Ottawa Township (part 22 of 23)

After Mr. Dangler's marriage, he continued to reside on the homestead farm of one hundred and sixty acres, in Greensburg township. Of this farm he owned one hundred and thirteen acres himself and farmed it for a time' but, in 1902, sold the farm and purchased one hundred and five acres, in section 17, of Jackson township. He remained on the old homestead farm, however, for two years, after buying the farm in Jackson township. For a time, he operated a brick kiln and tile-mill and also a saw-mill on the Greensburg township farm. He moved to Defiance in 1904 and there conducted a wood yard for several years. He moved back to his farm of one hundred and five acres in Jackson township in 191 2, and since that time has been actively engaged in farming it.

Columbus E. and Margaret (Caton) Dangler have had three children, Josephine, who was born on October 25, 1891 ; Alva E., February 2, 1896, and Genevieve, March 27, 1908. Josephine married John Myer and lives in Union township. He is a prominent farmer of this township; Alva E. and Genevieve are both at home.

Columbus E. Dangler is more interested in his home and his family and his farni than he is in participation of public affairs. Nominally, he is identified with the Democratic party, but he is more or less independent in his voting. The Dangler family are members of the St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida. Mrs. Dangler is a member of the Mothers' Society. The Dangler family are people of pleasing dispositions and all are prominent in this section.

Martin Gebhardt

One of the well-known, native-born German farmers of Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, who was brought to this country by his parents when an infant, is Martin Gebhardt. Mr. Gebhardt has prospered in his adopted country and is a highly-respected citizen in the township where he lives. Since coming to this country, he has married, reared a large family of children and acquired a competence for his declining years. Mr. Gebhardt is one of the large farmers of this township, although a part of the land which he operates is rented. He is a good farmer, a good citizen and a good neighbor and is well liked by all the people of his community.

Martin Gebhardt was born on December 3, 1855, in Germany. He is the son of John Jacob and Margaret (Keppel) Gebhardt. Mr. Gebhardt's paternal and maternal grandparents were natives of Germany and lived and died in that country. Mr. Gebhardt's father was born in Byrne, Germany, and, before coming to this country, had followed farming, and also worked as a cloth weaver in his native country. He was married in Germany and landed in America in October, 1857. After a brief sojourn in New York city, the family went to Chicago, where they lived for three years. Leaving Chicago, they came to Defiance county, Ohio, and purchased a farm in Highland township, where they remained for some time, when he moved to Richland township. Defiance county, on a farm he had purchased of seventy-eight acres. Here he remained until his death, May 8, 1875. His wife, the mother of :\Iartin Gebhardt, died on August 16, 1912, at the age of eighty years. Their children were as follow: Martin, the subject of this sketch; John, who died m infancy ; Edward, deceased ; John, deceased ; Mrs. Margaret Surprise ; Nicholas; Mrs. Wilhelmina Lenhart, and Adolph.

Martin Gebhardt was two years of age when he came to America with his parenta. He was educated in Defiance county, principally in Highland and Richland townships. He remained on the home farm until his marriage, which took place on November 13, 1881. He was married to Ehzabeth Boehm, who was born in Richland township. Defiance county, and who is the daughter of Nicholas and Margaret Boehm. Nicholas Boehm and wife came from the same part of Germany as Mr. Gebhardt's parents. They settled in Defiance county on a farm of forty acres and remained there until their death..

After his marriage, Mr. Gebhardt rented a farm of eighty acres, in Flat Rock township, Henry county, where he lived for six years. He then moved back to the home place in Richland township and here he lived until 1894. In the fall of that year he purchased a farm of forty acres in Palmer township, Putnam county, which he later increased to eighty acres. He erected buildings and made many improvements upon the land, cleared a part of the farm which was heavily timbered, drained and fenced it. He erected a fine residence in 1907, having erected a barn in 1903.

To Martin and Elizabeth (Boehm) Gebhardt have been born eight children, Cora, on December 3, 1882; William, February 16, 1884- Minnie July 21, 1886; Ernest, March 23, 1889; Albert, January 12, 1892- Carl' January 10, 1895; Florence, July 18, 1897; and one who died in irifancy Wilham married Mrs. Elsie (Boyd) Grant and lives in Palmer township They have two children and one who died in infancy. Cora lives at home Minnie married J. J. Brown, of New Bavaria, Henry county, and has four children living and two dead. Ernest married Agnes Dirr, of Palmer township, Putnam county. The remainder of the children are at home. Mrs Martin Gebhardt died on August 25, 1900.

dred acres. Mr. Gebhardt has splendid stock and believes in handling the best breeds of horses and cattle. He has raised Herefords but is now raising Durham cattle.

Fraternally, Mr. Gebhardt is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 745, at Pleasant Bend, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 869, at Continental. Mr. Gebhardt has held the highest offices in the Rnights of Pythias and is now vice-chancellor. Politically, he is a Democrat. He is now serving his second term as township trustee, having been re-elected after serving one term. He has also served as school director and a member of the board of education. Mr. Gebhardt and family are members of the Reformed church at New Bavaria. Martin Gebhardt is popular in the community, an able farmer, industrious and prudent in all the relations of life.

John C. Haughn

Generous and loyal, interested at all items in the welfare of his community and the owner of a splendid farm in Liberty township, is John C. Haughn, who was born in Franklin county, Ohio, July 19, .1843, the son of George W. and Mary (Coonrod) Haughn, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Ohio.

George W. Haughn was born in 1812, and, when twenty-one years of age, came on foot to Ohio and located in the new county of Franklin and there engaged in farming. In that county, also, he married Mary Coonrod, the daughter of Wolrey Coonrod, who was one of the earliest settlers - when Chillicothe was still the capital of the state and Columbus unknown. From Franklin county, Mr. Coonrod enlisted for and served through the War of 1812. In the early days, religious meetings were held at his house, as were also the elections, and he himself was a politician and held many offices of honor and trust. He died in Franklin county, a Universalist in religion, in which faith the family were reared.

The parents of John C. Haughn were of German descent, and reared a family of eight children, Rachel, who was thrice married, first to her cousin, W. Haughn; secondly, to Alexander Adams, and thirdly, to John Duff, of Franklin county, who is now deceased; the second child, Margaret, married G. Ney, and resides in Illinois; the third child was John C, who is the immediate subject of this sketch; James M., the fourth child, is now deceased; Samuel J. lives in Morrow county, Ohio, near Ashley; the sixth child, Mary

John C. Haughn remained on the home place assisting his father until he reached his majority. At the age of twenty-four, in 1867, he married Nettie Taylor, who was born in Franklin county, Ohio, August 18, 1848, the daughter of Alford and Miranda Taylor, respectively, of Maryland and Pennsylvania. Alford Taylor died at the old Taylor home, February 22, 1902, at the age of eighty. Hisi widow spent her last years with J. C. Haughn and wife, and died at their home, February 26, 1907, aged eighty years, two months and twenty-six days.

To Alford and Miranda Taylor five children were born, namely : Janet, -or Nettie, the wife of John C. Haughn; Samuel, of Franklin county, Ohio; James, who died in 1891 ; Mary, the wife of Charles Reaves, a farmer, and Josephine, the wife of James Bell, also a farmer.

To John C. and Nettie (Taylor) Haughn the following children have been born: Charles E., who lives in Williams county, Ohio, married Bertha Werth, and they have two children, Ira and Mabel; Alford W., who lives in the north edge of Liberty township, married Emma Ebinger, who is now -deceased, leaving three children, Arthur, Esther and Cloice. His second wife is Anna Leinsetter, and to this marriage have been born two children, Wilmer and Myron. Isa D., the wife of Joseph Warren, a farmer living on the north side of Liberty township, and they are the parents of five living children, Alford, Nettie, Harley, Sylvia and Florence, and three who died in infancy; Leslie S. married Emma Broomgarth, and lives near Milan, Michigan. They are the parents of six children, Myrtle, Clarence, Johnny, Margaret, Orville and Ruth; Harry S. married Lillie Yenner, the daughter of John Yenner, and they have four children, Gladys, Geneva, Thelma and Wilma. They live near Medary, in Liberty township; Floyd D. married Bertha Snyder, and lives near the central part of Liberty township. They are the parents of three children. Gale, Chester and Franklin; Goldie M. is the wife of Charles Mullett, a farmer living in the south part of Liberty township, and they are the parents of seven children, of whom there are two pairs of twins, Nellie Edna, Harold, David and Barbara, twins, and also Etta and Lettie, twins ; Mary M. is the wife of Edward Neice, a farmer on the west line of Liberty township, and they have four children, Oscar, Loretta, Janetta and Bertha; Ruth A. is the wife of Arthur Sterritt, a farmer living in the east part of Liberty township, and has two children, Charley -and Farley.

until 1876, when he came to Putnam county and bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of forest land in Liberty township, and which still constitutes a part of his present farm. He now owns over three hundred and. eighty-five acres, all of which is in Liberty township. Here he had to fell the first trees in order to secure a seat to sit upon, and here he settled his young family and began his business life in Putnam county. He cleared away a space in the woods, built a log cabin, settled his family in this rude home, and for the first year rented some land and cultivated, but since then has devoted his attention to his own premises. To his original tract of one hundred and sixty acres, he added land from time to time until he acquired his present splendid farm. For the first three years he failed in making crops sufficiently large for his own use on account of a superabundance of surface water, but with untiring industry and good management, Mr. Haughn has succeesed in draining his land and bringing it to a high state of cultivation and productivity. He has made many extensive improvements on the place, erecting a two-story frame dwelling-house, commodious barns and substantial and convenient outbuildings, windmill orchards, etc., and has a. most desirable country home in every respect. Mr. Haughn raises a great deal of live stock for the markets, which adds not a little to his annual income, and he is regarded as one of the best farmers in the township.

John C. Haughn is a Democrat, and, as a matter of public duty, has accepted several of the minor township offices, but is far from being an officeseeker. He is a man of strictest integrity and of sterling enterprise, and it is such as he who have laid the foundation for the prosperity of Putnam county..

Sidney C. Dibble

A prosperous farmer now living in Van Buren township, Putnam county,.. Ohio, is Sidney C. Dibble, who has been a resident of this county since 1902. Born in Lucas county, Ohio, he lived there until he was grown and then moved with his parents to Henry county, Ohio, where he lived until he came to Putnam county. He has been a life-long farmer and has been unusually successful in all of his agricultural operations, and now has one of the most attractive farms in the township, and is classed among the most progressive agriculturists.

Sidney C. Dibble, the son of William E. and Martha J. (Taylor) Dibble, was born on February 27, 1861, in Waterville township, Lucas county, Ohio..

Sidney C. Dibble was reared on his father's farm, in Lucas county, until' he was eighteen years of age. He then removed with his parents to Ottawa county, and while there he worked in a stave factory for three years. Later, his parents moved to Henry county, where his father bought a farm, which was heavily timbered. Sidney C. and his brother, AA^illiam W., helped their father to clear this land and put it under cultivation. In this county Sidney C. Dibble grew to manhood, married and began to farm for himself. He and his brother bought a farm of their own in partnership in Bartlow township, Henry county, in 1887, each paying one hundred dollars as the first payment. They leased it for two years to a tenant and then Sidney lived upon it himself for one year. The brothers then traded the farm for a tract of land in Marion township, where the family had previously lived, and on this farm Sidney C. Dibble lived until 1902, at which time he sold it and bought a farm in Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio. This farm was known as the Dan Butler farm and was located about six miles northwest of Leipsic. After living on it for about ten years, he sold it and bought a farm, of one hundred and four acres, adjoining the town of Leipsic, and here he has since resided. He built a fine country home and also has a large and commodious barn on the farm. He engages in diversified farming, and handles as much stock as he can feed on his own farm.

Sidney C. Dibble was married in 1885 to Louisa Delanoy, who was born in Marion township, Henry county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Peter and Keziah (Clark) Delanoy. Her father was born in Schenectady, New York, near the Catskill mountains, and was a cooper by trade, although, after his marriage, he went to farming. Peter Delanoy and his wife moved to Henrycounty, Ohio, in 1861, and in 1864 Mr. Delanoy enlisted in the Civil War,- but was taken down with typhoid fever and discharged on account of disability. After returning from the war, he farmed the rest of his life in Henry county, where his death occurred about fifteen years ago, his wife passing away about four years later. Keziah Clark, the wife of Mr. Delanoy, was born at Peterborough, England, and was a daughter of William Clark and wife. She came to America at the age of sixteen with her parents and located in Huron county, Ohio, where she was living when she married Mr. Delanoy.

Sidney C. and Louisa (Delanoy) Dibble have one son, Ray M., who was born in 1892. They are justly proud of the record which their son has made. After graduating from the Leipsic high school, he entered Ohio State Uni- versity and graduated in the agricultural course in 1914, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. While in college, he took part in the various activities -of college life in addition to his regular college work. He was secretary of the Commons Club, and was a member of the Methodist students' council. ' He won second prize, in 1912, in the individual drill in the cadets, an organization which includes a thousand students. While in the university, he joined the Students Volunteer Band, each member of which is pledged to do foreign missionary work if God permits. He was also active in the teaching of foreigners the use of English and arithmetic. He also taught colored boys, at the mission school in Columbus, and had charge of the games room. He was interested in social service work and took an active part in everything which pertained to the uplift of those less fortunate in life. Ray is of a decided literary turn of mind and has written cjuite a number of contributed articles for the home papers. He was formerly exchange editor of the Ohio State Weekly, at Columbus, but upon entering Ada Normal University, in the fall of 1914, he surrendered this position. He is now taking a course in public speaking at Ada with the intention of entering professional life.

Sidney C. Dibble and his family are all loyal members and active workers in the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Dibble is a woman of education and refinement, and after attending the high school at Leipsic, taught school for three years in Putnam county. Mr. Dibble is a member of the Patrons Husbandry at Leipsic.

Henry W. Ruhe

Among the distinguished citizens of Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, is Henry W Ruhe, who is a son 9f one of the earliest pioneers of Putnam county.

Henry W. Ruhe was born in section 32, south of Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, in 1849, the son of Gerhardt Joseph and Mary Anna (Musing) Ruhe. Gerhardt Joseph Ruhe was born in Saarbeck, Germany, November 2, 1812, and died at the age of sixty-six years, December 29-, 1878, on his farm south of Glandorf. He came to America in 1833 or 1834, but was married in the old country to Mary Anna Musing, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Musing. Upon coming to America, he located at once on his farm in Ottawa township, which he entered from the government. There were hordes of Indians in Putnam county at that time, and no roads had been built. In the beginning, Mr. Ruhe worked on the canal in the spring and summer and the women at home did the planting, using hoe, spade or shovel, instead of the plow. The rich soil produced abundantly. In winter, they worked at clearing the timber from the land. Mr. Ruhe entered eighty acres, and later bought another eighty, and spent his entire life on this farm. There were twelve children in the family, of whom six grew to maturity: Bai'ney; Mrs. Theresa Hinker; Mrs. Josephine, Knueve, deceased; Henry William; Mrs. -Catherine Wortkoetter and Anthony B. The father of these children died on December 29, 1878, and the mother died on August 29, 1896.

Henry W. Ruhe was married to Barbara Koening, February 7, 1877. She was born in Liberty township, Putnam county, the daughter of Charles and Matilda (Kastel) Koening. Her parents came from Bavaria, and were early settlers where she was born. Eight children were born to Mr. Ruhe's first marriage, Joseph, who lives in Pleasant township, married Veronica Ricker, and they have five children, Clara, George, William, Albert and Paul ; Mary Anna is the wife of Henry Klemen and lives north of Ottawa, in Ottawa township ; Henry, a farmer of Monroe township, near Continental, married Hannah Bensman, and they have three children, Alex, Marcella and Henry; John unmarried, lives in Missouri; Charles, a farmer of Pleasant township, married Emma Ricker, and lives in Pleasant township, and they have one son, Rudolph; Josephine, the wife of Joseph Klemen, a farmer of Pleasant township, has three children, Peter, Alexander and Sylvester; Theresa is the wife of John Segar, a farmer of Pleasant township; Rosa, unmarried, lives at home. The mother of these children died on June 4, 1897, at the age of thirty-nine years and nine months.

Henry W. Ruhe was married, the second time, on June 20, 1898, to Mrs. Mary Anna (Fredericks) Fortman. She was born in Prussia, Hanover, Germany, a daughter of Bernard Henry Fredericks and wife. She came to America with her parents about 1874, and settled near Zanesville, Ohio, near Junction City, where she married Henry Felt. He died, leaving one son, Benny, now also deceased, his death occurring when he was fifteen years of age. Mrs. Felt afterward moved to Columbus Grove, and there married Henry Fortman, who was working for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railway Company. They moved to Ottawa and lived in that city until Mr. Fortman' s death, on December 18, 1886. There were two children born to this second marriage, Maria Anna, the wife of Isaac McDowell, who lives at Continental, and a son, who died in early infancy.

Henry W. Ruhe still lives on the same farm where he was born and where he grew to manhood. His farm has never been owned by anyone but his father and himself since the Indians gave way to the white men. The

Ruhe family has cleared this land and has made a farm and home here, of which they are proud. They are well-known and highly respected in 'the community where they have lived so long.

The entire family are devoted members of the Catholic church at Glandorf. Mr. Ruhe's father helped to build the first log cabin church at Glandorf, where the first altar was erected by the pioneers in the wilderness. He also helped to build the second edifice and the third one, and his earthly life ended while he was in the church.

There are very few families who have contributed more to make Putnam county the rich agricultural section it is now, than that of the Ruhe family.

Frank F. Droll

The following is a brief sketch of the life of one, who, by close attention to business, has achieved marked success in the agricultural affairs of Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio. His career is a plain record rendered remarkable by no strange or mysterious adventure, no wonderful and lucky accident and no tragic situation. Frank F. Droll is one of those estimable characters whose integrity and strong personality have gained for them meritorious recognition which their modesty does not seek. He commands the respect of the people of Perry township, and has left his mark upon the generation in which he' is now living.

George, Jr., and Catherine (Brown) Droll were the parents of twelve children, Joseph is deceased; Mrs. Mary Brickner died in 1914; John lives on the homestead farm in Seneca county ; Catherine was the fourth child ; Mrs. Rosa Lichtle lives in Seneca county; Matilda is deceased; Frank F. is the subject of this sketch; William lives in Seneca county; Killian lives in Perry township, Putnam county; Edward lives in the West; Mrs. Anna Brant lives in Seneca county, and Mrs. Maggie Brant in Lorrain, Ohio. George Droll, Jr., was an ardent Democrat, and a member of the Catholic church at New Riegel. His vvife, also, was a member of this church.

Frank F. Droll spent his boyhood days on the homestead farm in Seneca county, Ohio. He was educated there and reared as a farmer. He left home at the age of twenty-one years and worked out for a time. He came to Putnam county in April, 1896,, and for a time lived with a brother, Killian, they having purchased a farm of eighty acres together, in Perry township, where Frank F now lives. Later, Killian sold his half interest to Frank F. Droll. After Mr. Droll married, he farmed the entire eighty acres. There was much timber on the farm when he bought the land. Mr. Droll did most of the clearing, fencing and ditching. Since purchasing the farm he has built a fine residence and a large, commodious barn, the latter erected July, 1909, is thirty-six by sixty-six feet. He owns a splendid home and the farm is neatly kept, which shows the fine progressive spirit of its owner. Mr. Droll is a hard worker and his success must be attributed to his unconquerable perseverance from the beginning. With the help of his faithful wife, he has gained a rather large competence, and has been entirely victorious in his struggle for success.

Frank F. Droll was married on November 18, 1896, to Matilda Shirack, who was born on August 27, 1870, in Van Wert county, Ohio. She is the daughter of John and. Catherine (Schuhen) Shirack, both of whom were natives of Germany, the former born June 24, 1840, and the latter on August 25, 1845. Both came to America with their parents when quite young, who settled in Seneca county, Ohio, where they farmed till their death. John Shirack grew up in Seneca county, Ohio, and was reared as a farmer and it was here that he received his education. Subsequently, he came to Van Wert county, where he passed the remainder of his days. He died on June 13, 191 1, at the age of seventy years, eleven months and twenty days. He was a Democrat, and a member of the Catholic church at Ottoville, Ohio. His wife was also a member of that church. She died on December 19, 1906, at the age of sixty-one years and three months. They had nine children, John; Mrs. Mary Grubenhoff, of Ottoville, Monterey township, Putnam county; Mrs. Catherine Eickholt, of Monterey township, Putnam county;. Mrs. Franl< F. Droll ; Mrs. Anna Kehres, of Delphos ; Mrs. Emma Sheibley, of Cloverdale; Mrs. Margaret Wannamacker, of Cloverdale; Joseph, of Delphos, and one who died in infancy.

To Frank F. and Matilda (Shirack) Droll eight children have been born: Raymond, on February 20, 1898; Edith, September i, 1899; Eva, November 9, 1900; Alvira, March 16, 1903; Wilfred, October 27, 1905; Joseph, November 15, 1907; Mary, December 27, 1909, and Gertrude, November 9, 1912. All of these children are living at home.

Frank F Droll is not a member of any lodge, and he has never aspired to office. He is a member of St. Barbara's Catholic church at Cloverdale, Ohio, as well as his wife and family. Frank F. Droll is a congenial man, easy-going in his manner, and sociable. He is a man of strong domestic habits, a home lover, a fine husband and father and a good provider. He bears a high reputation in the community where he lives.

John H. Kleman

It is a pleasure to the biographer to record the lives of prosperous men, men who have honored their community and who are loved by their fellow men. They inspire the coming generation, as well as the present, and justly deserved mention in such a work as this. One of the most influential citizens of Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, is John H. Kleman.

John H. Kleman was born on March 28, 1852, on the farm where he now lives in the southwestern part of Ottawa township. He is the son of Andrew and ]\Iary C. (Gerdeman) Kleman. Andrew Kleman was born in Prussia in 1805, and was a trained soldier under the grandfather of the present German kaiser. He came to America about 1835 ^^'^ located near, or at, Glandorf, Putnam county, when Indians were still in the vicinity. He was a farmer. Here he married Mary C. (Gerdeman) Utendorf, the widow of Joseph Utendorf, deceased. She was born in Hanover, Germany, in 181 1, and came to America and spent her first winter at Toledo, at the time the first railroad reached that city. She then came to Glandorf and married Joseph Utendorf and they lived on the farm where John H. now lives until Mr. Utendorf's death. There were two children by her first marriage, Joseph and Mary Ann, the former dying in 1885. Mary Ann was the wife of J. W. Ellerbrock and died at Glandorf in 1912. After Mr. Utendorf died she and

Mr. Kleman married and spent the rest of their lives on the farm which she owned. Here she died in 1882, her husband dying in 1859, leaving her with a family of children. She had seven by her second marriage, of whom three died before her husband. She and her children remained on the farm as long as she lived.

John H. Kleman was married to Mary Hueve in 1873. She was born northwest of Glandorf, the daughter of Joseph and Lisette (Claforn) Hueve. Her father was born in Prussia and came to America about 1840, at the age of sixteen, with his parents, Herman and Elizabeth Hueve. They located northwest of Glandorf when the country was still new.

Lisette Claforn was born in Hanover, Germany, and at the age of three was brought to America with her parents, who located southwest of Ottawa. Joseph Hueve and wife located in section 3 of Pleasant township, when Mrs. Kleman was about three years old. They located in the midst of the woods, as did the other pioneers and there spent the rest of their lives. Mrs. Hueve died in 1893 and her husband in May, 1899. They had a large family, of whom three died in infancy and three grew to maturity.

After John H. Kleman married, he continued farming where he now lives. He has served twice as land appraiser, in 1900, and again in 1910, and was trustee of Ottawa township from 1882 to 1887. Mr. Kleman has added to his original land holdings, as he was able, and now owns three hundred and ten acres. He has rebuilt his barns and houses and is a wellknown and influential citizen.

John H. and Mary (Hueve) Kleman are the parents of ten children, Anna M., Joseph, Elizabeth M,, Frank J., Veronica K., John, Lewis H.,. Carolina C, Albert L. and Adolph H. Anna M. was born on October 5, 1874, married Frank Smith. They live near Bryant, Indiana, and have seven children. Joseph G., March 8, 1876, married Lizzie Meyer. They live three miles northeast of Miller City and have four children; Elizabeth M., April 2, 1879, married John Liebrecht, and lives two miles south of Kalida. They have four children; Frank J., May 30, 1881, married November 17, 1914, to Anna Shekelhoff. They live one mile south of his father's farm; Veronica K., August 5, 1882, married to Joseph Reitz. They live at Oberlin, Ohio, have four children living; John, February 27, 1885, is still single, hving at Toledo, Ohio; Lewis H., July 23, 1887, was married June 10, 1914, to Elizabeth Kreinbrink. They live just across the road from his father ; Caroline C, January 2, J890; Albert L., February 14, 1892; and Adolph H., November 13, 1895, all still resides at home.

at Glandorf. He also belongs to the Holy Name society and the St. Joseph society. Mr. Kleman is broad-minded, hospitable, sociable and patriotic, a worthy son of Andrew Kleman, who was a king's guard in the old country and, in 1842, upon coming to America, was appointed captain of the home guards of Ohio and was always known as Captain Kleman.

William Schlagbaum

There are many enterprises which bring almost immediate success, but few of such successes are lasting. It is not so with the farming enterprise, however. Prosperity comes, if it comes at all, after long years of labor, and after an almost desperate struggle against the elements and unforeseen backsets. The German farmers have taken hold of these difficulties with great zeal, and many of them are now the leading agriculturists of Putnam county, Ohio. The Schlagbaum family have always been highly respected in Putnam county. William Schlagbaum, especially, has been a successful farmer, and he is a man who, because of his enterprising habits, and his worthy ideals, is entitled to representation in a volume which undertakes to set forth the biographical history of Putnam county's representative citizens.

William Schlagbaum was bom on July 17, 1863, in Monterey township, Putnam county, Ohio. Pie is a son of George and Dorothy (Hille) Schlagbaum. George Schlagbaum was born in Prussia, and came to the United States when he was about twenty years old. He lived in Cincinnati for six years and was married in that city. His wife was a native of Germany, who came to the United States when about fifteen years old. George Schlagbaum and wife were the parents of ten children, five of whom lived to maturity, and four are now living: Barney, a resident of Monterey township in this county; Lucy, the wife of Frank W. Helmkamp, whose life story is told elsewhere in this volume; Mary, the wife of Fred Vincke, of Ottoville, Ohio; Anna, deceased, was the wife Nicholas Bedink, of Ottoville; William, with whom this narrative deals.

George and Dorothy (Hille) Schlagbaum moved to Putnam county, about 1855, and settled on the farm one-half mile east of Ottoville. The country was covered with timber in those days and when they came to Putnam county, they came by boat through the canal, and from it moved their furniture to the spot where they built their home in the wilderness. The furniture was hauled in a wheelbarrow. The land was cleared and carefully

William Schlagbaum received a common-school education. He operated his father's farm from 1884 until 1895. He was married on May 21, 1895, to Lucy Kehres, a daughter of August and Lucy (Marks) Kehres, both natives of Germany, who came to the United States with their parents when small children. August and Lucy (Marks) Kehres were the parents of five children, two of whom died in infancy, while three are still living, Henry, of Delphos, Ohio, where he is filling the office of chief of police of that city; Lucy, the wife of Mr. Schlagbaum, and Anna, the wife of Gerhard Utrup! lives in Monterey township. Mrs. Lucy Kehres died in 1889, and her husband, subsequently, married Anna Dunst, and to this second marriage four children were born: Cillia, the wife of Matthias Vondran, of Oklahoma; Lewis died at the age of twenty-one; 'Frances, the wife of Roy Rueb, of Oklahoma, and Walter, also living in Oklahoma. August Kehres and' his second wife now live in Oklahoma.

To William and Anna (Dunst) Schlagbaum, nine children have been born. Two died in infancy and seven are still living, Alberta is attending school and will graduate in the spring of 191 5; Ida, Alphonse, Martha, Walter, Ag-nes and George, all of whom are either at home or attending school, are the remaining children.

William Schlagbaum owns the old homestead farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres. It lies east of Ottoville, and adjoins the corporation line. Mr. Schlagbaum is a farmer and makes a specialty of high-grade stock. He has as good a farm as can be found in Putnam county. The farm is welldrained and well-improved in every respect. He has a modern house and barn. Mr. Schlagbaum has added all of these improvements himself.

William Schlagbaum is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Knights of Ohio. He and his wife are devout members of the Catholic church at Ottoville. Mr. Schlagbaum is a Democrat. He was elected a member of the board of county commissioners in 1914 and is now discharging the duties of this office in a manner which reflects credit upon the people who elected him and upon Mr. Schlagbaum himself. Previously he served his township as trustee for two terms. He is a member of the school board and is serving his third term. Mr. Schlagbaum before this served as a member of the Putnam county fair board for two' terms and resigned just after having been elected a member of the board of county commissioners Some years ago he was a director in the bank at Ottoville, but is no lon-er 66 '^ active in banking affairs. William Schlagbaum is a representative farmer and a highly respected citizen of Putnam county. He is a man possessed of an exceptionally keen mind and is genial in his manner, v^^ell liked by hisneighbors and possessed of the confidence of all v^rith whom he has come in contact.

Homer William Pierman

Born of good old Virginia stock at a time when the conditions of livingin Putnam county were far from being as pleasant as they are now, and growing up to vigorous manhood under the careful teachings of parents who had been inured to the privations and hardships of pioneer life, H. W. Pierman, one of the best known farmers in Putnam county, Ohio, reasonably may look back over his life of painstaking effort with no small degree of complacency and with a feeling that things have, after all, turned out very pleasantly for him.

Homer William Pierman was born on March 31, 1873, in the house in which he now lives, on the farm his parents wrested from the wilderness and. where he has lived all his life. He is the son of Samuel and Margaret (Clark) Pierman, who were among the most highly regarded pioneer residents, of Putnam county, the former of whom was a native of Virginia and the latter a native of Putnam county, her birth having occurred in Ottawa township, October 22, 1837, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Battlefield) Clark, who came to Putnam county in 1833, and who lived just east of where the county fair grounds are now located.

Samuel Pierman, further mention of whose life in this county is contained in the biographical sketch of Charles O. Pierman, found elsewhere in this volume, was, in his day, one of the most influential men in the county. He was born in Virginia, on June 24, 1827, the son of James and Poll}r (Agner) Pierman, who at that time lived about ten miles from the natural' bridge of Virginia, one of America's most notable natural wonders, a scenicmarvel which annually attracts thousands of visitors. James Pierman was. a solcher in the War of 1812, a member of one of the old families of Virginia and a man of remarkable vigor and courage, of the true pioneer breed. When Samuel Pierman was quite a small boy, his parents moved from Virginia to Putnam county, Ohio, settling about three miles from Ottawa, just west of the mouth of Riley creek. They lived at that point for about ten years, at the end of which time they moved into the northwestern part of

Pleasant township, where they spent the remainder of their hves and where they did very much toward the development along all lines of the new community. They brought to the wilderness practical knowledge and experience which their^ widely-scattered neighbors soon learned to rely on, and it is undoubted that their influence in that community did very much toward bringing about proper conditions of social and economic life in the formative period of the now prosperous and established farming region. James Pierman and the woman who was ever at his side, a true pioneer helpmeet, long have lain in the neighborhood burying-ground, resting well after the stern labors which their hands found to do, and the fourth generation of their descendants in that community finds conditions immeasurably easier for their having striven - "blazing the ways."

Samuel Pierman grew up amid the hardships of a pioneer life and, when the gold fever broke out in 1849, decided to join the throng of new Argonauts in the stampede to California. Going by rail as far as St. Joseph, Missouri, which was the terminus of western railway travel in that day, he walked the rest of the way across the continent. Conditions in California not being what he had expected he gave up the quest for gold, after about three years of prospecting, and returned to Putnam county. Though he did not "strike it rich" in the gold field, he did not come back entirely emptyhanded, and upon his return was able to purchase a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Ottawa township. To this he gradually made additions, as his "clearings" grew, until at the time of his death he was the owner of three hundred and thirty-six acres of fine land in the county. He was an active influence for good in his neighborhood and he and his wife were ever leaders in the good works of community, being regarded with the highest respect by all who knew them. His death occurred on January 7, 1904, his wife having preceded him to the grave on March 12, 1883. Mrs. Pierman had been twice married, she having been the Widow Merritt when Mr. Pierman married her on June 26, i860. To Samuel and Margaret (Clark) Pierman nine children were born, all of whom survived their parents.

Homer William Pierman, son of the above, was united in marriage on April 4, 1901, to Miss Nora Agner, who was born on May 26, 1881, on her father's farm in Ottawa township, not far from where she now lives, the daughter of James M. and Sarah (Crow) Agner, prominent residents of that community. To this union five children have been born, Gladys, on January 4, 1902; Glenn, July 13, 1903; Marcine, January 15, 1908; Corwin, December 25, 1912, and Idona-Dorine, April 23, .1915, a lively set of youngsters who are the continual delight of their devoted parents.

Since his marriage, H. W. Pierman has managed the old home farm, which he is constantly improving and which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. This part of the old home farm consists of one hundred and forty-five acres and includes the homestead where H. W. was born, a good brick house, a fine bank barn and other improvements in accord with the surroundings.

H. W. Pierman is a Democrat and though taking an intelligent interest in local politics, the part of all good citizens, has not included himself anjong the active campaigners or put himself in the office-seeking class, preferring to give such time as he has to the development of his extensive farming interests. H. W. Pierman and wife are members of the Riley Creek Methodist Protestant church and are active participants in the various good works of that organization as well as giving their personal interest to all movements having as their object the advancement of the commonwealth. Good, substantial citizens, they are very properly regarded as among the leading families of that part of the county.

Fred Michel, Jr

The whole world over, men are striving for homes and the substantial comforts of life. The greater their desire for home and the comforts which go with the home, the greater their zeal, and the more persistent their labor. The pioneers of this country who have been successful in acquiring homes and the comforts surrounding the homes, have richly deserved the blessing. It is with pride that the biographer of Putnam county, Ohio, can point to the careers of Fred Michel, Jr., and wife, who have struggled, side by side, and who are now enjoying the fruits of their early labors.

Fred Michel, Jr., was born southeast of Ottawa, July 15, 1844. He is a son of Fred Michel, Sr., and Ursula (Betts) Michel, both of whom are natives of Bairn Menhoff, Germany. Fred Michel, Sr., came to the United States when a young man, arriving near Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, in 1840. He engaged in farming and here married Ursula Betts.

M^hen Fred Michel, Jr., was ten years of age, his parents purchased forty acres of land near the north line of Pleasant township, south of Glandorf. This land was heavily wooded at the time. The father died when Fred, Jr., was twelve years old,- leaving four sons, Fred, Anton, Theodore and John. The widow and sons remained on the farm until the boys had reached maturity. The other three sons settling in Glandorf.

Fred Michel, Jr., was married on January 26, 1872, to Mary Neuveman. Mary Neuveman was born in Glandorf, Germany, in 1847, ^"d is a daughter of Frederick and Katherine (Hoffman) Neuveman. She grew up in her native land, remaining there until 1871, when, with two other sisters and one brother, they came to the United States, locating at Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio. Her father died in 1873, and, about 1877 her mother and two other sisters and a brother, August, also came to this county, and located at Glandorf, leaving only one child in Germany. After coming here, the mother married Joseph Becker, an expert shoemaker of Glandorf. Mr. Becker died at Glandorf, and Mrs. Michel's mother spent the last three years of her life with her son, August, who lives north of New Cleveland. Her death occurred in 1892.

After Mr. Michel's marriage, he farmed in Pleasant township, and lived there until April i, 1889, when he and his wife moved to the farm they now occupy southeast of Ottawa, in section 36. They began with forty acres of rough land, which was uncleared and naturally not very fertile. Fred Michel and wife both worked with intense zeal to pay for their little home. They worked at night clearing away the brush and burning it. The land was wet and swampy and people told them that they would starve to death, but the young couple replied that they would take care of that, and, despite discouragements, they worked with a will, Mrs. Michel helping her husband loyally. They not only did not starve, but they prospered, and, finally, came to own two hundred acres of land. They have sold eighty acres of this to a son, and have one hundred and twenty acres remaining.

Fred and Mary (Neuveman) Michel, Jr., are the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters, Mary, the wife of Frank Ricker, of Anaheim, California, has eight children; Caroline, the wife of Barney Ricker, living on the Kalida pike, in Union township, and they have ten children, Charles, farming eighty acres which he purchased from his parents, married Anna Heuerman, and they have three children ; John, of Dayton, married Cora Lenhart, and they have one daughter, Marguerite; Agnes, the wife of Harry Noland, of Cincinnati, has five children; Joseph, living at home; August, married Selina Berger and lives in California; Louis, also a resident of Anaheim, California.

Fred Michel and wife, and all their large family are devout members of the Catholic church, and contribute liberally to the support of that church. Mr. Michel is a man of friendly, kindly disposition, and Mrs. Michel is not less so, being affable and agreeable and today is proud of the hard struggle she and her husband had to acquire the splendid competence which they now enjoy. Not long ago they took a trip to California, to visit their children there, and enjoyed the trip immensely. They are substantial citizens of Putnam county, Ohio, and well deserve the high esteem in which they are held.

John Kohls, Jr

There is no positive rule for achieving success and yet, in the life of a successful man, there are always lessons which might well be followed. The man who wins success is he who can see and utilize the opportunities that come in his path. The essential conditions of human life are ever the same, the surroundings of individuals differing but slightly. When one man passes another on the highway of life to reach his goal before others who perhaps started out before him, it is because he has the power to use the advantages which probably fall within purview of the whole human race. Today among the prominent citizens and successful farmers of Putnam - county is John Kohls, Jr., of Ottawa township. The qualities of keen discrimination, sound judgment and executive ability enter very largely into his makeup and have been contributing elements to the material success which has come to him.

John Kohls, Jr., was born on December 21, 1862, on the farm where he now lives, southeast of Ottawa, on the Pandora road. He is the son of John, Sr., and Alargaret (Hessling) Kohls. John Kohls, Sr., was born on August 29, 1832, in Pittsburgh and was the son of Henry Kohls. Henry Kohls w^as born in the town of Oldenburg in the grand duchy of the same name in Germany, in 179 1, and spent his boyhood days on a farm. He married Sophia Kottonbrock in 1824, who was born in the same village in 1795. They came to America in 1832 and spent one year at Pittsburgh and one year in Cincinnati. In the fall of 1835 they came to Glandorf and purchased a tract of uncleared land and hopefully set to work to clear their farm. Here they established their home and reared a family of seven children. Henry Kohls prospered and accumulated considerable property. He had begun with nothing, but at the time of his death, in 1876, he^left a considerable estate to his children. His wife survived him six years. Both were members of the Glandorf Catholic church.

John Kohls, Sr., came to this country with his parents when a child and grew up at the south edge of Glandorf, where the depot is now situated. He lived here until married. He was married to Margaret Hessling, who was born in Glandorf, Putnam county, and was the daughter of Henry Hesshng and his first wife. After John Kohls, Sr., married he moved to a farm southeast of Ottawa along the south side of the Blanchard river. The farm comprised fifty-seven and one-half acres and this he bought from his father, Henry ICohls. Several years later he bought forty-eight acres from a Mr. Hollister and then purchased the Homer Sackett farm of eighty acres, along the south side of the township line. Next he bought the Krieger farm of forty-five acres, and, later, bought one hundred and three acres in the southwest corner of Liberty township. He lived on this farm, where he first settled, until his death, at the age of about seventy-nine years. There were five children in his family, four boys and one girl, Henry, John, Jr., Bernard A., William, deceased, and Catherine. As they grew up and married, he gave each son a farm and his daughter the equivalent in money. John Kohls, Sr., was engaged in the live stock business for many years. He was in partnership with several different men, first with his brother, William, and later, he did purchasing for Jordan, McDowell and others and did a big business. He died on September i, 191 1, the second day after his seventy-ninth birthday. His wife died on January 20, 1868, at the age of thirty-two, when John Kohls, Jr., was only five years old.

John Kohls, Jr., grew up on the farm southeast of Ottawa and here performed the usual tasks which fell to the lot of the country boy. On November 16, 1887, Mr. Kohls was married to Maria Rose Hohenbrink. She is the daughter of Matthias and Theresa (Huester) Hohenbrink.

Matthias Hohenbrink was born in Hanover, Germany, July 25, 1817. He lived in Germany until twenty-two years of age and then came to America and lived, in Cincinnati about two months, when he came to Glandorf, Putnam county, where he worked out by the month. He worked on the canal, beginning at Delphos, working in both directions. In this way he made the money with which to buy eighty acres, about one and one-half miles northeast of Glandorf, where his family now lives. This farm was purchased before 1850, and was all a wild woods at the time, none of it having been cleared. He built a little cabin, ten by twelve feet, with a chimney of sticks and mud and had no regular windows. It was so dark that he had to open the door to get enough light. Here he "bached" for one year, when he married Katherine Halker, an aunt of J. W. Halker and a sister of William Halker, Sr. After they married, she died in a few years, leaving four children, Katherine, the wife of Conrad Wyant, and who lived near New Cleveland until her death; Mary, the wife of Ed Maag, of Pleasant township; Theresa, deceased, who was the wife of John Beckman, and John W., who lives at the west edge of Liberty township near Miller City.

In 1861, Mr. Hohenbrink married Theresa Huster. She was born in Greensburg township in 1840, and is the daughter of Henry and Katherina EHzabeth (Gaetker) Huster. Henry Huster came from Glandorf, in Hanover, Germany, and was an early settler in Greensburg township, having come in 1836. He was married in Glandorf, Germany, to Elizabeth Gaetker and lived in Greensburg township until 1864, when he moved to Shelby county, Ohio, and died there in 1867. His wife died in 1854. After Matthias Hohenbrink married, he spent the remainder of his life on the farm where he first started north of Glandorf. He bought more land and owned over two hundred acres in Ottawa township and more in Liberty township. This land is still in possession of the family. Seven children were born to the second marriage, Anna, who is the wife of David Bockrath, of Greensburg township, and has five children; Henry, who lives on the home place with his mother; Mary Rosa, the wife of John Kohls, Jr.; William, who died at the age of five years; Helena, who is at home with her mother; Fred J., who married Theresa Morman, lives in the northwestern part of Ottawa township and has five children; Matt B., who lives at home and operates the farm. The family are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Hohenbrink died on July 9, 1892. He did not seek office but, nevertheless, served as school director. His main interest, however, was his farming. He was a good farmer and a self-made man, who came to a new country with nothing but his strength, character and energy. He became well known and respected by all the people of this vicinity.

Theresa Huester was the second wife of Matthias Hohenbrink. She was born in Greensburg township and lived there until her marriage. She now lives northeast of Glandorf. Mrs. Kohls was born on her father's farm near Glandorf and lived there until her marriage.

After John Kohls, Jr., was married, he lived one year and three monthsin section 35, and then moved back with his father and lived there until 1905, when he moved to Ottawa. He went into the hardware business with M. O. Agner and was there until Christmas, 1907, when he sold out and moved back to the home farm, where he built a new house. He suffered quite a loss from the great flood of 1913 and had thirty inches of water in" his house. The following fall he moved the house to the south side of the road, where he now lives. Some time before this, he had built a barn and other outbuildings. Mr. Kohls, Jr., now owns one hundred and forty-two acres of land. He lost much in the flood and was also hard hit by the hog cholera, but having good staying qualities, he pulled through and did well where others would have given up.

John and Maria Rose (Hohenbrink) Kohls have one son and two daughters, Margherata, Albert and Adelina. Margherata is the wife of Lambert A. Studer and lives at Townsend, Montana. She has one son, John. Kohls; Albert and Adelina are at home. Margherata's husband, Mr. Studer, has a fine hardware store and farm in Montana. John Kohls and wife took a trip to Yellowstone Park and through the West in 1914, and enjoyed the trip immensely. All of the Kohls family are members of the Catholic church and liberal contributors to its support. Few people are better known in this vicinity than John Kohls, Jr., and few are more deserving of the respect and confidence bestowed upon them by their neighbors and fellow citizens than he.

Benjamin F. Schafer

The biographies of representative men of a county, either of a past or present generation, brings alike many hidden treasures of mind, character and courage, well calculated to arouse the pride of their descendants and of the community. It is a source of regret that people are not more familiar with, the personal history of such men in the ranks of whom may be found farmers, mechanics, teachers, lawyers, physicians, bankers and members of other professions. Putnam county, Ohio, has been the scene of labor of many men who have not only led lives which should serve as a lesson and inspiration to those who follow them on the stage of life's activities, but who have also been of commendable service in other important avenues. Benjamin F. Schafer, the subject of this sketch, is a well-known and successful young farmer and stock buyer of Putnam county, Ohio.

Benjamin F. Schafer was born on August 11, 1882, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of William and Mary (Morris) Schafer.

William Schafer was born in Koenig, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, on February 4, 1839, and came to America with his parents in 1854. They 'settled in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio, where he was married to Mary Morris, the daughter of Judge Morris, August 6, 1863. With his young wife, he moved to Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, in A/farch, 1864, and settled on the farm on which he and his wife resided' until their deaths. At the time he moved to Palmer township, it was almost an unbroken forest and abounded with all kinds of game and wild animals. He cleared the timber from most of the farm with his own hands. He was quite active in politics, being a Democrat. He held several offices of trust and, in April,

1867, was elected justice of the peace of Palmer township, which office he held for twelve consecutive terms, or until his death. He was twice elected township treasurer and once township trustee. He was elected county commissioner, in 1875, and held this office for six years. William Schafer was appointed postmaster at North Creek, Ohio, in March, 1879, and held this office until President McKinley was elected.

To William and Mary (Morris) Schafer were born twelve children, Henry P., on September 11, 1864; John S., February 18, 1866; Margaret Catherine, September 19, 1867; William W., December 17, 1869; George Lewis, December 12, 1871 ; Charles C, September 26, 1874; Sarah E., August 22, 1876; Mary Emaline, June 17, 1878; Ida Lavina, August 19, 1880; Benjamin F., August 11, 1882; Surikla Laura May, July 13, 1884, died on September i, 1903, and Joseph J., May 19, 1887. Five of the sons and one daughter reside in Putnam county and the others reside in different states. William Schafer died on January i, 1903, and his wife died on October 10, 1902.

Benjamin F. Schafer grew up on the homestead farm and was educated in district No. 3, of Palmer township. He has never left the original homestead farm owned by his father.

Amos Brecht was born on November 20, 1849, Seneca county, Ohio, and came to Putnam county with his parents who settled in Palmer township on a farm. His parents were Adam and Elizabeth Brecht, the latter whom was a native of Seneca county, Ohio, and the former of Hesse- , Darmstadt, Germany. He came to America with his parents when he was four years of age and they settled in Seneca county, Ohio, where they were farmers. Here, Amos Brecht grew up and was educated, and he, with his parents, came to Putnam county in 1862 and settled on eighty acres of land in Liberty township, where Amos farmed until his marriage, in August, 1 87 1, to Mary Fentermaker, who was the daughter of Gideon and Anna Elizabeth (Roat) Fenstermaker. Gideon Fenstermaker was born in Pennsylvania on August 22, 1825. He moved with his parents to Fairfield county, Ohio, when he was quite young and remained on the homestead farm until his marriage, August 17, 1851. He was reared a farmer and educated in Fairfield county. His parents both died in this county. After his marriage, Gideon Fernstermaker moved to Putnam county, Ohio, settling on one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Palmer township. This he cleared and improved. When he received the land, it was heavily timbered, and the bark of the wolves could be plainly heard at night. By rigid economy and persistent effort, he made out of this a good farm. He sold part of the farm, later, but kept forty acres, which he farmed until his death, June 22, 1894, at the age of sixty-eight years and ten months. He was a stanch Democrat and served as justice of the peace and township trustee for many years. He also held other minor oiBces. He was a member of the Disciples church. His wife, Elizabeth Roat, was born in Washington county, Maryland, March 10, 1834, and died March 5, 1907, at the age of seventy-two years, eleven months and twenty-six days. She came with her parents to Fairfield county, Ohio, at the age of four years. Here she grew to womanhood and was educated. She was a good woman and an active member of the Disciples church. Gideon and Anna Elizabeth Fenstermaker had ten children, Mrs. Mary Gustwiler, of Palmer township, Putnam county, who who first married Mr. Brecht; Edward; of Henrv county: Martin of Bellmore, Ohio; Mrs. Seluta Stall, of Hancock county, Ohio; Charles, of Lima- Caroline, who died at the age of ten years; John, of Dekalb county, Ohio' Mrs. Dallas Robinson, of Union county, Ohio; Mrs. Cora Harmon of Blanchard township; and Ora, of Hillsdale, Michigan.

Amos Brecht, the father of Mrs. Schafer, remained on his father's farm m Liberty township, Putnam county, for two years after his marriac^e and then purchased twenty acres in Palmer township, which he subsequently increased to one hundred and twenty acres by adding small tracts He improved the farm and built a fine residence. He was an excellent farmer and an industrious worker, paying close attention to the details of farm manao-ement. He was a well-to-do man, well known and well liked. He was" a stanch Democrat, although he never cared for office. He did. however hold minor township offices, such as township supervisor and school director' He was an active and devout member of St. John's Lutheran church He was a companionable man, a good father and a good provider. He had a family of nine children, Mrs. Laura E. Miller, of Dekalb county, Indiana; Gideon of Palmer township, Putnam county; Israel, of Liberty township- Amos 'de ceased; Mrs. Selvita Eveline Farney, of Blanchard township; Mary Ida' the wife of Mr. Schafer; Daniel LeRoy, of Palmer township; Mrs. Anna Le'vina Dobmeyer, of Palmer township, and John Dietrich, who is at home

After the death of Amos Brecht, his wife was married on July 2^ i8qto Louis Gustwiler, a native of Detroit, Michigan. They were married on the homestead farm of Amos Brecht.

Henry, in November, 1908, and Edith Frada, June 9, 191 1. All of thesechildren are at home. The three sons attend the same district No. 3 school, which their father attended during his youth.

Benjamin F. Schafer has erected practically all of the buildings on his farm of one hundred and seventy-three acres. He follows general farming and raises considerable stock, especially cattle. He is an extensive stockbuyer and feeds cattle. At the present time he has ten head of horses. He owns a registered Shorthorn bull. He is in a company of four persons who own two Belgian stallions, which he keeps on his farm. He sells an average of fifty head of cattle each year. Some time ago Mr. Schafer rebuilt one of the largest barns in Putnam cotmty. It is known as one of the finest in the county.

Benjamin F Schafer is not a member of any lodge. He is a Democrat in politics and is very active in the councils of his party. He has never cared much for office, although he has served as school director. He is especially a lover of horses and all live stock, of which he is an expert judge. Mr. Schafer is not a member of any church, but was reared in the Old School Baptist faith. Mrs. Schafer is a member of the Reformed Lutheran church, at Miller City, Ohio. Benjamin Schafer is a congenial man, quiet and unassuming, well liked and well accjuainted throughout Putnam county. He comes of excellent pioneer stock and is himself a worthy scion of a noblefamily.

Charles O. Pierman

Among the progressive farmers, of Ottawa township, Putnam county,. Ohio, is Charles O. Pierman, a man who owns a splendid farm, has a delightful home and is prudent and wise in the administration of his affairs.

Charles O. Pierman was born on February 25, 1871, in the southeastern part of Ottawa township. He is the son of Samuel and Margaret F. (Clark) Pierman.

Samuel Pierman died on January 7, 1904, at the age of seventy-six and his wife died on March 12, 1883. During his life, Samuel Pierman wasone of the most highly esteemed citizens of Putnam county. He was bom in Virginia about ten miles from the natural bridge, June 24, 1827, and whenyoung moved with his parents to Ohio in 1834. He was a son of James and Polly (Agner) Pierman. They settled about three miles east of Ottawa, iust west of the mouth of Riley creek. About ten years later they moved into the northeastern part of Pleasant township and Hved there the rest of their lives. Samuel Pierman grew up amid the hardships of pioneer life. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was a fearless man. Samuel remembered when, in his boyhood, the Indians got drunk and noisy and were led out of his father's cabin by the hair. Samuel was among the "fortyniners," going by rail to St. Joseph, Missouri, and from there walked across the continent to California. Three years later he came back home and bought one hundred and sixty acres in the southwest quarter of section 26, of Ottawa township. Later, he sold eighty acres and bought more land near the Blanchard river where it was cleared and the water did not stand so much as on the other land. He became owner of three hundred and thirty-six acres.

Samuel Pierman was married on June 26, t86o, to Mrs. Margaret A. (Clark) Merritt. She was born in Ottawa township, just east of the fair grounds on October 22, 1837, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Battlefield) Clark, who came to Putnam county, in 1833. Samuel and Margaret (Merritt) Pierman were the parents of nine children, all of whom survived him. When a good man, industrious and honest, dies, the community mourns. They miss his companionship and presence and pay worthy tribute to his memory. Samuel Pierman was a man highly respected and esteemed by a large circle of intimate friends.

Charles O. Pierman grew up on his father's farm. He was married on October 25, 1894, to Harriett Gertrude McDowell. She was born in Blanchard township and is the daughter of William and Eliza (Ridge) Mc- Dowell. William McDowell was an old and respected citizen of Putnam county, born in Hancock county, Ohio, and died in Ottawa, March 26, 1898, at the age of forty-nine. When very young, he came with his parents, John and Nancy (Mallahan) McDowell, to Putnam county. They located in Riley township, and here he lived until 1896. He married Eliza Ridge in 1 87 1. She was born, in Riley township, the daughter of William and Harriett (Catlett) Ridge, whose family came from Virginia. Mrs. Ridge is still living in Ottawa, at the age of eighty-eight. William McDowell farmed in Riley township, until 1896, and then moved to Ottawa, where he operated the City hotel until his death. He was well known throughout the eastern part of the county and had a very large circle of friends and acquaintances. Ever since his marriage, Mr. Pierman and his wife have lived in the community where he was born. He has a farm of one hundred and ten acres, splendid house and barn and is in every way a progressive citizen. Charles O. and Harriett G. (McDowell) Pierman have been the parents of seven

Identified with the Democratic party. Air. Pierman is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In every respect he must be classed as a representative citizen of Ottawa township, where he has lived for sa many years.

Jaaies M. Agner

In these latter days it is interesting to record the lives of men who settled a new country while the Indians were still roaming about. The progress of agriculture since those days has been most remarkable. The present-day farmer is no longer beset with the problems which faced the hardy pioneers of other days, but is now enabled because of improved methods to divide his time between his own vocation and public affairs, generally. Improved devices have placed the farmer in the front of our progressive citizens. One of the most progressive citizens of Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, and especially one of the most progressive farmers of this township, is James M. Agner.

James M. Agner was born on January 27, 1855, about two miles southeast of Ottawa along the Blanchard river. He was the son of George and Elizabeth (Sackett) Agner. George Agner was the son of George and Rachel (Mockerman) Agner and was born in Eairfield county, in 1818, and came with his parents to Putnam county in 1843. He married Elizabeth Sackett on October 21, 1847. Her parents were William and Rachel (Lile) Sackett, who came from Fairfield county and settled in Ottawa township in 1833. George Agner died September 2, 1878. His father entered the land on which was the site of the old Indian town of Upper Tawa and their burying ground was on his farm. Their graves being shallow, he gathered the bones and buried them, which act highly incensed the remaining Indians and they threatened his life. He left with his family for a time and when the Indians had removed he returned to his farm.

George Agner, Jr., was a child when his father came to Ottawa township and the boy found playmates with the Indian children in this vicinity. George Agner, Sr., and his wife, were Pennsylvania-Dutch and came from

James AI. Agner was married in 1879, to Sarah E. Crow. She was born five miles west of Ottawa and was a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Fretz) Crow. Stephen Crow was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on March 18, 1826, and came to Putnam county, in 1835, with his parents, James and Elizabeth (Moreland) Crow. He was married, in this county, October 28, 1847, to Elizabeth Fretz, who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1828, the daughter of John and Veronica (Shelby) Fretz, who settled in Putnam county in 1834.

Sarah E. Crow was eighteen years old when her parents moved to Riley township, Putnam county, and there she lived until her marriage to Mr. Agner. After this he continued farming on the land entered by his grandfather. Fie owns one hundred and twenty acres at home, and eighty acres, in Palmer township. Mr. Agner follows general farming and raises a good breed of live stock, and now owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. To James M. and Sarah E. (Crow) Agner five sons and two daughters have been born, Pratt E., Nora, Neva May, Jason, Raymond, Clyde and Clair. Pratt E. married May Allen and engaged in farming near the old home. They have two daughters, Mildred and Delilah Louise, and a son Richard, who died at the age of nineteen months; Nora is the wife of Homer Pierman and lives near the old home. They have five children, Gladys May, James Glenn, Marcene Lenore, William Corwin and Idonna-Dorine; Neva- May is still at home; Jason married Lucy Post and lives at Ottawa; Raymond married Edna Fensler, lives in Toledo and has one daughter, Ruby; Clyde and Clair are twins ; Clyde married Marie Conine and lives northeast of Gilboa in Blanchard township; Clair is still at home.

Mrs. James M. Agner died on Christmas day, 1898. She was a faithful and devoted wife and mother, rearing her children to be Christian men and women. She united with the Disciples church at the age of fourteen and remained faithful to this church all of her life. The last Great Call found her fully prepared for the everlasting life where no loving ties are severed. James M. Agner is identified with the Democratic party. He has served on the school board or as school director for about fifteen years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Agner is a public-spirited citizen, well known for his sterling integrity, his uprightness of character and is popular in the community where he lives.

Celestian Noirot, Jr

Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, has many excellent farmers and -many excellent citizens, among whom is Celestian Noirot, Jr.-, who owns a splendid farm in. section 13, in this township. Mr. Noirot is a native of the township where he now lives. Here he has spent all of his Ufe. He is widely acquainted in this section of Putnam county and is recognized as a citizen of high standing and intelligence in the community where he lives. Mr. Noirot has had much to do with the agricultural progress and prosperity of Putnam county, and, from any standpoint, is entitled to representation in 'a volume of this character.

Celestian Noirot, Jr., was born on December 23, 1869, in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Celestian, Sr., and Victoria

Celestian Noirot, Sr., was born in the village of Boncourt, France, on August 10, 1835. He came to America with his parents, Francis and Francois (Raslot) Noirot, who were also natives of the village of Boncourt, France, and who settled in Hancock county on a farm. They lived here for a time and later moved to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1862, settling on forty acres in Palmer township, where the land was heavily timbered and in a swampy condition. Celestian Noirot, Sr., was a farmer. He accompanied his parents to Putnam county and farmed in a general way all of his life. He also learned the plasterer's trade in Hancock county and followed this, together with farming. He followed this trade in Putnam county and many buildings were plastered by him. The forty acres in Palmer township were, in time, increased to over two hundred. Celestian Noirot, Sr., followed his trade in Findlay, Ohio, walking back and forth to his farm in Palmer township. He was married in Findlay, Ohio, and after his marriage returned to Putnam county. He and his wife have been the parents of nine children: Joseph, deceased ; Celestian, deceased ; Mrs. Helen Kerns, of Miller City ; Victoria, deceased; Celestian, Jr., the subject of this sketch; George, who lives in Canada; Mrs. Emma Royal, of Dekalb county, Indiana, and Theodore, of Miller City. Celestian Noirot, Sr., served as supervisor and school director, and, with these two exceptions, has held no offices. He is a Democrat and is a member of the St. Nicholas church at Miller City. He lives with his son, Celestian, Jr., on the farm, but is retired. He is a man of good reputation and has done much for his children. He has been a hard worker and has seen many joys and sorrows. He is now past eighty years of age. The mother of Celestian Noirot, Jr., was born in Alsace, France, and came to America with her mother. Her mother became seasick on the vessel during the rough voyage and died five days after landing' in this country. Mrs. Noirot then came to Findlay, Ohio, with her brother George and others. She remained there for some time, and after her marriage came to Putnam county with her husband. She was born on August 15, 1841, and died on August 17, 1907, at the age of seventy-four years and two days. She was a devout member of the St. Nicholas church at Miller City.

Celestian Noirot, Jr., was reared a farmer and grew up on his father's fami in Palmer township. He was educated in the district schools of the township. Mr. Noirot was married on January 29, 1896, to Elizabeth Jones, the daughter of Joseph and Malinda (Lanning) Jones. Mrs. Noirot's father was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, and grew up on the farm there with his parents. He was educated and married in that county. After his marriage he went from Guernsey county to Illinois, where he remained for eight years on a farm. He then returned to Guernsey county and built a saw-mill, which business he followed for about two years. He then came to Putnam county and settled where Continental, Ohio, now stands. This land was heavily timbered and swampy at the time. Here he built a saw-mill, and, having brought the mill material with him from Guernsey county, began operating it. Mrs. Noirot was then ten years of age. Mr. Jones followed the saw-mill business here for some time and then in different parts of the state, wherever the timber was thick. He moved to Knockatee, Florida, in 191 1, where he is engaged in the saw-filing business. He is an expert at this trade. He also owns two orange groves in Florida. He married Malinda Lanning in Guernsey county. She is still living. She was born in Guernsey county, September 10, 1856. She grew up in this county and was educated there.

To Joseph and Malinda Jones the following children were born : John, who lives in Palmer township ; Elizabeth, subject's wife; Mrs. Emma Horning' of New Bavaria ; Charles, who lives in Alabama ; Jesse, of Salesville, Mississippi; Howard, of Holmesville, Ohio; Edna, of Coshocton, Ohio; Mrs. Blanche McKelrey, of Oriville, Ohio; Ida and Clyde, twins, the former of Palmer township and the latter of Knockatee, Florida; Hazel and Walter, both of Knockatee, 'Florida.

Celestian Noirot, Jr., grew up on the homestead farm in Palmer township and was educated in the district schools. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age. His father gave him eighty acres of land in sec- tion 13 of Palmer township before his marriage. He cleared about twenty acres of this farm before his marriage, and after his marriage rnoved to this farm, built the buildings, cleared, ditched and fenced the land.

Celestian Noirot, Jr., engages in general farming. He is not a member of any lodge nor has he held any offices. He is identified with the Democratic party. He and his family are members of the St. Nicholas Catholic church at Miller City. Mr. Noirot is a man of congenial temperament. He is a good farmer and industrious in his habits. He is a good provider and is interested in his home and family. He is well informed in all of the relations of life and keeps everything on his farm in good condition.

John Ball

John Ball, the subject of this sketch, has been a prominent factor in the development of Putnam county and especially of Palmer township, where he has lived so long. He is well known to all the people of Palmer township as an enterprising, industrious and successful farmer.

John Ball was born on January 20, 1854, in Stark county, Ohio, near Canton. He is the son of Ferdinand and Emehne (Gross) Ball. Ferdinand Ball was born on August 25, 1825, in Germany, and was the son of Barney and Mary M. BaU. P"erdinand came with his parents to America at the age of five years. They settled in Stark county, Ohio. Barney and Mary M. Ball were farmers and were early pioneers of that county. They had thirteen children: Barney, Jr.; George; Mathias; John; Ferdinand; Caroline; Eva, who lives in Henry county, Ohio : Mary, who lives in Defiance county ; Elizabeth, who lives in Washington, D. C. The first six children named are deceased, and Magdalene is also deceased and three others who are not now a matter of record.

learned the blacksmith trade and was an expert at this trade. His parents, Barney and Mary M. Ball, came from Stark county to Seneca county, where they farmed for a time and then moved to Carroll county. Later they came to Putnam coimty, Ohio, together with John Ball's father, Ferdinand, after his marriage. They settled on a farm of forty acres in section 7, of Palmer township. Barney Ball and wife died on this farm and Ferdinand, their son, farmed this forty acres. He also had a blacksmith shop on the farm and followed this trade along with farming. He, subsequently, increased this forty acres by hard work and rigid economy to nearly two hundred acres, all of which lay in Palmer township. He also had a farm of forty acres in Monroe township, Putnam county. He followed farming all of his life and retired from blacksmithing some time before his death, January 16, 1910. He was a man of strong physical proportions, a kind, careful, prudent' citizen and a good provider. He was not a member of any lodge and a man who cared nothing for political oifices. He devoted all of his time to farming and to his family. He always voted the Democratic ticket. He was a stanch member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church, at New Bavaria, Ohio, and gave three acres of ground for the building of St. Joseph's church at North creek, which he attended during his latter years. He also gave liberally to the support of the church and was a regular attendant. Both of his parents died on the home farm where John Ball grew to manhood.

Emeline Gross was born near Luxemburg, Germany, and came to - America with her parents when she was quite young. They settled in Stark county, Ohio. Tier parents were farmers in Germany and she grew to womanhood on a farm in Stark county. She was educated there. She was married to Ferdinand Ball, May 13, 1845. She was born on June 10, 1831, and died on December 26, 1895. She was a good mother, kind and patient,' and worked with zeal and effort to build up the home. She did her share toward improving the family fortune and honor. She was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church at New Bavaria and later of St. Joseph's church at North Creek. Ferdinand and Emeline Ball were the parents of the following children: Henry, who lives on the homestead farm; John, the subject of this sketch; George, a merchant at North Creek, Ohio; William of Palmer township ; Mrs. Mary Fugleman, of North Creek ; Catherine, deceased; and Susanna, who lives on the homestead farm.

Ferdinand Ball was a soldier in the Civil War, having enlisted at Defiance, Ohio, in the Sixty-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Lifantry, 1864. He served until the close of the war and was a gallant soldier.

I060 Putnam County, Ohio

John Ball was educated in the old district No. 3 school in Palmer township and grew up on the homestead farm. He was reared a farmer and still continues to reside on the farm where he was born. His sister, Susanna, who is unmarried, lives with him and his brother, Henry, also lives with him. The buildings on the farm were erected by Ferdinand Ball. The house was built in 1880 and the barn in 1882.

John Ball was never married. He is not a member of any lodge and has held no offices except that of supervisor. He is a Democrat and is a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic church at North Creek. Mr. Ball follows general farming. He owns a thoroughbred Shorthorn cow and an imported Belgian mare.

Susanna Ball, his sister, was born on April 18, 1864, in Palmer township on the homestead farm. She lives with her brother, John, and was educated in the No. 3 school of Palmer township. She is a good, capable, companionable woman and a keen manager. John Ball is a congenial man. He is a good farmer and is prosperous and progressive.

Henry Ball, the brother of John Ball, and the son of Ferdinand and Emeline (Gross) Ball, was born on March 23, 1852, in Stark county, Ohio. He came to Putnam county, this state, with his parents at the age of six years, and was reared a farmer, grew up and was educated at the district No. 3 school in Palmer township.

Henry Ball was married on May 26, 1903, to Mrs. Mary (Welch) Burkhart, who was born in Palmer township, Putnam county, Ohio, and the daughter of James Welch and wife, natives of Ireland.

After the marriage of Henry Ball, he moved to sixty acres of land owned by his wife, in Liberty township, and farmed here for twO' years. His wife died on April 24, 1905, when the farm was sold. After this, Henry Ball came back to the homestead farm in Palmer township and here he has resided since that time with his brother, John, and sister, Susanna.

John Ball learned the carpenter trade when a young man and followed this trade for many years. He has erected many buildings in Palmer township. He helped to build the parish buildings at Miller City, Ohio. Mr. Ball also farms in a general way and has eighty acres in section i, of Monroe township, and here he raises sugar beets. He also has forty acres in section 7, of Palmer township, which his brother, John, farms.

Henry Ball has no children. He is not a member of any lodges. He was township assessor for one year, in 1882, and is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic church at North Creek. Henry Ball is well liked in the community where he lives.

George Kratzer

There is no better known or more highly respected citizen of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, than George Kratzer, who was born on October 17, 1845, at Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, the son of Charles and lAIargaret (Schumaker) Kratzer. Charles Kratzer was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and Margaret Schumaker was born in the same locality. They were married in America and lived in Fairfield county until George was past ten years of age. They next spent three years in Hancock county', Ohio, and, m February, 1859, moved to the Medary farm at Medary, Liberty township, Putnam county.

On this place, Charles Kratzer died, in 1862, leaving a wife and nine children. Catherine Barbara, Charles W., Sarah, George, Samuel, Henry, Jacob F., John M. and Louise. Of these children four are dead, who were Barbara, Louise, Henry and Charles. After the father's death, the mother bought forty acres of land in the northeast quarter of section 16 of Liberty township, where she lived from 1863 until her death, in 1895.

George Kratzer was reared on his mother's farm, after his father's death, and operated the home farm as long as his mother lived He was married in 1881 to Mary Margaret Mack. She was born in Fairfield county Ohio, and came to Putnam county in infancy with her parents, Christian and Mary (Stiger) Mack.

Christian Mack was born in Ohio and reared in Fairfield county He was both a farmer and a wagonmaker. His wife was Mary Stiger who was a native of Switzerland, and who came to America at the age of eight with her parents. They settled near Basil, in Fairfield county, Ohio in the early days, and purchased a farm south of that place. Christian Mack and family moved to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1858 and located in section 2^, just west of West Leipsic, where he bought a farm and there lived until his death He was township trustee several terms, also served as assessor of his township township treasurer, and a member of the school board for many years He was an active member of the Lutheran church and helped build the church of that denomination in Liberty township, as well as the one in Leipsic He died on February 15, 1894, while his widow survived him until May '1807 They were the parents of eight children who grew to maturity, Edward Henry, George. Frederick. Franklin. Mrs. Margaret Kratzer, Mrs. Catherine Kratzer and Mrs. Sarah Hammon.

I062 Putnam County, Ohio

1884, married Mame Hall and is living at Wheeling, West Virginia; Cora E. married Charles Rosenberger and lives in Blanchard township; Henry Glen, in 1893, is also at home.

George Kratzer is the owner of one hundred acres of splendid farming land, on which he carries on a diversified system of general farming and stock raising with pronounced success. He and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran church, and Mr. Kratzer belongs to the Maccabees lodge. He is an adherent of the Democratic party, is highly respected in the community where he lives, takes an active interest in public questions, and is well informed on all matters which pertain to the public welfare. For many years he has been a leader in Liberty township.

George Leinsetter

The Leinsetter family are of German ancestry and the first members are located in Putnam county, Ohio, about 1838, in which year the father of George Leinsetter entered a tract of government land in Liberty township. Mr. Leinsetter started out in the world in a very humble manner, working in his youth for fifty and seventy-five cents a day, which was considered big wages at that time. Many a day he worked from sun-up until sun-down, and in his early manhood cradled wheat day after day. He well remembers when his mother spun, wove and made his tow-linen clothes, and he was sixteen years old before he had his first factory-made suit. He has pulled, dried, broken and -hackled flax and sat by his mother while she spun and wove the cloth for the family wardrobe. He still owns an old coverlet which his mother wove with her own hands, that today is as bright as it was when it was dyed by her hands.

George Leinsetter, the son of John A. and Elizabeth (Krebs) Leinsetter, was born near the center of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, in 185 1. His father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and at the age of nine came to America with his parents. The family first located in Baltimore, later went to Pennsylvania, and, in 1838, made their permanent home in Putnam county, Ohio, in Liberty tounty.

John A. Leinsetter grew to manhood in Liberty township and hved for a time with his brother-in-law, George Hagely, and later bought a farm which was covered, with heavy timber. He cleared the land and lived in the same neighborhood the remainder of his life. His wife, Elizabeth Krebs, was the

of John and Anna Krebs, who came from near Lewiston, Pennsylvania, to Lorain county, Ohio, where she lived during her girlhood days. Her father was one of the first settlers in Liberty townshij^ in Putnam county, locating here about 1835, on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, where the Ottawa 'and Napoleon road crosses the Nickel Plate railroad. At that time the Lidians were still here, and it was not until two years afterward that they moved across the Mississippi. Bears, deer and all kinds of small game were still abundant in the woods. The Indians made maple sugar at a sugar grove not far from where the family located. John A. Leinsetter had -one hundred and twenty acres and farmed all of his life. He was a township trustee for two terms and a man who was highly regarded in the community where he lived. Seven children were born to John A. Leinsetter and wife, five of whom are living : George, John H., Jacob, Mrs. Anna H. Haughn and David. The deceased children are Catherine, who died at the age of two; Charles, who died on December 6, 191 o.

Charles C. Leinsetter, who was born on the home farm in 1864, grew to manhood there, and after his marriage rented the home place from his parents while they lived and from the heirs after the farm was divided. He married Mary Easton in 1903, who was a native of Liberty township, the daughter of James and Esther (Terflinger) Easton. Her father was reared in Liberty township, and was a son of George Easton, an early settler of the county. Charles C. Leinsetter died on December 6, 1910, and his widow rented out the farm for three years and lived with her sister and brother-iniaw. In February, 19 14, she was married to John H. Leinsetter, and since that time she has made her home on the old Leinsetter homestead. John H. Leinsetter was born, October 13, 1858, on the old home farm, worked at home until of age, and spent about a year in Michigan. He then went west -and spent five years and was in Oklahoma at the time it was opened for settlement. He made a little money by getting in early on the land opening, and came back to Putnam county and worked at the carpenter trade and made his home with his parents until they died, and afterward with his brother, Charles C. He owned land in Kansas, and now has a farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Howell county, Missouri.

George Leinsetter worked at home at all kinds of farm work, logging, -ditching, and all kinds of hard manual labor, working for fifty and seventyfive cents a day, considering it a good wage. He also spent about two years in western Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa. After his marriage, he started in with only about forty acres, half of which was cleared. Later, he put the remainder in cultivation and has made a good little farm out of it. About eighteen years ago, he bought forty acres more, across the road south from his original farm, and later secured thirty acres from his father. Soon after this he purchased the shares of the other heirs of the estate. He and his wife have two children, and his son has been a great help to him on the farm. George Leinsetter was married, in 1878, to Margaret Kuntz, who was born and reared in Switzerland, and came to this country with a relative when a girl soon after the Civil War. The two children of Mr. Leinsetter and wife are : Ida M. and Harvey A. Ida M. married Henry E. Mullett, and lives about three miles northwest of the old home. She has three children, Alvin, Bertha and Clarence; Harvey A. is helping his father with the work on the home farm. Mr. Leinstetter and his family are loyal members of the Lutheran church.