grove, where he is widely known.

Samuel H. Keirns

Whether the elements of success in this life are an attribute of the individual, or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial development, it is impossible to determine clearly. Yet the study of a successful life, whatever the field of endeavor, is none the less interesting and profitable by reason of the existence of this uncertainty. In the life career of Samuel H. Keirns, who for many years has been identified with the various interests of Putnam county, Ohio, we find many qualities in his makeup that always win definite success. The splendid success which has crowned his efforts has been directly traceable to the fundamental elements of his character. He started in life at the bottom of the ladder and has mounted it unaided. He comes of a splendid American family, one that has always been devoted to right living and industrious habits, to education and morality, to loyalty for the national government and for all that contributes to the welfare of a community. Samuel H. Keirns is a man who saw gallant service during the Civil War and who is honored today for the part he had in preserving the union of the states.

Samuel H. Keirns was born on February i, 1845, i" Monroe township, Allen county, Ohio. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Strawsnider) Keirns. John Kfeirns was born in 1791 in Pennsylvania and was the son of Jonathan and Catherine (Kenter) Keirns. John Keirns died in October, 1870, at the age of seventy-nine. His father, Jonathan Keirns, was born in Ireland and came to America with the British army as a British soldier. He served in the Revolutionary War on the side of the British. Jonathan Keirns was born on January 17, 1761, and was married in 1781, at Bloody Run, Pennsylvania, to Catherine Renter. He settled in Pennsylvania and was engaged in the promotion of public works, especially in the iron and ore industry. After living in Pennsylvania for a time, he left for West Virginia to seek a new location. Finding a location in West Virginia, he sent for his wife and their four children, who came to him overland on horseback. The wife carried the children in sewed pockets of bed ticks, two children on each side. She walked a part of the way. Here Jonathan Keirns and his wife lived and died, on Big Sandy creek, West Virginia. He died on January 26, 1853, at the ripe age of ninety-two. They had four children : William, John, George and Sarah, all deceased.

John Keirns came to West Virginia, with his mother, as an infant, and grew up there. Subsequently, he came to Marietta, Ohio, and there was married to a Miss Ellenwood, who bore him nine children, Mary, Lampsin, George and Elizabeth, all deceased, and five others whose names are hot known. John Keirns first wife died, after which he married Elizabeth Strawsnider, who bore him ten children, William R., Carlista, John W., and Benjamin F. are deceased; Samuel H., who is the subject of this sketch, and five whose names are not known. John Keirn's second wife died in 1852, when Samuel H. was only five years old. She was born on May 10, 1828. Later, John Keirns married his third wife, Mary L. Hicks, a native of Kalida, Ohio, who bore him five children, James Alfred, George, two who died in infancy, and Charles Abraham Lincoln are all now deceased. John Keirns was the father of twentyfour children by his three marriages, ten of whom died in infancy. He left Marietta, Ohio, for Allen county, and here purchased a farm and operated it for a time. He also ran a corn-mill with a horse tread-mill. After living here for a number of years he came to Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, in May, 1846, and purchased a grist and saw-mill operated by waterpower, and about fifteen acres of land. He came from Allen to Putnam county by wagon on a trail path. He remained in Putnam county, farming and operating the mill until i860, when he suffered a stroke of paralysis and was compelled to retire from active work. He died ten years later.

Samuel H. Keirns grew up in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio. He was but a year old when his father left Allen county and as time passed was educated in the township schools. He left home on August 16, 1862, to enHst in Company D, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Vaughnsville, Ohio. His enlistment was for' three years' service. He served partly in the Army of the Ohio and partly in the

Army of the Tennessee. He was under Burnside a while and, later, under Sherman. He participated in the battles of the Twenty-third Army Corps and with Sherman's army marched to Atlanta, which corps was sent back north to offset Hood's army. The balance of the army marched with Sherman to the sea. Mr. Keirns was engaged in the battles of Mosey creek in east Tennessee, the first battle of Resaca, Georgia, and in a number of serious fights of the Atlanta campaign, including the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. After the fall of Atlanta, Mr. Keirns was engaged with the Union army which fought Hood at Columbia, Tennessee, and at Duck river, Franklin and Nashville. After the defeat of Hood's army, he was transferred to Washington and from there placed on a vessel at Alexandria, Virginia, which ran to the southern coast of North Carolina. He was five days on the water, landing at Smithville, North Carolina. His party made a one-day march and met the rebels at Fort Anderson. They took the fort, after a two days' severe fight, and also took Wilmington, North Carolina, after shelling the town onehalf day, then came on to Raleigh, North Carolina. In the meantime, Lee had surrendered to Grant. Mr. Keirns was then transferred to Salisbury, North Carolina, where he remained for several weeks. He was mustered out on June 24, 1865, paid ofif and discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, July 9, 1865. At the close of the war, Mr. Keirns returned home and, on July 10, 1865, arrived at the old home place.

Samuel H. Keirns was married on June 28, 1866, to Emily J. Deffenbaugh, the daughter of John and Anna (Parshall) Deffenbaugh. Mrs. Keirns was born on June 10, 1847, in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio. Her parents came to Putnam county in 1835, from Pennsylvania.

To Samuel H. and Emily J. (Deffenbaugh) Keirns six children have been born, the first died in infancy; Anna M., on April 3, 1869, died on April 28, 1869; John M., April 29, 1870, now lives in the West and is engaged in the railroad service; Edgar L., December 15, 1872, is a rural mail carrier out of Columbus Grove; Cora B., February 16, 1876, married T. M. Teegardin; the sixth child died in infancy.

After his marriage, Mr. Keirns moved to Kansas, where he remained for six years. Subsequently, he returned to Ohio and on December 8, 1874, settled at Gomer, Allen county, Ohio, where he lived for two years. He then returned to Putnam county and settled on a farm of eighty acres on November 28, 1876, which tract of land he farmed for more than twenty-two years. During a part of this period, however, he operated a threshing machine throughout the county. He was also engaged in the same business, while a resident of Kansas.

Subsequently, Mr. Keirns sold his farm in Putnam county and removed to Columbus Grove on April 25, 1899, where he has lived since that date. For about three years he was in the implement and buggy business in Columbus Grove, from 1905 to 1908. Continuing alone he handled this business tmtil the spring of 1913, when he retired and became actively engaged in the real estate business. Mr. Keirns has also been a notary public for years. He holds a commission from several Ohio governors. Likewise, Mr. Keirns is a pension attorney and is actively engaged in this profession. For many years he was the only pension attorney in Columbus Grove.

Samuel H. Keirns is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Oglevie Post, No. 64; also of the Knights of Pythias No. 2)1^, at Columbus Grove. He was a justice of the peace of Sugar Creek township and has served as assessor for a number of terms. At one time he served on the town council of Columbus Grove. He held this office two terms. Mr. Keirns is a stanch and active Republican. He was at one time a candidate for county commissioner and was defeated by a small margin. He is a member of the Christian church, a deacon and a financial secretary of that church and takes a great interest in church work and is one of the Sunday school teachers. Likewise, he is assistant chorister. All the members of the family, except the eldest son, are members of the same church.

Samuel H. Keirns is president of the Mutual Farmers Telephone Company and one of the directors of this concern. He is a man of sterling character and stands high in his community. He has been a hard worker and a good booster for all that seems good and just. He is widely acquainted, although a quiet and unassuming man, kind and generous and true to his convictions, - as to honesty in as well as outside of business.

Francis X. Annesser

Francis X. Annesser is one of those strong, self-reliant and determined characters who are occasionally met with and who are of such a distinct type as to appear leaders of their fellow men. Not that Mr. Annesser courts this distinction, for he is entirely unassuming, but his great force of character and his zeal and energy in whatever he undertakes, naturally place him at the head of the class. He has been a potent factor in the development of Putnam county, where he has long maintained his home and where he is known to all classes for his honorable and industrious rise in both private and public life.

Francis X. Annesser was born on October 3, 1863, in Auglaize county, Ohio. He IS the son of William and Mary M. (Fisher) Annesser. William Annesser was born in 1834, in Seneca county, Ohio, and came to Auglaize county, when a young man, with his parents. He was a farmer and followed that vocation with his parents, until his marriage. He traded a one-hundredand-sixty-acre farm for a mill at Wapakoneta, Ohio, which he operated for about three years. He sold out on January 18, 1879, and removed to Ottawa Ohio, when he bought the Ottawa mill from William Agner. It was known as the Ottawa Flouring Mill. His family was moved to Ottawa and here William Annesser followed the milling business for twenty-eight years. He retired in 1906. He was a Republican and was rather active in the councils of his party. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons at Ottawa first vice-president and director of the First National Bank when it was organized at Ottawa, and is still a director. His wife, who, before her marriage was Mary Fisher, was a native of Baden, Germany, who came to the United States with her parents. They purchased property in Auglaize county and probably entered land from the government. Mrs. William Annesser whose parents were B. S. and Mary (Bush) Fisher, was born on April 11, 1833 She IS still living at the age of eighty-two.

William and Mary (Fisher) Annesser have been the parents of nine children, William B., born- on November 23, 1856; Andrew, February 13 1858- George, July 26, 1859; Charles, November, 1861 ; Francis X., the subject of this sketch, October 3, 1863 ; John M., March 3, 1886; Joseph, April 11 1868 - Mrs. Rosa Sherloh, wife of George Sherloh, May 25, 1873; Louis F., February 26, 1877. William B. lives in Canada, John in Michigan, Charles' in Missouri, Joseph, Mrs. Sherloh, and Louis in Ottawa. George and Andrew are deceased. The former died in Texas in 1888.

The grandparents of Mr. Annesser were Michael and Mary (Sholl) Annesser, both natives of Alsace-Lorraine, who were reared and who married m their native country. They came to the United States in 1830 and iirst located at Hagerstown, Maryland. Three years later they came to Seneca county, Ohio, which was their home until 1844, when they removed to Auglaize county. Michael Annesser was a tailor in Germany, but became a farmer after arriving in the United States. He died about 1874, and his wife ten years later. They were the parents of seven children, Tohn ; Joseph - Michael deceased; William; Margaret, the wife of V. Blume; Mary, deceased and Veronica. John and Joseph served in the Civil War, Joseph in the Fifty- seventh Regiment, Ohio Vohinteer Infantry, and John in an Ohio regiment. Wihiam Annesser was born July 8, 1834, and was married to Mary M. Fisher on October 8, 1855.

Francis X. Annesser spent his boyhood days with his father on the homestead farm and learned the milling trade with his father at the Ottawa mill. He was educated in the township schools of Auglaize county and the AVapakoneta high school. While in the milling business with his father at Ottawa,, he became interested in the Columbus Grove mill, which he purchased in 1907! He moved his family to Columbus Grove in 1908, and is now active in the operation of the Columbus Grove mill. He has one of the best mills in Putnam county. Mr. Annesser started in the milling business at the age of eighteen years. He is one of the most successful millers in Ohio and knows his business thoroughly.

Francis X. Annesser was married on June 12, 1888, to Margaret S. Ault, a native of Ottawa, Ohio, and the daughter of William and Pauline (Zink) Ault. Francis X. and Margaret S. (Ault) Annesser have two children Paulme and Elizabeth, both of whom are at home.

Francis X. Annesser is a Democrat and has always taken an active interest m his party's cause. He is a member of St. Anthony's Catholic church at Columbus Grove, as well as his family, all of whom are active in church work Mr. Annesser is a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio. He is an active man and takes pride in his mill. He is well known and widely admired especially by his patrons, who have learned to honor and respect him He has quite a reputation in Putnam county for honesty and square dealin<^ which accounts, in a great measure, for his large and growing business

Ralph Parlet Killen, D. D. S., an efficient and successful dentist of Columbus Grove, is a native of Putnam county, Ohio. Doctor Killen, although m the prime of life, has achieved a success which comes to few men of his years. While it is not easy to discover and define the hidden forces which move a life to ceaseless activity and large professional success, Doctor Killen's well-defined purpose, professional training and intellectual discipline contribute, m a large measure, to explain his splendid success as a dentist

John Killen was a blacksmith by trade and on coming to Putnam county, Ohio, located at Pandora, where he conducted a blacksmith shop for two years. He sold out his shop, at the latter place, after which he came to Columbus Grove, where he engaged in the same business, continuing at his trade as a blacksmith until his death, in 1848. He was considered a skilled workman, enjoyed a prosperous business, and won many friends by his fairness, frankness and honesty. His wife, who was Rebecca Alberts, was born in 1805, and died on December 25, 1892, at the age of eighty-seven.