Ottawa Township (part 9 of 23)

Shortly after his second marriage, Jeremiah came to Columbus Grove, Ohio, and lived here two years when he again moved to a farm in Sugar Creek township. He farmed this until 1876, when he sold it and purchased a forty-acre tract in Pleasant township, where he farmed for some time. Subsequently, he sold out and moved back to Columbus Grove, where he spent his remaining days. Jeremiah was a Democrat and, although not active, was called upon to serve as trustee of Sugar Creek township for two terms. He was also infirmary director for several years and a member of the school board. In his earlier days, he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Ottawa, Ohio. He was a deacon and active at the time of his death in the New School Baptist church. He died on February 2, 1894.

James Rimer, the father of Clement C, spent his boyhood days on the homestead farm in Sugar Creek township. He left home in 1864 to learn the carpenter trade at Columbus Grove. Aside from one year spent at his trade at Belle fontaine, Ohio, he has been actively engaged in his trade at Columbus Grove since that time. He was married on November 23, 1865, to Lucinda Nichols, daughter of Edward and Margaret (Erwin) Nichols. Edward Nichols was born in Licking County, Ohio, July 4, 1824, and was a life-long farmer. He came to Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, with his parents, when he was twelve years old. He died on May 3, 1863, at the age of thirty-nine. His wife, Margaret (Erwin) Nichols, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, February 17, 1818, and died on the homestead farm in Union township on October 2, 1893, at the age of seventyfive. Edward Nichols and wife had ten children: Mrs. Martha Holt, of Columbus Grove; Lucinda, who was born in Pleasant township, October 8, 1846, and who spent her childhood days in Union township; Joseph lives in Paulding county ; Mrs. Anna Best lives in Union township ; Amos also lives in Union township; Mrs. Hetty Martin lives at Dundee, Michigan; the seventh child died in infancy; Mrs. Jane Anderson lives at Marion, Indiana;

To Mr. and Mrs. James Rimer five children have been born. One died in infancy; Mrs. Louis Miller lives in Columbus Grove; Mrs. John Davis lives at Lima, Ohio; Clement C. is the subject of this sketch; Emory lives at Whitehouse, Ohio.

James Rimer is considered a master mechanic at his trade. He has erected many edifices in Putnam county which are still standing as an evidence of his good work. Previous to his coming to Columbus Grove in 1895, he farmed a small tract in Union township, but followed his present trade, likewise. He owns property in Columbus Grove and is still active as a carpenter. He is a member of Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 464, at Columbus Grove. He served six years as trustee of Union township, from 1889 to 1895. Foi" several years he was a school director and was for one term a member of the town council. He is not active in politics at this time. He is a member of the Presbyterian church where he is an active elder. For many years he was a trustee of the church, but' he has not been active for the past six years. All the family are Presbyterians.

Clement C. Rimer spent his boyhood days in Columbus Grove and on the homestead farm. He was educated in the township schools and in the Columbus Grove high school. He spent one year, 1892- 1893, ^^ Ada College and taught school in the township for three years after leaving Ada, attending the summer terms there while teaching. He began reading law under W. C. Tingle and completed the study in the law offices of S. Sanders, of Columbus Grove. Mr. Rimer was admitted to the bar in June, 1902, and immediately opened a law office at Columbus Grove, where he is now active and where he is one of the leading attorneys of the town. He became solicitor of the village, after passing the bar examination, and holds this, office at the present time. He was elected justice of the peace, at the age of twenty-one, and served six yars. He was also township clerk for about eight years and filled both offices with credit to himself and to the township and the town. He is now legal adviser to the school board and holds other important positions of responsibility.

Mr. Rimer was married on June 24, 1897, to Miss Ida Swanger, daughter of John and Leah (Kissell) Swanger. To this union three children have teen born, Gladys, Helen and Ruth, who are all at home.

Mr. Rimer has always been an active Democrat. He took a strenuous part during Bryan's first campaign, having been called upon to take the stump for that distinguished politician at the age of twenty-one years. He has been a vital factor in all the campaigns since that time and has always responded to his party's call, working hard for victory. He has stumped Putnam and other counties, having been sent out by the state committee. Mr. Rimer is a member of the Knights of Pythias, though not active at the present time. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church. Clement C. Rimer is a pleasing young man with a quiet, unassuming manner, frank in all his business dealings and a man well liked in the community for his tenacity of purpose and high ideals.

John Donaldson

Among the prosperous farmers of Putnam county who have built up comfortable homes and surrounded themselves with the comforts of life, none has attained a higher degree of success than John Donaldson, of Monroe township, Putnam county. With few opportunities, except what his own efforts and those of his wife were capable of mastering, and with many difficulties to overcome, he has made a success of life, and in so doing has earned the universal respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. He is a man of tireless energy and' strong courage, and a man whose career shows that he is an able and conscientious worker. As a citizen, he has been public-spirited and enterprising to an exceptional degree; as a friend and neighbor, he has combined those qualities of head and heart which have won confidence and commanded respect. His life is a splendid example of what an American youth, plentifully endowed with common sense and determination, can accomplish.

John Donaldson was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, August 20, 1850, the son of Aaron and Sarah A. (Swayze) Donaldson, the former of' whom was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 18 10, and the latter born in the same county, December 20, 1827. Aaron Donaldson was the son of John Donaldson, who was born in Maryland, in 1784, and who came with his father to Ohio, about 1805. John Donaldson married Mary Grubb, in 1809. He was a captain in the War of 18 12, a Democrat in politics, and, for twentyone years, a justice of the peace in his township. He died at the age of sixty-four years. His wife was born in 1790, and died at the age of eightytwo.

Lavina, Jacob, William and Henry. The children of Aaron and Sarah A. Donaldson were Owen, born on June 22, 1849, who lives at Dupont, Ohio; John, the subject of this sketch; Rosalie, born on October 4, 1852, married a Mr. Shiver and lives in Monroe township; Aaron, born on December 13, 1854, died in 1910; Jacob S., born on January 31, 1857, lives in Michigan;. Hester Ann, born on June 17, 1859, deceased; Ira, born on May 30, 1861,, who is a farmer in Monroe township; Asa, born on September 26, 1863, who lives in Continental, where he is a rural mail carrier and owns a farm in Monroe township; William, born on March 14, 1866, who lives on a farm in Greensburg township.

John Donaldson was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools of Ohio. Early in life, he learned the carpenter's trade, although he never devoted much time or attention to his skill in this direction, except toerect his own buildings and what assistance he gave the neighbors when needed.

Mr. Donaldson was married on October 27, 1872, to Mary A. Wood,, born on July i, 1850, in Perry county, Ohio, and the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Yarger) Wood. The parents of Mrs. Donaldson were married in Perry county, where Joseph Wood was a farmer. The Wood family removed to Putnam county in 1862, and became prominently identified witlt the agricultural interests of this section of the state of Ohio. Joseph Woodwas a Jacksonian Democrat.

Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. John Donaldson,, Chester H., a rural mail carrier, of Continental, Ohio, who married Belle McKibbens, and has three children, Madge, Beatrice and Ruth; Cora M., who married William Moorehead, a farmer of Monroe township, and has two children, Paul and Erma; Alma L., who married Delbert Rockey, a farmer of Monroe township, and has one child, Ray; Harvey C, a farmer of Monroe township, who married Gertrude Hall and has four children, Zola, deceased; Dathia, Walter and Gale; Lillie B., deceased; Mary A., whomarried Mallie Daub and has one daughter, Maxine; and Lester, who isdeceased.

Mr. Donaldson's father, Aaron Donaldson, died on September 24, 1880, and his mother, who was born on December 20, 1827, died in the sprino- of 191 1, at the age of eighty- four years.

John Donaldson has been identified with the agricultural interests of Monroe township for many years. He has lived upon the farm, which he now occupies, practically the entire time since his marriage. The farm originally comprised eighty acres, but Mr. Donaldson has added forty acres- more to this farm, four acres being consumed in railroad property. His son, Harvy C, now lives upon the farm of eighty acres, went in partnership Avith his father, and has built a new home, which is one of the finest in the township. Much of Mr. Donaldson's land has been cleared, drained and improved by his own efforts. He is a good farmer and bears an exceptional reputation throughout Monroe township, where he is so well known.

Mr. Donaldson was formerly a Democrat of the Jacksonian type, and has always taken an active interest in political matters. He has been a stanch of the Socialist party since 1900. Mr. Donaldson has attended the Christian church and contributes to the support of this church He was formerly a member of the Grange, but this organization is no longer in existence. Not only is John Donaldson a good farmer, but he is a man for his upright character. He is a lover of his home, a kind father irugal and saving m his habits, yet, progressive in all of his ideas

William N. Curtis

It IS a well-recognized fact that the most powerful influence in shaping and controlling public life is the press. It reaches a greater number of people than any other agency, and thus has always been, and, in the hands of persons competent to direct it, always will be a most important factor in molding public opinion and in shaping the destiny of the nation. The gentleman, to a brief review of whose life these lines are devoted, is commonly connected with the journalism of Putnam county, and at this time is the editor and publisher of the Kalida Record, at Kalida, Ohio, one of the most popular papers of Putnam county, comparing favorably with the best local newspapers m this section of the state in news, editorial ability and mechanical -execution.

William N. Curtis, the editor of the Kalida Record, was born on May Y' 'f^''"" ^' ?°y' New York. He is the son of Horace and Catherine (iaate) Curtis, both of whom are natives of New York state.

Horace Curtis was engaged in the lumber business at Le Roy with his brother Stephen, and established one of the first packing houses in New York state, in conjunction with the lumber industry. They also dealt exten sively m hides. Horace Curtis lived in Le Roy until his death. His widow still lives there with two daughters, Mildred and Beatrice.

the age of fifteen he was apprenticed as a prmter. After learning this trade, he worked at various places. He came to Kalida in 1910, and purchased the Kalida Record, which he has developed into one of the most substantial and authoritative weeklies in Putnam county. It is independent in politics and stands fearlessly for the best interests of the community. Its circulation has grown very much under the management of Mr. Curtis.

WilHam W. Curtis was married in December, 1892, to Daisy M. Tompkins, of Pavilion, New York. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Tompkins, of that place. W. H. Tompkins is a prominent farmer and merchant of Pavilion. To this happy marriage one child, Carl, has been born, in 1895. He has also learned the printer's trade and works for his father. He confines his attention to the reportorial end of the newspaper.

Mr. Curtis does a big job printing business and also does printing for many theatrical and show companies, which has earned for him the title of "Curtis, the Show Printer." Likewise Mr. Curtis is referred to as "Curtis, the Square Deal Printer."

Since coming to Putnam county, and establishing himself in business at Kalida, Mr. Curtis has built up an enviable reputation in this community. He is honored and respected by all of the citizens and thoroughly merits their esteem.

Harry L. Hoffman

Among the younger business men of Leipsic, is Harry L. Hoffman, the popular proprietor of a model drug store, who has a well-established reputation for integrity and square dealing, and who displays business acumen to a marked degree. He has already made a success of life, and the future promises to be very bright for this young man.

Mr. Hoffman was born on October 25, 1886, in Bluffton, Allen county, Ohio, and is the son of Thomas J. and Emma (Ludwig) Hoffman, who are the parents of the following seven children : Harry L., Mrs. Callie Crawfis, of Leipsic; Clara, at home; May, at home; Frank teaches school at Bradner, Ohio ; Clarence is a clerk in the Leipsic postoffice, and Charles lives at home.

A native of Burwick, Seneca county, Ohio, Thomas J. Hoffman was born on January 26, 1852, the son of George W. and Lydia (Anderson) Hoffman, the former of whom was born in Fredericktown, Maryland, in 1820, and died in 1894. The latter was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, and died in i860. George W. Hoffman came with his parents to Seneca county, Ohio, when he was eight years of age, and settled in Putnam county on January i, 1864. He was a farmer and fruit grower, who found success, as a result of hard work. His son, Thomas, was educated in the common schools of Leipsic and, in 1871, began clerking for S. Young, continuing so for nme years. Two more years he clerked and then entered the general msurance business, which he followed for about three years, at the same time selhng sewing machines. At the end of this period he entered the poultiy busmess and became manager of the West Leipsic Poultry Company, which position he retained for twelve years. During the last few years he has been engaged in the buying, selling, and shipping of poultry _ Thomas Hoffman is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and m politics, he IS an active Democrat, having been appointed a justice of the peace^a member of the school board, and presiding judge on the election board. He IS a progressive, enterprising man who holds an enviable position m his community. -

The mother of Harry L. Hoffman is a native of Bloomsbufg, Pennsylvania, and was born on September 12, 1857, the daughter of John Ludwig a native of Bluffton, Ohio. Emma Ludwig came to Bluffton when she was one year old. Her father was a successful farmer, and he died at the ripe age of eighty years at the home of his son-in-law, Thomas Hoffman

The boyhood days of Harry Hoffman were spent in Putnam county He graduated from the Leipsic high school in 1904, and in 1909 he graduated from the Ada College of Pharmacy. Mr. Hoffman passed the examination of the Ohio state board of pharmacy in 1910, and became a registered^pharmacist, after which time he traveled as salesman for one vear for the Toledo Pharmacal Company. Then he came to Leipsic and bought of

M ^'«"''" *' '*°'" ^"°^" ^' *^ D- S. Schweister stand. Mr. Hoffman carries a full line of drugs, stationery and sundries, and well deserves the liberal patronage which is accorded him.

Pythias affiliating with the Leipsic lodge. His college fraternity was Theta Nu Epsilon, and he belonged to the Omicon-Omicon chapter of Ada, Ohio. As do the others of his family, Mr. Hoffman belongs to the Methodist Evangelical church. With splendid ideals, an active and receptive mind, and with a full understanding of his business, Mr. Hoffman stands as a very creditable representative of the newer element in American business. Mr Hoffman s wmnmg personality has won him a host of friends, who fully appreciate the sterling virtues which are embodied in him.

William Borgelt

The gentleman of whom the biographer now writes is widely known and one of the honored citizens of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. For more than half a century he has lived in this county and has been a valued factor in the development of the same, and prominently identified with the various interests of his community. His well-directed energies, in the practical affairs of hfe, his capable management of his own business interests, and his sound judgment, have demonstrated what may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition, who, persevering often in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, proves that he is the possessor of those qualities which never fail to bring success, if properly directed. Mr. Borgelt is, in every respect, a representative citizen of Pleasant township.

William Borgelt was born on March 4, 1861, in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of William and Tracy (Slater) Borgelt. A complete parental history of Mr. Borgelt appears elsewhere in this volume in the life history of Herman Borgelt, a brother of William.

William Borgelt spent his boyhood days on the home farm in Ottawa township, Putnam county, just north of his present farm. He was educated in the public schools of this township and assisted his father on the farm until his marriage.

Mr. Borgelt was married in November, 1887, to Mary Nartker, the daughter of Ferdinand and Mary (Feltman) Nartker. To this happy union, two children, Fred and Albert, have been born, both of whom are at home.

Two years after Mr. Borgelt's marriage, he removed to his present farm. He first purchased twenty acres, all green and brush land. This land was cleared and ditched and many improvements were made upon it. Mr. Borgelt built his present residence and barn in 1905. He has a fine large barn and a modern home, all of which makes an ideal country place. Mr. Borgelt has added one hundred and eighty-five acres to his original twenty acres and is now farming two hundred and five acres, one hundred and twenty-five acres of which lies across the road in Union township. Eighty acres are in Pleasant township and here the buildings are situated.

Mr. Borgelt is a member of the Knights of Columbus, at Ottawa, Ohio. He is a member of the Glandorf Catholic church as is also his family. They are devout members of this church and contribute liberally to its support. Mr. Borgelt is a stanch Democrat, although he has never been active in the councils of his party and has never held office. He is a plain, ^ood-natured man, a lover of his home and family and a hard worker.

He takes a great interest in his farm and stands high in the community as a progressive and enterprising citizen. He belongs to the great Germanic race which has given so many substantial citizens to this country, and especially to Putnam county, Ohio. Mr. Borgelt is possessed of all the good traits of this great race.

Hiram M. Summers

Among those men of high personal attainment and exalted character who have reflected honor on Putnam county, and at the same time have attained a commendable position among "their fellow men is Hiram M Summers, a well-known lawyer and abstracter of Ottawa, Ohio. Hiram M Summers is a man, who, in every walk of life, has performed his full part' He has given his unreserved support to every movement in behalf of the welfare of the public and his daily life has been such as to earn the confidence and goodwill of his neighbors and fellow-townsmen. Mr. Summers has filled a large place in the ranks of active, energetic and public-spirited citizens of his day and generation.

Hiram M Summers was born on April 26, 1865, at Kalida. He is^ the son of William Patrick and Mary (Martin) Summers, referred to later m this sketch.

Hiram M. Summers grew up at Kalida, where he attended the normal schoo and where he received a splendid education. Subsequently, he tau^^ht school for nine years, eight years in Union township and one year at Continental, where he had charge of the schools. He next came to Ottawa the county seat of Putnam county, and was for a time employed as a salesman m a clothmg store. During this period he read law in the office of Krauss & Eastman and, on June 13, 1901, Mr. Summers was admitted to the Putnam county bar. Before that time, however, he made an abstract of titles of the real estate of Putnam county and engaged in this business in connection with the law. He has been in the real estate anc; h^x business and now practices law. He makes abstracts of title and has b.^ilt up a large and lucrative business in Putnam county especially. He hafbee^ for seven years a member of the school board of Ottawa and at tie present time IS vice-president of the same,

. On August 25^ 1889, Mr. Summers was married to Clara Matheney who was born at Kahda, and who is the daughter of Samuel and Adelia' (Rogers) Matheney. Mrs. Summers' parents became pioneer settler at

Kalida in an early day. Her father was a farmer and stock dealer at Kalida for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Summers have five children, Verner is at Akron where he is a bookkeeper. He married a Miss Austegen; Gladys was married on August 25, 1914, to Stewart S. Robinalt, a druggist of Ottawa; William lives at Ottawa. He graduated from Ottawa high school. and, subsequently, attended business college. He is employed in the drug store with his brother-in-law, Stewart S. Robinalt. Clara and Helen are. at home.

Mr. Summers is a Democrat. During all his life he has been influential in the councils of that party. He is a member of the county central committee and the county executive committee of his party, and was mayor of Ottawa for seven years, 1900 to 1907. Mr. Summers has also served in the Ottawa council and held other minor positions. He owns a considerable amount of farm land, a part of which is in Riley township and part . of which is in Hancock county. Mr. Summers is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He was the master of the Ottawa lodge for two years.

William Patrick Summers, the father of Hiram M., was born in County Clare, Ireland, and was the son of Thomas and Katherine (Cotter) Summers, the former a native of County Clare and the latter a native of Count}^ Limerick, born on April 5, 1824. He was a contractor. William Patrick Summers was educated in Ireland and was sent to school to learn Gaelic" which he mastered. He attended the private and also the great national school. At the age of fifteen, he ran away to sea and shipped from Limerick as an apprentice on the "Barbara Allen." He made a voyage in the Mediterranean and followed the sea for fourteen years, off and on. He visited almost every country on the globe. While in the Mediterranean sea. the ship upon which he was making the voyage, stuck in the sands on the coast of Greece and was rescued by a Turkish man of war. While in New York, in 1849, William Patrick Summers sailed for California by way of the Horn. They were six months in making the voyage. They landed in San Francisco late in the year 1849. He remained there for six years and, in 1852, went to Australia. He was engaged in mining gold in that country for four years, when he returned to Calif otnia. About this time he joined the Masons, at Mud Springs, California. After he had remained for some time in that state. He re-embarked and again sailed around the Horn, shipping as third officer of the vessel. On this trip he was injured. Finally, they landed at Norfolk, Virginia, when Mr. Summers went to Ireland and visited his old home. After remaining there for fifteen days, he returned to the United States, and settled in Sandusky city. He was married in Ireland and, on his return to America, his wife returned with him. They settled in Wyandotte county, and, after living there for some time, and also in Seneca county, they removed to Putnam county, settling in Kalida, where he became a ditch contractor.

William Patrick Summers was deputy sheriff of Putnam county for six years, postmaster of Kalida for four and one-half years, and township clerk for eight years. He was also street commissioner and constable. The children of William Patrick Summers and wife are as follow: Kate and John, who are deceased ; William, also deceased ; the others are Ellen, Hiram, Ann, Katherine and Margaret. John married Rose Clevenger. He died in Putnam county; Ellen married George Powell, who is a school teacher at Continental; Anna married Wes Claypool, of Kahda; Katherine married Frank Edelbrock and they lived in Jackson township; Margaret is principal the Gomer school; Michael, Thomas and John, brothers of William Patrick Summers, live at Delphos.

Mr. Summers is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and is past master of the blue lodge at Kalida. He was first master of the Masonic lodge at Continental.

Charles Eugene Wight

It is by no means easy to describe within a comparatively few words the career of a man who has been eminently active as a farmer and a business man. Biography finds its justification, nevertheless, in recording the salient points of such a life history. Charles Eugene Wight, the subject of this sketch, is not only one of the substantial and well-known farmers of Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, where he is one of the foremost men in the business life of this township. Mr. Wight is at present the president of the Farmers State and Savings Bank, at Continental, Ohio, an institution which was organized on January 2,0, 191 4. Mr. Wight is not -only president of the bank, but has also served as a director since the bank was organized.

Charles Eugene Wight was born on December 9, 1861, in Perry township. Wood county, Ohio. It is now known as Bloomdale. Mr. Wight is the son of Reuben and Altha (Reichard) Wight.

Charles E. Wight

relative of President Van Buren, and was also a native of New York state. They moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when that city was a mere hamlet and settled on a forty-acre tract of land, where the heart of the city is now situated. Reuben Wight died of cholera in 1830, during the plague of that year. Charles E. Wight's father, who was also Reuben Wight, was born in New York state, in April, 1828. He was reared a farmer, but also learned the carpenter's and painter's trades and followed them extensively. He was educated in the common schools and was a man of exceptional intelligence for his day.

Reuben Wight, Jr., was married in 1852, in Lorain county, Ohio, to Altha Reichard, who was born in New York state in May, 1828. They hved in Lorain county for two years, and then moved to Wood county, where they spent nine years, returning to Lorain county, where he had a sixty-acre tract of land, which he farmed. They lived there until the death of his wife, in 1894. Four children were born to this marriage, Alice, who died at an early age; WilHam H., Who lives at Glen Elder, Mitchell county, Kansas; Charles Eugene, the subject of this sketch; and Edward, who lives in New Mexico. Both parents of Charles E. Wight were active members of the Baptist church. Since the death of his wife, Reuben Wight has remarried and now lives retired in Lorain county, Ohio.

Charles E. Wight was married in Lorain county, March 12, 1884, to Emma Behner, who was born on July 10, 1866, at La Grange, Lorain county. She is the daughter of John and Lydia (Erasey) Behner. John Behner was married in Lorain county, Ohio, and later moved to Defiance county. He and his wife lived in different parts of Paulding and Putnam counties, Ohio. He at one time owned one-third interest in an extensive hoop, stave and bending company in Clinton, Illinois. He now lives at the home of Mr. Wight, and is retired. He has been a successful business man. He is a Prohibitionist. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She died in 1912. They had three children, Emma, the wife of Mr. Wight; Nellie married John Tingle; and Mrs. Ida Miller.

Charles E .Wight left Wood county, Ohio, with his parents at the age of two years, and moved to Lorain county. Here he grew up and was educated. He taught for two years and also farmed on his father's farm He was reared a farmer and remained on the farm until his marriage He attended the Western Reserve Normal College, where he took a normal course. He contmued to work on the farm until two years after his marriage, when he left his father to purchase a farm of forty acres in section ^o 36 ' in Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, in 1886, to which he moved. The land was heavily timbered and swampy and only six acres were cleared, Mr. Wight cleared, fenced and drained the land and erected buildings. He improved the land in other ways. By buying and selling, he has added tohis original purchase until he has increased it to two hundred and two and one-half acres, which are well located and comprise the best land in the county. Mr. Wight has farmed this land continuously, where he still has his residence.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wight have been born seven children, Susie, who was born on March 27, 1885; Alta, born on August 31, 1889; Florence, born on June 6, 1894; Harvey, born on August 23, 1898; Mark A., born on September 14, 1901 ; Carl, born on May 9, 1904; and Ruth Esther, .born on January 29, 1909. Susie was educated in the Continental (Ohio) schools and was graduated from the high school there. She is also a graduate of the School of Expression, at Ada, Ohio, and has taken a normal course at Lima, Ohio. She taught, school for seven years in Monroe township, and also in Palmer township, and in Harding county, Ohio. She is now the bookkeeper in the Farmers' State and Savings Bank, at Continental. Alta has taken a music course at Ada, Ohio, and lives at home. Florence married Frank Cleves, who is a farmer in Monroe county. Harvey was graduated from a short course of agriculture at the Ohio State University at Columbus. He is living at home. The remainder of the children also live at home.

Mr. Wight was one of the organizers of the Farmers' State and Savings Bank, at Continental. He was elected president at its organization, and re-elected to this office January 20, 191 5. He is also a director of the bank. He has been president of the Farmers' Mutual Telephone Company and was one of its organizers. At the last reorganization and incorporation of the telephone company, Mr. Wight was elected treasurer and director. He is a director of the Palmer Township Mutual Fire Insurance Association and has been a director of it for a number of years. He is president of, the Continental Horse Company, which office he has filled for a number of years. ^ Mr. Wight is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Hartsburg, Ohio. He has always taken an active interest in church work and was at one time class leader, steward and Sunday school superintendent. He is a trustee of the church at the present time. Mr. Wight and all the members of the family are identified with this church. Mr. Wight is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, at Continental, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at that place. He has passed all of the chairs twice in the latter lodge. Mr. Wight is independent in politics, has served as township trustee of Monroe township for two terms, but is not active at the present time. He has been connected with the school board of special district for about ten years.

Charles E. Wight is a progressive citizen and a successful farmer and business man. He is a liberal-minded and active in all civic improvements. He is a keen, far-sighted man and a good "mixer" and is popular throughout this section of Putnam county.

August Kahle

The subject of this sketch is one of those strong, self-reliant and determined characters who are occasionally met with and who are of such a distinct type as to seem to be born leaders of their fellow-men. Not that Mr. Kahle courts that distinction, for he is entirely unassuming, but his great force of character and his zeal and energy, in whatever he undertakes, naturally places him at the head of the crowd, and he has been a potent factor in the development of Putnam county, where he has long maintained his home and where he is well known to all classes for his honorable and industrial life, in both private and public.

The gentleman, whose name appears at the head of this review, was born in Riemsloh, Province of Hanover, Germany, March 2, 1851,' and is the son of Anton and Sophia (Dutting) Kahle, both natives of' Germany; the former was born in the town of Glandorf, the latter born in the town of Mille. Anton Kahle conducted a general store in the old country for the greater part of his life and died when August Kahle was a very young boy. To Mr. and Mrs. Anton Kahle were born seven children, August, Antonio, Clemens, deceased; Louisa, deceased; Charles, deceased, and two others who died in infancy. Of these children, August and Charles came to America in the year 1873 and, after landing in the city of New York, they decided to go to Cincinnati, where they remained a whde, then went to Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio. August returned to Cmcmnati and put in about four months' time there, then decided to go back to Glandorf, Ohio. On his return he remained in Glandorf and was employed by Frank Kahle, with whom he remained for six years After this, a partnership arrangement was made with Ignatius Kahle for the starting of a tile factory in Greensburg township, this county Subsequently, August bought out the interests of Ignatius Kahle, and con- tinued the manufacture of tile for about seven years. Believing his possibilities would be greater in farming for a living, he made a trade for one hundred and twenty acres of land situated in Union township, Putnam county, and upon which he erected a number of splendid and commodious farm buildings. To this residential farm, where he now makes his home, were added three hundred and twenty acres more, one hundred and sixty of which is located in Jackson and eight acres in Greensburg township. Believing, also, in town lot investments, Mr. Kahle is now the owner of six lots in the town of Kalida, located near the site of St. Michael's Catholic church.

August Kahle was married on April 28, 1885, to Magdalena Overmeyer, a daughter of Ferdinand and Dorothea (Wilberding) Overmeyer, natives of Germany, and where her father died. Mrs. Overmeyer, together with her son Arnold and Magdalena, came to this country and settled in Glandorf, Ohio, where Arnold became the husband of Mary Luhn, after which he engaged in the manufacturing of cigars, in Ottawa, Ohio. Arnold died about seventeen years ago, and the mother preceded him by about two years. To August Kahle and wife there were born the following named children: August, March 25, 1886; Ferdinand, April 30, 1887; Dorothea, July 16, 1888; Antonius, June 24, 1890, deceased; Leo, May 10, 1892; Magdalena, September 17, 1893; Anthony, March 22, 1895; Clemens, March 27, 1897; Louisa, February 15, 1899; Sophia (infant born), died 1901 ; Sophia and Antonio, twins, October 2, 1902; Mary, February 8, 1906, died in 191 1. Of these children, Ferdinand is married to Clementina Bensman ; they have one child, Rudolph, and reside in Jackson township ; Dorothea is married to Frank Knueve, and they live in Union township, having one child, Arnold; August, Jr.; Ferdinand and Dorothea attended the district schools in the neighborhood, while all the other children are now attending the parochial school belonging to St. Michael's church in Kalida, Ohio, and of which church the entire family are devout members.

Personally, Mr. Kahle is a man of broad sympathies and takes an abiding interest in the welfare of those about him, and because of his genial disposition and 'high character, he enjoys a large popularity in the community in which he has spent so many years. To Mrs. Kahle is due a word in aijpreciation of her devotion and solicitude for her husband and family at all times. She has proven herself a loyal wife and mother, and has even been a source of encouragement in all of her husband's undertakings, which have brought him to notice as a successful agriculturist.

Within the past quarter of a century there have been many veterinary colleges springing up over the United States and Canada. In this modern day, in practically every state in the Union, a veterinary surgeon must have a state board examination before he can practice his profession, and Ohio has as stringent qualifications as any state in the Union. The treatment of animal diseases has been placed on a scientific basis within the past few years, in such a way that the courses in veterinary colleges are as thorough and scientific in their nature as the courses in medical colleges. Liepsic, Ohio, has a veterinary surgeon in the person of Charles Wilfred Fogle, D. \ . S., who is a man of unusual attainments. Graduating with honors in a large class in 1907, he immediately came to Leipsic, where he has since been practicing his profession. He has already made a reputation for himself, which has extended far beyond the limits of his county.

Charles W. Fogle, D. V. S., the son of B. C. and Rebecca Fogle, was born at Williamsburg, Kansas, October 28, 1886. His father was born in Brookville, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, and his mother in Bedford county, in the same state. B. C. Fogle located in Kansas when a lad with his father, who entered government land there. However, they did not live long on the farm, but traded it for a store about three miles from the Sacs and Fox Indian Reservation. The father of D. C. Fogle did a large and flourishing business with the Indians and the town of Williamsburg was built up around his trading post. B. C. Fogle is now a hardware merchant in this place.

Doctor Fogle was reared in Williamsburg, Kansas, and graduated from the high school in that place in 1905. He at once went to Toronto, Canada, and entered the Ontario Veterinary College, where he remained until he graduated in the spring of 1907. There were one hundred and fifty-seven in his graduating class and he received a gold medal for the highest and best average in his final examination. This is an exceptional honor and one for which all of the best students strive, and shows, in a marked way, the ability of Doctor Fogle. After his graduation he decided to locate in Ohio and passed the Ohio state board examination with a high average. He at once located in Leipsic, where he has since made his home.

Doctor Fogle is a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, and is a member of the legislative committee of the association. He is also president of the Northwestern Ohio Veterinary Medical Associa- tion, secretary of the Northwestern Ohio Swine Breeders' Association and a member of the state board of veterinary examiners. He is president of the Leipsic Club, and has been a member of the Leipsic board of public affairs since 1908.

Doctor Fogle takes an active part in the affairs of the Republican party, and is a member of the central committee at the present time He is an active worker in the Masonic lodge and is the senior warden of the Leipsic blue lodge, high priest of the Ottawa chapter, a member of the Ottawa council and of the commandery at Findlay, Ohio. In addition to his Masonic connections, he is also a member of the Knights of Pythias Doctor l^ogle IS a young, unmarried man, a recognized authority on the diseases of animals and is sure to make a name for himself in the years to come

Joseph Gerdeman

One of the young farmers of Union township, Putnam county Ohio who, for several years, has taken an active part in farmers' institute work' IS Joseph J. Gerdeman, the owner of a splendid farm of eighty-six acres in Umon township. Since moving to his present farm, Mr. Gerdeman has erected substantial buildings.

Joseph J. Gerdeman was born in Ottawa township, Putnam county Ohio, December 25, 1875, and is a son of Mathias and Elizabeth (EUertw? J°^^Ph J- Gerdeman's paternal grandparents were Mathias Gerdeman and his wife, pioneers of Glandorf, Putnam county Ohio, who were natives of the province of Hanover, Germany. Mathias Gerdeman and wife were the parents of the following children: Mathias who was born in Germany; Henry, Joseph, Jasper, John and two daughters, whose names were Elizabeth and Catherine. Mathias Gerdeman and wife lived m Putnam county the rest of their lives. They were devout members of the Catholic church at Glandorf.

The maternal grandparents of Joseph J. Gerdeman also came from Germany and were early settlers in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio. Mathias Gerdeman came from Germany with his parents when he was three years of age and settled near Glandorf, Putnam county, on a'farm in Greensburg township. He attended the school at Glandorf, and was here married to Elizabeth Ellerbrock. After his marriage, he settled on a farm in Ottawa township. He learned the carpenter trade and devoted his at- tention to this and to agriculture for thirty years. He Uved on his farm in Ottawa township until his death, which occurred in 1908, while his wife died in 1906. Mathias Gerdeman, Jr., and wife were the parents of the following children: Frank H., Fred, Joseph J., Mary Anna and Theresa, all of whom- are living with the exception of Mary Anna. Frank H. married Margaret Leise, and lives in Findlay, Ohio ; Fred married Mary Kreinbrink, and Hves in Ottawa; Theresa became the wife of Joseph Herringhaus, and lives in Lima, Ohio; Anna married Andrew Ringlein, of Lima, Ohio. She died in August, 1914; Mary married Bernard Utrup, of Ottawa, where they still reside.

Joseph J. Gerdeman was educated in the district schools of Ottawa township, and lived on his father's farm until he was twenty-five years of age. He had been married three years previously, on May 31, 1898, to Katherine Steffen, a daughter of John and Mary (Kink) Stefifen, who lived on a farm near Glandorf. John Stefifen was a soldier, during the Civil War, serving with distinction throughout that struggle. He and his wife were parents of the following children: EUzabeth, Anna, Katherine, Amelia, Gertrude, Martha, Frank, George and Lawrence. Elizabeth became the wife of Barney Niese, and lives at Liberty township; Anna is the wife of Joseph Klass, a farmer of Liberty township; Amelia is unmarried; Gertrude is the wife of Mathias Winsinger, and they live in Henry county, Ohio; Martha became the wife of David Shaw, and they live in Hancock county, Ohio; Frank is unmarried. George married Catherine Meyers, and they live on the home place; Lawrence is unmarried.

After his marriage, Mr. Gerdeman lived for three years on his father's farm, when he moved to a farm in Union township, which consisted of eighty-six acres, and which he purchased. Here he erected substantial buildings, remodeled the house and made many other improvements and developed the land into a splendid farm.

Joseph J. Gerdeman and wife are the parents of the following children: Cornelius, born on March 25, 1899; Martha E., born on July 3, 1900 ; Edwin, born on February 8, 1903 ; Lawrence, born on June 28, 1904 ; Mary, born on April 6, 1908; Catherine L., born on July 21, 1910; Lucille, born on October 10, 1911; Paul, born on September 6, 1912, and Richard, born on January 12, 1914.

Mr. Gerdeman is a Democrat, while fraternally, he is a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio. The Gerdeman family are all devout members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida. Mr. Gerdeman is president of the Mutual Telephone Company, and served Union township a& trustee for six years.

Ebenezer Casteel

Among the farmers of Putnam county, Ohio, who have believed in twentieth-century methods, is Ebenezer Casteel, a retired farmer and business man, of Contmental, Putnam county, Ohio. Mr. Casteel comes from a splendid family and one that has always been strong for right living and industrious habits for education and morality-for all that contributes tothe welfare of the commonwealth. Such people are welcome in any community. They are empire-builders and, as such, have pushed the frontier of civilization westward and onward, leaving the green, wide-reachingwilderness and the ,far-stretching plains populous with contented people and beautiful with green fields. They have constituted that sterling horde which caused the great Bishop Whipple to write the memorable lines: "Westward the course of empire takes its way."

Ebenezer Casteel was born on July 4, 1838, in Licking county Ohio He is the son of Thomas and Salome (Livingston) Casteel, the former of whom was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, and came to Licking county when a young man, and here was married. Thomas Casteel was reared a farmer and educated m the township schools. After faming for a time in Licking county, he came to Putnam county in 1858, and settled on a farm of eighty acres in Liberty township. The land was wild and it was in the region north of the Black swamp. There were no roads and wolves could be seen frequently and heard most of the time. Mr. Casteel moved into a log cabm, abandoned by another family, and lived there for one vear whilehe cleared the land and built a house. He farmed this land untifhis death at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife, who, before her marriao-e' was Salome Livingston, was a native of Licking county, Ohio, where she was reared. She died in Putnam county on the homestead farm To Mr and Mrs. Thomas Casteel eleven children were born, Andrew, who lives in Liberty township; Jeremiah, who also lives in this township; Ebenezer the subjectof this sketch; Eleanor, deceased; Lorenzo, who lives in Van Buren township; Mrs. Amanda Crooscr, of Belmore, Ohio; Mrs. Julia Dillon wha lives in Liberty township: Thomas, of Behnore, Ohio; Elmira, deceased; John, who hves in Henry county, Ohio; and Mrs. Adehne Miley, of Milton City, Ohio. Thomas Casteel was a Democrat throughout his life.

Ebenezer Casteel left Licking county, Ohio, at the age of nineteen, and came to Putnam county with his parents in 1858. He remained with them on the old farm in Liberty township, helping them with the farm work until the first call for volunteers in the Civil War, in 186 1. He enlisted in Company D, Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, April 21,, 1 86 1, and served three months. He then returned to the farm and lived here until the western fever took hold of him, when he went West for about one year. He, subsequently, returned to the old home place andworked out by the month. He then married and moved to Belmore, Ohio, to live. Here he engaged in the operation of a general store, with Harrison Ensmmger. After one year, he traded his interest in the store for a strip of land in Van Buren township, Putnam county. He afterward traded this land for a farm near Belmore, and rented the same. In the meantime, Mr. Casteel was in partnership with the Speaker brothers, at Belmore, Ohio!- in conducting a general store, for two years. He afterward started a grocery store, adding dry goods and notions. He was in this store at Belmore for sixteen years, when he moved to Continental, Ohio, in 1890, and was in business in that town for twenty years. Mr. Casteel traded his stock of goods for a farm and retired in 1909. He has owned several farms which he has sold and traded off until he now has one hundred and ten acres of good farming land near Continental, Ohio. His wife was a milliner before her marriage, and conducted a millinery store in Continental for about two years. After moving to town, a daughter, Flora, took charge of the store and is now operating it. Mrs. Casteel also had a store at Belmore Ohio, for some time. Mr. Casteel built his present store, where his daughter has her shop in operation.

Mr. Casteel was married to Caroline Engle, a native of Logan county Ohio. To this union six children were born, two of whom are deceased' Those hving are, Flora, who is at home; Arthur, who is a railway mail clerk'- Mrs. Lola Wymer. of Continental, and Lulu, who is at home. Lola and Lula are twins.

Mr. Casteel is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has been for the past forty-eight years. He was a charter member of the lodge at Ottawa. He also belonged at Belmore and Continental. Throuohout h,s hfe, Mr. Ca.steel has been an active Democrat. He was treasurer of Belmore for a time and also assessor. He was treasurer of Continental for one year. However, Mr. Casteel is not active in politics at the present time. Mrs. Casteel and her daughters are members of the Lutheran church at Continental, Ohio.

Ebenezer Casteel is a man of excellent habits and a careful, conservative and frugal man, who believes in laying up for a rainy day. He is a good father and a loving husband, careful in his business dealings and has accumulated a snug fortune. He is well known as a free thinker.

Dr. Ethelbert Watterson

No other profession has accomplished during the last half-century the progress and development that has been made by the medical profession. The man of original thought and action, whose text books form but the basis of future work, has ever moved forward, taking the advantage of, and utilizing new discoveries in the sciences, and looking always for better methods, surer means to the desired end. Such a man is Dr. Ethelbert Watterson. In considering the character and career of this eminent member of the medical fraternity, the impartial observer will not only be disposed to rank him among the leading members of his profession in Putnam county, but also as one of those men of broad culture and mental ken, who have honored mankind in general. Throughout a long and busy life, replete with honor and success, he has been actuated by the highest motives, and to the practice of his profession he has brought rare skill and resource. His quick perception and almost intuitive judgment enable him to make a correct diagnosis, all that is necessary for proper treatment. He has always been a close student of the medical science, keeping in touch with the latest advances of investigators and discoverers, and has been uniformly successful in practice. Because of his high attainments and his exalted personal character, he is eminently entitled to inclusion in a work of this character.

Dr. Ethelbert Watterson, the well-known physician of Continental, Ohio, was born on September 16, 1869, in Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of John and Margaret (Harper) Watterson, the former of whom was born near Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The Watterson family is traceable from four brothers, of Scottish-Irish descent, who came from the Isle of Man, about 1750, and who settled at or near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From them are descended Henry Wat- terson, the journalist, of Louisville, and Bishop Watterson, of the Catholic church, of Columbus, Ohio. John Watterson was married in Pennsylvania to Margaret Harper, who was also born near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They came to Columbus, Ohio, about 1851, and were there when the state house was built. In 1853, they came to Putnam county and entered government land west of the Auglaize and near the line of Jackson township, in Jennings township. The government land at that time cost one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre. They settled in the woods in a log shanty and lived on deer meat and corn bread. Before they came here, John Watterson was a carpenter and cabinet maker, and the change was a hard life for him, but he cleared a little of the land, and then sold it, and bought land in Jackson township. About 1876, he purchased the farm in the forks of Hog Creek and the Auglaize river, and there he established his home, reared his family and lived until old age. He spent the rest of his days with his children.

John Watterson was a farmer, but his main business was the carpenter's trade. He was a builder, and built a number of the school houses in Jackson township, and also in Jennings township. He was an apprentice to a cabinet maker at the age of nine years, and was an expert in all lines of work. He died before his eighty-fifth birthday.

John Watterson was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, November 11, 1819, and was the son of Samuel and Lydia (Weeks) Watterson. Samuel Watterson was one of the four brothers heretofore referred to. He came to America at the age of sixteen, and grew to manhood in Chester county, Pennsylvania. He married Lydia Weeks in 1798, and they had five children, James, Mrs. Margaret Bromer, Ehza, Samuel and John. Samuel Watterson lived on his farm in Chester county, until in 1832, when he moved to Philadelphia and spent his declining years with a daughter. John Watterson, the father of Ethelbert Watterson, removed from Chester county to Columbia, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1847, and there worked five years in a machine shop. He was married to Margaret Harper, April 30, 1847. She was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1823. Her parents were Alexander and Margaret (Rigg) Harper, the former of whom was a native of Ireland, and a tanner by trade. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania. During the war of 1812, Samuel Watterson and Alexander Harper refused to forswear their allegiance to the King of England, and to become naturalized citizens of the United States. They -were sent to the interior of the state by the military authorities.

John and Margaret (Harper) Watterson had nine children as follow Rachel Ann, deceased; James Alexander, born on October 30 1850 deceased; Samuel, born on October 2, 1853, deceased; William Harper, borr^ on April 9, 1855, deceased; Clara J., born on December 30, 1856 married Wallace Vail, of Kalida, Ohio; George Owens, born on March 30 1859 lives m Kalida; Dr. John Davis, who lives at Kalida; Charles Sherman' born on May 6, 1865, deceased, and Dr. Ethelbert, born on September 16^ 1869, is the subject of this sketch.

Mrs. Margaret (Harper) Watterson died on November 27 1894 She was a devout member of the Presbyterian church. Politically' John Watterson was a Democrat. He held several local offices, among which were those of justice of the peace, six years; township treasurer, several terms and township trustee for several years. Fraternally, he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 80, at Columbus Ohio

Dr. Ethelbert Watterson, the subject of this sketch, grew up on the farm. He was educated in the public schools in Putnam county and subsequently attended the Tri-State Normal College, at Angola, Indiana. On September 16. before his sixteenth birthday, he began teaching at the Antioch school, three miles north of Ottoville. For twelve years he was a teacher three years at Antioch; three years at the Gott school, near Kalida- three years at Vaughnsville, and three years in West Leipsic

In the spring of 1898, Doctor Watterson made a canvass for county auditor, and m the fall of 1898, entered the Ohio State Medical University at Columbus, graduating in April, 1902. He then located in Continental and began practicing his profession, which he has continued ever since ' ^Doctor Watterson was married in 1893, to Rose Gander, who was born m Sugar Creek township, and who is the daughter of John and Susan Garner) Gander. John Gander is descended from one of the early pioneer famdies m the southern part of Putnam county. His family settled south of Vaughnsville, not far from Gomer. in Allen county, but removed across the line mto Putnam county, before John Gander was married. The Gander family came from Virginia in an early day, and settled between Vaughnsvile and Columbus Grove. John Gander liyed in Columbus Grove a part

Doctor Watterson and wife had three children, Lelah Margaret, Flor- Mary and John Gaylen. Margaret is now a junior in Ohio State University. Florence graduated from the Continental high school and is now a student in the normal school. Mrs. Watterson died in 1913. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the Eastern Star Lodge, the Twentieth Century Club, and also the Pythian Sisters. She was especially active in the Methodist church, living close to its teachings, a good wife who loved her children and reared them with a mother's devotion. Naturally, Doctor Watterson is a Democrat. He is active in the councils of his party. For ten years he has been on the school board of Continental, and is now president of the board. He was twice elected to the city council, but resigned during his second term. Doctor Watterson owns a home in Continental, and is thoroughly identified with all the civic, political and religious activities of the town. He belongs to the Methodist church, and is chairman of the board of stewards. He is a member of the Knights Templar, blue lodge, at Continental, chapter and council at Ottawa, and the Knights Templar at Defiance. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He has been a Mason since he was twenty-one years old, having handed in his application before he was of age.

Joseph A. Unverferth

Putnam county has long been noted for its splendid type of farmers. In the early settlement of this part of Ohio, many Germans came and, with their native thrift and industry, soon prospered and today their -descendants form the bulwark of Putnam county's citizenship. Among the many well-known Germans descended from the early German pioneers, is Joseph Unverferth.

Joseph Unverferth was born in Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, March 11, 1869. He is the son of Anthony and Theresa (Tenwealde) Unverferth, who were well-known residents of Glandorf.

Anthony Unverferth, the father of Joseph Unverferth, when two and one-half years of age, was brought to this country by his parents from Hanover, Germany. They settled in Glandorf, Putnam county, which had been settled some years before by the renowned Father Horstman and a band of German colonists. The Unverferth family here settled on a farm and, amid the splendid surroundings of this little community. Anthony

Unverferth grew up. His early life was spent on his father's farm and his education was secured in the primitive school of that day. He married Theresa Tenwealde, the daughter of Henry Tenwealde and wife, of Glandorf and to this union were born the following children: Henry, deceased;

71' ^7^' ''^' ^""^ ^"^ ^'-^"'^- Of these, Henry marned Anna Klemen and lives in Greensburg township; Mary married George Klemen and hves m Pleasant township; Theresa married Barney Klemen- Anna married Frank Hohenbrink; Frank married Mary Vogef; the last' three families now reside in Greensburg township ' ^ '

Joseph Unverferth, the subject of this speech, was educated in Greensurg township and during the early years of his life worked on his fat^er^ farm. On May 31, 1892, he was married to Elizabeth Meyer a daughter o Gerhard and Elizabeth (Dickman) Meyer, both of whom ;ere nateT of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer were married in Glandorf, Putnim ounty and to them were born the following children: Mary, iatherir John, Theresa, Henry, Caroline, Joseph and Elizabeth. Of ^hese Mary married Frank Deters and resides in Henry county; Catherine marrierw Jerwers and lives m New Cleveland; John married Catherine Smith who died, and later he married Catherine Hark and now lives in Ottawa' The resa married William Annesser and hves in Canada; Caroline married Jodokus Schmitz and lives in Pleasant township; Joseph married Ma y Brinkman and lives in Union township. ^

After his marriage, Mr. Unverferth first rented a farm and lived in Pleasant township for three years before coming to his present farm He moved to the farm he now occupies in Union township in 1902, which he and his ather owned in low bottoms. It consists of one hundred and sixl acres which Mr. Unverferth, with the appliance of modern agricul ura^

Mr. Unverferth is known and admired for his untiring industry and is an exponent of advanced ideas in farming. He has one of the best equipped farms in the county in modern farm machinery. His tractor and other outfits, including a gang plow, are in great demand among the other farmers and he has at various times devoted some attention to public contract work. Mr. Unverferth is engaged in general farming and also raises full-blooded Shorthorn cattle.

The Unverferth family are members of St. Michael's Catholic churck at Kalida, and have always been conspicuously identified with all its good work and are highly regarded in the social sphere of this community.

David Henry Renshaw

A successful farmer of \'an Buren township, Putnam county, Ohio, where he has made his home since 1865, is David Henry Renshaw, who has devoted his whole life to agricultural pursuits. He has led a quiet and uneventful life on the farm and has never cared to take an active part in the life of his community.

David H. Renshaw, -the son of Thomas and Maria (Young) Renshaw, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 4, 1861. His father was born in the same county. May 10, 1833, a son of Reverend David and Eliza (Armstrong) Renshaw. David Renshaw was born in Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in the early history of the state and was married, in Ohio, to Eliza. Armstrong. David Renshaw was a farmer and a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. He and his wife, Eliza, reared a family of eight children, Thomas, John, Samuel, Mary, Serepta, Sarah, Frank and Ransome.

Thomas Renshaw attended the common schools of Fairfield county, and helped his father on the home place, until he was married at the age of twenty- five. He married Maria Young on March 28, 1858. She was a daughter of Henry and Nancy Young, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively. Henry Young and wife were the parents of a large family of children, James, Hester, Rachel, Rebecca, William, Nicholas,. Charles, Maria, Serenia, Sarah, Rhoda, Lorain and Keziah. Of these children, Charles died in infancy.

father. This place he cleared and lived on until his death, December 17, 1913. Four children were born to Thomas and Maria (Young) Renshaw, David and Byron, who are living on the old home farm; Kate, who married John Welch, of Wood county, and has eight children, Sylvia, Harley, Leslie, .Lewis, Emmett, Lawrence, Myrtle and Glee; William T., of Clyde, Ohio, who married Louise Barrack, and has two children, Grace and Bergan.

David H. Renshaw has never married, and he and his brother, Byron, who was born on September 20, 1870, are now managing the old home farm, where they were reared. The brothers are Republicans, but neither of -them has ever been active in its councils. They are good citizens and progressive farmers and have a large circle of friends and acquaintances -throughout the township.

Harry C. Parrett

The gentleman to a brief review of whose life the reader's attention IS herewith directed, is among the foremost business men of Continental, JPutnam county, Ohio. By his enterprise, industry, management and progressive methods, he has assisted materially in the industrial and commercial advancement of this community. Mr. Parrett is possessed of rather ex- 'ceptional executive and business ability. He is numbered among the foremost citizens, of Continental, and is honored and respected by all of his neighbors for his many good qualities.

Harry C. Parrett was born on September 8, 1878, in Columbus Grove, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Samuel R. and Linda (McKibben) Parrett, the former of whom was born on July 4, 1854, in Fayette county, Ohio, and was the son of John S. and Angelina (Fifer) Parrett. John S. Parrett was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, where his wife was native born. He grew to manhood in Virginia and came to Fayette county, 'Ohio, in 1852, locating on a farm in Fayette county. Outside of two years spent in Illinois, he lived in Fayette county until 1865, when he moved to Powell creek, in Monroe township. Here he farmed until his death, in 1908. His wife died four years previously, in 1904.

Samuel R. Parrett was eleven years old when he came to Monroe township with his parents. He remained on the home farm until his marriage, in 1877, to Linda McKibben, a native of Athens county, Ohio, born in 1855, and the daughter of Samuel and Anna (Farrabee) McKibben.

-Samuel McKibben was a native of Ohio, whose father, Joseph McKibben, was a native of North Ireland, who came to Ohio in pioneer times. After his marriage, Samuel Parrett located in Monroe township, and farmed here on sixty-four acres of land. With the exception of one year spent in Columbus Grove, he has always lived in Monroe township. He is stiU an active farmer. Samuel and Linda Parrett had one son, Harry C, the subject of this sketch. Samuel Parrett is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Continental, and at one time was trustee of the township. He served many years as a member of the school board and held other minor offices. He is a Democrat; is a member of the Zion Christian church, where his wife is also a worshiper. Mr. Parrett has held minor offices in this church and was treasurer for many years.

Harry C. Parrett grew to manhood on the home place and was reared -as a farmer. He was educated in the township schools and taught school for a period of five years in Monroe township.

Mr. Parrett was married on October 5, 1902, to Myrtle Wistei-man, a daughter of David and Leander (Brower) Wisterman, both of whom are natives of Putnam county. Mrs. Parrett was born in Monroe township, July 10, 1884. David and Leander Wisterman had nine children, of whom Mrs. Parrett was the youngest of the family.

Harry C. Parrett farmed in Monroe township after his marriage, living a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He removed to Continental in 1906, and entered the implement and hardware business alone. He followed this business for three years, when he sold out and entered his present business of real estate, insurance and loans. He is still active in business.

Mr. Parrett is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 570, at Continental. He served as town councilman and was treasurer for two years, 1912 and 1913. During the latter year, he was elected mayor of Continental, and is now filling this position with credit to himself and his community. He is a stanch Democrat and has always been active in the councils of this party. Although Mr. Parrett is not a member of any church, he was reared as an adherent of the Christian church. It is not necessary for the biographer to say that Harry C. Parrett is highly respected m Continental, Ohio. The many positions of trust and responsibility which he has held show, better than any words of testimony, the character of the confidence reposed in him by the people of this township. Mr. Parrett has proved himself worthy of these trusts and is admired today as one of the leadmg citizens of Putnam county.

Adam Trietch

Among the. farmers of German birth who have brought to the operation of their farms the intensive methods adopted from stern necessity in the old country, and have made those methods apply so successfully here, as to attract general attention and emulation, the gentleman, whose name is noted above, is clearly entitled to mention and it is a pleasure to present here a brief narrative of the distinctive points in his career.

Adam Trietch was born in Hesse, Germany, May 29, 1863, the son of Andrew and Catherine (Linner) Trietch, both of whom were natives of the same province of the Fatherland.

Andrew Trietch was born in July, 1826, and was a tailor all his life,. a man highly respected in his home place. He was twice married, by hisfirst wife having four children, Nicholas, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Gerish, of Crestline, Ohio; George, who remained in Germany, and Andrew, deceased. By his marriage with Catherine Linner, Andrew Trietch had three children, Adam, with whom this sketch directly treats; Mrs. Lizzie Knapp, who lives in Germany, and Mrs. Barbara Eding, who lives at Cleveland, Ohio. Andrew Trietch died at the age of seventy-nine and his wife, the mother of Adam, died at the age of sixty-eight.

Adam Trietch left his home in Germany when he reached the age of fourteen and went to Switzerland, where he worked for about three years, at the end of which time he made up his mind to try his fortunes acrossthe sea. To this end he came to America and found his way to Holgate, Ohio, where his uncle, Nicholas Trietch, had been living for some years. In that vicinity he worked on farms until he was twenty-seven years of age, engaging his services by the month to the farmers of the neighborhood and there he met and married, on April 29, 1890, Mary Elizabeth Brinkman, who was born in Henry county, Ohio, June 23, 1866, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Reiter) Brinkman, the former of whom was born in Crawford county, Ohio, July 15, 1832, and the latter being born in Pennsylvania, March 1, '1838, and both of vvhom are enjoying good health in their hale old age at Holgate, Ohio, Mr. Brinkman being eightythree years of age and Mrs. Brinkman being seventy-seven.

Henry Brinkman spent his boyhood days in Crawford county, Ohio, his parents having been pioneer farmers of that county, and received such education as the meager schools of that day afforded, being trained in the ways of farming, which vocation he followed all his active days. He was married in Crawford county, and later moved to Henry county, where he farmed for a time, then moving into the town of Holgate where he is now hving in comfortable retirement. He and his wife are the parents of six children, the others being Mrs. Cinderella Wolf, Frank and John, all of whom live in Henry county, Ohio, and Anna, who died in infancy, and Mrs. Hattie Rennecker, of Indiana.

After his marriage, Adam Trietch farmed in Henry county for three or four years and then moved to Defiance county, where he was engaged in farming for five years, at the end of which time he came to Putnam county, on February 16, 1899, locating on his present farm in Monroe township. At the time Mr. Trietch bought this farm, it contained but eighty acres and was in a badly run-down condition, having been but little improved. He went in debt to the amount of eighteen hundred dollars on making this purchase and until he began to see his way clear he and his wife were content to hve in a small log house, which had been constructed on the place in an early day, and to adopt such frugal methods of living as their prudence suggested during this trying time. Living thus and working as they were compelled to work, required a large stock of courage and no end of industry, but he and his wife were equal to the occasion and they now have a place of which not only they are proud, but which is a distinct credit to the community. Not only have Mr. and Mrs. Trietch succeeded in clearmg and improving their original tract of eighty acres, but, as affairs prospered with them, they enlarged their farm by the purchase of an adjoining eighty, and now have one of the best and most attractive farms in that par^t of the county. They erected their fine new home in 1908, and the barn and other buildings on the place are in keeping with the same. Their farm IS known far and near as "Cloverleaf Farm," and is one of the best-kept places in Monroe township, reflecting, as it does, the progressive ideas and careful management of the owners.

To Adam and Mary Elizabeth (Brinkman) Trietch have been born seven children, as follow: Hattie, who married Andrew Friend a wellknown farmer of Monroe township, this county, and who has one son- Clarence, Emma, George, Orville, Leah and Edgar, who are still at home and whose assistance has been no small factor in the general improvement of their well-appointed home place. The Trietches are members of the Mt Zion church, m the various beneficences of which they are deeply interested and m the other good works of which congregation they take an active part as well as participating in all local movements designed to advance the public weal.

Mr. Trietch is a Republican on national issues, but in voting on local issues is rather independent, preferring to reserve his right to vote for the best man, regardless of party affiliations. Not only has he been diligent in his business, but he has found time to devote a good share of his energy to the public interest and has been prompt to lend his aid to any cause which promised better things for the community. For some time he served the township most effectively as a member of the school board and his interest in educational matters was exerted very helpfully in advancing the interests of the schools in Monroe township. He has proved himself a good citizen during the years he has lived in that community. An excellent farmer, he has acquired a fair competence and is not disturbed by thoughts of the future. He has a kind word for everybody and no one in the neighborhood is more popular than he.

Amos Nichols

Four generations of the Nichols family have added their part to the development of Putnam county, and no history of this county would be complete without fitting reference to the life and work of the gentleman whose name at the head of this biographical sketch, stands as a typical representative of the family in this section of the state.

Amos Nichols was born in Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, October 7, 1850, the son of Edward and Margaret (Irwin) Nichols, the former of whom was born in Licking county, Ohio, in the year 1823, the son of Joseph and Hanna (Brown) Nichols, and the latter of whom was the daughter of Josiah Kennedy Irwin, one of the early settlers of this county.

Joseph Nichols was born in 1790, in Virginia, but early in his life left the Old Dominion and came to Ohio, locating in Licking county, where his son Edward was born, migrating to Putnam county when this son was quite young, and settling in Union township. This was about the year 1834, which makes Joseph Nichols one of the earliest settlers of that part of the county. At that time all that portion of the county was heavily timbered and it was no small task for the pioneer Nichols to clear the farm which he had undertaken to reclaim from the wilderness. He entered from the government a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which, in time, he succeeded in clearing and which he gradually brought to a high state' of culti- vation. Joseph Nichols took a prominent part in the early social and civic activities of the pioneers and became, by force of character, one of the leaders in the community life of the time. Here he and his good wife spent the rest of their lives, the death of the former occurring in 1861.

It was amid these pioneer conditions that Edward Nichols grew to manhood's estate, receiving such meager education as the schools of that period offered the youth, and, under the careful attention of his parents, he acquired a full knowledge of the needs of the life of a farmer, which vocation he had decided to follow. He married Margaret Irwin, whose parents also were pioneers of that section, and continued to farm the home place until his death at the early age of thirty-nine. His wife, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, February 23, 1818, survived him many years, her death not occurring until the year 1893. Further details of the genealogy of Mrs. Nichols may be found in the biographical sketch of her brother, Ben Irwin, presented elsewhere in this volume.

To Edward and Margaret (Irwin) Nichols nine children were born, as follow: Mrs. Martha Holt, of Columbus Grove, Ohio; Mrs. Lucinda Rimer, of Columbus Grove; Joseph, who lives in Paulding county, Ohio; Sarah Ann, who married J. C. Best and lives in Union township, this county; Amos, the immediate subject of this biographical sketch; Mrs. Hettie Martin, who lives near Dundee, Michigan; Edward, who died at the age of four; Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Anderson, who lives at Marion, Indiana, and Mrs. Hannah Spratt, who lives at Weston, Ohio.

Amos Nichols grew to manhood on the parental farm, receiving his schooling in the district schools, and on January 25, 1872, married Martha Ellen Hayden, who was born in Sugar Creek township, this county, on May 22, 1854, the daughter of Nathaniel and Eliza (Brothers) Hayden, pioneers of this county.

To the union of Amos and Martha Ellen (Hayden) Nichols, eleven children were born, as follow: Lucinda, who married P. W. Shane, of Lima, Ohio, to which union there were born twelve children, Elmer, Blanche, Lizzie, Gladys, Agnes, Pearl, Grace, Dallas, Edith, Stanley, Ernest and another, the latter three of whom died in infancy; Clarke, who is a farmer living in Allen county, Ohio, married Elizabeth Rumel and has no children; Alvin, married Belle Jane Logan and lives at Alberta, Canada, and has no children; Mina May married Charles Benroth, of Columbus Grove, this county, and has six children, Leslie, Florence, Carrie, Clyde, Fay and Zenis ; Gilbert Lewis, who also lives in Alberta, was married, but his wife died, leaving him with three children, Martha, Alfred and Clarence; Hannah,

Who died January 10, 1909, married George D. McCombs, an Allen county farmer, and had one child, a. son, Kenneth; Grover, a Union township farmer married Came Roberts and has four children, Carl Maxwell, Helen Lucille' Paul Eugene and Orin; Edward, a Jackson township farmer, married Minme Kneuve and has three children, Edna Martha, Kermit and Jerome- John Elmer, who also lives in Alberta, married Cuba Swartzkopf and has one child, a daughter, Evelyn; Ethel, who died on June 11, 1914, married James McKenna, a Pleasant township farmer, and had two children, Muriel and Zelma; Hazel, died April 28, 1914.

It was in the fall of 1872, following his marriage, that Amos Nichols moved to the farm on which he now lives and there he reared his large family and provided a comfortable competence for his declining years Though still living on the farm, he has practically retired from the active work of the same, giving the management of the farm over to his son Grover, who lives on a portion of the home place. During his life of activity in the community in which he was born, Amos Nichols has become one of the leaders in that section. He is one of the local leaders of the Democratic party and served his township for one term as assessor and for many years has been a school director in hi's district. He is a man of genial disposition and high character, and he and his wife ever have been counted among the leaders in the good works of their community, both bein- very popular m the circle in which they move. They have a fine farm ''on an excellent location and are among the substantial citizens of that township

Henry Kreinbrink

One of the many excellent farmers of Putnam county, Ohio, of German descent, is Henry Kreinbrink, who was born at Glandorf, this county and has made this his home for the past forty-eight years. He was reared in this county and after his marriage settled down to the life of a farmer, and now has a well-improved farm with a good home, where he and his family are surrounded with all the comforts and conveniences of life

Henry Kreinbrink, the son of Rudolph and Elizabeth '(Gosling) Kreinbrink, was born on March 12, 1867, at Glandorf, Putnam county Ohio His father was a native of Germany, his birth occurring at Osnabruck, Hanover Germany, on December 24, 1857; he was a son of John Kreinbrink, who came to America when Rudolph was about ten years of age. John Kreinbrink and his family lived in Cincinnati for a time and then removed to Putnam county, Ohio, locating in Glandorf , Avhere Rudolph w^as reared to manhood and married Elizabeth Gosling, who was born at Clarholz, Prussia. Her father died there and her mother later married Anton Brokamp, and then she came to America at the age ofi ten with her mother and stepfather, and located west of Glandorf along the Findlay, Fort Wayne & Western Railway.

Rudolph Kreinbrink and his wife, Elizabeth Gosling, bought a farm four miles north of Glandorf, and here made their home the remainder of their lives. Mr. Kreinbrink had a farm of one hundred and ninety-three acres, which he improved and brought to a high state of cultivation. He died on April 13, 1895, and his widow passed away on February 2, 1913. Rudolph Kreinbrink and wife were the parents of twelve children, of whom three sons and one daughter died in infancy. There are five sons and three daughters living: Ignatius, Thresia, the wife of Barney Brown; Anna, the wife of John Weis; Henry, a farmer of Liberty township; Philomena, a sister in the Lorraine hospital; Joseph, Theodore and Louis.

Henry Kreinbrink was reared on his father's farm and received such education as was given in the schools of his neighborhood. After his marriage he bought a farm of eighty-nine acres, just west of West Leipsic, and has made this his home ever since. He remodeled the house and had it equipped with all the modern conveniences in order to rnake life more pleasant. He has engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and with that success which always attends the thrifty German farmer of this county.

Mr. Kreinbrink was married on June i, 1892, to Mary Meyer, who was born south of Glandorf, in this county, and who is a daughter of George B. and Anna Mary (Moening) Meyer. Her father was a native of Germany, born in Glandorf, Hanover, on August 26, 1833. He was not more than one year old when his parents came to America and located southwest of Glandorf, in Putnam county. Mr. Meyers settled in the dense woods and they had to clear the land, built their cabin and endured all the toil and privations of pioneer life.- Anna Mary Moening, the mother of Mrs. Kreinbrink, was a sister of Henry Moening, whose history elsewhere in this volume gives an account of the Moening family. George B. Meyer farmed all of his life northwest of Glandorf and was the owner of a good farm. He died on September 17, 1900, and his widow passed away March 6, 1912. Eleven children were born to George B. Meyer and wife, two of whom died at the age of three, one at the age of nine, and Catherine, who was the wife of Frank Karhoff, died at the age of twenty. Seven children are still living: J. Henry, Theodore, Joseph, Herman, Anna Mary, Frank and Elizabeth, the

Henry Kreinbrink and wife are the parents of nine children living and one deceased. Mary died in 1900 at the age of fourteen months, while the other living children are as follow : Elizabeth, Ana, John, August, Ferdinand, Rosa, Clara, Alphonse and Vincent. All of these children are still single except Elizabeth, who is the wife of Louis Kleman, and who lives on the Henry Moening farm near Glandorf. They have one son, Victor. Mr. Kreinbrink and his family are all loyal members of the Catholic church and liberal supporters of its various activities.

Theodore Verhoff

Descended from honored ancestry and himself numbered among the leading residents of Putnam county, Ohio, the subject of this review is worthy of specific recognition in a work of this character. Residing in this county for so many years has but strengthened his hold on public opinion, and today none in this community enjoys a larger circle of warm friends and acquaintances, who esteem him because of his sterling qualities of character and business ability.

Theodore Verhoff was born in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, June 17, 183S, and is the son of Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff. The subject's grandparents, on the father's side, were born, lived and died in Germany, but on the mother's side, Theodore and Gertrude (Veraking) Kramer, who were married in Germany, and resided there many years, came to this country when the elder Kramer was about fifty years of age. ' They settled on a farm in Putnam county, Ohio, and to them were born six children, William, Henry, Catherine, Christina and Mary, all of whom are now deceased, except Frederick, who is the surviving one.

Francis VerhoiT, father of Theodore Verhoff, was born in Westphalia, Prussia, and came to America in 1836 by himself and settled near Glandorf' Putnam county, Ohio, on a small farm, the original tract consisting of twenty six acres. Having learned the blacksmithing trade, and realizing the necessity for such a business in his community, it is interesting to record that he was the proprietor of the first blacksmith shop in this county. This was operated in connection with his farm for many years and bore a reputation for first-class workmanship.

About the year 1837, Francis Verhoff and Mary Kramer were joined in matrimony, and resided on the farm belonging to the former. To them were- born eleven children, Theodore, Gertrude, Christina, Catherine, Mary Ann, Frank, Henry, William (now deceased), Charles, William and Florentine. The father of these children, prior to his death in 1863, had acquired a full section of land. With the assistance of the sons, the greater portion of this tract was cleared and properly prepared for miscellaneous farming and the raising of stock. This farm is pointed to with great pride by the descendants. Mr. Verhoff, being one of the pioneer settlers of Putnam county, came here shortly after the founding of the town of Glandorf by Professor Horstman, a native of Germany. The wife and mother lived until the year 1901, during which year she was called by the Master of Destiny and was laid away with the father. It may be well said that they were loyal and practical members of the Roman Catholic church, attending St. John's church, at Glandorf. They left behind them enviable reputations for good citizenship and set their children a good example of true christian life.

Theodore Verhoff, the subject of this review, received a good common' school education. He was a man of keen observation and devoted himself to farming and stock-raising with a decided degree of success. He was. married on June 18, 1861, to Elizabeth Egbers, who, at that time, was just twenty years of age, and who was the daughter of Theodore Egbers and wife. Having decided to reside on a portion of the large farm bequeathed to the children of Francis Verhoff, they located on seventy-eight acres in sections 9 and 16, Greensburg township, and which was put to use in the usual course of farming. To Theodore Verhoff and wife were born twelvechildren, and they are enumerated, in the order of their birth dates as follow: Frank J., June 22, 1864; William F., August 22, 1866; Barney Henry July 22, 1869; John Theodore, April 6, 1870; Joseph Charles, March 15' 1873; John Barney, April 15, 1875; August George, February 5 1877' Alloisa Albert, February 18, 1883; Mary Elizabeth, April 13, 1862 (now deceased) ; Mary Ann, March 4. 1863; Amelia Helena, June 21, 1870- Marv Regma, Februaiy 24. 1881. Marriages of these children have taken place children; Wdham F. to Agnes Lemper, to whom there have been born seven children, Barney Henry to Elizabeth Gerdeman, who have two children- John Theodore to Catherine Brinkman, who have four living children and' one deceased; Charles Joseph to Amelia Schroeder, with one child- John Barney to Mary Lemper, who have two children; August George to Nora

Westbeld, who have two children; Ameha Helena to Barney Siefker, who have six children ; Alloisa Albert to Veronica Schmiedebusch, who have two children. Mary Ann, up to this writing, is recorded as single, as is also Mary Regina. All are residents of Putnam county.

Mr. Verhoff, observing that his youngest son, Alloisa, took such a keen interest in the farm and in the raising of blooded stock, he appointed him to the management of his farm, son after his marriage to Veronica Schmiedebusch. This marriage occurred on June 6, 191 1, and the wife was one of the large family of Frank and Gertrude Schmiedebusch, natives Putnam county, and who are engaged in farming. Besides the daughter named, they are blessed with eight other children, Emma, Gertrude, Sylvester, Laura, Clara, Edward, Charles and Frank. Alloisa and Veronica are now the proud possessors of two children, Gertrude Elizabeth, born on May 8, 1912, and Cornehus Frank Theodore, born on September 30, 1913. In the management of the farm, and practically the entire responsibility for Its success ultimately resting upon the son, Alloisa, it should be recorded that it is one of the best-managed stock and general-purpose farms in this section of the country. Particular attention is given to the breeding of Holstein cattle, Poland-China hogs, Belgian horses, etc. The farm buildmgs, commodious and comfortable, are kept in first-class condition and everything clearly indicated an industrious and business-like management Great credit is due Alloisa Verhoff and in appreciation of his efforts in behalf of the place, a short time before his marriage,- his father bequeathed the farm to him, reserving a life interest in it.

Theodore Verhoff, whose wife died on March 20, 1905, is, despite his age, a remarkably bright and active man mentally. It is indeed interesting to hear this pioneer settler's anecdotes of early days, besides observing hit keen interest in public affairs. Mr. Verhoff served on the local school board for many years, taking an active and aggressive part in everything looking toward the advancement of the young folks. He was a firm believer in the principles of Democracy. He is a member of St. John's Catholic church, -of Glandorf, Ohio, to which he contributes liberally, according to his means. Mr. Verhoff enjoys a large circle of friends and companions, and, because his high personal standing, is popular throughout the community, being numbered among Putnam's county's most enterprising and progressive citfzens.

Alloisa bought fifty acres of land in section 9, adjoining the home place, a year before his marriage, and devotes a part of his time to its cultivation and improvement.

Frank Logan

Among the public men of Putnam county, Ohio, men who have given the best of their services through a long period of years, unselfishly and -devotedly, to the public interest, few are better known or more deservedly popular than County Commissioner Frank Logan, a brief and modest biography of whom it is a pleasure for the historian to present at this point in this comprehensive and illuminating history of Putnam county. By gradual degrees, Mr. Logan has come to his present eminence in county affairs, his long training in the public service having equipped him, as few men in the public life of the county have been equipped, for the exacting duties of the office to which he was called by the people at the last election. For twenty years a justice of the peace of Union township; for five terms as assessor in the same township; president of the school board for twenty years past, and land appraiser, there are few men who have had better training for public service than has he, a fact which the voters of the county appreciated when they placed him on the board of county commissioners, the most important executive department of the county government, and to which he has brought well-trained ability and soundness of judgment, together with a thorough knowledge of public affairs and the best needs of the commonwealth, which ought to prove most serviceable to the people the county and to the administration of their common business affairs; Faithful to the public trusts to which he frequently has been called and diligent in his own business, Mr. Logan has brought to the office of county commissioner a ripe experience of affairs and a devotion to the public weal, Avhich his friends are quite sure will redound greatly to the benefit of the whole people of the county.

Frank Logan was born in Monroe township, Allen county, Ohio, March 31, 1858, son of Israel. S. and Maria (Cowen) Logan, and has spent his -whole life in this section of the state, with the public affairs of which and with the needs of which he is thoroughly acquainted.