(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 500 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY all the family joys and sorrows have been enjoyed or endured around the old hearth-stone. On many occasions it is the scene of pleasant family reunions. Mr. Coate has always been a Democrat but has never accepted any political office except that of township trustee, in which he served for two terms, to the benefit of the community. ANTON MESCHER ANTON MESCHER, proprietor of the Mescher dairy and the owner of 80 acres of rich farming land situated in section 28, Butler township, is one of the substantial men of this part of the county. Mr. Mescher was born in Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, February 16, 1852, and is a son of Bernard and Katherine (Tangemann) Mescher. Bernard Mescher was born in Germany and came to America at the age of 18 years. He made his way to Mercer County, where he worked for several years on the canal then in course of construction, and then settled near Maria Stein. His wife was about 18 months old when she was brought to America by her parents who were pioneers in this part of Mercer County. Both parents of Mr. Mescher died in Marion township. Anton Mescher was reared in Marion township and was educated in the district schools. He was trained to be a practical farmer and his father recognized his ability to operate a farm of his own, when he was still a young man, and purchased the present farm in Butler township for him. Anton settled on his property in the year preceding his marriage and has resided here ever since, carrying on extensive farming and successfully operating a dairy. He has continued to improve his property and has erected a handsome brick residence and substantial barns and other buildings. In 1882 Mr. Mescher was married to Mary Fischer, a daughter of Henry Fischer. Mr. and Mrs. Mescher have eight children, namely: Henry, Louis, John, Elizabeth, Catherine, Margaret, Bernard and Susan. Mr. Mescher has given his children good educational advantages and has also reared them carefully in the Catholic Church. His sons are members of the Knights of St. John. They all stand very high in public esteem, being noted for their industry and good citizenship. THE FORT RECOVERY STIRRUP COMPANY THE FORT RECOVERY STIRRUP COMPANY, manufacturers of bent wood and metal boUnd saddle stirrups, the largest exclusive manufacturers of wood stirrups in the world, and the leading manufacturing establishment of Fort AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 501 Recovery, was organized in 1899 by William Koch, president of the company, and his son Edward, who is secretary and general manager. The company employs from 18 to 20 men. Previous to its establishment, the building now occupied by the company was used as a tannery, which was owned and operated by William Koch. WILLIAM KOCH was born January 31, 1834, in Prussia, Germany, and is a son of Frederick Koch, a farmer by occupation, who emigrated to America in 1845, locating at New Bremen, Ohio, where he died in 1856. William Koch moved to SI. Marys when 18 years old and subsequently learned the tanner's trade at New Bremen, Ohio. He worked at his trade for seven years in St. Marys. In 1864 he moved to Fort Recovery where he opened a tannery, in which business he continued until the establishment of the stirrup company, in 1899. Mr. Koch was married in 1857 to Dorothea Backhaus, a daughter of Henry Backhaus. To Mr. and Mrs. Koch 10 children were born, six of whom are still living. The record is as follows : Lucilla, who married Charles Schneider; William, who died in childhood; Julia, deceased; Frank, who lives at Lima, Ohio; Minnie, who married William Heiby; Flora; Edward; Carrie, and two children that died in infancy. Edward Koch, who is secretary and manager of the Fort Recovery Stirrup Company, was married in 1901 to Matilda Frommel, a daughter of Edward Frommel. Mr. Koch is a member of Pisgah Congregational Church of Fort Recovery, and a member of the Fort Recovery Village Council.   DAVID A. BEAMS DAVID A. BEAMS, formerly mayor of Coldwater, and one of the leading citizens of Butler township, owns 176 2-3 acres of fine farming land in section 20. Mr. Beams was born in Butler township, Mercer County, Ohio, August 4, 1847, and is a son of David and Margaret (Eaton) Beams. David Beams was born in Pennsylvania. When he attained his majority he came to Ohio and located. at Piqua, where he married. In March, 1847, a few months before the birth of our subject, he removed to Mercer County where he acquired 240 acres of land in Butler township, east of Coldwater. He was a son of Col. Martin Bowen Beams, who commanded a German regiment during the War of 1812, and who died of yellow fever in Williams County, Ohio, while on his way home after the close of the war. His two brothers, Martin and John, were among the founders of the United Brethren Church in this locality. David A. Beams was reared in Butler township and was educated in the 502 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY district schools. After .completing his education, he taught school for one year in Missouri, all of the family, with the exception of the youngest sister, having been successful teachers during their youth. With the exception of this one year, Mr. Beams has always lived in Mercer County, and has always devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, not, however, to the exclusion of all other interests. He has served as mayor of Coldwater, and also as constable, and is well and favorably known all over the county. Mr. Beams has resided on his present fine farm since March, 1903, just prior to this having sold a farm of 160 acres in Lancaster County, Nebraska. In 1877 Mr. Beams was married to Malinda Kester, a daughter of John Kester, and they have seven children, namely: Lawrence A., who married Blanche Fell, lives in Washington township and has one child; Laura, who married George Bailey and has three children; John, who resides at home, unmarried; Flora, who is the wife of Del Cummins and the mother of one child; and Ross, David, and Lily Echo, still at home. ROBERSON GREEN BURCH ROBERSON GREEN BURCH, one of the excellent farmers for which Butler township is justly noted, resides on a fine property of 116 acres located in section 23. He was born in this township, July 17, 1842, and is a son of Barton F. and Catherine (Allen) Burch. The Burch family is of English ancestry and was founded in America at an early day by some seven brothers of the name who located in the State of New York. Zebulon Burch, the grandfather of Roberson G., was an old and substantial resident of New York and there lived to the age of 71 years. Barton F. Burch came to Ohio from New York and located on a farm near Cincinnati, where he was subsequently married to Catherine Allen. Her father, Joseph Allen, a native of England, settled first in Maryland upon coming to this country, later removing to Ohio. About 1840 Barton F. Burch came to Mercer County and rented farming land for some years, but later entered 80 acres, paying $1.25 an acre for the same. This tract lie cleared, built a comfortable log cabin and with the help of his sons, improved the land into a fine, productive farm, on which he died July 16, 1871, when almost 67. years old. His wife died November 1, 1876, aged 75 years. Roberson G. Burch was reared in Butler township and passed his time until he was 21 in assisting his father and in attending the district schools. The opening of the Civil War found him ready to offer his services to his country, and as soon as he had attained his maj0rity he did so, on October 8, 1862, entering Company H, 56th Reg., Ohi0 Vol. Inf., in which he served AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 503 for one year, participating in the siege of Vicksburg, which lasted 41 days, and in which he was seriously wounded in the left knee; and the battles of Champion Hill and Port Gibson. After his war service was over and he had received his honorable discharge, Mr. Burch returned to Mercer County and began working on a farm by the month. He. bought his first piece of property in Jay County, Indiana, which he later traded for a 4o-acre tract on which his home now stands, later purchasing 8o additional acres. He carries on general farming and stock-raising. On August 27, 1889, Mr. Burch was married to Lesta Olive. Both Mr. and Mrs. Burch ar,e members of the Christian Church at Montezuma. REV. HENRY GOLDSCHMIDT, C. PP. S. REV. HENRY GOLDSCHMIDT, C. PP. S., who has been pastor of St. Paul's Catholic Church at Sharpsburg, in Gibson township, for the past seven years, was born September 11, 1866, in Baden, Germany, and is a son of John and Agnes (Seirer) Goldschmidt, who were natives of Germany, where they spent their entire lives. Father Goldschmidt spent his early boyhood days on his father's farm, which he left when about 15 years of age to enter a professional school at Freiburg, Baden, Gerniany, where he remained for several years. In 1887, after leaving his position, he came to America and entered St. Charles Seminary, at Carthagena, Mercer County, Ohio, as a student, and in 1888 began to study for the priesthood. He was graduated from the seminary and ordained a priest in 1899, in which year he became assistant priest in the Catholic Church at Glandorf, Putnam County, Ohio, where he remained for six months. On August Toth of that. year Father Goldschmidt took charge of St. Paul's Catholic Church at Sharpsburg, where he has since been located. HENRY GOECKE HENRY GOECKE, one of the leading business men at Maria Stein, engaged in undertaking, furniture dealing and brickm'aking, who is also treasurer of St. John's Catholic Cliurch, was born in Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, arid is a son of John B. and Mary (Asman) Goecke. John B. Goecke was born in Germany, May 29, 1826, and in 1835 accompanied his parents to America. They landed at Baltimore and at once came to Auglaize County, Ohio. At the age of 15 years, John B. Goecke 504 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY started to learn the carpenter's trade at Minster, and subsequently became an -expert wood-carver. He made the beautiful altar of St. John's Catholic Church at Maria Stein and that of St. Mary's at Cassella. He bought land' and owned the site on which the town of St. Johns is built. In a fire which destroyed his property in 1850, he lost a considerable amount, having no ins surance, but he was able to leave his family in comfortable circumstances. He was a good Catholic and was a liberal, charitable man. His death occurred in 1885. Politically he was a Democrat. In 1849 John B. Goecke married Mary Asman, who was born in Germany, and they had these children : Henry, Elizabeth, Katherine, Agnes, John, Rosa, John (2) and Joseph. After leaving school, Henry Goecke learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked successfully. Since 1883 he has been engaged in undertaking and furniture dealing at Maria Stein. He also has a brickyard and burn ed the brick used in the construction of St. John's Church, the convent of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood and other buildings. Mr. Goecke also owns a hardware store. All these different lines of business are conducted carefully and he is one of the town's capitalists. He owns some 15 acres o good land and two valuable town lots in addition to his other property. In 1876 Mr. Goecke was married to Katie Pulskamp, who was born September 10, 1855, and is a daughter of Hon. Herman and Mary (Schaffer) Pulskamp. Judge Pulskamp was born at Martzen, Germany, July 25, 1830 and at the age of 15 years accompanied his parents to New York, going Iron there to St. Peters, Indiana. In 1848 he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, when Herman learned the wagon-maker's trade. In 1852 Herman Pulskamp wa married in Cincinnati to Mary Schaffer, who was a native of Germany and devout Catholic. To this union were born : Katie, wife of our subject; Het man, John B., Bernard, George Edward, Mary, Louise, Joseph and Frederick. The mother of these children died July 1, 1886, and two years later, Judge Pulskamp was married to Mary A. Frey. In 1861, Judge Pulskamp came to Maria Stein from Cincinnati. He has been justice of the peace a number of times, has also served as township clerk and in 1875 he was elected county treasurer. This necessitated his removal to Celina. In 1882 he was elected probate judge and served through two terms and held other offices. His death occurred August 21, 1891, at Celina. He was a devout member of the Catholic Church. Mrs. Goecke resided at home until her marriage. She was carefully educated and is a lady of beautiful Christian character and the beloved moth(erof a large family, as follows: John H., who died July 18, 1878; Justina Maria, who married B. Tangeman, lives at Maria Stein and has two children, Leonard and Ludmilla ; John Edward, who assists his father in business; AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 505 Herman Frederick, who married Louise Menker, October 17, 1906, and assists in the hardware store, of his father at Maria Stein; Agnes Matilda, who died April 15, 1888-; Albert John, who died June 26, 1888; Clara Ann; Anna Maria; Martina Mary, who died June 18, 1894; Hildegard Maria; and Alma Maria. In 1887. Mr. Goecke was appointed treasurer of St. John's Church, a mark of the greatest confidence that could have been shown an intelligent, upright, able. business man. He has been prominently identified with the affairs of the church for many years and can give many interesting details of its growth from a mission to its present prosperity. In politics he is a Democrat. For 11 years he was postmaster at Maria Stein and for seven years held the office of township treasurer. JOHN G. DUES JOHN G. DUES, formerly supervisor of Butler township, and one of the township's leading citizens, resides on his well-improved farm of 70 acres, situated in section 3o. Mr. Dues was born October 3o, 1858, in Butler township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Anna Dues, extended mention of whom will be found in the sketch of our subject's brother, Barney Dues, appearing elsewhere in this volume. J. G. Dues was reared in Butler township, which, with the exception of a period of two years, has been his home all his life. These two years were spent at Celina, where he erected a comfortable home, which he occupied during his residence at the county seat. Following his marriage, Mr. Dues rented a farm in Butler township for a number of years. In 1899 be purchased Too acres of land to which he subsequently added 3o acres, on which property he erected a commodious frame residence and substantial barn and other buildings. Later he sold 6o acres of his land and moved from the new buildings to his present home at the other end of the farm. Mr. Dues has erected three residences, these being his former farm residence, the residence in Celina and still another in Philothea, all of which he has sold. He carries on a general line of agriculture and is numbered with the township's good farmers. He has always taken a good citizen's interest in local affairs, in which his judgment is frequently consulted, and for three years he served efficiently as supervisor. On October 3, 1882, Mr. Dues was married to Catherine Will, a daughter of George Will, and they have had 11 children, namely : Barbara, who married Henry Harms and has one son, Harold ; John, who married Philomena Brown and has one daughter, Ursula ; and Frank, Benjamin, Rudolph, 506 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Joseph, Henrietta, Matilda, Leona and Philomena, all at home, and Pau;ome. who died aged eight months. Mr. Dues is a leading member of the Catholic Church.   CHARLES W. MACKENBACH CHARLES W. MACKENBACH, M. D., physician and surgeon at Coldwater, was born in Jay County, Indiana, December 14, 1869, and is a son of, C. A. and Catherine (Kantrenen) Mackenbach. Charles W. Mackenbach was reared in Jay County, and received his early education in the public schools, later attending the normal school at Portland; Indiana. He then took a course in bookkeeping in Wilt's Business College, also known as the Miami Commercial College, at Dayton, Ohio, and upon his return to Portland he became bookkeeper in the Citizens' Bank, where he remained for three years and then held the same position with the C. A. Barker Lumber Company, following bookkeeping for 10 years. After a course in pharmacy at Valparaiso, Indiana, in 1897 he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in Iwo. He began medical practice at St. Marys in the same year, remaining there until May 20, 1905, when he removed to Coldwater and opened up his present office. Dr. Mackenbach is unmarried. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Maccabees.   ANDREW SMITH ANDREW SMITH, a prominent citizen and representative agriculturist of Hopewell. township, Mercer County, resides on his well-cultivated farm of 8o acres, which is favorably situated in section 20. He was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, March 10, 1844, and is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Garlag) Smith. The parents of Mr. Smith were born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and subsequently came to America. The mother was born March 21, 1808, and died in September, 1847, the same year that they settled in Mercer County, Ohio. Frederick Smith, who was born April 8, 1807, survived his wife many years, his death occurring June 30, 1906. He was then in his moth year, being the most venerable resident of the county. His first years in Hopewell township were occupied in clearing up his farm in section 20, it being situated right in the midst of the woods. He contracted a second marriage and of his children the survivors are as follows: Henry, George and Andrew, all farmers in Hopewell township; Lena, wife of Frederick Stedcke, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 507 of Hopewell township; Frederick, of Hanover, Michigan; Caroline, wife of George J. Smith, of Hopewell township; and Susan, wife of Jasper Cole, of Celina. Andrew Smith was three years old when his parents came to America, and in the same year, 1847, was deprived of the care of his tender mother. He grew up amid pioneer surroundings, went to school at intervals, when sessions were held in the log- schoolhouses in the district, and assisted all through youth and manhood in the clearing and developing of the home farm of 8o acres. He has.always been numbered with the good farmers and enterprising agriculturists of his locality. He is a man of practical ideas and has always shown an interest in the advancement of education, the establishing of religious bodies and in the making of good roads in his neighborhood. On October 13, 1867, Mr. Smith was married to Nancy McGilvery, who died June 13, 1868. He was married (second), on November 21, 1869, to Elizabeth Smith, who was born in Shelby County, Ohio, July 21, 1851, and is a daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Kraft) Smith. The parents of Mrs. Smith were born in Germany and they resided for some years in Shelby County, after coming to Ohio, later removing to Celina, Mercer County, and subsequently to Hopewell township. Mrs. Smith has five surviving brothers, as follows: George J., Charles, Philip, Henry E. and Benjamin F., all residents of Hopewell township. Our subject and wife have seven children, namely : Catherine, wife of Lewis Anselman, of Liberty township; Mary E., wife of William Clay, of Auglaize County; Ida J., wife of Frederick Stroh, of Auglaize County; Conrad E., of Hopewell township; Margaret, wife of Joseph Bollenbacher, of Liberty township; Charles A., of Hopewell township, and Charlotte B., wife of Joshua Hoenie, of Hopewell township. In politics Mr. Smith is identified with the Democratic party but he occasionally votes independently. Both he and his wife are valued members of the Evangelical Association. They are widely known and their hospitable home welcomes many warm personal friends. S. A. BOWMAN S. A. BOWMAN, vice-president of the Citizens' Banking Company of Celina, and one of the prominent and valued citizens of the village, was born in 1857 in Allen County, Indiana, where he was reared and schooled, his education being completed at Fort Wayne and Valparaiso. After leaving college, Mr. Bowman engaged in teaching school for about two years and then embarked in ,a drug business at Zanesville, where he con- 508 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY tinued as active manager for some three years before coming to Celina, but continued as owner of the business for some years thereafter. Mr. Bowman has made Celina his home since 1889 and during all the intervening period has been identified with the Citizens' Bank, first as bookkeeper, later as assistant cashier and subsequently as cashier and for some years has been its vice-president. He is largely interested in real estate in Mercer County and also in Allen County, Indiana, and owns stock in telephone and other enterprises. In 1882 Mr. Bowman was married to Eva Counterman, a daughter of Jacob Counterman, one of the early pioneers of Mercer County. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have one son, Harold C., a student in the Celina public schools. In politics Mr. Bowman is identified with the Republican party and on numerous occasions has been a delegate to State and National conventions. In 1904 he was an elector from Ohio and cast the electoral vote for Theodore Roosevelt. He is interested in all civic matters of a public character and is one of the trustees of the Free Public Library of Celina. Mr. Bowman is one 0f the leading members of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church at Celina and a member of its official body, and for several years has also been one of the board of district stewards. GEORGE HOWICK GEORGE HowIck, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on a farm of 160 acres located in section 23, Center township, was born in this township, April 6, 1848, and is a son of Stephen and Eva (Minehart) Howick, the former a native of Surrey County, England, and the latter, of Fairfield County, Ohio. In the sketch of our subject's brother, David Howick, appearing elsewhere in this volume, will be found further mention of the parents. George Howick was reared on the home place where he remained until after his marriage, when he moved to his present farm, where he has since resided. His farm which is all in one body lies on the north side of the road. He has cleared a greater part of the land and made many improvements, building a house and other buildings. Mr. Howick was married 34 years ago to Frances Cantwil, a native of Ohio and a daughter of John Cantwil, who was a resident of Center township, Mr. and Mrs. Howick have had 10 children, namely : Albert, residing in Center township, who married Kate Pitzen and has one child, Eugene; Mary (twin to Albert), who married Benjamin Hoyng and resides in Utica, Ohio; Annie, who married William Craft, of Center township; William, who lives at home; John S.; Grace, who married John Holtmann, of Center township; AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 509 and Ethel, Rose, Daniel and Bernard living at home. Mr. Howick is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Catholic Church at Celina. JACOB LINK JACOB LINK, proprietor of a general store at Chickasaw, was born at Cassella, Mercer County, Ohio, November 18, 1875, and is a son of Anton and Catherine (Cron) Link, who were both natives of Cassella, Ohio. Anton Link was engaged in the sawmill business at Cassella for two years, after which he opened a general store which he operated for some time. He is now a resident of Carthagena, where he is engaged in running a general store. He married Catherine Cron and they have had 11 children, namely : Jacob, John, Elizabeth, Charles, Aloys, Anna, Joseph and Mary, Catherine, Francis and Anton, who are deceased. Jacob Link lived with his father in Carthagena until about 15 years of age, and worked in his father's store. He then attended St. Mary's Institute at Dayton, Ohio, for two years. At the age of 18 he became a traveling salesman for a cigar jobbing house, in which business he remained for the following eight years. He then returned home for a period of two years, and next opened a general store at Philothea, which he operated for one year. After selling out, he came to Chickasa.w and engaged in the general merchandise business, in which he still continues. Mr. Link was married November 25, 1903, to Margaret Boeke, a daughter of Herman and Catherine Boeke. One child has blessed this union : Catherine, who was born November 18, 1904. Mr. Link is a Democrat in politics and in 1904 was a candidate at the primaries for the nomination for county recorder. Mr. Link and his wife are members of the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church at Chickasaw, Ohio, and he is a member of St. Joseph's Society of that church. JOHN L. BUCANON JOHN L. BUCANON, a trustee of Butler township, and owner, with his wife, of 69 acres of fine farm land, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, October 23, 1856, and is a son of Joseph and Esther Ann (Swartz) Bucanon, natives of Ireland, where the father of our subject died in 1857. Our subject's mother married, as her second husband, Anthony Kuhn, and moved to Butler township, Mercer County, Ohio, in 1868. John L. Bucanon was reared in Butler township and has passed the greater part of his life in agricultural pursuits. In March, 1906, Mr. 510 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Bucanon moved from his farm to Coldwater and purchased the street sprinkling privilege, which he operated during the summer of that year, returning to the farm on October 18th. Mr. Bucanon was married (first) to Eliza Burch, who died after 18 years of wedded life, leaving one son, Alonzo, who makes his home with father. On the 19th of May, 1898, our subject married Mrs. Isabelle Andrew, widow of William Andrew and daughter of Martin and Hester Ann Burch, of New York State. She was the mother of six children by her first marriage, as follows : Stella, who is the wife of T. G. Brandon (a teacher in Butler township) and the mother of two children ; Charles; Robert, who married Pearl Buck and has one child ; Fanny ; Eva and Annie. Mr. Bucanon was elected township trustee in 1902 and is now serving his second term. He has been a member of the School Board for seven years. He is a member of the Christian Church. JOHN GRIER JOHN GRIER, residing 0n a well-developed farm of 120 acres situated in section 19, Butler township, is a native of Ireland and was born about 1836 although he has no record of the actual date. After he death of his father, Mr. Grier came to America, being then about eighteen years old. He landed at New York in 1854, having made the voyage on a sailing vessel, which took about 31 days. He obtained his first work in a straw hat factory as bleacher and later as presser. Afterwards he went to Newark, Ohio, and worked in a house-furnishing store for a time and then returned to New York, where he remained about three years and then came back to Ohio and settled on a farm, which he had purchased several years before. He cleared the farm and made a great many improvements and now has one of the finest farms in Butler township. Mr. Grier was married (first) in New York during his early residence there arid he and his wife had one child, Catherine Patton, who died aged three months. He was married (second) to Caroline Walters, who was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, but was reared in Mercer County. They became the parents of seven children, namely : John James, who died aged 21 years; Catherine Ann, who lives at home; William Edmond, residing in Jefferson township, who has one child ; Mary, who married Robert Larmore and has one child ; Ralph, residing in Mercer County, who has one child; Amy Caroline, who lives at home ; and Hugh Arthur, who died aged 15 years. Mr. Grier is a Republican and has served as school director and supervisor of his township. In religion he was brought up a Presbyterian, but is not united with any church at present, as no church of that denomination is located near his home AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 513 HARVEY BEOUGHER HARVEY BEOUGHER, a well-known citizen and successful farmer of Jefferson township, whose 80-acre farm is located in section II, was born near Logan, Hocking County, Ohio, March 27, 1842, and is a son of Benjamin C_ andCatherine (Cook) Beougher. Benjamin C. Beougher was born near Millville, Fairfield County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated, removing to Hocking County after his marriage, where he became a representative farmer. Harvey Beougher remained on the home farm until he was prepared to start a home of his own, in 1872, making his home with his parents, but accasionally working for neighboring farmers as was the custom. In 1863 he enlisted for service in the Civil War and was in the army for one year and seven months, a member of the 58th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. He saw some pretty hard service but returned at the close of his term of enlistment without having suffered any serious injury. He resumed farming in Hocking County, where he remained until 1875, when he located in Mercer County, having purchased 80 acres of uncleared land in Jefferson township in 1866. Here he built a log house and entered upon the clearing and ditching of his land, which he continued until the whole tract of 80 acres was ready for cultivation, except nine acres reserved for timber. In 1899 Mr. Beougher built a commodious frame residence which has made a comfortable home for his family. In 1892 he erected his substantial barn which is, without doubt, one of the very best in the township. His other improvements are of the same character and they make his property a valuable and pleasing one. He carries on general farming and raises some stock. On March 24, 1872, Mr. Beougher was married to Eva Lohr, a daughter of Noah Lohr, who is a minister in the United Brethren Church, located in Hocking County, Ohio. They have had 13 children, namely : Cora Alma and Lela Ada, both deceased in infancy ; Homer Ellis, who died aged 18 months; Sanford, minister of the Christian Church at Montpelier, Indiana, who is married and has two children ; Charles, a resident of Jefferson township, who is married and has three children; Elmer J., also residing in Jefferson township, who is married and has one child; Chester Orn, who is married and resides in Celina; Ida, who married William Monroe and lives in Jefferson township; and Lawrence, Zina D., Maud Blanche, Jesse and Bessie E., who resides at home. Mr. Beougher has given his children educational advantages and they are respected members of society in Jefferson township. The family belong to the Walnut Chapel United Brethren Church in Jefferson township, of which he is one of the trustees. In politics Mr. Beougher is a Republican. On a 514 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY nearby page are shown views of Mr. Beougher's first residence and of his present residence and barn. GEORGE SMITH In the subject of this sketch is found one of Hopewell township's most highly esteemed citizens. He is the owner of 100 acres of valuable land, situated in section 30, and has long been accounted a representative agriculturist of this part of Mercer County. Mr. Smith was born in Germany, December 23, 1839, and is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Garlag) Smith. Frederick Smith brought his family to America in 1847, and came directly to Mercer County, Ohio. He was one of the early pioneers and found a still undeveloped country where are now fertile fields and every indication of a high state of civilization. He cleared up a large farm in Hopewell township where the rest of a long and useful life was spent, which extended into his 100th year, his death taking place on June 30, 1906. Of his children, these survive : Henry, of Hopewell township; George, of this sketch; Andrew, of Hopewell township ; Frederick, of Hanover, Michigan; Caroline, wife of George J. Smith, of Hopewell township; and Susan, wife of Jasper Cole, of Celina. George Smith was reared among pioneer surroundings and can recall many interesting circumstances relative to early days in this township. His life has been one devoted to agriculture and he has done his part in developing farming interests and in raising the standard of agricultural achievement. He formerly owned 180 acres but has retained but 100, which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. While his life has been a successful one, he has had much to contend with and his prosperity is but the reward of his own unassisted efforts. In September, 1864, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, becoming a member of Company K, 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., which was attached to General Sherman's command. Mr. Smith took part in the famous "March to the Sea" and was concerned in the siege and subsequent capture of Atlanta. With the victorious army, Mr. Smith took part in the Grand Review at Washington and was mustered out of the service in June, 1865. Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Magdalena Myers, who was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied her parents to Hopewell township in girlhood. The children born to our subject and wife were the following: Mary A., wife of Frederick Hasis, of Center township ; Lydia C., wife of George W. Smith,, of Liberty township; Callie, wife of Joseph Stedcke, of Hopewel township; Amanda, wife of Frank Stedcke, of Hopewell township; Frank Ti of Hopewell township; Lulu L., wife of Richard Stedcke, of Hopewell tow AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 515 ship; John F., of Jefferson township; Fannie, wife of William Eichenaur, of Hopewell township; and Pearl A., wife of James Highley, of Hopewell township. Mr. Smith has always been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party but has never aspired to office. He is a valued member of the Evangelical Association. Through a long and useful life he has maintained a reputation for strict fairness and integrity in his dealings with his fellow-citizens and consequently enjoys their respect and esteem. GEORGE KETTERING GEORGE KETTERING, one of most prominent farmers of Recovery township, owner of 200 acres of farm land located as follows, 80 acres in section 18, Recovery township, mild 8o acres in section 15 and 40 acres in section 16, Washington township, was born in Washington township, Mercer County, Ohio; November 25, 1856, and is a son of Henry and Margaret F. (Fennig) Kettering. Henry Kettering was born near Strasburg, Germany, where he was reared and married. He came to America with his wife and child and located in Holmes County, Ohio, where his wife died shortly after, leaving one child, Catherine (Mrs. Leininger), who resides in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio. His second marriage occurred in Holmes County, to Martha F. Fennig, born in Germany, and who came to America when four years old with her parents who located in Ashland County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Kettering lived a number of years in Holmes County, their four oldest children being born in that county. He moved to Mercer County in 1835 and located on a farm of 80 acres in Washington township, which is now owned by our subject and is occupied by Benjamin Powell; a nephew of the subject Hof this sketch. Mr. Kettering was one of the most promient men in Washington township and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1871 at the age of 58 years, he was the owner of 193 acres of land, and had considerable other property beside. His wife died February 1, 1902, aged 77 years. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kettering, as follows: Henry, John; Caroline, Sarah, Jacob, George, Mary, Philip and Margaret. Henry came to Mercer County with his parents when about nine years of age, was reared in Washington township and lived here until March 1, 1906, when he sold the home farm which he then owned to his brother George, and moved to Nebraska. He divided 160 acres among his children and still owns 120 acres of land in Washington township. John resides in Black Creek township. Caroline is the widow of Henry Bobenmoyer, of Washington township: Sarah married John Smoyer of 516 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Washington township, who was killed in an oil-well explosion on his own farm, Jacob resides in Washington township. Mary married Jacob Becher, of Black Creek township. Philip died aged one year and seven days. Margaret married Peter W. Wright and died at the age of 26 years. George Kettering was reared in Washington township and has spent his whole life in Mercer County with the exception of the time he has spent in traveling. In 1895, wishing to see the country where his father was born, Mr Kettering took a trip to Europe, visiting France, Germany, Holland and many other countries. He is als0 interested in his 0wn country and has visited California on two different occasions.   GEORGE W. SMITH GEORGE W. SMITH, a representative agriculturist of Liberty township whose excellent farm of 120 acres is situated in section 13, was born January, 14, 1863, in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Gertrude Wappas Smith. The parents :of Mr. Smith were natives of Germany. The father was a boy of 12 years when he accompanied his parents to America. The family lived for a time in Pennsylvania and then came to Mercer County, Ohio, and settled -on a wild tract of land in section 24, Liberty township. They were compelled to endure many hardships for the first few years, as were all the pioneers, but in spite of them the family flourished, increased in numbers an substance and now the Smith family of Liberty t0wnship, founded by our subjest's grandfather, John Smith, is one of the representative ones of this locality George Smith died June 3, 1901. He was one of the leading members of t Evangelical Association. His wife passed away November 16, 189o. Both were widely known and highly esteemed. George W. Smith was reared in Liberty township and was educated in the district schools. A long and intimate familiarity with all kinds of farm work has made of Mr. Smith a very competent farmer and his well-tilled land and the evidences of its productiveness seen on every hand mark him as a thoroughgoing agriculturist. Of his present farm, 40 acres were formerly included in the old homestead. Mr. Smith was married to Lydia C. Smith, a daughter of George Smith, of Hopewell township, and they have two children—Mervin and Ruth M. Although Mr. Smith is identified with the Republican party, he has his own ideas and claims the right sometimes to vote independently. He has al-, ways been a man of prominence in his township and has served at various times. as school director of Dist. No. 6. He bel0ngs to the Evangelical Association: AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 517 FRANK BERNARD ROMER FRANK BERNARD ROMER, the owner of an excellent farm of 80 acres in section 26, Granville township, which is watered by the Wabash River, is one of the representative men of his locality and belongs to one of the oldest and most prominent families of the county. He was born December 6, 1874, at St. Henry, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of Bernard Frank and Mary Anna (Beckman) Romer. Bernard. Frank, Romer, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, accompanied his brother Henry from Germany and the latter entered the land and laid out the town of St. Henry. The great-grandfather had died in Germany, but our subject's great-grandmother and the following children made up the first party of settlers of this name: Henry, Bernard Frank (the grandfather of our subject), Herman (1), Herman (2), Fred, Agnes (wife of Henry Hemmelgarn, deceased, at Cincinnati), and Frank. Three of the sons came to the vicinity of St. Henry, but the rest of the family remained at Cincinnati. The mother subsequently came to Minster, Auglaize County, Ohio, to visit her children, and died there in 1849. Other members of the family joined the first settlers at St. Henry. They possessed little means and walked the most of the way through the woods to this point. They worked on the canal and proved industrious, reliable people. Their log cabin in the woods was erected by combined effort in one day, and in the hastily constructed home seven families spent their first winter. All the brothers died in Mercer County, except Frank, Fred and Herman. Bernard Frank Romer, Sr., was married at Cincinnati, Ohio, to Agnes Gravenkamp, who came from-the same part of Germany as did his own family. Their children were: Elizabeth, the first white child born at St. Henry, who is the widow of Fred Athmer; Agnes, who married Clemmens Meinerding both now deceased; Bernardina, who married Henry Lennartz—both now deceased; Catherine, who married John Beckman; Mary (widow of Dr. Myers), residing in Florkla; Anna, (widow of Henry Doess), living at St. Henry ; and Bernard Frank, the only son. The father of this faniily died in September, 1879, but the mother survived until February 14, 1901. Bernard Frank Romer, father of our subject, one of the best known citizens of St. Henry, was born here on February 25, 1846. The whole period of his attendance at school was covered by 3o days, but he made the most of his limited opportunities. He early developed business ability and was but 12 years of age when he began.to buy and sell as well as trade horses, and it was remarkable how seldom he made a bad bargain. When he was 14 years old he bought his first farm, purchasing it from Jacob Ullerman, at St. Peter, in Recovery township, and with this tract as a beginning he has continued to add 518 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY acre after acre until he now owns: 400 acres in Mercer County and a large body of land in Scioto County. In addition he is interested in the lumber business at Celina, St Henry and Mendon, arid is the controller of a large amount of capital.' Politically he has always been a stanch supporter of the Democratic patty, but he has never sought office. Mr. Romer is one of the leading members of St. Henry's Catholic Church at St. Henry, which his family was instrumental in founding. He assisted in building the present beautiful church edifice. On October 15, 1868, Mr. Romer was married to Mary Anna Beckman, who died March 18, 1902. She was a daughter of the late Henry A. Beckman, who was an early settler in this vicinity, a well-known practitioner of law and for a number of years a justice of the peace. The eight children born to Bernard Frank Romer, Jr.., and wife were as follows'. Rebecca Ann, who is the wife of Henry Winkeljohan, of Celina; Agnes, who is the wife of Benjamin Riling, of St. Henry ; Emma, who married Joseph Moeller and lives at St. Henry; Frank Bernard, who is the Immediate subject of this sketch; Ferdinand, who married Carrie Kreusch and lives at Cambridge. City, Indiana; Albert, who married Mary Schunck and lives at Celina ; Lillian, a very estimable lady, who keeps house for her father; and a son, who died January 7, 1879 aged six months. Frank Bernard Romer, Jr., laid out the town of Burkettsville, 1871. also presented to Rev. John Van den Br0ek, C. PP. S., two acres of land and was one of a committee of eight good Catholics who organized St. Bernard' Church there. He erected his own commodious residence at St. Henry in 1884-85, a large brick structure of 12 rooms, where he now lives practically retired, although it is doubtful if anyone with so active a mind and so many important interests still concerning him will ever entirely lay aside business affairs. Frank Bernard Romer was reared at St. Henry. He enjoyed better educational advantages than did his father, for after he had completed the course of instruction in the schools of St. Henry, he went to Dayton and finished at St. Mary's Institute there. He continued to reside at home until his marriage and during the first years following it he lived at St. Henry, in the meantime working one of his father's farms. In 1899 he located on his present farm, which he obtained from his father, and moved into the log house which was then standing. Mr. and Mrs. Romer continued to live in that house until the completion, in 1902, of his handsome new residence, of nine rooms, which is a very fine home and is fitted with many modern conveniences. In 1961 Mr. Romer completed his- substantial barn, also of modern construction. He has made many other excellent improvements, has cleared his land and has put it under a fine state of cultivation. He carries on general AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 519 farming after the most approved methods, raises some stock and in every way may be termed a representative agriculturist of his section. On October 4, 1898, Mr. Romer was united in marriage with Anna M. Moeller, who was born November 23, 1875, and is a daughter of Gerhard Henry and Mary (Lang) Moeller. The father of Mrs. Romer was born at St. Johns, near Maria Stein, and was a son of Joseph Moeller, who was one of the first settlers at that place. Joseph Moeller and wife came to Ohio from Germany and they had the following children : Gerhard Henry, father of Mrs. Romer; Anthony, who died young; Anna, who married Joseph Bruns; John, deceased at 21 years; Mary, wife of Frank Bruns; Frances, who married (first) Frank Feldhake and (second) Anthony Sherman; and Joseph. The children of Gerhard Henry and Mary (Lang) Moeller were: Amelia, who married Williath Henry Romer; Joseph, who married Emma Romer; Anna M., who is the wife of our subject; Louis, who married Rose Vandder Bosch; Pauline, deceased in the spring of 1905, who was the wife of George Bruns.; Rose, who married Joseph Macke, Jr.; Francis; Leo; Adolph, deceased; and Ferdinand. Mr, and Mrs. Moeller live retired at St. Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Romer have four children, namely: Florence, born August 21, 1899; Alphonse, born December 19, 1901; Ruth, born March 12, 1904; and. Mildred, born September 6, 1906. This family, like all of the name, are devoted members of the Catholic Church. REV. JOSEPH HEITZ, C. PP. S. REV. JOSEPH HEITZ, C. PP. S., rector of the Novitiate of the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, situated near Burkettsville, in Granville township, was born June 9, 1854, on a farm in Huron County, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Frances (Meng) Heitz, who were natives of Germany. Joseph Heitz was the oldest of a family of three children. He first attended school at the district school near his father's home. He then went to a Catholic school at Bismarck, Huron County, Ohio, and then entered St. Joseph's College in Illinois, where he took a preparatory course for two years, after which he entered St. Charles Seminary, at Carthegena, taking a nine years' course. He was ordained a priest in 1881, after which he went to Fort Recovery, where he had: his first church, also having charge of the churches at Wendelin and Sharpsburg. After remaining there for about 1i months, he went to Glandorf, Putnam County, Ohio, where he became an assistant priest. His next call was to Big Spring., Seneca County, Ohio, where he had charge of St. Peter's parish for 18 months, returning then to Fort Rocovery to take change of the church there ,a second time. He afterwards located at Law- 520 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY renceburg, Tennessee, and had' charge of a number of missions, including Franklin, Pulaski and Columbia. He was at Lawrenceburg two years and one year at Nashville. From Nashville he went to New York City, where he became chaplain at St. Joseph's Hospital, after which he returned to Coldwater, Mercer County, and had charge of Holy Trinity Church for one year. Since 1890 he has been rector of the Novitiate of the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, which is situated one mile and a half northeast of Burkettsvillee. Father Heitz is a member of the congregation of the Most Precious Blood. JOHN SCHINDLER JOHN SCHINDLER, who has been prominent in the affairs of Fort Recovery for many years, both as a business man and public citizen, owns a large establishment where blacksmith work and the manufacturing of wagons and buggies is carried on. He was born at Hecklengen, Germany, in 1849, and is a son of Constantine and Julia (Beha) Schindler. Constantine Schindler was born in Germany and was a substantial citizen for many years. He was the youngest of four children, the others being: Carl, who came to America, in1830, settling at Wolf Creek, in Seneca County, where he married (first) a Miss Ferenbach, and, after her death, Ursula Hoepf, dying in 1901; Catherine, who married Robert Burkhart—both died in Germany; and Theresa, who married Ferdinand Schindler—both died in Germany. The parents of our subject spent their lives in Germany. The father engaged in farming and also entered into political life and was made one of the burgomasters of his town, which is an important one in Baden. He lived to be 70 years of age and his wife survived to the same age. They were both most worthy members of the Catholic Church. They had seven children, namely : William, Albert, Hugo, John, Mary, Julia and Theresa. William, who died in 1881, at Coldwater, Ohio, married Margaret Umlor, who was born on a farm near Fostoria, Ohio. Alberti who died in Germany in 1901, was married in his native land and always lived there. He was in the German Army and served in the war between Austria and Prussia, in 1866, and in the Franco-Prussian War, 1870-71, and on account of being shot eight times drew a large pension. Hugo, the third son, still lives with his family, on the old home farm in Germany. Mary married and died in Germany. Julia is the widow of Captain Arnold Fritsch, who died in the city of Offenburg, where he was postoffice inspector. Theresa is the wife of Ferdinand Feltman, who is a railroad official at Kensington, Germany. John Schindler, our subject, is the youngest son in his parents' family. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 521 He was educated in his native town and when 16 years of age started to learn the blacksmith's trade with an old, experienced workman, by the name of Carl Hiitz, who had a shop and forge in • the neighborhood. The youth remained with Mr. Hiitz for about 18 months and then decided to try his fortune in America. In October, 1867, he landed at Castle Garden, New York, and passed two lonely weeks in the great metropolis before he found work at Toledo, Ohio. Four weeks later he went to Frankfort, which was then called Six Mile Woods, where he joined his brother William, who had a blacksmith shop there, remaining with him for the following year. Then he went to Fostoria and completed his trade with John Audis of that place. From Fostoria, Mr. Schindler, now an expert workman, went to Tiffin, then to Upper Sandusky, and still later to Little Sandusky, to Marion and then to Sandusky, working at his trade at every point. In order to see something of the country, Mr. Schindler then went to Michigan and located for a time at Adrian. In the meantime Mr. Schindler's brother William had sold out his shop at Six Mile Woods and had established a big concern at Coldwater, Mercer County, Ohio, and in 1872 our subject returned to Ohio and resumed work with his brother. 'In the following year he was married. He then moved to Berwick, Ohio, where he remained one year, returning then to his brother's shop at Coldwater, this time remaining with him one year. At this time Monterey, in Mercer County, was attracting attention and the prospects seemed good for its becoming a prosperous place, as it was thought that the railroad would pass through it. Mr. Schindler located here and established a shop, which he conducted until the fall of 1877, by which time the tide of business was flowing in the direction of Fort Recovery. After selling his Monterey shop, he established his present business where he has remained ever since. In 1877 he bought his shop property and in the following year he built his comfortable residence in close vicinity and there lived until 1886, when he purchased his present beautiful home. It is a large, eight-room house, which stood on the property when he bought it, but he has so improved it that it looks like another place. The residence is situated on Boundary street, where he has three town lots. On the opposite side of the street, Mr. Schindler owns five other lots and he also has 21 acres of valuable farming land near the corporation limits. He is considered one of the substantial as well as prominent and representative men of Fort Recovery. On April 29, 1873, Mr. Schindler was married, at St. Peter, Mercer County, Ohio, to Mary Anna Roesner, who was born on a farm near St. Peter, May 3o, 1852. They have had 12 children, as follows : John, who married Lula Riegel and lives at Fort Recovery ; Theresa, residing at Fort Recovery, who married Fred Boesche and has one child, John F. ; Julia, living at Anderson, Indiana, who married Joseph Lennartz and has three children—Clemence, 522 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Lionel and Pauline; and Rose, Dora, Clara, Ferdinand, Hugo, Herbert, Ella, Margaret and Rudolph (deceased). Jacob Roesner, father of Mrs. Schindler, came to America from Ba Germany, and was married at Somerset, Perry County, Ohio, to Mary Bitschor, who had come to. America from Elsass, Germany, with her parents, when eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Roesner settled on a farm near St. Peter, Mercer County, where they lived the remainder of their lives. They had six 1 children, as follows : Michael, who married Margaret Cerber and lives at Fort Recovery; Daniel, who married Mary Ann Studer and lives at Celina; David, who married Mary Mader and lives at Celina; Mary Anna, who is the wife of Mr. Schindler; Lena, who married Benjamin Fallert and lives at Santa Ana, California; and Jacob, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Roesner devoted members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Schindler is a stanch Democrat, and on numerous occasions he has been elected to important offices by his party. He is at present serving as infirmary director, and during the second administration of President Cleveland was postmaster at Fort Recovery. For a number of terms lie was township treasurer and for 20 years was a member of the Village Council, serving 16 of these in succession. He has always been looked upon as one (if the town's most representative, public-spirited men. Perhaps there is no more widely traveled individual in the county that) Mr. Schindler. Since his marriage he has visited the following States: New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Colorado. In. Southern Tennessee, in Lawrence County, he invested in some fine farming lands. He has also visited Canada and on May 27, 1900, he started for Europe. On reaching Paris he spent 10 days in viewing the wonders of the great exposition, then proceeded to Strasburg, crossed the storied Rhine, went then to Offenburg and found a hearty welcome from his sister. Julia. He then visited his native place where his sister Theresa still resides and then went to Basel, Switzerland, and while there joined with 500 other good Americans in celebrating the Fourth of July. After this delightful vacation, Mr. Schindler reached home in October. JOSEPH WINHOVEN JOSEPH WINHOVEN, a prosperous farmer of Granville township, residing on a farm of 100 acres, located in section 33, was born near Egypt,Auglaizei County Ohio, September 29, 1868, and is a son of Martin and Dora (Hanman) Winhoven. Martin Winhoven, as born in Perizes, Germany, May 15, 1808, and AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 523 lived there-until he was 47 years old. He was married four times, his fourth wife, Dora Hauman, being the mother of our subject. His 'first wife lived but a short time after their marriage. His second marriage resulted in the birth of four children, whose names are as follows : Henry, who is married and lives near Toledo, Ohio; Peter, deceased; Anna, who married Henry Neuter and lives in Egypt, Ohio; and Catherine, who married John Rising and lives at Minster. Ohio. After the death of his second wife, he married again and, his third wife dying 'soon after, he was united in marriage the fourth time, with Dora Hauman, who was born in Perizes, Germany, December 1, 1829. After the birth of their first two children, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Winhoven came to America, in March, 1855, proceeding to. Mercer County and first settling at St. Johns. Not long afterward they removed to Egypt, Ohio, where they raised five more children. Upon locating there, he bought a farm of 40 acres, half a mile east of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, upon which he lived for many years. He finally sold this farm in 1877 and moved to Mercer County where he bought, of Frank Bachman, an 8o-acre tract of land, located two miles northwest of Burkettsville, which is the farm that our subject now owns. Only 14 acres of this property were cleared and under cultivation, the remainder being in timber. He had a log house built which cost him $11o; before its completion he was obliged to move into it, when it was necessary to use blankets in place of windows and doors. On this farm Mr. Winhoven lived the remainder of his life, his death occurring in October, 1897, at the age of 89 years. His widow is still living and resides on a farm in Granville township near that of her son, .the subject of this sketch. Seven children were born to Martin and Dora (Hauman) Winhoven, as follows: Conrad, deceased; Anna Mary, who died in childhood; Caroline, who married Henry Brinkman and lives in Granville township; Antony; Catherine, who married Wendel Fink and resides in Dexter, Missouri ; Joseph, the subject of this sketch; and Frank, a resident of Mercer County, who first married Theresa Havermeyer and after her death married Ella Tray. Joseph Winhoven passed the first nine years of his life on the farm near Egypt and then until he was 22 years old lived on the farm in Granville township \\ hich he 'now Owns. After his marriage he lived on his father-in-law's farm one year, then for four years rented his father's farm, after which he rented Henry Staggler's farm for two years. This brings us down to the year 1897 when his father died. His mother then had a public sale of the property on November 29, 1897, at which sale our subject bought the homestead farm, which lies two miles northwest, of Burkettsville in section 33. In 1904 he bought 80 acres more from Gerhardt Hinders adjoining the 80-acre homestead tract, so at the present writing he has a well-improved and up-to-date farm of 160 acres well located and in one piece in section 33. In 1900 he 524 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY erected a large barn and four years later built a commodious nine-room frame house, having up to this time lived in the old log house which his father built when he first located on the farm 27 years before. On January 13, 1891, Mr. Winhoven was married by Rev. John Vanden Broek, C. PP. S., to Margaret Borgerding, a daughter of John G. Borgerding, who came to this country from Oldenburg, Germany, in young manhood and was one of the early settlers of Mercer County. His wife's maiden name was Clara Slotman. She was a widow at the time of her marriage to him. By her first husband, Herman Henry Lang, she had two children: Henry, who lives in Oregon; and Elizabeth, who married Andrew Harman and resides in Granville t0wnship. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John G. Borgerding, as follows: John H., who married Anna Nottenbrook and lives in Darke County, Ohio; Leo, who died in childhood; Mary who married Joseph Fink and lives in Darke County, Ohio ; Robert, who married Dinah Westerheider and lives in Granville township; Joseph, who married Catherine Havermeyer and died at the age of 26 years; Catherine, who married John Rammel and lives in Granville township; and Margaret, the wife of our subject, who was born in Burkettsville, Mercer County, Ohio, June 10, 1871. John M. Borgerding was a well-read man and a faithful member of the Catholic Church. His death occurred on the 25th of December, 1897. His, wife died on October 19, 1899. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Winhoven, namely, Martin Joseph, born October 8, 1891; Mary Dora, born June 17, 1893;, John Herbert, born June 17, 1895; Henry Edward, born April 18, 1897; Frank Ferdinand, born June 19, 1899; Julius Robert, born October 27, 1901; and Martha Ellenora, born May 9, 1904. Mr. Winhoven is at present triamt officer of the Rammel school district. He is a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church at Burkettsville. IRA E. CRAMPTON IRA E. CRAMPTON, who is identified with a number of the business enterprises of Celina, and is particularly concerned in several large canning factories, was born at Lebanon, Ohio, some 53 years ago, but was mainly reared on a farm near Muncie, Indiana. Mr. Crampton grew up in the neighborhood of Muncie and was edicated there and for a number of years was connected with the business enterprises of that section. He early became an expert in the canning industry and built a canning factory there, manufacturing also his own cans. This plant he sold in 1898 and then, with his wife, he took a little relaxation, enjoying a summer of travel. Mr. Crampton in the meantime had selected AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 525 Celina as an excellent field for business and came to this village and erected the immense canning factory, which he has successfully operated ever since. In addition to this factory he also operates one at Gaston, Indiana. A great business is done in the canning of peas, corn and tomatoes, the well-known, satisfactory brand of the latter, which is known as "Ohio's Best," coming from the Crampton cannery. During the past season this cannery put up 25,000 cases of peas, 40,000 cases of tomatoes, nearly 2,000,000 cans altogether going out from the factory. This industry gives employment to a large number of helpers in the canning season, distributes a large amount of money through this section and is assisting in giving Celina a good reputation as being an important shipping center. Mr. Crampton is one of the village's most enterprising business men. In addition to his interests already mentioned, he is a stockholder in the Celina Telephone Company, is interested in the Delaware County gas plant and in other successful concerns. In 1876 Mr. Crampton was married to Lacie Beuoy, who was reared at Wheeling, Indiana, and they have three children, viz. : Lola, wife of Lloyd Sharp, a merchant at Auburn, Indiana ; Ruth and Ethel. Mr. Cramp-ton's only son, Carl B., was accidentally killed in 1905, at Celina, by the explosion of a gasoline tank in the cannery. He was a young man of more than usual educational attainments, a graduate of Lebanon College, and was a special chemist employed by the pulp company, of Muncie, Indiana. Mr. Crampton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the official board. He is also secretary of the Celina Chautauqua Association. In fraternal life he belongs to the Knights of Pythias organization at Muncie, to the Endowment Rank, and also to the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan. CHARLES BRUNS CHARLES BRUNS, 'whose 'well-improved and highly cultivated farm of 220 acres is located in section 36, Marion township, was born at St. Johns, Mercer County, Ohio, May 6, 1845, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Bruns. John Bruns and his wife were natives of Ida, near Fechte, Germany. Upon coming to America, they first located at Cincinnati, Ohio, where Mr. Bruns followed his trade of shoemaking, remaining there for one year. He then came to Mercer County, purchased a farm of 8o acres near St. Johns and engaged in making shoes for the farmers and their families, going from farm to farm. When he wanted flour for bread he had to carry the grain on his back to the mill at Piqua. He also worked on the canal which was 526 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY then being built. He acquired other tracts of -land from time to time—110 acres of faint land in Auglaize County, to which he later added 4o acres, then 100 acres at Sebastian, Mercer County, and still later another tract of 80 acres. This land he later gave to his sons. Mr. Bruns was the father of seven children: Henry, deceased; John; August; Barney, who lives in Auglaize County; Mary, wife of G. Kiser; Charles; and Herman, who died in Texas. John Bruns and his wife (lied on the home farm at St. Johns, Mercer County. Charles Bruns has always lived in Mercer County. He was raised on his father's farm in Marion township, where he remained assisting with the work until the time of his marriage. Of his present farm, 115 acres were inherited by his wife at the time of her father's death; the remainder, 105 acres, Mr. Bruns purchased. The house which Mr. Bruns and his family occupy is a- large, 10-room frame house, surrounded by an orchard and is one of the prettiest rural homes in the southern section of the county. Mr. Bruns also owns three town lots in Celina, in what is known as Schunck's Addition, these lots being Nos. 19, 20 and 21. During the younger days of our subject there were no railroads or good roads in this section of the country and he was many times obliged to travel through the mud to Celina to pay his taxes. He was quite fond of hunting at that time and bagged many wild turkeys and squirrels. He has an old fire-stone musket which came from England. The first time he used this gun, he shot three turkeys at one shot. He, has an old violin which his old schoolmaster brought from the old country, which he learned to play, that he might accompany the school in their songs. He. also has many other old relics, including an old time piece which is over 100 years old. Mr. Bruns was married April 6, 1867, to Caroline Bergman, a daughter of Arnold Bergman, who was a native of Germany. Mr, and Mrs. Bruns have had one child: Henry, who married Elizabeth Brackman, a daughter of John Brackman, and has had six children, namely: Caroline, Anna, Lawrence; Clara, and Agnes, and. Clarence (deceased). Mr. Bruns has for a number of years been school director and was township trustee for six years. He and his family are members of St. John's Catholic Church at St., Johns. HENRY MOORMAN HENRY MOORMAN, who resides on his valuable farm of 80 acres situated in section 16, Butler township, owns in all 160 acres of fine land. He was born in Hanover, Germany, October 31, 1858, and is a son of William and Engle Moorman, both of whom. were born and also died in Germany. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 531 spect for the example of industry and integrity he has set. Dependent entirely upon himself, from boyhood, he has reason to feel some pride in what he has accomplished. GEORGE F. GRIFFIN GEORGE F. GRIFFIN, a representative citizen and leading farmer of Union township, resides on his finely improved farm of 240 acres, which is situated in section 1. Mr. Griffin was born on the old Griffin homestead in Union township, Mercer County, Ohio, March 2, 1851, and is a son of Claudius and Elizabeth (Arnold)_ Griffin. Claudius Griffin, father of our subject, was born November 28, 1813, in a little log cabin, on the banks of the Ohio River, in Clermont County, Ohio. He still survives, a remarkable example of the effects of a life of industry, sobriety and of kindly interest in the welfare of those with whom he has come into contact, during almost a century of existence. His parents were Benjamin and Experience (Mitchell) Griffin, who were pioneers first in Clermont and later in Champaign County. In 1832 the grandfather of our subject sold his farm in Champaign County and removed to Van Wert County, settling on a wild tract of land which later was developed into a good farm. Benjamin Griffin died in 1860, aged 76 years. His widow survived him seven years. They had 10 children, Claudius, the father of our subject, being the eighth in order of birth. In 1839 Claudius Griffin was married to Elizabeth Arnold, a daughter of John and Rachel. Arnold, natives of Kentucky, who were then residing at Venedocia, Van Wert County, Ohio. To Claudius Griffin and wife were born 13 children, as follows : Eunice, deceased, who was the wife of Caleb Kelley; Mrs. Hannah Fryer, a resident of Union township; Lucinda, deceased, wh0 was the wife of William Lemunyon; John, a soldier in the Civil War, who died in the service; Benjamin, who died young; Nathaniel, who married Ann Dobson, and resides at Celina ; George F., the subject of this sketch; Martha Jane, who is the wife of Joseph G. Severns, of Union township; Rachel, deceased, who was the wife of William Partner; William, who died young; Priscilla, who is the wife of Calvin Krugh, of Union township; Isabelle, who is the wife of Elroy Hussey, a prominent merchant and also postmaster at Mendon; and Ida, who is the wife of Element Vallandigham Hood, of Union township. In the year of his marriage, Claudius Griffin settled as a pioneer in Union township, Mercer County, establishing the home which still remains in the family. Both he and his estimable wife endured many hardships which their isolated condition brought about, but they survived them all and lived to tell 532 - HISTORY .OF MERCER COUNTY their great-grandchildren of the days when all this beautiful, fertile, well; cultivated land was covered with a forest in which wild animals still lived and' where many Indians yet made their home. Mrs. Griffin died July 26, 1906, aged 85 years, 6 months and 4 days. George F. Griffin was educated in the school in the neighborhood of his home, which had been built through the personal efforts of his father. He grew up a practical farmer, he and his brother Nathaniel being the father's main helpers after the death of the older brother, John, in the service of his country. After his marriage, our subject settled on a farm located about three-fourths of a mile from where he now lives, but later removed to the old homestead farm. In 1897 he moved to his present farm. For a number of years he resided in the old log house which had sheltered the family for so long a time, but in October, 1901, he began the erection of the house which the family has occupied since 1902. It is a commodious, comfortable residence, finished in modern style and presents a most attractive appearance, all the surroundings indicating thrift and good taste. In reasonable proximity stands the splendid new barn, one which, for size, convenience and substantial qualities, has scarcely an equal in Mercer County. It is 100 feet long and 46 feet wide and cost over $3,000. Mr. Griffin did considerable work in its construction, himself ; otherwise its actual cost would probably have reached $4,000. A structure of this kind was almost a necessity to Mr. Griffin on account of the large agricultural operations he carries on. In addition to engaging in general farming, he raises large numbers of cattle, swine, sheep and horses, devoting particular attention to swine and horses. He feeds 200 head of the former a year and usually feeds all his corn, on but two occasions having any for sale. He works along modern lines in his agricultural operations and his success has made him to be considered one of the best farmers of Union township. On April 12, 1877, Mr. Griffin was married to Mary Orlida Partner, a daughter of Alexander and Martha Jane (Fryer) Partner. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Griffin, John Partner, was born in Juniata County, Pennsylvania; and died in Ohio, at the home of his son Alexander, in 1875, aged 80 years. His widow died a few years later, aged 82 years. One of their' children still survives, Mrs. Sarah Hance, of Spencerville, Ohio. The maternal grandparents were John and Jestinah (Raudabaugh) Fryer, the latter of whom still survives, at the age of 90 years, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Martha Jane Partner, in a pleasant home at Mendon. Alexander Partner, father of Mrs. Griffin, was born in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, February 21, 1832. He was seven years old when his parents moved to Trumbull County, Ohio, and in 1840 he came to Mercer County, settling on a farm of 120 acres, east of Mendon. He continued to reside there AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 533 until 1890, when he moved to Mendon, where he died January 21, 1904, aged 71 years and 11 months. Mrs. Partner has passed her 71st birthday. Their three children still survive, namely: Mary Orlida, wife of Mr. Griffin; William, who lives at Spencerville, Ohio; and Orpha. The last named is the wife of S. H. Strite; they reside at Berkeley, California. William Partner was married (first) to Rachel Griffin, a sister of our subject. His second marriage was to Jennie Lochard, of Middlepoint, Ohio. The children born to our subject and wife are six in number, as follows: Ona May, who married W. E. Bowland, a worker in the Indiana oil fields, and has two children, Walter and Jestinah; Ray G., a worker in the oil fields; Floyd B., who assists his father on the farm; John A., who also assists on the home farm; Charles J., who is a bright student of 17 years, now in the Mendon High School; and Velma Ruth, who is also attending school. In political affiliation, Mr. Griffin is a Republican, but only an active one so far as casting his vote is concerned. Both he and his wife are members of the Church of God. Mr. Griffin was reared in this religious body. The home of his parents was always the home of the preachers as far back as he can remember, and it was through the efforts of his father that the first house of worship was built in this locality. Mrs. Griffin's father was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her mother is a member of the Baptist Church at Mendon. She has two brothers, John and Lewis Fryer, and two sisters, Mrs. Barbara Cooper, of Union township, and Mary, wife of Isaac Slentz, who resides in the northeast corner of Mercer County. Accompanying this sketch are shown views of Mr. Griffin's residence and barn, the old Griffin home and a family group showing five generations; the names and ages of the members of this group are as follows: Mrs. Jestinah (Raudabaugh) Fryer, g0; Mrs. Martha (Fryer) Partner, 71; Mrs. Orlida (Partner) Griffin, 51; Mrs. Ona (Griffin) Bowland, 28; and Jestinah. Bowland, 2. REV. THEODOSIUS H. BRACKMANN REV. THEODOSIUS H. BRACkMANN, C. PP. S., pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Recovery township, was born May 18, 1873, in Hanover, Germany, and is a son of Joseph and Katharina (Boewer) Brackmann, who were farming people. Of the 10 children in the parental family, but six are now living, namely: Mrs. Elizabeth Luehrmann, a resident of Germany; Joseph, who lives on the home place in Germany; Mrs. Bernardina Kemme, who lives in Germany; Theodosius H.; Didacus A., professor in St. Charles Seminary, at Carthagena ; and Anna, who lives with her brother, Theodosius H., as housekeeper. 534 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Theodosius H. Brackmann was reared and educated in Germany, and after leaving school worked on his father's farm for two years. In 1891 he came to America and entered St. Joseph's College at Rensselaer, Indiana from which he was graduated in 1898. He then became a student in Charles Seminary, at St. Carthagena, remaining there for five years. He left the seminary as a missionary in 1903, first as chaplain or assistant priest to Rev. George Hindelang, C. PP, S., at Celina. Among other places to which he has been called are: Fulda, Noble County, Ohio; Springfield, Ohio; Germantown, Missouri, and West Jefferson, Madison County, Ohio. He became pastor of St. Joseph's Church, November 1, 1905, this being his pastorate. NOAH COATE NOAH COATE, a well-known progressive agriculturist of Butler township,, residing on his farm of 72 acres in section 14, owns also 116 acres of farm. land in section 23. He was born December 20, 1853, in Butler township,., Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary Magdalene:; (Yaney) Coate. Benjamin Coate was born near Ludlow Falls, Miami County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. In boyhood, during the building of the Grand Reservoir, he came to Mercer County, where in time he acquired a great deal of land, at one time owning a section. He died in the fall of 19o5. Noah Coate was reared and educated in his native township, remaining on the farm with his father until 1885, two years after his marriage, who he moved to his present location. He has built a fine, large, brick house, with a basement, and in 1902 he erected a substantial barn on the opposite side of the road. He has one of the best-improved farms in the county. Mr. Coate was married to Catherine Cordier and they have nine children, all of whom are still living and are at home: Rosetta, Ray, Lily, Vernal, Clifton, Mary Hannah, Pearly Grace, and Melvie and Myrtle (twins). Mr. Coate belongs to the German Baptist. Brethren Church, in which he is a deacon. He is a member of the School Board. JOHN HENRY ROMER JOHN HENRY ROMER, president of the St. Henry Bank, belongs to one of the old and prominent families of Mercer County. He was born at St. Henry, Mercer County, Ohio, January 31, 1840, and is a son of John Joseph and Anna Maria (Klinetrimp) Romer. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 535 John Joseph Romer was a son of Herman Henry Romer, who died in Germany. John Joseph came to America in 1834 and located at Cincinnati, Ohio, where in 1837 he married Anna Maria Klinetrimp, who had come from Germany about the same time as did her husband. They had eight children, as follows : Mary Agnes, who died aged four months; John Henry, 0f this sketch; John Bernard, born August I, 1841, who (first) married Elizabeth Bose and (later) Elizabeth Landwehr, and died July 18, 1902; Anna Maria; born May 20, 1843, who married J. Henry Brinkman and died April 24, 1880: Agnes, born January 28, 1845, who is the widow of Wessel Meinerding and lives at Fort Recovery; Elizabeth, born April 20, 1847, who died December 28, 1870, not long after her marriage; Mary Catherine, born February 11, 1850, who married M. A. Schlegel and died January 9, 1894; and Adam Joseph, born December 19, 1851, who married Caroline Anthony and lives at Celina. John Joseph Romer and wife moved from Cincinnati to Mercer County, in October, 1838. His brother had bought 16 tracts of land of 80 acres each and John Joseph R0mer purchased one of these. He was one of the founders of St. Henry and one of the town's very first business men, starting a store in 1840. Before the completion of the canal, he was accustomed to transport all his goods from Cincinnati by wagon. He als0 engaged in farming. His death occurred at St. Henry, January 17, 1889. His wife died February 12, 1884. John Henry Romer, our subject, was the first white male child born at St. Henry. He assisted his father during boyhood, on the farm and in the store, and later hauled goods between Cincinnati and St. Henry, driving a four-horse team. It required three or four days t0 make the trip. In 1867 he opened a general store at St. Henry and conducted a business for about 37 years and then sold out to his nephew, Joseph John Romer, in December, 1903. Mr. Romer then made plans for a banking enterprise, on January 5, 1906, renting a room for the purpose, where business was commenced. Later the company built a brick bank building at St. Henry, and the bank was moved to that, which quarters have been maintained ever since. On February 26, 1867, Mr. Romer was married to Rebecca Beckman, who was born at St. Henry and is a daughter of the late Henry A. Beckman. They have seven children, as follows : William Henry, born June 28, 1868, who married Amelia Moeller and is cashier of the St. Henry Bank; Herman, born October 30, 1869, who died September 24, 1870; John G., born May 12, 1872, who married Katheryn Van Oss and is a lawyer at Celina; George B., a resident of St. Henry, who married Nora Fredericks; Edward F., assistant cashier of the First National Batik at Celina, who married Josephine Goldie; 536 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Elizabeth, born April 30, 1887; who is teller of the First National Bank at Celina; and Matilda, born September 11, 1889, who is at home. The grandparents 0f Mrs. Romer came from Germany. After living a few years in Cincinnati, they came to the vicinity of the present town of Minster, Auglaize County, Ohi0, which Gerhard and Rebecca Beckman and a Mr. Stallo laid out. Later the grandparents came to Mercer County and settled in Granville township. They had six children, namely : Mary Anna, Henry A., Catherine, Rebecca,. Frank and Mary. Henry A. Beckman was years of age when the family came to America. While living on a farm at St. Henry, he was married, February 11, 1844, to Elizabeth Borgerding, wh0 also came from Germany. They had eight children, namely: John G., Rebecca, wife of Mr. Romer; Mary A., deceased, who married Bernard Frig Romer and died March 18, 1902; Frank; Catherine, who died unmarried and Joseph, William and Clara, who died in infancy. Mr. Beckman died August 3, 1868, but Mrs. Beckman survived until August 16, 1887. They were well known and most highly respected people. Henry A. Beckman, while never having attended law school, built up a large law practice throughout and adjoining counties. Mr. Romer was twice elected township treasurer and served out one to fill a vacancy. He and his family belong to St. Henry's Catholic Church at St. Henry, and he was secretary 0f the building committee when the handsome new church was erected. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN HENRY WENDELN JOHN HENRY WENDELN, a substantial farmer of Marion township, whose well-developed farm of 120 acres is located in section 26, was born near Minster, Auglaize County, Ohio, and is a son of Fred Wendeln and the grandson of Henry Wendeln. Henry Wendeln, who was a native of Germany, settled at Minster, Auglaize County, Ohio, as one of the earliest pioneers; there was only one house in the town when he first located there. He purchased three farms o 80 acres each in Auglaize County, paying for the three farms $1 oo. Here h and his wife lived the remainder 0f their lives. He was the father of six children, namely : Engel, who married Christopher Greve ; Mary, who married John Starkemp ; Henry, Anthony, William and Fred. Fred Wendeln was born in Germany and was 15 years old when his parents came to America and settled in Cincinnati, shortly afterward removing to Auglaize County. Mr. Wendeln worked on his father's farm and on the canal for about three or four years, when he returned to Cincinnati. After AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 537 residing there for some years, he returned to Minster, purchased a farm of 80, acres and engaged in general farming. Mr. Wendeln was twice married. He was the father of two children by his first wife, namely: William, who married Mary Russ and lives at Minster; and Louisa, who married William Hester and lives at Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Wendeln's second marriage was with Mary Bryankamp, who was a native of Germany and a resident of Cincinnati after coming to this country. Seven children were born to the second union: Christopher, who married Sophia Hertman; Anna, who married John Kurter; Mary, who married John Bohmann; John Henry ; Elizabeth, who married George Bohmann; Dina, who married John Bruns; and Anthony, who married Mary Meyers. Mr. Wendeln died in October, 189o. His widow is a resident of Minster. John Henry Wendeln, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the Wendeln home farm in Auglaize County, near Minster. After his marriage, when 21 years of age, he rented a farm in Auglaize County for four years, and then moved to Mercer County. He formed a partnership with John Bohmann and started a sawmill, which they operated together for eight years. He then bought Mr. Bohmann's interest in the mill and continued in the business for two years longer. Selling the saw mill to his brother-in-law, Henry Schulte, he moved to his present farm, which he had purchased two years previously. He purchased the farm from Anthony Tangeman, whose father had bought it from the government. The old government deed is in the possession of our subject. Mr. Wendeln has since been engaged in general farming and has made many improvements on the farm, having built an eight-room frame house, a large barn and other necessary buildings. Mr. Wendeln was married to Mary Schulte, who was born in October, 1864, and is a daughter of Henry Schulte. Henry Schulte and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Wente, were both of German ancestry and were born in Auglaize County, Ohio. They were the parents of io children, namely: Mary; Anna, who married Benjamin Nagel, one of the wealthiest farmers of Auglaize County; Henry; Joseph and Louise (twins) ; Charles; Catherine; Barney; John; and Elizabeth, who married John Gaile. Mr. Schulte died in July, 1906; his widow is living on the home place. Mr. and Mrs. Wendeln have had six children : Frederick, Anna, William (deceased), Rose, Bernardina and Cecilia. Mr. Wendeln and his family are all members of St. John's Catholic Church near Maria Stein. JOSEPH JOHNSTON JOSEPH JOHNSTON, a representative farmer and well-known citizen of Franklin township, who is the owner of a fine farm of 357 acres, was born in 538 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Ireland in 1849, and is a son of James and Martha (Brrownly) Johnston James Johnston and family came to America in 1851, settling at in Miami County, Ohio, where he worked as a farmer and teamster until 18 when he moved to Mercer Comity, renting a farm within a mile and a half Coldwater. There the family lived until 1856, when he settled on what now our subject's homestead in section 13, Butler township, where he died August 31, 1871. His wife died just before the family moved to Mercer County. There were five sons in the family, of whom two survive: Joseph and his older brother, Nicholas, who owns a farm of 170 acres in sections 13 and 24, Butler to township. Two sisters survive: Theresa, who lives on the home farm, and Mrs. Matilda Franks, residing in Indiana. Joseph Johnston was mainly reared-and was educated in Butler township. He has devoted his attention to farming and to boating on the Miami and. Erie Canals. His well-improved home farm has a commodious frame dwelling, and his two other farms are equally well tilled ; on all of this land he carries on general farming and stock-raising. In 1894 Mr. Johnston was married (first) to Ida Elizabeth Miller, a daughter of Joseph Miller, of Hopewell township. She died October 19, 1901, survived by three children, namely : Lester Hanson, Esther E. and Helen Goldie. On July 26, 1906, Mr. Johnston was married (second) to Mrs. Mahala C. Lacy, a daughter of the late Daniel and Cynthia (Kerens) Long, who had 12 children; Mr. Long was a farmer in Franklin township. Mrs. Johnston had four children by her ,first marriage: Mellie, wife of Roy Botkin, residing in Franklin township; George, who married Nellie Clevenger, also residing in Franklin township; Dora, who resides at home; and Willis, who died in infancy. Politically. Mr. Johnston is a Democrat. The family attend the Christian Church, of which Mrs. Johnston is a member. JOSEPH JOHN ROMER JOSEPH JOHN ROMER, one of the leading citizens of St. Henry, proprietor of a large general store, was born on his father's farm in Granville township, Mercer County, Ohio, December 21, 1863, and is a son of John Bernard and Elizabeth (Bose) Romer. The Romer family is one of great prominence in Mercer County and its ancestry can be traced back to the great-grandfather, Herman Henry Romer, who was born in 1776. He married Mary Agnes Macke, who was born in 1780 and died July 7, 1849. They reared a large family. John Joseph Romer, son of Herman Henry, and the grandfather of our AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 539 subject, was born January 11, 1805, and died January 17, 1889. He married Anna Maria Klinetrimp, on July 18, 1837, who was born September 16, 1811, and died February 12, 1884. John Joseph Romer and wife had eight children, namely : Mary Agnes, who died in infancy; John Henry, born January 31, 1840, who married Rebecca Beckman and lives at St. Henry; John Bernard, born August 1, 1841; Anna Maria, born May 20, 1843, who became the wife of J. Henry Brinkman and died April 24, 1880; Agnes, born January 28, 1845, a resident of Fort Recovery; who is the widow of Wessel Meinerding; Elizabeth, born April 20, 1847, who died December 28, 1870, not long after her marriage; Mary Catherine, born February i 1, 1850, who became the wife of M. A. Schlegel and died January 9, 1894; and Adam Joseph, born December 19, 1851, who married Caroline Anthony and lives at Celina. John Bernard Romer, second son of John Joseph Romer and father of our subject, was born at St. Henry. His father, with his two brothers, Henry and Bernard Romer, were the founders of this town. They were all men of thrift and enterprise, German home-builders. They invested in land and became identified with the infant industries of this section and as a family grew in substance and importance. John Bernard Romer was a farmer in Granville township and died there on his own land, July 18, 1902. For his first wife he married Elizabeth Bose, who was a native of Germany. They had four children, as follows : Joseph John, the subject of this sketch; Mary, who is the wife of Andy Rathweg, living at Coldwater; Anna, who is the wife of John Bushman, living at Columbus, Ohio; and Carrie, who is the wife of Henry Plageman, living at Fort Recovery. After the death of his first wife, John Bernard Romer married Elizabeth Landwehr, and they had seven children, as follows: Bernard and Agnes, who died in infancy; Frederick, who resides with his mother and, sisters, at St. Henry; Alexander, who is a resident of Celina ; Adolph, who died in infancy; and Elizabeth and Bernardina, who reside with their widowed mother and their brother Frederick at St. Henry. Joseph John Romer, the immediate subject of this sketch, was educated in the country schools and worked on the farm for his father until he was about 17 years of age, and then went to assist his uncle, John Henry Romer, who was conducting a general mercantile store at St. Henry. After being four years in his uncle's store, he married and then went into partnership with Albert Goldie, his father-in-law, under the firm style of A. Goldie & Company, general merchants at St. Henry. This partnership continued for five years and after it was terminated Mr. Romer went into business for himself. He first rented a small room at St. Henry, but by the end of the first year his business had so increased that larger quarters were secured and Mr. Romer took in Mr. Feldhake as partner, the firm becoming Romer & Feld- 540 - HISTORY .OF MERCER COUNTY hake. Some 11 months later Mr. Feldhake died and shortly afterward his widow sold her interest to Joseph Bruns. The firm of Romer & Bruns continued in business at St. Henry for the next five years, when the partners amicably divided the stock and Mr. Romer again began business as an individual. He had retained the old stand, where he remained until December .1, 1903, when he purchased the stock of John Henry Romer, for whom he had originally worked and this added to his own made another removal necessary and Mr. Romer settled then in his present commodious quarters. Mr. Romer is a thorough merchant, his years of experience having made him thoroughly acquainted with the demands of the public. He carries a very large stock for a town of the size of St. Henry, which he selects with great care and which includes groceries, clothing, shoes, hats, caps, carpets and queensware. In addition to operating his store as mentioned above, Mr. Romer has also the agency for supplying customers with the finest custom-made clothing. On July 27, 1886, Mr. Romer was married (first) to Sophia E. Goldie, who was born October 17, 1866, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a daughter of Albert and Sophia (Slosser) Goldie. The Goldie family came to St. Henry from Carrollton, Kentucky. They reared a large family, but only two survive, these being: Josephine, the wife of Edward Romer, of Celina; and Adelia, wife of Alexander Gottemoller, of Indianapolis. After the death of Mrs. Goldie, Mr. Goldie married Mrs. Frances Martz ; they reside at St. Henry. The first wife of Mr. Romer died on August 23, 1891. She was a msost estimable lady and was the mother of four children, namely: Ernest Joseph Albert, born May 17, 1887, deceased, September 6, 1887; Herbert Otto Albert, born July 20, 1888; Sophia Dora, born October 16, 1889, deceased January 6, 1906; and Mary Alvenia, born July 20, 1891, deceased November 25, 1904. Mr. Romer was married (second), August 24, 1892, to Anna Marie Hartings, who was born at St. Henry, Ohio, January 17, 1879, and is a daughter of John and Catherine (Schurman) Hartings. Mr. and Mrs, Romer have nine children, namely: Florentine Anna Henriette, born June 18, 1893; William Harold, born September 21, 1894; Adolph Henry, born December 9, 1895; Werner Edwin Frank, born March 18, 1898; Lucile Marie Catherine, born October 3. 1899; Stanley Alexander, born May 27, 1901; Joseph Bernard, born March 15, 1903, deceased December 8, 1904; Herman Edward, born February 1, 1905; and Deloras Mary Antoinette, born October 1, 1906. Mr. Romer is of the disposition, and is able, to give his children many educational and social advantages. Politically Mr. Romer is identified with the Democratic party, but he has AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 541 never been a seeker for office, the demands of his private business always claiming his attention. He takes a good citizen's interest in all public matters, however, and as one of the representative men, his judgment is frequently consulted. Mr. Romer is one of the town's prominent and enterprising citizens, always alert to advance its interests. At present he is serving as town treasurer. He was a member of the School Board when the fine new school building was erected. He is a devout member of the Catholic Church. DAVID HOWICK DAVID HOWICK, a retired farmer of Center township, was born March 4, 1842, in this township, on the old home place just north of where he now lives. He is a son of Stephen Howick, who was born in Surrey County, England, in November, 1812. Stephen Howick was about 16 years of age when he came to the United States. He first located in Lancaster, Ohio, where he cut cord-wood and also worked in a brick-yard. He was married while there. Later, in 1836, he removed to St. Marys, which was then in Mercer County, and worked there until he located permanently in Center township. At one time he was the owner of considerable property. He was engaged in operating a saw-mill for about 20 years. He resided for about 12 years in Celina. His death 0ccurred in 1902, when in his 90th year. He married Eva Minehart, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob Minehart. Mrs. Howick's father was one of the first settlers of Fairfield County; he was one of the chain-men in the party that surveyed where Columbus now stands and could have taken land there instead of in Fairfield County. Stephen Howick was the father of five children, namely : David, subject of this sketch; Jacob, who lives in Idaho; George, who lives in Center township, southwest of Neptune; Robert, a resident of Celina, who was killed by lightning; and Daniel, who lives in the State of Washington. David Howick has always lived in Center t0wnship. He grew to manhood on the home place, where he continued to live until he was about 25 years old. He has always been engaged in farming and for 15 years was engaged in the sawmilling business. Mr. Howick was married in 1863 to Maria Jane Lehman, a native 0f Perry County, Ohio, and a daughter of Adam P. Lehman, who came to Perry County when she was about four years old and located near Oregon. Mr. Lehman served in the Union Army in the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Howick had four children, namely : Amanda, who married Charles M. Schunck, lives in New York and has one child, Carl; Ida, who married Edward J. Rauda- 542 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Baugh, lives .on Walnut street, Celina, and has three children—Fred, Alice and Dorothy; Stephen F., living on the home place which our subject bought when he first left his father's home, who married Edith Yocum and has two children—Edwin, and Mary ; and Mary, who married Dr. George Johnson, a dentist at Celina, and has a son, Wilford. Mrs. Howick died in 19o2. About 1894 Mr. .Howick left the farm to reside in Celina, where he remained until 1904 when he went to New York City to live with his daughter, Mrs. Schunck. He recently returned from the East and is now living with his son, Stephen F., who has charge of the home farm in Center township. Mr. Howick is a Democrat in politics and has served as township trustee for about six years, was assessor for two terms, real estate appraiser for one term and served on the School Board for some time. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JOHN G. ROMER JOHN G. ROMER, attorney-at-law at Celina, was born at St. Henry, Mercer County, Ohio, May 12, 1872, and is a son of John Henry and Rebecca (Beckman) Romer. The father of Mr. Romer was born January 31, 1840, being the first white male child born at St. Henry. He is a son of Joseph Romer, who was born in Germany and came to Cincinnati, Ohio, later, with his two brothers. Henry and Bernard, removing to Mercer County, where they laid out St Henry in 1837. All three engaged in agricultural and mercantile pursuit here during the remainder of their lives, and all were prominently identified with the development of St. Henry and vicinity. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Henry A. Beckman, was one of the early pioneers of Mercer County. John Henry Romer, father of John G., is the president of the St Henry Bank. For 35 years he was identified with the important business interests of that place and has but recently curtailed his activities. The mother of our subject was also born at St. Henry. They reared a family of six chil dren, viz. : William Henry, who is cashier of the St. Henry Bank; John G. of this sketch ; George B., of St. Henry ; Edward F., assistant cashier of thy First National Bank at Celina ; Elizabeth, teller of the First National Bank a Celina; and Matilda, at home. The second born of the family, Herman, die in infancy. Mr. Romer was reared at St. Henry and was educated there and at St Xavier's at Cincinnati, later taking a course at St. Mary's Institute at Dayton After spending six years as a commercial traveler, he took up the study of till law and in 1900 was graduated from the Kent College of Law, Chicago, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws; in the following year he was given the degree AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 543 of Master of Laws by the Illinois. College of Law. He located immediately at Celina and has been in active practice ever since, meeting with the recognition which his talents and thorough knowledge of the profession deserve. He has always been more or less interested in politics and has done considerable effective campaigning throughout the county. On October 10, 1905, Mr. R0mer was married to Katheryn Van Oss, of Minster, Auglaize County, Ohio. Mr. Romer was reared in the Catholic Church. He belongs to the Catholic Knights of America, of which he is the State vice-president.   JOHN BERNARD HASLINGER JOHN BERNARD HASLINGER, junior member of firm of Haslinger & Son, general merchants at Coldwater, was born at Maria Stein, Ohio, April 26, 1872, and is a son of William and Catherine (Schmeising) Haslinger. Mr. Haslinger received his early education at Maria Stein, and in laying the foundation for his future career in the business world he took a course in penmanship, bookkeeping, typewriting and stenography at the Coldwater Academy. After graduation he entered his father's shoe store at Maria Stein, but after a short time returned to Coldwater and became a clerk in the general store of John. L. Phellis, later purchasing the business in partnership with his father. Under the new management it soon became recognized as one of the leading mercantile houses in this part of the county. Mr. Haslinger's popularity among his acquaintances and associates was duly attested by his election as corporation treasurer, in which capacity he has served since 1894. In 1902 he was a candidate for c0unty clerk on the Democratic ticket, but there were four candidates and he was defeated by about 200 votes. Mr. Haslinger is a member of the Catholic Church. He belongs to the Knights of St. John.   WILLIAM N. SMITH WILLIAM N. SMITH, a well-known agriculturist and reliable citizen of Hopewell township, 0wns a farm of 60 acres, 40 of which are in section 29, where he resides. He was born July 19, 1853, in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Gertrude (Wappas) Smith. This Smith family is of German extraction and was founded in Liberty township by our subject's grandfather, John Smith. The latter brought his family here from Germany in pioneer times, his son George being about 12 years of age when they came to the United States and located in Pennsylvania, soon after removing to Mercer County, Ohio. George Smith became 544 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY identified with the leading interests of Liberty township, where he lived a long and useful life, dying June 3, 1901, in his 74th year. He married Gertrude Wappas, also a native of Germany, who died in Liberty township, November 16, 1890, in her 59th year. They had 10 children and the survivors of family are as follows : William N., of this sketch; Margaret, wife of F. P. Miller, of Hopewell township; George W., of Liberty township; Louisa, wife of William Roberts, of Jefferson township; Emma, wife of Henry Smith of Hopewell township; and Dulcina, wife of Edward Roettger, of Liberty township. William N. Smith grew to manhood in Liberty township and has always followed agricultural pursuits. His educational chances were the same as other youths in his locality, and while they were neither so abundant nor so complete as at the present day they served to turn out well-informed men and women. Mr. Smith has always been a friend of the public schools and has testified to his interest by consenting to serve as school director in his district and also as clerk of the school district. Although he is independent in politics, he has been elected to a number of local offices, a pretty good proof of the confidence felt in him by his fellow-citizens. For four years he served as constable and for the past 0 years has been road supervisor of Road District. No. 3, Hopewell township. His constant attention to the duties of this position has resulted in the excellent highways enjoyed in this locality. On December 1, 1874, Mr. Smith was married to Caroline Myers, who was born in Hopewell township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a daughter Jacob Myers, wh0 died when she was a child of four years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had seven children, as follows : Jacob W., Nora B. (deceased) Matilda J., Ruby D., George E., Gertrude E. and Alfred W. Religiously Mr. Smith and family belong to the Evangelical Association. JAMES M. HOWICK JAMES M. Howick, treasurer of Mercer County, is a progressive, intelligent young American, who has never shirked a citizen's duty nor permitted either business or pleasure to divert him from political responsibility. Mr. Howick was born at Neptune, Mercer County, Ohio, June 15, 1873, and is a son of Stephen and Mary J. (Bice) Howick. The father of Mr. Howick was a prominent citizen and substantial farmer of Mercer County for many years. He was township clerk of Center township and later was postmaster at Neptune. For an extended period he was justice of the peace and was well and favorably known. His death occurred in 1902. He was the father of a family of 10 children. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 545 James M. Howick was reared and educated in Mercer County, where for some years he engaged in teaching school. From early youth he has been a student of politics and has taken a very active part in county and township affairs. Politically in sympathy with the Democratic party, he has frequently been elected to various offices in its gift and served as deputy county auditor and deputy county treasurer and in 1904 he was elected county treasurer. His administration of the office has distinguished him as a man especially qualified for the position and his popularity is universal. Mr. Howick was united in marriage with Anna M. Kistler, a daughter of John Kistler. Mr. and Mrs. Howick have a pleasant home on East Fulton street, Celina. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, socially and fraternally Mr. Howick is well known. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Eagles and other organizations. FRANK J. SONDERMAN FRANK J. SONDERMAN, a member of the firm of Frank J. Sonderman & Company, leading dealers in dry goods, clothing, shoes and carpets, at Fort Recovery, was born at Fort Recovery, January 7, 1870, and is a son of Anthony and Agnes (Harter) Sonderman. Anthony Sonderman was a wagon-maker by trade and was one of the early pioneers of Fort Recovery. He was past 70 years of age at the time of his death, which occurred in the spring of 1896. He was the father of five children: Mary Elizabeth, deceased at the age of three years; John A., who died in 1882 aged 20 years; Mary Louise, a member of the firm of Frank J. Sonderman & Company, who married S. N. Seifert, and has four children —William L., August Frank, George and John V.; Frank J., the subject of this sketch; and William, also a member of the firm of Frank J. Sonderman & Company. Frank J. Sonderman was reared in Fort Recovery and at the age of 13 years left school and went to work in a hardware store, where he remained for three years.. He then went to work as clerk for Krenning & Son in November, 1885, which position he held until 1891. His next position was that of clerk in a large dry goods store in Toledo, Ohio, where he worked for one year and a half, when he was obliged to return to Fort Recovery on account of his father's ill health. In 1893 he established the firm of Frank J. Sonderman & Company, consisting of his sister, Mrs. S. N. Seifert, his brother William and himself. The store was opened in a small way in a building owned by Charles Schneider, and the same lines were carried which they now handle, viz., dry goods, men's clothing, shoes, carpets, etc. They were in the 546 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Schneider Building until 1903, when they moved to their present location in the Fetter Block, occupying the entire ground floor of two store-rooms, half of the second floor and the basement. The firm has increased the volume of its business each year, and now carries a very large stock of the lines dealt in which have been mentioned above. Mr. Sonderman was married November 12, 1895, to Mary A. Schunck, a daughter of Jacob Schunck, of Celina. They have had three children; Catherine Agnes, Madonna L. and Agnes Florence. Mr. Sonderman is a member of the Catholic Church and also of the Catholic Knights of Ohio. ELI H. KELLY ELI H. KELLY, residing in section 22, Washington township, owns 150 acres of valuable farm land and is one of the survivors of the Civil War. He was born March 12, 1839, in Stark County, Ohio, and is a son of David and Catherine (Biler) Kelly, who were the parents of eight children. The parents of Eli Kelly moved to Knox County, Ohio, in his infancy, where they lived for five years, then lived in Allen County for two years, after which they resided for i i Months in Adams County, Indiana. They finally located in Liberty township, Mercer County, in 1851, and it was here that our subject was reared. His father bought a farm of 80 acres which Eli assisted in clearing and cultivating. By attending school during the winter be secured an education and after leaving school he taught for three years; also one year after his marriage. In October, 1882, he enlisted in the I20th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and served for 13 months. He had enlisted for three years but was severely wounded in the battle of Thompson's Hill, May 1, 1863, which prevented any further military service. He participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bluff and Arkansas Post, in the Army of the Mississippi under General Sherman. His regiment then went under the command of General Grant, going to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where it did hard labor building-a canal, then ran the blockade at Vicksburg, on the Grand Gulf and marched all night to Thompson's Hill, going into battle the next morning without anything to. eat. About 11 o'clock that morning Mr. Kelly was severely wounded in the left hand by a musket ball, which tore part of it away. He was then sent to the field hospital where he underwent an operation, being later removed to a hospital near Grand Gulf, where rations were cut off and Mr. Kelly had nothing to eat for four days. He was later moved to a camp near Vicksburg, where he took fever and was moved from camp to camp until June 1st, when he was sent to St. Louis where he lay in the hospital for three months. After leaving the hospital, he obtained quarters in St. Louis, and