Ottawa Township (part 6 of 23)

Bernard A. Unverferth, the son of Andrew and Katherine (Schumacher) Unverferth, was born at Glandorf, in Putnam county, September 22, 1 871. His father was born in this same county, west of Glandorf, in 1840, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Unverferth, who came here from- Glandorf, Germany, and located in Greensburg township, three miles west of Glandorf. Katherine Schumacher, the mother of Bernard A. Unverferth, was a native of Prussia, a daughter of Matthias and Elizabeth Schumacher, who were also early settlers in Glandorf, this county. Matthias Schumacher was a tailor and Henry Unverferth was a brickmason, as washis father, Andrew, and most of the men of the family. Andrew Unverferth was a cooper, as well as a brickmason, and he and his wife, who are still living at Glandorf, are the parents of eleven children, nine of whom are living, Matthias, Bernard A., Anna, George, Gertrude, Edward, Dora, Margaret and Francis. One child, Harry, died at the age of nine, and Louis, died at the age of thirty-one.

, Bernard A. Unverferth graduated from the high school at Ottawa, in 1890, and for the next six years taught in the schools of the county. He then entered the Ohio State University, at Columbus, and graduated in the spring of 1897, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Before this time he had studied law at home, and also in the law offices of Ottawa.

began practicing, in partnership, with Judges Handy and Ogan. Two years later he and Judge Handy formed a new partnership and have since been practicing together. Mr. Unverferth was prosecuting attorney of Putnam county from 1903 until 1908 and has also held a number of minor offices in addition to being prosecutor. He is chairman of the Democratic central committee, and also of the Democratic executive committee of his county, and a member of the Ohio state Democratic executive committee.

Mr. Unverferth was married in 1900 to Anna Berheide, who was -born at Fort Jennings, in this county, and is a daughter of Henry and Anna Berheide, natives of Germany, and early settlers in Putnam county, where they spent their lives on a farm. Mr. Unverferth and his wife have one son, Elmer, who is now thirteen years of age. The family are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Unverferth is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Albert Schutz

It is pleasant, and profitable as well, to contemplate the career of a man. who has won a definite goal in life, whose career has been such as to command the honor. and respect of his fellow citizens. Such, in brief, is the record of the well-known farmer, and stockman, Albert Schutz, himself a native of Switzerland, who has attained prominence and material success hi the country of his adoption. He is one of the most popular men in Riley township, where he has lived for many years, and where he has labored, not only for his own individual advancement, but for the improvement of the entire community, whose interests he ever had at heart. Mr. Schutz is a man who richly deserves the esteem 'which has been bestowed upon him by the citizens of his community.

He was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, January 18, 1859, and is the son of Jacob and Anna (Gruber) Schutz. Jacob Shutz was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, in April, 1820. Jacob Schutz's father was a farmer and cheesemaker, and when Jacob was about twenty-eight years of age, his father died. His mother had died when he was twenty. Prior to this time, Jacob had learned the shoemaker's trade from his elder brother. Christian. He did not follow this trade very long, however. As a youth and a young man, he worked at his trade and helped his father on the farm, where he remained up to the time of his marriage. Jacob was one of eight children, five sons and three daughters. The eldest son was Christian, who

Jacob Schutz, Jr., was married, when about twenty-eight years of age, to Anna Gruber, who was also born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, in April, 1822. She was the daughter of Samuel Bruber and wife, both natives of the canton of Berne, Switzerland. The former was a cabinetmaker by trade. Anna had one' brother, whose name was Samuel, and who was a -cabinetmaker. After Jacob Schutz was married, he rented a farm in the canton of Berne, and it was on this farm that Albert A. and his brother John, referred to elsewhere in this volume, were born, as well as the three eldest children.

When Albert Schutz was five years old, his parents moved to Neuchatel Switzerland, on the Swiss-French frontier. Here they lived until 1885, and here the remainder of the fourteen children were born. Elizabeth resides in Indiana; Jacob died in infancy; Jacob, the second, also lives in Indiana; Gottfried died in 1903, in Switzerland; Albert is the subject of this sketch, John is referred to elsewhere in this volume, Anna came with her husband, John Zumbach, to America, but returned to Switzerland; Mary died at the age of two; Louisa lives at Pandora; xA.ndrew died in infancy; Emile lives in North Dakota. There were three boys, also, who died in infancy.

Jacob Schutz, Jr., and wife came to America in 1885, and settled first in Allen county, Ohio, where they remained one year, and then moved to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his life on a farm. The farm is located near Lafayette. Here he died at the age of seventy-five years in 1895. After his death his wife, Anna, spent the remainder of her life with her daughter, Mrs. Louisa Suter, at Pandora. She died in 1901.

Albert Schutz, at the age of twenty, came to America, in 1879, coming direct to Riley township, Putnam county. Here he obtained work in a stone quarry in the summer time, and worked at ditching in the winter. He followed this employment for five years, when he was married at the age of twenty-five.

Mr. Schutz was married to Elizabeth Geiger, January 17, 1884. She was born in Allen county in June, 1861, and is the daughter of Christian and Anna (Thut) Geiger, who were pioneers of Allen county. To this happy union one child has been born, Mary M., who was born on October .22, 1885, lives at home. Mrs. Schutz died, July 29, 1887, after a lingering illness.

Two years later Mr. Schutz was married to Sarah Bixler, November 12, 1889. She was born in Riley township, Putnam county, September 29, 1863, and is the daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Welty) Bixler. The former was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, born in 183 1. He died in Riley township, Putnam county, in 1886. The latter was born in Wayne county, April 14, 1832, and died at Mr. Schutz's home. May 6, 1912, at the ripe old age of eighty. Jacob and Barbara Bixler had but two children. The eldest, Mary, is the wife of Mr. Schutz's brother; John A., the youngest child, is Albert A.'s wife.

By his second marriage, Mr. Schutz has been the father of eight children, J. Raymond was born on August 3, 1890. He is a graduate of Otterbein University, class of 1914, and is now principal of the Pandora high school; Elizabeth was born on December 18, 1891 ; Walter was born on August 9, 1893. He is a student at Otterbein University; Bertha was born on June 21, 1896. She is a senior in the Pandora high school; Edmund was born on May 26, 1898. He is a junior in the Pandora high school; John P. was born on September 12, 1900. He is a freshman in the Pandora high school; Albert was born on November 22, 1902. Another child died at birth.

After his marriage to Sarah Biler in in 1889, Mr. Schutz took up his residence on the Stuter farm, of a hundred and twenty acres, two miles of Pandora. This farm he purchased at this time. It had an old adobe house, and a forty by seventy foot frame barn. About seven years later, in 1896, Mr. Schutz built a beautiful modern brick residence of eleven rooms, and in 1910, he enlarged and remodeled his bam. He built a cattle shed in addition, thirty by eighty-one feet in 1914. These, with other buildings and improvements in keeping with the surroundings, make one of the finest improved farms in Putnam county.

Mr. Schutz purchased the Lehman farm of eighty acres adjoining, his farm on the east in 1903, which gives him a total of two hundred acres. The land is unsurpassed, for fertility and productiveness, anywhere in Putnam county. Mr. Schutz has always done general farming and stock feeding and is an extensive raiser of thoroughbred Holstein cattle.

Mr. and Mrs. Schutz are members of the Grace Mennonite church, while he is serving as one of its trustees. He is a Democrat, and was a member of the Riley township school board for a number of years. He served in this position during the time the new high school was being erected and, completed. He is vice-president and a director of the Pandora Banking Company, and is president of the Pandora Hardware Company. He is one of Riley township and Putnam county's most substantial and progressive farmers ; a citizen who is well and favorably known, and a man of exceptionally high standing.

Herman W. Morman

Anyone interested in the history of Putnam county does not have to carry on a very great research before learning that Herman W. Morman has long been one of its very active and leading citizens in the agricultural and stock-raising life of this community. For many years he has carried on the business of general fanning, gradually improving his valuable place, and his residence in this neighborhood has strengthened his hold on the hearts of the people with whom he has been associated, who esteem him for his integrity of character, kindly disposition and good business ability.

The subject of this review was born on his father's farm in Greensburg township, this county, February ii, 1853, and is the son of William and Gertrude (Wortkotter) Morman. William Morman was born in Germany, November 30, 1822, and came to this country with his parents when he was nine years old. Gertrude (Wortkotter) Morman was a native of Germany, born on January 6, 1822, as also were her parents who immigrated to this country and probably first settled in Toledo, Ohio, but later removed from there to Pleasant township, Putnam county, where her husband first met her.

William Morman's father first settled on a forty-acre tract of heavily timbered, wild and swampy land in Ottawa township, near the town of Glandorf, Ohio, where he underwent the hardships of the pioneer and, besides farming to some extent, drove teams for the canal boats which passed through this section. At the age of twenty-one years Herman Morman's father was married to Gertrude Wortkotter and then bought a farm consisting of eighty acres in Greensburg township, this county, and continued farming for the rest of his life and where he died on January 29, 1908, at the ripe old age of eighty-fn^e years. He was a consistent advocate of the prmciples of Democracy, though not active in politics, and a life-long member of the Catholic church in Glandorf, Ohio. Mrs. Morman lived to be eighty-three years of age and died on April 22, 1905. To them were bom seven children, Frank, Herman, Mary, who is now Mrs. Mary Maas, residing in Custer, Wood county, Ohio, and Mrs. Minnie Maas who resides in Greensburg township, this county; besides those named there were Henry, Katherine and Anna who are deceased, the latter two dying in infancy.

Herman W. Morman was married on September 23, 1875, to Josephine Maag, a daughter of Theodore and Catherine (Pursell) Maag, both natives of Germany, the former immigrating to this country when about twenty years of age, the latter, together with her parents, left tjieir native country and settled in the city of Cincinnati. Theodore Maag first settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was employed in the yards of a boiler-making industry where, after serving three years, he was given work on the inside of the shop. Owing to his small stature the employer found him a convenient worker at riveting boiler sheets. In the old country he had acquired a good knowledge of the wagonmaker's trade which helped him considerably in the boiler works. It was in Cincinnati that he married his wife and then decided to move- to Glandorf , Ohio, where he purchased a tract consisting of two hundred acres of virgin timber land and, after clearing it of the timber, devoted his energies to general farming, incidentally doing a little wagonmaking and repairing business for the neighboring community. In this particular line of work he was well-skilled and it was always a pleasure for him to furnish first-class material and do the work in a high-class manner. Instead of receiving actual cash for his services in repairing, he would exact a certain amount of clearing to be done on his land. Reaching the age of seventy-three," he died in 1879, after having spent a most useful and reputable life. His wife died on May i, 1901, after having attained the age of eighty-eight years. Her life was ever one of true devotion and loyalty to her husband and children. To them were born ten children, William, Denia, Frank, Mary, Agnes, Barney, Joseph and Josephine, all of whom are now deceased. The living children are Edward, who resides in Pleasant township, this county, and Meania Brinkman, who lives in Greensburg township, this county.

Henry W. Morman spent his youthful days about his father's fami, assisting in every possible manner to make the work of his parents less arduous, and he was so much needed around the home that little time was found for him to attend the township schools. In those days the knowledge he gained can be credited mostly to his keen observation and constant and perusal of newspapers, particularly the Putnam County Sentinel, and this is one way by which he acquired a fluent speech in the English language. For about a year after his marriage, he remained on hs father's farm, and then located on the present farm consisting of eighty acres, which he afterward purchased.' Originally, this entire eighty-acre tract was covered with virgin timber, which he cleared, ditched, drained and fenced, and where he built the residence and made other necessary improvements toward advantageous farming. Besides raising general farm crops, Mr. Morman gives -considerable attention to the raising of live stock, particularly to hogs, in the breeding and care of which he is very successful.

when eight years of age; Edward, who married Elizabeth Korte, and has^ five children; August, who married Agnes Brinkman, and has three children; Martha, who married Benjamin Warnecke, and lives on the home farmand has three children; Caroline, who died in infancy; Amelia, single and at home; Hildagard, single and at home.

In a political way Mr. Morraan gives his consistent support to the- Democratic party, but does not aspire to political office, though he served the people faithfully for a time as a member of the local school board. The entire family are members of the Catholic church in Glandorf, Ohio, from which church his beloved wife and helpmate was buried aftei* her death, which occurred on June 27, 191 1. Personally, Mr. Morman is a man of pleasing personality, fair and square in his dealings with his fellow men, and full worthy of any trust that may be reposed in him.

Carl Regie Van Meter

Men who have attained success in their life vocations are always honored and respected by the community in which they have lived and have accomplished so much. Dearly loved are those who always find time to work m the interests of the community at large. Inspiring others to loyalty and faithfulness. Able men never fail to raise the standard of their community, and the public generally is proud to record the chief incidents of their lives^ A well-known farmer of Riley township, who has been the recipient of unique honors, is Carl Regil Van Meter. Mr. Van Meter was elected trustee of Riley township as a Republican, although the township is overwhelmingly Democratic, and he is one of the first Republicans to have been elected to thisoffice in many years. His election is an evidence of the esteem in which he is. held by his neighbors and fellow citizens.

Carl R. Van Meter was born on October 6, 1882, in Monroe township, Allen county, Ohio, the son of George S. and Hannah (Reeder) Van Meter. George S. Van Meter was born in Monroe township, Allen county, and isthe son of James Van Meter and wife, the latter of whom was a Miss- Schriver, before her marriage. James Van Meter was born near Mansfield, Ohio, and came to Allen county in the early days, .settling in Monroe township! Here he owned over two hundred acres of land. It was here that he reared his family of two sons and six daughters, Susanna, John, Nancy, Mary, Louisa, Rachel, George and Elizabeth. It was on the old homestead here- that Carl Van Meter's father, George S. \'an Meter, was reared, and here he secured his education in the typical log cabin school. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-nine years of age, helping his father clear the land. He also worked for neighbors and cleared the forest under contract at the rate of ten dollars an acre.

At the age of twenty-nine, George Van Meter was married to Hannah Reeder, the daughter of William and Hulda (Howey) Reeder. She was born in Monroe township, Allen county. Her mother had come from near Pottsville, Pennsylvania, with her parents in an early day. After his marriage, George Van Meter settled on sixty acres, a part of the old home place, and since that time has added twenty acres to the farm. He has always been engaged in general farming and has very greatly improved his farm. It was here that his children were born. They are as follow : Harley, of Monroe township; Carl R., the subject of this sketch; George Howard, who died at the age of two; Carrie, the wife of Joseph Steele, who resides in Michigan; Ralph, who is unmarried and who lives at Niagara Falls; Clark, who is unmarried and at home; Paul, who died in infancy.

Carl R. Van Meter grew to manhood on the old homestead of his parentsin Monroe township, Allen county. Here he attended the district schools and. helped his father on the farm until he was twenty-three years old.

Mr. Van Meter was married on March 28, 1906, at the age of twentythree to Eva Belle Bowers, who was born in Monroe township, Allen county,, September 12, 1886, and who is the daughter of Charles H. and Anna (Wright) Bowers. Charles H. Bowers was born in Monroe township, Putnant county, the son of John and Ann (Cook) Bowers. Anna Wright was born in Tuscarawas county, and is the daughter of George and Jane (Holmes) Wright. George Wright and wife came to Allen county when their childrenwere small, settling in Monroe township.

After his marriage, Mr. Van Meter rented the Alfred Mayberry farm,, a farm in Monroe township, Allen county, and after one year, in January,. 1907, he moved to Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, to the old Mark Laib farm, which he rented for three years. It comprised one hundred and seventy-five acres. After this time, he purchased eighty acres, which farm has been his residence ever since. Mr. Van Meter has always been engaged in general farming, but has paid particular attention to the raising and breeding of hogs. He has (5ne of the best eighty-acre farms in this part of Putnam county.

township. The fact that he was elected to his present office in a community where the Democratic party is greatly in the majority, indicates his position of high standing in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Van Meter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Pandora. He is a trustee of the church and has served as assistant Sunday school superintendent. Formerly, he was choir leader in the church at Rockport. Carl R. \'an Meter deserves to rank as one of the representative citizens, not only of Riley township, but also of Putnam county, where he has lived for many years. He has made a splendid record in the office to which he was elected by the people of Riley township and has thus further established himself in the esteem and confidence of those with whom he comes in contact.

George A. Stauffer

The Stauffer family have been residents of Putnam county, Ohio, since 1870, when the parents of George A. Stauffer located in Ottawa township. Mr. Stauffer engaged in general farming and stock raising, until the fall of 1907, and then came to Ottawa and engaged in the real estate and loan business, which he has since made his occupation. He has been very active in political affairs and, as a member of the Republicfan party, has held various positions with it since 1895.

George A. Stauffer, the son of Abraham D. and Annie E. (Sigler) Stauffer, was born on April 14, 1874, in Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio. His father was born in Washington county, Maryland, April 16, 1844, and was a son of Dillon and Mary (Myers) Stauffer, natives of Switzerland. Annie E. Sigler was also a native of Washington county, Maryland, and was a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Vogel) Sigler, who came to this country from Germany. Abraham Stauffer and wife were reared and married in Washington county, Maryland, and lived there until 1870, when they moved to Putnam county, Ohio, and located in Ottawa township. A few years later they moved to Perry township, where Mr. Stauffer engaged in farming and carpentering. A. D. Stauffer was born with but one hand, but when the Civil War broke out, he enlisted from Hagerstown, Maryland, and served four years and nineteen days. During the war he enlisted three times and received an honorable discharge for each enlistment, first from the infantry; second, from the artillery, and third from the cavalry.

George A. Stauffer was reared on the farm and received a good common school education in the schools of his home neighborhood. As a youth he learned the carpenter's trade with his father, working with him as a contractor and builder in this county. After his marriage in 1901 he en- ^g-aged in farming in Perry township and continued in agricultural pursuits until in October, 1907. At that time he moved to the county seat and engaged in the real estate and loan business with B. L. Griffiths. They were partners until in June, 1908, since which time Mr. Stauffer has been conducting the same business alone. He and H. I. Kahle organized the Stauffer Investment and Loan Company in March, 1913,. which company has built up a thriving business in a short time. George A. Stauffer purchased the interest H. I. Kahle, January i, 1915, and is conducting it alone.

Mr. Stauffer has been a leader in the affairs of the Republican party of his county for more than twenty years. He was elected committeeman for Perry township in April, 1895, and served the central and executive committees of his party continuously until 1908. In that year he was elected secretary and treasurer of the Republican county central and executive committees and the same year was made vice-chairman of the Republican league of Ohio, a position which he still retains. He was elected a member of the state central committee for the Fifth Congressional District in 1912, and was chairman of both committees in Putnam county. He was re-elected to the same position in 1914. He was a member of the board of deputy state supervisors of elections for Putnam county for eight years, during which time he served as clerk of the board for two years.

Mr. Stauffer is president of the Ottawa Gazette Publishing Company, a position which he has held since 19 12. He is a stockholder in the Farmers State and Savings Bank of Continental, Ohio. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, a member of the blue lodge, chapter and council. He became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Dupont, when he was twenty-one years of age and has filled all of the chairs of that lodge since that time. He is also a member of the encampment and the Daughters of Rebekah. He holds his membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Findlay, Ohio.

Mr. Stauffer was married in December, 1901, to Grace G. Varner, who is a native of Greensburg township, this county, the daughter of Isaiah and Fanny fLandes) Varner. She lived in Greensburg township until her marriage, and for four years was a successful school teacher in the district schools of her home township. Mr. Stauffer and his wife have an interest-

On February 8, 191 5, Governor Willis notified Mr. Stauffer that he had appointed him inspector of oils for the state of Ohio, which position he declined. The governor, however, insisted he should be a member of hiscabinet and held the position open for two weeks, urging him to take it, to show the appreciation of his assistance in the campaign. Mr. Stauffer, not wanting any political appointment, declined, and the governor released him with an acknowledgment of the full appreciation of his services, with the mutual understanding that Mr. Stauffer was not in politics for revenue, but for the benefit of his state and party.

Elmer E. Bracy

Among the men of sterling worth and strength of character who have made an impression on the life of the locality where they live, no one has achieved a larger measure of success than Elmer E. Bracy. Mr. Bracy hasspent his entire life in Putnam county and the people have had an opportunity to know every phase of his character. That he has been true to life in its every phase is manifest by the esteem and regard in which he is held by all those who know him. He has won success by his own honest endeavor and indomitable energy, and has placed himself in the front ranks of the farmers of his community, by exercising these splendid qualities. Mr. Bracy has outstripped the less active plodders on the highway of life and achieved marked success in agricultural affairs. He has won for himself a name, which all men who know him, delight to honor.

John C. Bracy was born in Blanchard township, Putnam county, in 1849, the son of John Bracy, Sr., and wife. The family history of the Bracys may be found in the life-story of Isaac Bracy, an uncle of Elrner E.. Bracy, elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. John C. Bracy died in May, 1912.

Elmer E. Bracy was born on his father's old homestead, about two and. one-half miles southwest of Gilboa. Here he spent his childhood and youth, and here he attended the old district school No. 2. After finishing school,, he helped his father to clear up the old home place. He remained with hisparents until he was twenty years old.

At this time Mr. Bracy was married, May i, 1890, to Sarah Helen Buckland, who was born in Blanchard township, April 25, 1874. She is the daughter of Lewis and Mary (Agner) Buckland and her family history is to be found in the sketch of Elah Buckland, her uncle, contained elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Bracy was one of seven children born to her parents, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are Sarah, Melvin, Nettie, Clyde and Delia. Mrs. Bracy's parents are both deceased. Her father died in February, 1912, and her mother died in September, 1898.

To Mr. and Mts. Bracy, eight children have been born, Flo Z. May, born on June 8, 1891, and died on February 27, 1893; John Lewis, born on October 31, 1893; Roxie Marie, born on December 6, 1895; Gladys Jemina, born on February 14, 1897; Maver Caroline, born on February 17, 1903; Brema Mildred, born on June 5, 1907; Ruby Lucile, born on April 6, 1913; Sadie May, born on April 11, 1915.

After his marriage, Mr. Bracy worked for the neighboring farmers during the first year, but the following year he rented land of Duff Bracy in Riley township and, subsequently, rented his father's old home place. After operating this farm for one year, he moved to forty acres of his father's land, three and one-half miles northeast of Pandora. This farm has been his residence ever since. He purchased this place from his father and also purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Lakefield township, Saginaw county, Michigan. Mr. Bracy has always been engaged in general farming and has enjoyed more than an ordinary success in this vocation.

Mr. Bracy is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Bracy attend the Radical Brethern, of which Mrs. Bracy is a member. Elmer E. Bracy is one of Riley township's progressive farmers. He comes from one of the best families of Putnam county, of old pioneer stock, and he is well and favorably known for his sterling integrity and genial disposition.

Isaac Zuercher

The Swiss people may justly lay claim to the exertion of a greater mfluence on the world along lines of citizenship and the development of mdividual mdependence than has been exerted by the people of any other nation of their size. The rugged nature of their fatherland and their constant communion with the grandest scenic beauties of the world has fostered in the people an independence and loftiness of thought and action such as was exemplified by their national hero, Andreas Hofer. It is probable that from no country in the world have come such intelligent and thoroughly desirable citizens as have been welcomed by the United States on their arrival from Switzerland. In this respect Putnam county, Ohio, has been indeed fortunate, for many of the immigrants from the rugged and mountainous republic of Switzerland have settled in this county where they have reared families, the members of which are now ranked among Putnam county's ablest citizens. Not the least of these families is that of Isaac Zuercher, which came to this country during comparatively recent years.

Isaac Zuercher was born in Berne canton, Switzerland, August 14, i860, a son of Isaac, Sr., and Anna (Geiger) Zuercher. Isaac Zuercher, Sr., was born in Berne canton, Switzerland, Octoljer 7, 1826, both his parents having been natives of Switzerland.

Isaac Zuercher, Sr., was a carpenter by trade and, while in Switzerland, worked at making furniture. Pie also worked to some extent on a farm in that country. There he married Anna Geiger, who was born in Berne canton, Switzerland, a daughter of Peter and Marion Geiger, both of whom were natives of Switzerland. To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Zuercher, Sr., were born thirteen children, as follows : Marian, deceased, who was the wife of Fred Geiser of Wayne county, Ohio; Daniel and Samuel of Adams county, Indiana; John, of Wayne county, Ohio; Peter, of Allen county, Ohio; David, of Wayne county, Ohio; Isaac, the subject of this sketch; Christian, who lives in Wayne county, Ohio; Jacob, who lives in Cojumbus Grove, Putnam county; Anna, deceased, who was the wife of P^ter Welty, of Pandora; Barbara, the wife of Fred Hanni, who lives in Adanis county, Indiana; Lena, the wife of Emil Kuntz, of Los Angeles, California; Eliza, the wife of George Eisenbeck, of Pandora.

Anna Geiger, mother of Isaac Zuercher, died in Switzerland on September 17, 1869. Her father, Peter Geiger, was a farmer and was also a watchmaker by trade. He died when his son Isaac was seven or eight years old, his wife surviving him for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Geiger had one son. Christian, and two daughters, Barbara and Anna. Christian and Barbara came to America.

Isaac Zuercher was twelve years of age, when, after his mother's death, his father and nine children came to America and settled in Wayne county, Ohio. For about two years after their arrival the children were placed with relatives, while their father worked at his trade as a carpenter. He then went to Adams county, Indiana, where he married again, his second wife being Mrs. Elizabeth (Sprunger) Amstutz. She had several children and owned a farm in Adams county. There the subject's father lived during the remainder of his hfe, and there he died at the ripe old age of nearly eightyeight years, the date of his death having been on October 2, 1914.

Isaac Zuercher was twelve years of age at the time of his arrival in America, and he went at once to live with his cousin, Christian Zuercher, the fathers of both of whom were half brothers, on a farm in Wayne county, Ohio. There he attended school until he was seventeen years of age, after which he worked on the farm until he was twenty-one years old. He then went to Missouri, stopping on his way in Berne, Indiana, where he spent six weeks. He located first in Moniteau county, Missouri, where he hired out to a farmer for two years.

He married Mary Garber on January 24, 1884, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, November 26, 1864, a daughter of Christian and Barbara (Hostetter) Garber. Mrs. Zuercher's parents were born in Wayne county, Ohio, and their parents were natives of Switzerland, having come to America during the early days of Wayne county. Mrs. Zuercher was one of a family of fourteen children, and went to Missouri with her parents when she was one year of age. She grew to womanhood in Missouri and spent her life there until 1884.

After his marriage, Isaac Zuercher rented a farm for a time, and then bought property in Morgan county, Missouri, where he operated one hundred and seventy-seven acres until February, 1901. He then bought eighty acres in Riley township, Putnam county, one mile east of Pandora, where he still makes his home.

Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Zuercher, as follow: Orpha, born on March 27, 1885, now the wife of Daniel A. Basinger, of Pandora, to whom two children have been born, Naomi and one who died in infancy; Bertha was born on December 30, 1886, is unmarried and lives at home; Lydia was born on December 29, 1888, is the wife of John Diller, of Pandora, and has one daughter, Mildred, and a son. Earnest, born on November 5, 1890, married Ida Kiene and lived in Pleasant township. He has one son. Earl Frank, born on February 18, 1892, married Celia Wensinger. They had twins - one of whom is. deceased. Elmer and Elfin, twins, were born on September 26, 1893. Elmer died on September 21, 1910. Elfin married Lula Marks and lives at Pandora. Wilbert was born on November 14, 1897, ^"d Pearl on November 29, 1909.

He is a supporter of the Republican party and has always taken an intelligent interest in political matters, but has never aspired to public office. Mr. and Mrs. Zuercher are both members of the Grace Mennonite church and are active in all church work.

Mr. Zuercher is one of Riley township's most substantial farmers. He is highly esteemed and respected throughout his community, both as a citizen and as a neighbor, and is regarded as being one of the foremost citizens of Putnam county.

Emmett L. Burkhart

Many citizens of Putnam county, Ohio, have come themselves, or are the sons of men who have come from the good old Keystone state of Pennsylvania, and where they are found in this county they are among the most prosperous citizens. It is a fact that the most venturesome and ambitious people are those who have the courage to make their homes in a new and promising country, and this accounts in a great measure for the splendid prosperity which has come to Putnam county in its history. The fact that its citizens are men of courage and determination, who came here to better their condition, has given this county a citizenship which has made for prosperity in every particular.

Emmett L. Burkhart was born in Riley township, Putnam county, August 21, 1884, a son of Levi and Catherine (Parcher) Burkhart. Levi Burkhart was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, May 6, 1822, and died on October 16, 1904. He was a son of John and Sarah (Good) Burkhart, who were natives of Pennsylvania. John B. Burkhart died when Levi was a small boy, and after his father's death, Levi went to live with an uncle.

At the age of twenty-six, Levi married Elizabeth Beyers, who was born m Franklin county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Nancy Beyers. To that union were born seven children, as follow : John Y., born on May 12, 1849; Andrew L., born on June 11, 1851; Naomi, born on April 24, 1855; Lydia A., born on October 21, 1858, and who died in August, 1860 ' Samuel, born on August 28, 1861 ; Elizabeth, born on December 24, 1864,' and Amanda Ann, born on February 26, 1867.

and settled first in Franklin county, near Columbus, Ohio, and later, in 1854, came to Riley township, Putnam county, and settled two and one-half miles east of what was then Pendleton, now Pandora, where his wife died.

To this second 'union was born one son, Emmett L., the subject of this sketch, who was born in Riley township, Putnam county, August 21, 1884.

When Levi Burkhart came to Putnam county, in 1854, he bought the Douglas farm and gradually developed it and added to it until he owned four hundred acres, all of which lay in Riley township, except forty acres, which extended into Paulding county. At the time when he settled upon the homestead it was in practically a virgin state, heavily timbered and with only a few acres cleared. He first built a two-room log cabin and a barn, after which he proceeded to prepare his land, working at it from year to year until he had succeeded in getting it nearly all in cultivation.

He operated it as a general farm and met with marked success. He was a member of the Republican party, and was an active member of the Methodist Protestant church, which he attended faithfully. He was a hardworking, honest and upright citizen, and a man of high ideals.

Emmett L. Burkhart spent his boyhood on the homestead, where he attended the district school and helped his father with the farm work, his father at that time having been somewhat advaned in years. At the age of twenty-four, September 4, 1907, he married May Miller, who was a daughter of William and Sarah (Lutz) Miller. William Miller was born in Allen county, Ohio, August 18, 1855, a son of Wesley and Lydia (Steepleton) Miller. His wife was a daughter of George and Ustana (Weaver) Lutz.

After his marriage, Emmett L. Burkhart continued to live on the homestead. He purchased a section of forty acres from his mother and the other heirs of his father's estate, in addition to the section of forty acres which he had inherited from his father. On this land he is engaging in general farming and is meeting with marked success in his endeavors.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Emmett L. Burkhart. They are Stanley Milton, born on April 6, 1908, and Edith Eleanor, born on February 14, 1910.

has always taken an intelligent interest in political matters, he has never aspired to public office. Mrs. Burkhart is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Pandora, Ohio.

John William Cottingham

A well-known business man, of Leipsic, Ohio, is John W. Cottingham,. who has been a resident of this place for a score of years. Born in England, he came to this country when he was six years of age with his parents, and located in Delta, Ohio. Growing to manhood in that city he lived for several years in Deshler, Ohio, and then came to Leipsic, where he has since resided. Since coming to this city, he has installed the present electric light plant and has been engaged in this line of activity ever since. He is a man of unusual energy and ability, and one of the representative men of his city and county. He is a stockholder and director in the Essex Coal Company, of Columbus, of which he is also vice-president.

John W. Cottingham, the son of George Wattam and Elizabeth (Larder) Cottingham, was born in Market Rasen, England, in 1865. His parentscame to America in 1871, and with their five children located at Delta, Ohio, where George Cottingham engaged in the manufacture of pearl ash. In addition to his manufacturing interests he was also engaged in farming. George W. Cottingham lived in DeUa, Ohio, for the remainder of his life and became prominently identified with the life of the community. He served as a member of the city council and also held various other official positions. He died in 1903.

John W. Cottingham grew to manhood in Delta, Ohio, and received a good common and high school education. He went to Deshler, Ohio, in the latter eighties, and engaged in the manufacture of pearl ash, in that city. After living there for seven years, he came to Leipsic and, in 1896, built the present electric light plant in this place. He has since been engaged in the furnishing of light and power to the city and private consumers of the city. Mr. Cottingham was married at the age of twenty-three, to Laura Freeman, who was a daughter of James and Julia (Van Swearingen) Freeman, and lived at Delta from the time she was seventeen years of age. She came to Delta from Monte Valley, Missouri, with her mother, who was descended from a Revolutionary soldier, Joseph Van Swearingen, and has a certificate, giving the official verification of her descent. Mr. Freeman's father was a. native of Ireland, and Mr. Freeman, himself, was a merchant in Missouri, until the time of his death. There were five children born to the first marriage of Mr. Cottingham, Frances Elizabeth, the wife of William Thompson, of Springfield, Ohio; Vivian Louise, the wife of Lloyd Holderman, of Leipsic; Marion Agnes, Warner Van Swearingen and Margaret Joyce, the last three children being single and still living with their father in Leipsic. The mother of these five children died in Leipsic, in 1902, and, in 1903, Mr. Cottingham married Catherine Easton Harrison, who was born in Lincoln, England, and is a daughter of Levi and Elizabeth (Cottingham) Harrison. Mr. Cottingham lived in England until her marriage. Three children have been born to this second marriage, Dorris, who died in infancy; Dudley Harrison, and Phyllis Mary Grace.

Mr. Cottingham and his family have a beautiful home in the western' part of Leipsic, where they entertain their many friends with genuine hospitality. He has taken an active part in the civic life of the city and has served on the school board. While living in Deshler, Ohio, he served twoterms in the council of that city. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Cottingham is a member of the Knights of Maccabees. The Cottingham family trace their ancestry back to old Colonial times, when the first members of the family located in New England. Li England, the family had a coat-of-arms, and members of the family in that country still use it.

David Hummon

One of the best-known citizens of Riley township, Putnam county,. Ohio, is David Hummon, who, for sixty-six years, or during his entire life,, has lived in the township of his birth. David Hummon has been influential in the political and civic life of his township, and for many years, served the people of his community in an official capacity, having been identified with the educational interest of the township and entitled today for very much of the credit of the high standard of the public schools of Riley township. As a farmer, David Hummon has been very successful; as a citizen, he is respected and admired by his neighbors; having won a competence in life by his early labors, he is so situated that he may now enjoy the fruits of hisearly labors.

David Hummon was born on July 1, 1849, in Riley township, Putnam Ohio, the son of John and Alary A. ( Wyninger) Hummon. John Hummon was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, in 1815. Both John Hummon a-nd his wife were of German descent and came from Wyandot county to Putnam county, in 1832. John Hummon and his wife were married nine years before coming to Putnam county, where they entered one hundred and ^ixty acres of land and gradually added to their original holdings until, at the time of his death, John Hummon owned fully eleven hundred acres. Throughout his life, John Hummon was an ardent Democrat and was loyal to the Union cause during the dark days of the Civil War and contributed his energies and his money to the support of that cause. John Hummon died on Alarch 6, 1878, in Riley township.

The parents of John Hummon were Simon Peter and Mary (Kerns) Hummon. Simon Peter Hummon was a native of Pennsylvania, a farmer -and a distiller of whiskey and applejack. His wife was a native of Holland, who came to America alone, locating in Kittanning county, Pennsylvania, where she met and married Simon Peter Hummon. Six children were born to this union in Pennsylvania, and four more were born after their arrival in Ohio, in all, there were eight daughters and two sons, one of whom was John Hummon, the father of David, the subject of this sketch.

John Hummon and wife were also the parents of ten children, eight of whom are still living. They are, Levi, born on December 31, 1837; Adam, born on July 31, 1839; George, born on January 24, 1845; Minerva, born -on July 7, 1847, David, the subject of this sketch, and Simon P., born on June 8, 185 1 ; Clara E., born on February 15, 1855; and Ada, born on August 14, 1859, and died in 1888. One son died at the age of thirteen and a daughter at the age of two. The mother of these children died on September 29, 1881. She was a member of the Methodist Protestant church.

David Hummon was born on the old homestead in Riley township, where he now lives. It was the farm which his father entered from the governinent when he came from Wyandot county, Ohio, and consisted originally of one hundred and sixty acres. The present farm consists of one additional acre. Mr. Hummon attended the typical log cabin school and helped his father clear the land. He remained on the old home place until he was twenty-five years old.

David Hummon was married on February 4, 1875, at the age of twentyfive, to Mary E. Wilkins, who was born on December 26, 1851, in Licking Ohio, and who is the daughter of Albert and Harriett (Allison) Wil- kins. Her father was born in Licking county on October 9, 1820, and died in Putnam county, in June, 1890. He was the son of Daniel Wilkins and wife. Harriett Allison was born in New York state, in 1823, and died in Putnam county, in 1893. She was the daughter of Samuel and Bethsheba Allison, who came to Licking county in 1840, where he remained the balance of his Hfe. After his death, his wife returned to New York state, where she died. Samuel Allison and wife had five children, Samuel, Harriett, Rebecca, Isaac and Susan. Mrs. Hummon was one of five children, the others being, Edward M., Daniel F., George R., and Emma R. Mrs. Hummon came from Licking to Putnam county, Ohio, in the fall of 1856 at the age of five years. She was brought to Putnam county with her parents, who came in covered wagons. They settled about two miles south of Gilboa. The old two-roomed log house is still in a good state of preservation. It was on the old homestead that Mary spent her childhood and here she attended the district schools. She remained at home until she was twenty-four years old, at which time she was married.

To Mr. and Mrs. David Hummon, ten children have been born, Everett J., Zoe A., Bertha E., Charles Albert, Maude Velmah, Burl W., Maroa H., Glen Leo, Grover C., and one who died in infancy. Everett J., born on March 19, 1876, married Nellie Schifferly and has had four children, Dwight W. and triplets. Faith, LI ope and Charity, who died at birth; Zoe A., born on May 5, 1878, died on August 10, 1879; Bertha E., born on November 27, 1879, married Floyd Foultz; Charles Albert, born on August 21, 1881, married Verna George and has one child, Genevieve R. ; Maude Velmah, born on March 11, 1883, is single and at home. Burl W., born on February 4, 1887, died on January 26, 1888. Maroa H., born on February 14, 1889, is single and at home; Glen Leo, born on February 14, 1891, married Ida Amstut and has three children, Nevin B., Marvin D. and Marie E. ; Grover C, born on May 8, 1893, is single and at home.

After his marriage, Mr. Hummon continued to live on the old home place. He has always engaged in farming. A few years ago, he made a practice of feeding and raising a great many cattle and hogs, in which occupation he has been very successful.

Mr. Hummon is a Democrat. He has been trustee of Riley township for three years and a member of the school board for several years. He is also a director in the Union Township Insurance Company, where he held this office for ten years. Mr. Hummon attends the United Brethren church, as well as his family, but Mrs. Hummon is a member of the Metho- dist Protestant church. David Hummon is one of the best known and most popular citizens of the community in which he resides. He comes from an. old and highly-honored family and is a progressive citizen, a man of high ideals and in this respect is like so many of his worthy forbearers who. have preceded him.

The success of a man in raising a high-grade of stock depends upon many qualities, but especially upon good judgment and patience. One of the well-known farmers of Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, who has made a splendid success in raising Percheron horses, and who today isregarded as an authority on this particular breed of horses, is E. D. Kohli. Mr. Kohli is one of the men of sterling worth and strength of character, who have contributed so much to the advancement of the commercial interests of Putnam county. So well known has Mr. Kohli become, as an expert judge of horses, that he was called to serve in this capacity at the Sandusky county fair, both in 1913, and in 1914, at the Wood county fair in 1913, at the Van Wert county fair in 1914, and at the Jay county (Indiana) fair m 1913. Mr. Kohli, himself, has won many prizes and is known as a Iman who breeds and raises the very best animals to be found anywhere.

E. D. Kohli was born on October 18, 1860, in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio. He is the son of John and Barbara (Hilty) Kohli. John Kohli was born in 1807, in Berne, Switzerland, and was the son of Frantz Kohli and wife. Frantz Kohli was a tailor in Switzerland, whocame to America, about 1819, with his wife and three children, Elizabeth, John and Christian. All settled in Wayne county, and here Frantz Kohli continued to follow his trade as a tailor. He also operated a farm and lived here for several years. He then moved to Putnam county and settled about one mile west of Pandora. Later, he moved just southeast of Columbus Grove.

John Kohli, his son and the father of E. D., removed with his parents, while still a lad, from Wayne to Putnam county. Here he attended the district school and helped his father on the farm. He was married, first to Fannie Snavely, whose parents came from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. To this union were born six sons and two daughters, Josiah, Samuel, Elizabeth, Andrew, Isaac, John, Eli and Sarah. John Kohli' s first wife died, and he then married Mrs. Barbara (Steiner) Hilty. She had nine children by her first marriage, Gideon, Mary, David, Peter, Barbara, Isaac, Elias, Noah and Fannie. By this second marriage, five children were born, Christian, Daniel, Emanuel, Adam and Amos. The last two died in infancy. John Kohh lived in a number of places in Allen county, and when E. D. "was born, he lived about one mile northwest of Bluffton, in Richland town- -ship. He continued to Hve in this place for ten years. It was here that £. D. Kohli's mother, Barbara, died, when he was five years old. She was forty-five years of age at the time of her death. John Kohli then broke up housekeeping, and the children were placed with difirerent families in the neighborhood. Three years after the wife's death, he gathered five of the youngest children together, Elias and Sarah, born to his first marriage, and Daniel, and E. D., born to his second, and moved south of JVIishawaka, Indiana. Here he located on a farm, but remained there but a few years, when he returned to Allen county, Ohio. He resumed farming, and continued for about two years, when he broke up housekeeping again, and went to live with his eldest son, Josiah. A few months later he died, December 22, 1872.

E. D. Kohli continued to live with his brother until he was fourteen jears of age. He then went to live with his eldest half-sister, Mrs. Mary -(Steiner) Thut. The following spring he went to live with his cousin, Isaac Hilty, for whom he worked at odd times for a period of six years.

E. D. Kohli was married on December 7, 1882, at the age of twentytwo to Sarah Schumacher, the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Suter) Schumacher. Peter Schumacher was a native of Basel, Switzerland, whose family history is to be found in the sketch of Noah Schumacher, contained elsewhere in this volume. His wife was a native of Alsace, and the daughter of Christian Suter.

After his marriage, E. D. Kohli purchased a farm of eighty acres from Jacob and \'irgil Stewart. This farm lies three and one-half miles northeast of Pandora, and consists of eighty acres and has been the home of Mr. Kohli ever since. When he purchased this, only forty-two acres had been cleared, but it had a good two-story house, which was destroyed by fire later. Mr. Kohli cleared the balance of the land and built a splendid modern residence of nine rooms, also a large barn, forty-eight by seventy feet, and other outbuildings.

For twenty-five years Mr. Kohli has been an extensive breeder of thoroughbred Percheron horses, and has been very successful. He has exhibited at the fairs in Putnam and adjoining counties, and has taken a generous share of blue ribbons. He now owns "Roland D.," a three-year-old, weighing about twenty-two hundred and fifty pounds, upon which he won first prize as weanhng stud at the Ilhnois state fair, Springfield, and also first prize as a yearling stallion at the same fair. He also has fourteen other thoroughbred prize-winning stallions, mares and colts.

Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Kohli have been the parents of ten children, all of whom are living. There are six sons and four daughters, as follow: Aldine, married Susan Geiger, and they have three children, Margaret, La- Vaughn, and Mandona, the last of whom died on February 20, 1915; Peter married Rose I<;iene; Elizabeth is the wife of Clare Green; Edward is unmarried, and lives at home; Homer is a student at Ohio State University, where he is taking an electrical engineering course; Hiram Susan, Orlin, Martha, and Odula are at home.

Air. Kohli is a Democrat, but he has never held office, and has never aspired to prominence in political hfe. He is a member of St. John's Mennonite church, and Mrs. Kohh is likewise a faithful and devoted men ber. Mr. Kohli is one of the community's most substantial citizens. He is a man of high ideals, and worthy ambitions, and deserves credit for the success he has made in life.

Edd. B. Simonds

The Simonds family were early pioneer settlers in Putnam county, Ohio, and the father of Edd. B. Simonds was born in the early forties in this county. Mr; Simonds was reared on a farm and has always engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the fall of 1913, he was elected trustee of Van Buren township on the Republican ticket, although his township is normally Democratic. His election speaks well for his reputation as a citizen and attests to his high standing in the community.

Edd. B. Simonds, the son of George W. and Mary E. (Foltz) Simonds, was born in Van Buren township, Putnam county, Ohio, August 13, 1873. His parents reared a family of seven children, four of whom are living, E. B., Wiler W., Mrs. Gertrude Kober, and Mrs. Carrie Shipe.

George W. Simonds, the son of Justice and Lourana Simonds, was born near Gilboa, Putnam county. Ohio, February 28, 1843, and died June 25, 1908. At the age of nineteen he enlisted as a private in Company D, Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio A olunteer Infantry, in which company he served four months. He re-enlisted as a corporal in Company C, Eightyseventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, June 4, 1862, and served with this company three months. He again enlisted as a corporal in Company B, One Hundred and Xinety-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, m ]\Iarch, 1865, from which company he was mustered out on September ii 1865.

George W. Simonds was married on March 19, 1868, to Marv E. Foltz, and in the spring of 1870 he moved to what is now known as the "George Simonds Fami" and remained there until the fall of 1902. In that year they moved to.Leipsic, where he lived the remainder of his life.

Among other offices, George W. Simonds served as township trustee from 1888 to 1892. He was president of the soldiers and sailors' relief commission for ten years, being appointed by Judge Handy. He was elected a director of the Putnam County Fair board in 1904 and was re-elected in 1907. In the same year, he was elected president of the board and again re-elected in 1908. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Church of Christ. In all respects, George W. Simonds was a good citizen, a valiant soldier and a man universally admired and respected on account of his sterling qualities of character. His widow died on February 14, 1914. Edd B. Simonds spent his boyhood days on his father's farm northeast of Leipsic. He attended the common schools of Van Buren township and later took a normal course of two terms at Feipsic. After reaching hismaturity he still remained on the farm and at the age of twenty-five took entire charge of it, his parents moving to Leipsic. He has now been farmmg the old home place for several years, meeting with excellent success in all of his operations.

Mr. Simonds was married on October 29, 1902, to Jennie V Baughman, and to this union three sons haz'e been born, Alton, Clare and' Robert, all of whom are still at home and now attending the public schools.

Mrs. Simonds was born just east of Leipsic, July 15, 1879, and is a daughter of Frank and Mollie Baughman, both of whom were born and reared in Putnam county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Baughman were the parents of three children, George, who married Myrtle Peckenpaugh, and had one daughter; Jennie, the wife of Mr. Simonds, and Delia, who is single and still living at home.

Mr. Simonds has been a stanch supporter of the Republican party since reaching his majority, and is now filling the important office of township trustee, to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citizens. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons at Leipsic, while his church relations are with the Church of Christ, his wife also being a member of this denomination. Mr. Simonds is a wide-awake and energetic citizen and deeply

Theodore Heckman

The present recorder of Putnam county, Ohio, is Theodore Heckman, who was born at Glandorf, this county, and has spent his whole career within its limits. His parents are of German descent, and his father was a blacksmith at Glandorf in this county for many years. Mr. Hackman is an expert blacksmith and was following that line of work when he was elected recorder Putnam county. He has taken an active part in the life of his community ^and has filled various official positions before assuming the duties of the recorder's office.

Theodore Heckman, the son of Henry and Catherine (Evers) Heckman, was born at Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, October 12, 1858. His father was born on October 29, 1830, at Barlo Kreis, Bezirk Borken, Westphalia, Prussia, and came to this country with his parents when he was seventeen years of age. Upon arriving in this country, Henry Heckman learned . the blacksmith trade at Cincinnati, Ohio. From there he went to Glandorf, Putnam county, where he resided until his death, following his trade until 1893, when he retired from active work. Henry Heckman was an industrious man and an expert blacksmith. He was trustee of the present church at Glandorf, which was built in the years 1875 to 1878. Flis wife, Catherine Evers, was born in Germany and arrived in this country with her parents when a young girl, settling at New Cleveland, Ohio. Henry Heckman and Catherine Evers were married on October 23, 1855, and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1905. To this union six children were born, three of whom are still living and residing at Glandorf, Theodore, Mary and Joseph. Mary is the wife of Barney Dr^rup. Two children died in infancy, and William died in 1910 at the age of thirty-nine.

Theodore Heckman grew to maturity at Glandorf and there received his education. While still a lad he began to work with his father in the blacksmith shop and learned the trade thoroughly. He not only acquired the rudiments of blacksmithing, but all of the fine points of the business. He knew how to temper and weld and make edged tools of various kinds. Theodore followed this trade at Glandorf with his father until the latter retired at the age of sixty, after which he operated the shop alone until his election as recorder of Putnam county.

Mr. Heckman has been a life-long Democrat, and has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his party. He was treasurer of Ottawa township for four years, and for the past twenty years has. been a member -of the school board of Glandorf. He has been second secretary of the Glandorf German Building and Loan Association for the past eighteen years. In the fall of 1912 he was elected recorder of Putnam county and took his office in September, 191 3. In the administration of the duties of this important he is exercising the same painstaking and careful attention to details which has characterized his work all through his life.

Mr. Heckman was married, in 1880, to Maria Lehmkuhle, who was born -at Glandorf, and is a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Uphaus) Lehmkuhle. Her parents were of German descent, and both of them grew up in Glandorf. The Lehmkuhle family and the Uphaus family both came from Glandorf, Germany, and located in Putnam county, Ohio, early in its history. To this first union of Mr. Heckman were born four children, Charles, Maggie, Louis and Clara. Charles is in the Bank of Ottawa. He married Dora Unverferth and has two children, George and Margaret. Maggie is the wife of Lawrence Myer, and lives at Lima, Ohio. Louis, who married Sophia Wannamaker, is the principal of the high school at Ottoville, Ohio. Clara is at home with her father. The mother of these four children died in 1897, and two years later Mr. Heckman married Catherine Kerkemeier, who was born at Glandorf, in this county, and is a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Lauf) Kerkemeier. Her father was a carpenter at Glandorf and a native of Germany, as was his wife. To this second marriage have been born three children, Harry, Agnes and Annie.

Henry Kerkemeier, the father of Mrs. Heckman, was born at Delmuck, West Phalen, Prussia, and arrived in America in 1853. His wife, Catherine Lauf, was born in July, 1825, and died in this country March 3, 1912 They lived all their lives in Glandorf, this county. Mr. Kerkemeier built the present church at New Cleveland.

Mr. Heckman and his family are all loyal members of the Catholic church at Glandorf and he is a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio He IS a man universally respected and no official better administers the duties of office than Mr. Heckman. He is essentially a self-made man, and his present prosperity is due to his own efforts.

John Thompson Mallahan

By some power inherent, man is capable of forging ahead in his life's vocation. There are many elements which make for success, of which industry is perhaps the most important. The farmer, especially, must be industrious to succeed. But in these latter days farming, likewise, is dependent upon good management, a knowledge of soil, marketing facilities, prices, skillful rotation of crops, and the raising of good breeds of live stock. John Thompson Mallahan is an enterprising and successful farmer of Riley township and one who has been honored by the citizens of Putnam county and holds the important office of county commissioner. Throughout his career, Mr. Mallahan has been a power in Putnam county politics, and is looked upon today as one of the important leaders in both its civic and social life.

Mr. Mallahan was born on May 27, 1853, in Hancock county. He is the son of Charles F. and Jane (Downing) Mallahan. Charles F. Mallahan was born September 26, 1818, in Fairfield county, Ohio, in a part which later became a part of Franklin county. Charles F. Mallahan was a son of Thompson and Sarah (Clymer) Mallahan, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky, born about 1790. It is supposed that his parents emigrated from Virginia to eastern Kentucky and resided in or near Breathitt county. Thompson Mallahan was a soldier in the War of 1812. After the war, he settled in Fairfield county, where he was married to Sarah Clymer. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom died of cholera. Another died about ten years later. After the cholera epidemic, the remaining three grew to maturity. They were Charles F. Roily, and Nancy, who married John McDowell.

During the cholera epidemic at Columbus, 1832-1833, Thompson Mallahan was one of the first victims. Charles F. Mallahan also suffered an attack of the deadly malady, but survived. About two years later, in 1835, when Charles F. Mallahan was seventeen years old, his mother removed to Hamcock county, where he cared for her and the children. William died here at the age of ten or twelve years. Shortly after moving to Hancock county, Charles F. Mallahan's, mother married Owen Street, by whom two other children were born, Sarah Jane and Louisa. Charles F. Mallahan was married in 1847, when he was twenty-nine years old, to Jane Downing, daughter of John and Mary (Boiler) Downing. John Downing was a na- tive of Kentucky, and his wife, Mary (Boiler) Downnig, a native of Virginia Jane Downing was born on January 25, 1817, in Pike county, Ohio.

After his marriage, Charles F. Mallahan lived on a farm in Union township, Hancock county, three miles north of Mount Cory. Here he lived until 1861, and moved to near Moffit Station. He moved one and onehalf miles west of Benton Ridge on the Ridge road, in 1863, and in 1866 he sold out everything and moved to Kansas. He returned to Hancock county, in 1867, locating three and one-half miles west of Findlay. He moved to the northwest part of Riley township, Putnam county in 1872 where he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land. This was his last residence. He died here on December 30, 1877. Charles F. and Jane Mallahan had five children, Rusena became the wife of John C Lee and died m 1867; David, born 1850, died in infancy; Sarah is unmarried and hves with her brother; John T. is the subject of this sketch. Mary became the wife of Charles F. Alkire. Mrs. Jane (Downing) Mallahan died at her sons home on April 25, 1914, at the ripe old age of ninety-seven years

John Thompson Mallahan remained with his parents during his youth coming with them from Hancock to Putnam county, in 1872 On account of his father's feeble health, John Thompson relieved him of the most arduous duties of the farm.

. 1C7^ ^^^^^^ °^ twenty-two, Mr. Mallahan was married on November 5, 1876, to Rebecca A. Carr, who was born on November 7, 1856 Pleasant township. She is the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Sawmiller) Carr Jacob was born in Ross county, Ohio, June 9, 1819, and died in Putnam county. Ohio, November 21, 1910. His wife was born on April 9 1821 in Pennsylvama, and died on August 13, 1909,- in Putnam county

After his marriage, Mr. Mallahan continued to make his residence at the old home place. He had practical charge of operating the farm which was divided, John Thompson retaining that portion on which the old home place is located, and as a farmer has prospered. A few years ago he was a successful breeder of Poland-China hogs. He and his associate George W. Pope were the first stock men to introduce thoroughbred Poland- China hogs in Putnam county. Until recently he has been a successful breeder of cattle for the market. ^uccessiui

Mr. and Mrs. John Thompson Mallahan have six children, Norval E was born on August 11, 1877; Chloe L. was born on December 30, IB78- Mary Jane, born on January 24, 1881, is the wife of C. A. Countryman.' They have one child, Lucile; Florence C, born on August 23, 1885, is unmarried and lives at home; Charles F., born on March 14, 1887, married

Throughout his Hfe, Mr. Mallahan has been a Democrat. He has served as commissioner of Putnam county for seven years and has discharged the duties of this office in a highly satisfactory manner. He also served as justice of the peace for three years, and was a member of the school board for several years. He was a member of the Putnam county agricultural board for fifteen years, and for four years of this time served as vice-president. For five years he was president of this body. Mr. Mallahan attends the Methodist Protestant church, of which Mrs. Mallahan is a devoted member. Pie is a member of No. 325, Free and Accepted Masons, of the Chapter No. 125, of the Council No. 69. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 565, at Ottawa.

John Thompson Mallahan is one of Putnam county's most prominent and substantial citizens, a man well and favorably known, as is evidenced by the numerous offices conferred upon him by the people. Mr. Mallahan was one of the organizers of the Mutual Telephone Company in 1903. He has been president of this company until quite recently, and is still a director in the company. Mr. Mallahan has also been one of the organizers of the Assembly of Mutual Telephone Companies, composed of thirty-two mutual telephone companies, the object of which is to conserve the interests of the different companies and to secure better and more adequate longdistance sen'ice. Mr. Mallahan has been secretary of this organization since its formation, in 1904.

John Franklin Carver

A resident of Putnam county, Ohio, since 1880, John Franklin Carver has been engaged in agricultural pursuits since that year. He rented the farm on which he is now living for a few years and then purchased it and has made extensive improvements since acquiring it.

John Franklin Carver, the son of Gilbert and Rebecca (Nutt) Carver, was born near Delta, Fulton county, Ohio, August 17, 1857. His father was born in New York state, December 29, 1831, and died in Fulton county, December 16, 1880. Gilbert Carver was the son of A. B. Cancer, and at the age of seven moved with his parents to Hillsdale, Michigan, where his father, A. B. Carver, entered government land and lived the remainder of his days.

Gilbert Carver was educated in Michigan and attended the primitive log school houses which were in use in his day. When he was about twentytwo years of age, Gilbert Carver came to Fulton county, Ohio, and married Rebecca Nutt, who was born in England in May, ' 1838, and died in F"ebruary, 1902. She was a daughter of John Nutt and came to America, at the age of twelve, with her parents.

Before settling in Fulton county, Gilbert Carver enlisted in the Sixtyseventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served during the Civil War. He spent the remainder of his life in Fulton county. He farmed in a number of places and finally settled in Swan Creek township, where he owned one hundred and twenty acres of excellent land at the time of his death. Gilbert Carver and wife were the parents of seven children, John F., Leipsic, Ohio; Louis N., Fulton county; Clara, deceased, who was the wife of Charles Urbin; George William, of Mt. Gilead, Ohio; Albert, of Toledo; Emma, the wife of Arthur Raker, of Fulton county, and Charles Frederick, of Rose City, Michigan.

John Franklin Carver was reared on his father's farm and attended the neighboring schools. After his marriage he located in Fulton county, but two years later, in the fall of 1880, he moved to Putnam county, where he rented a farm seven miles northeast of Leipsic. Nine years later he bought this same farm and has since made it his residence.

Mr. Carver was married to Elizabeth Urbin, who was born on March 16, 1858, near Findlay, Ohio. She is a daughter of Andrew and Barbara Urbin, natives of Saxony, Germany, who came to America in 1848 and settled in Findlay, Ohio, living there until their death. Andrew Urbin was an expert stock raiser, his specialty being hogs and horses. Mr. Carver and wife are the parents of five children, four of whom are living, Cora A., Ora May and Rolla J. Cora A. is the wife of Elmer Otto, a farmer of this county, and has five children, Irwin, Hester, Warren, Wanita and Rolla. Ora mIv is the wife of Clyde Pickens, a farmer of this county, and has five children, Raymond, Vernon, James, Florence and Ernest. Rolla J. married Edith Baker, and has two children, Elizabeth and F^orothy; Albert married X'urah Hook, and has one child, Inez. Albert farms the home place.

Rolla J. Carver is a graduate of the Ohio State University, ^^'here he took the course in veterinary science. A few years ago he received an appointment in a minor position in the food inspection department of the city of Columbus, Ohio, and in this position he demonstrated his ability to such an advantage that in a short time he was promoted to the position of chief of the food inspection department with a large force of assistants under him. To his skill, in this important position, depends to a very large degree the health of the people of Columbus.

John F. Carver is a stanch Republican, but has never been an aspirant for public office. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Belmore. He holds his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife is a member of the Lutheran denomination. His eldest daughter. Myrtle, died in infancy.

David H. Carr

In examining the hfe records of self-made men, it will invariably be found that indefatigable industry has constituted the basis of their success. True, there are other elements which enter into and conserve the advancement of their personal interests, such as perseverance, discrimination and the mastering of expedients, but the foundation of all achievements is earnest, persistent labor. At the outset of his career, David H. Carr recognized this fact. He has never sought any royal road to success and independence, but has worked earnestly and diligently to advance himself, which result is obvious. Mr. Carr is now numbered among the most substantial farmers of Putnam county, and, aside from his extensive property interests, he has a beautiful farm and a large modern residence and barn, as weh as other buildings in keeping with his general improvements.

Mr. Carr was born in Eden township, Licking county, Ohio, August 10, 1832. He is the son of Thomas and Mary (Shannon) Carr. Thomas Carr was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, 1798, and came to Ohio in the early days. When a young man he settled in Licking county. Here he was married to Mary Shannon, daughter of William Shannon and wife. To this union were born ten children, Susan, William, Mary, all' of whom died in childhood; another child also died in infancy; Rachel, now deceased, was the wife of Hartford Harmon; David H. is the subject of this sketch; Eliza is the wife of Michael Eck; Chambers was the next child born; Rebecca is the wife of Simon Sherman; Nancy is the wife of John Leffler.

In the fall of 1853, Thomas Carr moved from Licking county to Putnam county and located in Liberty township, five miles northwest of Leipsic.

Here he purchased eighty acres of WilHam Beckford. The purchase price was a horse and two hundred dollars in money. Part of this farm Mr. Carr later sold, and the remainder he traded for a house in the old town of Leipsic. He traded this property for a residence in the new town of Leipsic and here he lived until his death, about 1880.

When David H. Carr's parents were living in Liberty township, he made a trip to Indiana and Iowa for a horse. He went to twelve miles south of Ft. Wayne on horse-back and from there to Rock Island, Illinois, by train, thence by stage to Des Moines and returned. He made this trip Math a cousin, who was one his way to Des Moines to buy a farm. Failing to find the kind of place they wanted, they returned to Ft. Wayne and it is here that David H. Carr worked for some time at a shingle factory to earn money to enable himself to return home.

When David H. Carr was twenty-three years old, he was married to Lydia Rotheri. The marriage took place in the winter of 1855-56. His ivife was born on February 20, 1840. She died on October 19, 1889. She was the daughter of David and Barbara Rothen, who were natives of Berlin, Germany. They came to America after their marriage and settled in Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio. Here David Rothen entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government. He also purchased other land until he owned two hundred and eighty acres. He and his wife were the parents of six children, Maria, Jane, Lydia, Theophilus, Benjamin and Persius.

After his marriage, Mr. Carr farmed the place of his wife's mother for five or six years. Mr. Carr and his brother-in-law, William Altman, then went to Kalida, which was the county seat at that time, and purchased a farm of eighty acres, sold by the sheriff for seven hundred dollars. Each took a half interest, or forty acres. Each then built a log cabin and engaged in farming.

David H. Carr and wife had three children, Mary Jane, Thomas J. and Barbara Ellen. After the Civil War broke out and in the fall of 1862, Mr. Carr entered the Union army with Company K, Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was attached to the Army of the Tennessee under General Rosencrans and participated in the battle of Stone's River and the campaign against General Bragg. He was mustered out at Dekert's Station, Tennessee, in the fall of 1863, after which he returned home. He continued to improve his farm and also rented some additional land to farm while he was clearing his own land. He purchased eighty acres one and one-fourth miles northwest of the home place and then purchased forty acres to the west of his first forty acres. He then bought his brother-inlaw's place and had at this time two hundred acres in all. Later, he built his present residence on the last forty acres. In the meantime he had built a large barn. Afterward he traded his eighty-acre tract to the northwest side of his farm, for forty acres west of the north side. He received sixteen, hundred dollars in cash and a twenty-acre wheat crop. This gave him one hundred and sixty acres, all in one tract.

Subsequently, eight more children were born to Mr. Carr and wife,. Theophilus L., Persius, Julia, Lucy and William Garfield; Lucy died at theage of three years; William Garfield, the only one of the children at home, married Eva Deitler, daughter of George and Marie (Amstutz) Deitler, both of whom were natives of Switzerland. They came to America and settled as Muskegon, Michigan, about 1883. The other children were: Mary Jane,. Thomas J. and Barbara Ellen.

David H. Carr has always done general farming and has been very successful in this vocation. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic of Robert Hamilton Post No. 62, and in politics is an ardent Republican. He is a progressive farmer, a man of the highest ideals and of worthy ambitions.

William Alexander Bell

The first member of the Bell family came to Ottawa, Putnam county,. Ohio, in the early forties. ^ The grandfather of William Alexander Bell was in the War of 1812, and started a shoe shop in Ottawa during the early forties, where he lived the remainder of his life. However, William A. Bell was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, but has lived in this county since 1855, and most of the time he has lived in or near Leipsic. He has been engaged in farming and merchandising in Leipsic, although within the last, few years he has given all of his attention to insurance. Mr. Bell remembers when the present site of Leipsic was covered with timber, swamps, and he himself farmed the land from Easton street west. In those early days, hoop-poles, squirrels and wild game were the medium of exchange, and live stock had to be driven on foot to Findlay for market.

William Alexander Bell, the son of Alexander and Eleanor (White) Bell, was born in 1852, in Sheffield, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. His father was a son of George Bell, who came from Scotland to New York and later to Pennsylvania, where he was living at the time of the War of 1812.

William A. Bell

He joined a Pennsylvania regiment and helped to cut the Perrysburg road, between St. Marys and Fort Meigs, Ohio, and helped to build Fort Meigs! In the early forties George Bell located in Ottawa, Putnam county, Ohio, where he engaged in the shoemaker's trade. Later he moved to West Leipsic and spent most of the remainder of his life in that place. He entered a tract of government land a mile and a half north of Leipsic and lived on it a part of the time, dying on his farm in 1856. George Bell's wife was Mary ;\IcKinley, a member of the same family as the President.

Alexander Bell was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1816, and was married, in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, to Eleanor White, a native of that county. She was born in 18 14. Alexander Bell, like his father, was a shoemaker, and also operated a hotel at Sheifield. A_ year before his father's death, in 1855, Alexander Bell came to Putnam county and located on the farm where his father died a year later. He then remained on this, farm until the Civil War. He moved to Leipsic and went into the shoemaking business. He employed several men making boots and shoes to order and conducted a shoe shop the remainder of his life. He took an active interest in local public affairs, and held various official positions. Pie died in 1888, and his wife passed away the following year. Alexander Bell was a very energetic and public-spirited man, and during the war organized two separate companies of one hundred men each. He could not go himself on account of his age, although he sent two of his sons, Arthur and George, tothe front. William A. was not old enough to go, but he assisted his father m_ haulmg wood, flour, potatoes and provisions of various kinds to the war widows in the county.

William A. Bell has lived in or around Leipsic since he was three years of age. He operated the home farm until 1887, and then moved to Leipsic and opened the Nickel Plate House and managed it until 1889 He then spent a year in the lumber business, after which he was in a grocery for five years. He then sold his grocery and went into partnership in another grocery store with Charles C. Huber. He disposed of his interests in the Grocery store and engaged in the insurance business with John D. Hyde in 1808 Three years later Mr. Hyde was succeeded in the firm by A A SlavbauHi' and Mn Bell and Mr. Slaybaugh have since continued in ^artntht ' past eight years. He has been a life-long Republican and was formerly acive in his party, serving as a committeeman for ten years. During the past

Mr. Bell was married in 1875 to Olive S. McConnell, who was born south of Leipsic and is a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Lowry) McConnell. Her parents came to this county from near Youngstown, Ohio, during the early fifties, and her father farmed south of Leipsic the remainder of his life. The first wife of Mr. Bell died in 1897, leaving three children, Effa, William Clayton and Fred Mark. Effa is the wife of Wesley Lewis, of Leipsic; William C, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, married Nina Foltz, and has two children, Mary and William; Fred Mark makes his home at Leipsic, where he is employed by the Nickel Plate Railway Company.

Mr. Bell was married again in 1899, to Lillie B. King, who was born at Ligonier, Indiana, and is a daughter of Isaac and Christina (Gerber) King. She lived in Ligonier until the time of her marriage and her father is still farming at that place. To the second marriage of Mr. Bell have been born four children, Gertrude, Eleanor, George Alexander and Robert L.

Mr. Bell is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was a United Presbyterian until that organization was abandoned at Leipsic, when he became affiliated with the Lutheran church, his wife being a member of that church. Mr. Bell has an unusually good memory, and having been a witness of the growth of Leipsic from its earliest history, is one of the best-informed men in the city on the early life of the community. He spent about three weeks in the county recorder's office, helping to straighten out the plats and of town lots, which were vague and contradictory. He was probably the best man in the city to do this work, in view of the fact that he had personal knowledge of nearly every lot in the city. Mr. Bell is an energ-etic and wide-awake citizen and deeply interested in the welfare of the community where he has spent his whole life.

Peter P Lugibihl

The province of Alsace, formerly a part of France, but now a part of Germany, and at the present time one of the battle grounds of the greatest war of history, which may any week again change the sovereignty of the province, has produced many of America's most valued citizens. The natives of that province came, many of them, during the early pioneer days and played important parts in the development of this country. From their ranks have sprung representatives of every important branch of human .endeavor. They have produced famous artists, noted engineers and eminent professional men of every type. From them have also sprung many of the most expert and successful farmers, to whom the country has been, and yet is, deeply indebted for much of its prosperity. The pioneers from Alsace paved the vi^ay and laid the foundation, and their descendants have most ably builded on those same foundations until today they are found, worthy sons of worthy fathers, occupying places in the forefront of all branches of American life. And in this respect Putnam county, Ohio, has been fortunate indeed, counting among its prized citizens many of Alsatian descent, among which the Lugibihl family ranks second to none in point of value to the community.

Peter P. Lugibihl, the subject of this sketch, was born in Rilev township, Putnam county, August 19, 1867, a son of Christian and Mary (Schumacher) Lugibihl. 'Christian Lugibihl, was born in Riley township on March 16, 1847, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Lugibihl, Sr. Mrs. Lugitihl's maiden name was Hilty.

Christian Lugibihl, Sr., was born in Bel fort, Alsace, France, and passed his youth in that province, where he became a veterinary surgeon of the type which were called, in those days, by the more rugged title of "horse doctors." He came to America in 1835 or 1836 in company with his wife and his brother, John. They settled first in Holmes county, Ohio, but shortly afterward moved to Riley township, Putnam county, where Christian Lugibihl entered three hundred and twenty acres of government land, situated about two miles east of Pandora. It was there that Peter P. Lugibihl's father grew up on the old homestead, one of nine children. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lugibihl, were: Magdalene, Catherine, David, John, Elizabeth, Christian, Adam, Barbara and Mary. Mr. Lugibihl died about 1853, when Christian, Jr., was about six years of age. Mrs. Lugibihl lived only a short time after her husband's death.

After his mother died. Christian Lugibihl, Jr., was taken by his mother's sister, Elizabeth (Elsie) Geiger, who lived about four miles east of Columbus Grove, at that time in Putnam county, but which later became a part of Richland township, Allen county. Mr. Lugibihl remained with his aunt's family until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he learned the carpenter's trade and worked in various sections of the neighborhood. While living with his aunt, he attended one of the typical log-cabin schools and assisted in the work about the farm. During that time he helped in making the home-made bricks of which his aunt's second home was built.

was born in Richland township, Allen county, March 10, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Suter) Schumacher. Both of Mrs. Lugibihl's parents were of pioneer stock. After their marriage they lived for a short time on the old homestead. Then, when their own home had been finished, on a section of eighty acres of the homestead, Mr. Lugibihl took up the vocation of farming. He later bought from his sisters eighty acres, thus making his holdings total one hundred and sixty acres.

Mr. and Mrs. Christian Lugibihl had eleven children, who were : Peter P., the subject; Benjamin Franklin; Susan and Lydia, both of whom died in childhood ; Martha, Elizabeth, Gideon, Mary, Alvin, David and Orville.

Peter P. Lugibihl spent his childhood on the west eighty of the old homestead, where he attended the district school. He then took a preparatory course of three terms at Angola, Indiana, after which he taught school for two years. When he was twenty-three years of age, March 10, 1892,, he married Catherine (Katie) Gilliom, who was born on October 6, 1870, in Adams county, Indiana, a daughter of John and Mary (Sprunger) Gilliom.

After his marriage, Mr. Lugibihl rented a house on Benjamin Schumacher's farm and, in the following spring, he and Daniel 'Schumacher rented the George Dukes farm, in Riley township, about four miles east of Pandora. Lhe farm consisted of two hundred and sixty acres, which the two men farmed on a partnership basis for the following four years. At the end of that period, Mr. Lugibihl moved to the northeast eighty of the old Lugibihl homestead, where he has since made his home. He has developed the farm along lines of general farming, but has specialized in the raising and feeding of hogs for market, a line of business in which he has met with marked success.

To Mr. and Mrs. Peter P- Lugibihl nine children have been born, as follow ; Edna Marie, Sylvia X'iola, Lydia Ann, Raymond Gilliom, Ralph La Verne, Eldon Paul, Christian John, Treva Marcella, all of whom live at home, and Mary Catherine, who died in infancy.

Mr. Lugibihl is a supporter of the Democratic party and has always taken an intelligent interest in the political affairs of his community. He has served one term as county assessor, the duties of which office he discharged with great success.

He is very prominent in all local affairs and is identified with some of the community's most important business enterprises. He is an appraiser for the Mennonite Mutual Aid Society, a fire insurance company; is secre- tary of the farmers" institute, and is also president of the Mutual Telephone Company, in which company he was elected a director, last year.

Mr. and Mrs. Lugibihl and their three oldest daughters are members the Grace Mennonite church, in which they are all active supporters and earnest workers.

Mr. Lugibihl is an energetic, progressive farmer and a prominent and influential citizen. He is a man of high principles and stands well in his -community, both as a citizen and as a man.