OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 451 New Riegel, Seneca county, Ohio, and then moved to Jay county, Ind., where she made the acquaintance of Ignatius Rauh. The marriage took place in 1850, at Saint Joseph (Victoria), Ohio. Ignatius Rauh died in May, 187o, at the age of fifty-four years; his widow is still a resident of Mercer county. There were born to these parents six children, of whom the elder three are farmers, and of the younger three, two are professional men and one a priest. Prof. Rauh attended the common schools until thirteen years of age, and then attended high school at Celina and Fort Recovery, one year each, and began teaching when less than seventeen years old. He next attended the normal schools at Ada and Lebanon, Ohio, nine and twelve months, respectively, teaching in the intervals in Auglaize and Mercer counties until twenty-one. He next entered Saint Francis Normal college at Milwaukee, Wis., from which, two years later, he graduated in the class of 1885. He was then given charge of a private academy for boys and young men at Denison, Texas, which position he resigned after one year's satisfactory labor. In 1886, he accepted his present position and also that of organist of Saint John's Catholic church of Glandorf. Mr. Rauh has re-disciplined the schools since assuming his office, and through his efforts they have been incorporated into a special district and graded. He has graduated twelve pupils, a fact very gratifying to patrons, and has made the school a model institution of learning. In 1889 he was elected county examiner and his conpetency for the position is evidenced by the high abilities of teachers of Putnam county. Mr. Rauh was one of the founders of the Glandorf Building & Loan company in 1887, of which he was secretary for two years, being the first to fill that office. Since then he has been a member of the board of directors, and chairman of the finance committee. In 1892 he became interested in Der Demokrat at Ottawa, the efficient German paper of Putnam county, and in 1893 that journal was placed under his sole control. It has a circulation of 1,400 to 1,500, and is very ably edited. The marriage of Mr. Rauh took place July 26, 1893, to Miss Mamie. Preisendorfer, daughter of J. M. and Elizabeth (Wilhelm) Preisendorfer, the father being a native of Germany, and the mother and daughter of Defiance, Ohio. One child, John Clarence, has blessed this union. Few counties in Ohio can boast of a more able and accomplished public instructor than Prof. Henry Francis Rauh. GEORGE R. REYNOLDS.—Among the well-to-do young farmers of Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch is well deserving of mention in this biographical work. He is one of the model agriculturists of this section, and a man possessing many warm friends. His paternal grandfather, Ryer Reynolds, was a native of England and a soldier in the British army. He was sent to Canada by the mother country to fight for her, but, believing the cause of the colonists to be right, he deserted to them. In consequence of this act a large property which he owned in Nova Scotia was confiscated to the crown. He married in Canada, and afterward removed to Holmes county, Ohio, and was identified with the early pioneer history of that section.. He cleared a farm of eighty acres there and made it his home until his death. Allen Reynolds, our subject's father, was born in or near Quebec, Canada, and there grew to manhood, receiving a common education. He was eighteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to Ohio, where he married Miss Jane Hawthorne, a native of 452 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Perry county, Ohio, and the daughter of George and Mary Hawthorne. Their home has been in Allen county, Ohio, where they rescued a fine eighty-acre farm from the wilderness, and were among the early pioneer settlers. The father was a republican in politics, and both were members of the Methodist church. The father died in 1881, while the mother is still living. Their children, all of whom are living, are four in number, being in order of birth as follows: James H., George R., Josiah and Sarah A. George R. Reynolds, our subject, was born in Perry township, Allen county, Ohio, July 1, 1851, and his whole life has been spent upon a farm. He received a common-school education, and has added to it a large fund of practical knowledge, which has been of great value to him in his agricultural pursuits. He was united in marriage to Miss Candace McElroy June 25, 1874, and she has proven a valuable helpmate to him in his efforts to make a home and to secure a competence. Mrs. Reynolds was born in Perry township August 17, 1855, she being the daughter of Miles and Mary McElroy. Her parents were among the early settlers of Allen county, where they settled on a fine farm of 120 acres. The union of George and Candace Reynolds has been blessed by the birth of five children: Lewis C., Oliver 0., James A., Leonard and Carrie E., all of whom are living. They resided in Allen county until 1872, when they moved to their present farm, which was then a tract of new land with less than eight acres cleared and only a log cabin for a dwelling house. The industry and perseverance of the young couple is plainly shown by the present appearance of their home. Seventy-five acres of the eighty acres comprising the farm are now cleared and tillable, while a modern farm residence and other buildings have been erected thereon. They have made it all themselves, and take great pleasure in their comfortable home. Both are consistent members of the Methodist church, and are respected and representative citizens. Mr. Reynolds is a strong republican, and, although not a seeker after office, has twice been chosen as township assessor, an office which he has filled with eminent satisfaction to his constituents. JOSIAH REYNOLDS, a thriving and skillful farmer of Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio, is a native of the adjoining county of Allen, in the same state, and was born June 9, 1854. His grandfather, Ryre Reynolds, came from Nova Scota and served, as in duty bound, under the British flag in the unjust and tyrranous war waged by Great Britain against the United States in 1812-15, but, like the sensible gentleman that he was, became a deserter, and soon after married a Miss Robinet, a native of Canada, and in 1830, came to the United States from Canada and made his home in Holmes county, Ohio, for several years, and then moved to Defiance county, where both he and wife passed the remainder of their day's, leading members of the Methodist church. Allen Reynolds, father of our subject, was born in Canada, April 14, 1812, and came with his parents to Ohio. He received a good common-school education in Canada, and, after having passed a number of years in the Buckeye state, married Miss Jane Hawthorn, who was born in Perry county, Ohio, December 22, 1827, a daughter of George and Ann Hawthorn, the union resulting in the birth of the following children: James H., George R. (whose life sketch also appears in this work), Josiah (our subject) and Sallie. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds tock place in Perry township, Allen county, where the father had a comfortable home of eighty acres he had res- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 453 cued from the wilderness, and where he died in 1890, and where his widow still resides. Josiah Reynolds received a very fair education in the common schools and was reared to manhood on the home farm in Allen county. There, also, he was married, April 13, 1877, to Miss Dora Heskitt, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, June 11, 186o, a daughter of James and Margaret (Southerland) Heskitt, and his marriage has been blessed by the birth of the following children: Frank, Eva M., Vesta and Hattie. Mr. Reynolds, some three years after his marriage, settled on his present farm in Monroe township, Putnam county, and has made of his eighty acres of raw land a farm that few in the township now compare with, in prpductiveness and excellency of cultivation. In politics Mr. Reynolds is a republican, and although an active factor in the success of his party at the polls, has never been an office seeker. He is a member of the Methodist church and is very liberal in his financial aid to this denomination, but is never backward in assisting other christian societies, or in any undertaking that is designed for the benefit of the community in which he lives. He stands in a social position that is in every respect desirable, and having made his own fortune through his energy and industry, has won the respect of the older residents of the township. HOLLIS B. RICE was born in Putnam county, Ohio, December 11, 1846, and was reared on the homestead he still occupies in Riley township, which farm he inherited from his father. His parents, Moses and Amy (Dunchay) Rice, were both natives of Massachusetts and came to Ohio in 1833, bringing with them some means and some laboring men, and being accompanied by two or three relatives. Moses Rice at once entered 320 acres of land in the wilds of Riley township, as the territory is now called, and to this entry he added another tract through purchase—eventually clearing off a greater portion of his lands and making one of the most comfortable homes and profitable farms in the county. His two brothers, Myron and Peter, who came with him to the township, also entered lands at the same time, cleared up farms and reared families. Peter is now deceased, and Myron, although he has been deprived of his hearing, is still enjoying life at the age of eighty-four years. When the Rice family came to the state with their teams, Findlay was their objective point. There were but few people in the country and no roads, and it took the little party three days to cut their way from Findlay to the Blanchard river, whence they hewed their way through the wilderness to their destination. There were no farms as yet improved in the neighborhood, and when Moses Rice had succeeded in raising a little corn, he was forced to go to Tiffin, to mill. Ox-teams were used for all draft purposes and plowing, and Mr. Rice was particularly proud of his team, as he took the premium at the first fair held in the county, the prize being a book. Game was of course abundant In those days, and many deer fell under the aim of Mr. Rice's trusty rifle. Mr. 'Rice assisted in the organization of Riley township, and was one of its first officers—serving as township trustee and filling several offices of less importance at different times, and at the second election after the permanent organization of the township was re-elected trustee. Moses Rice reared a family of six children, as follows: James, who went to California, where he was killed by a mule—leaving a widow and four children; Julia A., who died unmarried; Sarah J., who was married to Jesse Joseph —both now deceased; Eunice, 454 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY married William Wamsley, who died in the army—she also having passed away and leaving one child; Wilson D. is a resident of Continental, Ohio, and Hollis B. is the subject of this sketch. Moses Rice continued to reside on his farm until about 1854, when he moved to Pandora and engaged in general merchandising for about eight years, and then retired to the farm, where his death took place in April, 1862. He had been reared in the Presbyterian church, within the pale of which he was called to his everlasting home, deeply mourned by his surviving relatives and friends. Hollis B. Rice, whose name opens this sketch, was about sixteen years of age when his father died, after which sad event he assisted in the management of the home farm for his mother. In March, 1869, he married Miss Samantha Mills, a daughter of Almarion Mills, of Tiffin, Ohio. Mr. Mills was a mason and plasterer by trade, was a public-spirited citizen, and filled several township offices; he died in 1889, the father of the following children: Francis E., who served through the Civil war; Samantha, wife of subject; James, of Toledo, Ohio; Cortez; Laura, married to J. M. Stuter, of Putnam county, who was also a soldier in the late war; Della, now Mrs. Charles Evans, of Toledo; Simon, mason and plasterer, of Leipsic, Ohio, and Maggie, who died unmarried. The mother of this family still survives at the age of seventy-five years, a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The children born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hollis B. Rice were six in number, of whom four still survive, viz: John E., still single, and Nellie M., Amy R., and Myron, at home with their parents. Mrs. Rice is also a fervent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Although Hollis B. Rice devoted a few years of his earlier manhood to road building and other public improvements, he has given almost all his attention to his farm, which he has brought to a wonderful condition of productiveness, and never fails in making a crop; he also raises sufficient live stock for home use, and some is always left over for sale. He has won for himself an untarnished name, his integrity never in any instance having been doubted, and his industry and skill as a husbandman are universally conceded. FRANCIS S. RIMER, of the firm of Rimer & Meyers, merchants of Kalida, Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in the county January 14, 1863, a son of George D. and Mary K. (Dicus) Rimer. George D. Rimer, the father, was born in Luzerne county, Pa., about 1838, and was a son of Jacob Rimer, also a native of the Keystone state, and of Dutch parentage. He was reared a farmer, and became the father of three children, viz: John, a farmer of Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio; Mary, wife of George Kerry, a poultry dealer at Elida, and George, father of our subject. In 1841 he came to Putnam county and entered a farm, which he cleared from the forest and resided on until his death. George D. Rimer came to Putnam county with his parents in 1841, and was here reared to farming. He was educated in the common schools, but was well qualified for teaching, a profession he followed for several years, beginning at the age of twenty. About 1862 he married Mary K. Dicus, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Dicus, natives of Maryland. Mrs. Mary K. Rimer was born in Putnam county, Ohio, in 1845, and was a young girl when she was taken to Delphos, Ohio, by her parents, where her father followed the trade of carpenter; he was a whig in politics and in religion a Baptist. To George D. and Mary K. Rimer were born four children, viz: Francis, our OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 455 subject; Georgia, the wife of George Shriver, a farmer of Paulding county, Ohio; William M., a furniture dealer in Kalida, and John M., on the home farm. Francis S. Rimer was, like his forefathers, brought up to husbandry, and received the education usually granted to farmers' lads. In 1886, on the 17th day of February, he married Miss Mary L. Haller, who was born in Paulding county, Ohio, in 1864, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Haller, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Canada. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Rimer have been born two children—Paul M., who died at the age of four years, and George N., born December 27, 1893. In 1886, the year of his marriage, Mr. Rimer bought an interest in a tile factory, in which business he was engaged nearly eight years; in April, 1893, he sold this interest and entered the hardware business, buying out a Mr. Cross, and is making quite a success. Mr. and Mrs. Rimer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics he is a republican. He is also a member of Kalida lodge, No. 280, F. & A. M., and has a high standing in the community both as a business man and a valued citizen. MRS. CAROLINE RIDENOUR, relict of the late Henry Ridenour, and a daughter of Isaac and Adeline (Palmer) Allen, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, June 16, 1836. Her father was also a native of that county, and was born in 1801, a son of John Allen, who was a native of London, England, and while still a young man had come to America. He served in the Revolutionary war with Washington, and after peace was declared he crossed the mountains into the almost unbroken region of the valley of the beautiful Ohio, then known as the northwest territory, and settled in Columbiana county, when white men were few. There he obtained a tract of timbered land, which he cleared and converted into a fine farm, but not without having to undergo many hardships and privations. Here he spent the remainder of his life in the quiet way of the Quakers, for he was a member of that faith, in which he died, in 1821. He was known as a substantial and honest man, was a whig in politics, and had been twice married, becoming the father of five sons and three daughters: David, Benjamin, Emer, John, Sallie, Martha, Lydia and Isaac. Isaac, the youngest son, was given an education in a little log school-house not far from the home. When not in school he worked on the farm, and learned the blacksmith's trade, and was recognized as a master of his trade. He believed that if anything was worth doing at all it was worth doing well. He married Adeline, the daughter of James and Catherine (Green) Palmer, who was born August 8, 181o, in Loudoun county, Va., and came with her parents by wagon to Columbiana county, Ohio, where they were early settlers. After their marriage Mr. Allen followed his trade in Columbiana county until 1838, when he moved to Athens county, where he continued at his trade and engaged in farming. In 1853 he moved by wagon to Putnam county, where he farmed, having been compelled, after a time, to give up his trade on account of ill health. Fraternally he was a Mason, having joined the lodge at Kalida in 1855, and was also a member of the Shawnee commandery of Knights Templar at Lima. In politics he was a whig, and took much interest in its victories. He was much respected and honored by all. His death occurred February 8, 1886, his good and faithful wife having preceded him on the long journey home, she having died in November, 1873, and had been a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their children 456 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY were six in number, viz: Martha, the deceased wife of Elias Farabb; Caroline Ridenour, the subject of our sketch; Lydia, the wife of Benjamin P. Radabaugh (see the memoir on another page); Lucy, the wife of Jacob Troyer, of Marion, Ind. ; Sarah, who died aged eighteen years, and Isaac, who died in infancy. Mrs. Caroline Ridenour, the second daughter, was given a good education in Athens county, and on February 25, 1855, was married to Henry Ridenour, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on November 3, 1833, and had early moved to Putnam county, where he was educated, and worked on his father's farm, and when grown to manhood had earned a farm for himself, to which he took his wife soon after their marriage. Politically he was a democrat; in all things he was honorable and upright, and his death, on July Do, 1882, was lamented by all who knew him. His home was blessed with ten children: Lydia A., the wife of John Jordan, of Logan county; Isaac, of Minnesota; Catherine and Edith, twins, deceased; Martha J., deceased; Samantha, the wife of John White, of Leipsic; Lucy I. ; Abbie, deceased, and two children who died in infancy, and unnamed. On the death of her husband Mrs. Ridenour assumed all the cares and responsibilities of caring for the family and managing all the interests of a large and productive farm. She has shown remarkable ability in managing the farm, and is possessed with rare business tact. Every detail of all the farm work, the sowing, the harvesting and the selling of the crops, receives her personal attention. JOHN RIDENOUR, one of the most prosperous and well-known farmers of Putnam county, lives in Perry township, where he was born September 2 1, 1851, his parents being Jacob and Fanny (Fretz) Ridenour. His grandfather, John Ridenour, was of Pennsylvania-Dutch parentage, and came to Fairfield county, Ohio, in the early twenties, and there farmed for a few years, and in 1826 came to Putnam county, where he entered several tracts of government land, in all about 400 acres. He built himself a log cabin on the Blanchard river, and went to work resolutely cutting down the giants of the forest and rolling them into heaps and burning them, for there were no saw-mills here then and no means by which to haul logs to the distant mills, several hundred miles away. By perseverance and hard work the land was cleared, and he could see many broad acres pf fine farm land where but a short time before was a forest inhabited only by wild beasts and traversed by the savage red men in their hunting expeditions. He also entered forty acres of land where Dupont now stands, and likewise a tract in Paulding county. His children were: Michael; Jacob, of whom more is spoken below; Daniel (see the sketch of Thomas Ridenour on another page); Elinor, the wife of Dewitt McGill; Mary, married to Hugh Scott, and Priscilla, widow of Rev. P. B. Holden. His son Jacob, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Fairfield county March 2, 1815, and passed his boyhood days on his father's farm. He never attended school until eighteen years of age. In 1851, when the gold fever had well broken out, he joined the caravan going to the Eldorado, and, going around by the Isthmus of Panama, he finally reached California. Two years later he returned to Putnam county, where, on March 2, 1847, he had married Fannie, the daughter of John Fritz and his wife, who was a Miss Shelby. Miss Fannie Fritz was born in Bucks county, Pa., on August 27, 1825, and came to Putnam county with her parents when she was still a child. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, of Dutch parentage, and settled in Putnam OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 457 county in 1835 on a tract of land which he entered from the government. Three of his children are still living: Jacob Fritz, of Missouri; Levina, the wife of Reuben Adams, of Illinois, and Elizabeth, married to Stephen Crow, of Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio. On his return from California Mr. Ridenour settled on a part of the old homestead and became a very successful farmer, owning 400 acres of land and being very prominent. In politics he was a democrat, and was twice elected by his party friends to the office of township trustee, but he would not serve. He was not a member of any church, but was liberal and enterprising, and held the esteem of all his neighbors. He died in 1888; his wife, who was a member of the United Brethren church, had preceded him three years, dying in the fall of 1885. Their children were born in the following order: William, born September 14, 1848, and died October 11, 1849; Jane E., born January 19, 1850, the wife of Samuel Wollam, deceased; John F., born September 21, 1851-they being born before their father went to California. After his return the following were born: Albert E., born February 5, 1854; Mary A., born January 3, 1855, the widow of Samuel Bibbler; Elizabeth L., born July 26, 1858, the deceased wife of George Merriot; George W., born October 27, 1860; Priscilla E., born January 16, 1863, and married to Nathan C. Shirley; Orlando E., deceased, who was born April 16, 1865, and Clara Ellen, born February 9, 1869, and is now deceased. John F. Ridenour, the second son, was given an education in the common schools and was reared on his father's farm. June 11, 1878, he married Julia A., the daughter of Joseph Wollam (see sketch of Solomon Wollam), who was horn in Putnam county on October 19, 1855. After their marriage they settled on the home place of his father, and remained there for four years. Here one of their six children was born-Lloyd W., November 8, 1879. He purchased a piece of unimproved land, upon which he moved his small family, cleared off the forest, and improved the land until now he has a good farm. Here five more children were born to them, viz: Eva P., born January 17, 1884; Orlando C., born August 7, 1887; Samuel R., born May 11, 1889; Carl W., born December 8, 1891, and Otis Desso, born May 16, 1895. In politics Mr. Ridenour is a democrat. He is not a member of any church, although his wife is a faithful member of the United Brethren congregation. He is a liberal man, much liked by his neighbors, and is active in all things that interest the welfare of his community. THOMAS M. RIDENOUR, a native of Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born March 1o, 1846, is a son of Daniel and Lydia (McClish) Ridenour, and is one of the most prominent and successful farmers of the township. His father, Daniel, son of a hero of the war of 1812, was born September 12, 1811, married Lydia, daughter of Silas and Nancy (Mellinger) McClish, May 18, 1843, and became the father of four children, viz: Manson Willie, born January 27, 1844, died August 10, 1846; Thomas Mitchell, subject of this sketch; John Carl, born June 5, 1849, a farmer of Michigan, and George Hunt, born August 20, 1851, and now a resident of Branch county, Mich. For a few years after their marriage Daniel Ridenour and his wife, with their infant family, resided in Perry township, then moved to Paulding county, where Mrs. Ridenour died October 5, 1851. Shortly after this sad event Mr. Ridenour started for California, but January 7, 1852, was lost at sea between Panama and San Francisco, and thus our subject was left an orphan at the ten- 458 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY der age of less than six years. From the time of the death of his mother our subject was reared by Seneca Dimock until eleven years of age, when Mr. Dimock died, after which Mr. Ridenour made his home with an uncle and began making his own livelihood. August 30, 1864, Thomas M. Ridenour enlisted in company K,One Hundred and Eighty-second Ohio volunteer infartry, and served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., in August, 1865, after taking part in the severe battles of Franklin and Nashville. On his return home he worked out by the month at farming until his marriage, December 3, 1871, with Miss Eliza J. Shafer, daughter of Frederick and Rosanna (Ike) Shafer, and td this union were born the following children; Clara Etta, August 28, 1872, wife of Dan Howard, farmer, of Perry township; twin daughters deceased, and John Frederick, December, 26, 1875, farming on the homestead. Mrs. Ridenour was born in Allen county, Ohio, January 9, 1853, and at three years of age was brought to Putnam county by her parents. Her father, Frederick Shafer, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, February II, 1795, and her mother, Rosanna (Ike) Shafer, was born in Germany April 25, 1815, and died March 14, 1891. They had born to them the following children: Susanne, wife of William Matson, of Perry township; Daniel, of Nebraska; Samuel; Nancy, wife of Israel Watson; Charlotte, wife of Alexander Smith, and Elvira, wife of R. Crane, of Continental, Ohio. After his marriage, M. Ridenour settled on his present place, which he had purchased in the wild woods, but has since cleared, improved, and converted into a superior and fertile farm. In politics Mr. Ridenour is a republican, has served as school director for fourteen years, and is at present township trustee; he is a member of the Weiser post, No. 93, G. A. R., and Mrs. Ridenour is a consistent member of the United Brethern church. Mr. Ridenour is widely known as a more than ordinarily skillful agriculturist, and as a citizen is noted far his public spirit and for the interest he takes in all things that pertain to the welfare of the township. The reader is respectfully referred to the sketch of John Shafer, on another page, for further particulars concerning Mrs. Ridenour's family. ISRAEL RIDENOUR, the oldest representative of the Ridenour family in Perry township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Fairfield county, August 18, 1825, and is a son of Henry and Margaret Reidenour, the father being a native of Armstrong county, Pa., born about the year of 1793. (It will be here noticed that a change has been made in the spelling of the family name.) His grandfather was John Reidenour, of Pennsylvania, and was probably a Revolutionary soldier. His children were named as follows: John, David, Henry, Michael, Peter, George, Mary, Catherine, and two others whose names are not remembered—none of whom are now living. Henry Reidenour, the father of our subject, was a cooper by trade, and at the age of nineteen enlisted in the war of 1812, serving in the light horse cavalry against the British, operating in the army of the northwest, under Gen. William Henry Harrison. Previous to his enlistment he had emigrated to Fairfield county, Ohio, and was among its earliest pioneers. At the close of the war he returned to Pennsylvania and married Margaret Bronthaver, a daughter of Adam Bronthaver, and to this marriage fourteen children were born: Jacob, Isaac, Nancy, Margaret, Israel (the subject of this sketch), Annie, Esther, Henry, Mary, William, Calvin, David, and two who died in OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 461 infancy. Of this large family of children but two are living, Israel, and Calvin of Liberty township. The mother was born in Westmoreland county, Pa. , about the year 1803, her father being a native of Germany, who came to America in 1775 and enlisted in the Revolutionary army, in which he served seven years, and after the close of the war settled in Westmoreland County, Pa. , where he spent the remainder of his life. His wife died in November, 1857. After his marriage, Henry Reidenour returned to Fairfield county, Ohio, where he pursued his trade and later engaged in the butcher business. lie then purchased a farm on which he lived until 1833, when he joined the pioneers of Putnam county, making the trip in wagons and bringing a herd of fifty-six cattle. Near the present site of Glandorf he took a claim of 120 acres of government land, on which he erected a log house. This was the first settlement made in the eastern part of Putnam county. Later Mr. Reidenour sold his tract of land and purchased the homestead on the opposite side of the river. He made frequent trips to Tiffin and Piqua in order to obtain provisions for the settlement, using ox-teams for transportation. He was always an active, energetic man, and did much toward the development of the country in which his entire interests centered. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian and in politics a democrat. His death occurred in 1848. Israel Ridenour, the subject of this sketch, laid the foundation for his education in a little log school-house with puncheon benches in lieu of chairs to sit on, and adopted farming as a life occupation; he became a soldier in the Mexican war and served the cause valiantly. In 186, he was married to Louisa Lutz, a daughter of George and Justina (Weaver) Lutz. Mrs. Ridenour was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1838, and her parents were natives of Maryland and early settlers in Fairfield county. Her death occurred in March, 1893. After his marriage Mr. Ridenour settled on a farm in Ottawa township, then sold this place and bought another farm in the same township, and in 1877 purchased his present home. On June 20, 1895, Mr. Ridenour. married Mrs. Fannie Crone, widow of Isaiah Crone and a daughter of John V. and Susannah (Bear) Smith. Miss Smith—now Mrs. Ridenour—was born in Greensburg township. June 11, 1850, her parents being natives of Fayette and Putnam counties. She was married to Isaiah Crone in 1867, and ten children were born to them; John, Mary, Christian, Alice, Ella, Sylvia, Susannah. Edward, Nettie and Lawrence. Her husband was born in Seneca county, in 1839. His death occurred in March, 1891. Mr. Ridenour is a member of the Christian church, of which he is a liberal supporter. He has always been a democrat in politics and a member of the Masonic order at Kalida. Mrs. Ridenour is a member of the Disciples' church and, is an active worker in this society. Mr. Ridenour is conspicuously numbered among the prominent farmers of Perry township—and is a broad-gauged, liberal-minded man—a good neighbor and greatly esteemed citizen, and it is to such men that the country owes much of its material prosperity as well as social standing. THE ROBBINS FAMILY.- The first member of this family known in Ohio was John Robbins, a German, who came from Pennsylvania about the year 1818, and settled in Franklin county. He had married a Miss Watt in Pennsylvania, and they had born to them the following children: William, John, Thomas, Samuel, Daniel, Elizabeth (married), Jacob, Stilley, and 462 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Maria, who married Charles Garner. Both parents passed their lives in Franklin county. Daniel Robbins, a member of the above enumerated family, was born in 1801 , in Northumberland county, Pa., and when a young man was employed by the United States government as paymaster, and in this capacity he visited the forts of the west and southwest for several years; later he was engaged in the mercantile business in Saint Louis, and in 1835 came to Ohio, located at Columbus, and followed his trade of carpenter until February, 1842, when he came to Putnam county and purchased 16o acres of land in section No. 6, Blanchard township. Of this tract he disposed of forty acres, retaining 120 for a homestead, which he converted into a fine farm. He married Phebe Durling, daughter of Mose Durling, of New Jersey, but now a resident of Delaware county, Ohio. To this union were born five children, viz: Elizabeth, married to Jackson Showers; Mary, deceased ; Amanda, deceased; William and John. The father, Daniel Robbins, died in 1868, and his widow in 1876, both members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Leipsic, in which he was a class leader and steward. In politics he was first a whig and then a republican. William Robbins, the eldest son of the above family, was born in Columbus, Ohio, October 21, 1839, and was a child when brought to Blanchard township, Putnam county, by his parents. He was reared on the home farm and educated in the common school of his district. In 1864 he enlisted, under the 100-day call for volunteers, in company B, One Hundred and Fiftieth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served out his term. In 1866-67 he was employed as a salesman by a Columbus firm, and then returned to the old homestead. He has cleared off and improved the greater part of the place, and is now owner of eighty-eight and one-half acres in his own right. He married Amanda, daughter of Daniel Myers, a pioneer from Butler county, Pa. This union was favored with three children, viz: Annie (wife of William Dennis), Corydon and Ella. In politics Mr. Robbins is a republican, and with his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Leipsic; he is also an Odd Fellow, and holds the office of N. G. and C. P. Corydon Robbins, of the above family, was born in Union county, Ohio, November 15, 1862, received a collegiate education, but became a skillful farmer, and now has charge of the old homestead in Blanchard township, Putnam county. He is a republican in politics, but not an office seeker. He married Miss Jennie Rayle, who has borne him one child, Florence. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, conforming to its teachings in all particulars. The Robbins family, as may well be inferred from the foregoing statements, is one of the most highly respected in Putnam county. ANDREW ROCKEY is one of the progressive and representative agriculturists of Monroe township, Putnam county, Ohio. His farm is one of the best in this section of the country, he is well-to-do as regards the possession of this world's goods, and he is known as an honorable and respected citizen. His grandfather, Valentine Rockey, was a native of Germany, where he grew to manhood and married. Some years thereafter he came to America, settling in Pennsylvania. Later he removed to Crawford county, Ohio, where he experienced the incidents and privations of pioneer life. He and wife were devout members of the Lutheran church, and were people who were widely known and highly esteemed. The grandfather was an old-line whig in politics, and had par- OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 463 ticipated in the war of 1812, as well as in the wars of Germany. Valentine Rockey, the father of our subject, was also born in Germany, being a babe in his mother's arms when his parents emigrated to this country. His education was a limited one and his whole life was passed upon the farm. He married Miss Catherine Lauringer, who was a native of Pennsylvania. They were married in Crawford county, Ohio, where they lived for some time, afterward removing to Seneca county, where they made for themselves a comfortable home on a farm of 120 acres which they had reclaimed from the wilderness. The mother was a devout member of the Lutheran church, and both were highly respected citizens. Four children were born to them, as follows: Caroline, deceased, formerly wife of Harry Boyman, Jacob, David and Andrew. Andrew Rockey, the subject of this review, was the youngest of the family, and never knew the tender love and solicitude of a mother's care, she dying when he was quite young. He was born February 8, 1853, and in his youth secured a common-school education. From the age of twelve years he has made his way in the world unaided, and has always followed the occupation of farming. He was united in marriage, April 12, 1874, in Seneca county, Ohio, to Miss Sarah Daup, who was born in Pennsylvania December 29, 1854, she being the daughter of Michael and Catherine (Winsinger) Daup, who came from Pennsylvania to Sandusky, Ohio. They afterward lived in Seneca county for eight years, and in 1882 came to their present farm in Monroe township, where they have since been prominently identified with the affairs of this section. Their farm home of 16o acres is one of the best in the township, upon which are good buildings erected by Mr. Rockey himself, and being well drained and stocked. To this esti mable couple four children have been born, in order of birth as follows: Delbert, Chester, Ora V., and Ephraim E. Our subject is a strong republican, although he does not give much time to politics, preferring to devote his attention instead to his home and family. He has aided liberally in church work, and is a man who is thoroughly posted upon the affairs of the day. His life example is one which is worthy of emulation. JOSEPH ROOF, mayor of Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, is the son of Marcus and Mary Ann Roof. Marcus, the father, was born in Prussia in 181o, was raised and educated in his native town, and learned the trade of carpenter. On coining to America he first settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where he followed his trade for some time, and thence removed with his family to Putnam county, settling near Glandorf. Here he engaged in contracting and building, and to his skill are due some of the finest buildings of the city. He also engaged in farming, in connection with his business of contractor, until a few years ago, when he retired, and now resides in Ottawa. He married in Cleveland, Ohio, and became the father of six children, as follows: Simon; Catherine; Joseph Ernest; Henry; Joseph, the subject of this biography, and Ignatius, deceased.— the mother being now also deceased. Politically Mr. Roof has been a life long democrat, and in his religious belief a consistent Catholic. Joseph, the subject of our sketch, was born March 24, 1853, in the town of Glandorf. He received a common-school education, and early in life engaged in peddling notions, which he followed in connection with other occupations until 1877, when he began dealing in hides, poultry, etc., shipping his products to eastern markets. He has continued in this 464 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY business and the manufacture of cider up to the present time. In 1890 he purchased and remodeled his present residence in Glandorf. Politically, Mr. Roof is one of the leading democrats of the county, he has served many terms on the various county committees, and his sage counsel is ever for the common good. In 1894 he was elected mayor of Glandorf, an office which he now fills. On June 17, 1885, Joseph Roof was married to Miss Lizzie, daughter of Bernard and Elizabeth Ramper, and this union has been blessed by the birth of four children, viz: Francis, Joseph, Alma and Rudolph. HENRY ROOSE, one of the substantial farmers of Jennings township, Putnam county, was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, July 2, 1829. His father, Frederick Roose, was born in Pennsylvania, was reared a farmer, and when a young man came to Ohio, being one of the pioneers of Stark county, where he married a Miss Bixler, a native of Virginia, of German descent, as was also her husband. To this union were born twelve children, of whom ten lived to reach the years of maturity and were born in the following order: Susan, John, Samuel, Michael, Henry, Annie, Elizabeth, Mary, Silas and Joseph—the elder four having Stark county, Ohio, as their place of nativity and the remainder claiming Mahoning county as their place of birth--the father and mother having resided in the latter county for some years. Mr. Roose was largely engaged in the saw-mill business and also owned an extensive farm, on which he died when between fifty and sixty years of age. His son Silas served in the Ninth Indiana volunteer infantry during the late Civil war and took part in many battles --among them Pittsburg Landing, Murfreesboro, Lookout Mountain and Nashville, being once slightly wounded. He later served in Texas for awhile and was ever a faithful and active soldier. Henry Roose, the subject of this sketch, was always a man of much reliance, and in July, when twenty years of age, left the parental roof and for three years made his own way through the world. In 1853, he returned to his father's farm, which was still all in the woods. He had, during his absence, married, May 1, 1851, Elizabeth Diller, who was born in Greene township, Franklin county, Pa., near Chambersburg, June 28,1828, a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Lehman) Diller. Her father, Peter Diller, had come to Ohio in 1841, and settled in German township, Allen county, where he cleared up a farm from the forest and became one of the prominent citizens of the township. He was twice married and by his first union had born to him three children —Jacob, Mary and Susannah; by his second wife, who bore the maiden name of Barbara Lehman, were born Elizabeth, John, Nancy and Samuel. Mr. Diller lived to be seventy-five years of age and died a member of the Mennonite church, of which his wife was also a devoted member. Some time after his marriage Mr. Roose settled on his farm in Jennings township, Putnam county, then in a deep wilderness, but which by diligence, hard work and presistent effort, he has transformed into one of the most fertile and handsome places in the township. He first lived here in a temporary shanty, which served him as a habitation until he could erect a hewed-log house, and in the latter he lived until the erection of his present frame domicile. Seven children came to brighten his home, of whom four are still living, and are named Peter, George, Barbara and John E. He and wife are members of the Christian church, and in politics Mr. Roose is a democrat. He has served as justice of the peace OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 465 nine years, as assessor four years, and is at present township trustee, having served five years at different times and always having held the most implicit confidence of the people. He is a friend of public education and has been an active member of the school board for a great length of time, and is indeed public spirited in all respects. He favors good roads and is ever foremost in aiding all measures that tend to the public good. He has a fine farm of too acres and is one of the most experienced agriculturists of his township and county, 'and he and family are honored for their morality and probity of character. JOHN ROOSE, the popular druggist of Kalida, Ohio, is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Diller) Roose, and was born in Jennings township, Putnam county, Ohio, September 4, 1869. The father was reared a farmer and carpenter, and in 1851 married Elizabeth Diller. Seven children resulted to the union, of whom four are still living, viz.: Peter, a farmer of Jennings township; George, also a farmer, of Jackson township; Barbara, wife of J. L. Sawyer, farmer of Jennings township, and John our subject. After marriage Henry Roose lived in Allen county for a year and then came to Putnam county, entered eighty acres of land in the woods, hewed out a good home and added one tract of twenty acres in Jennings township, and forty acres in Jackson township, and here makes his home. He is a democrat in politics, and has served as township trustee, justice of the peace, township assessor and as member of the school board; he is secretary of the Kristian church also, of which he is a devout member. Mrs Elizabeth (Diller) Roose was born in Pennsylvania of German descent, and when thirteen years of age was brought to Allen county, Ohio, by her parents, who bought and settled on a farm. John Roose, our subject, was reared a farmer, received his preliminary education in the schools of Putnam county, and in 1887 attended the Ada university for one summer, then taught a term of school in Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, another in Jennings township, and returned to Ada in the summer of 1888; taught the same schools and attended the same college in 1889, and finished with the commercial course. The following winter he taught in Centre, Jennings township, returned to Ada in the summer of 1890, taught three terms in the same township, and in the summer of 1891 finished the course at Ada. March 6, 1892, Mr. Roose married Estella Catherine Conaway, daughter of Basil and Rebecca (More) Conaway, to which union one child, Freddie Loraine, was born October 21, 1893. Mrs. Roose was born in Putnam county, Ohio, in 1875, her parents being also natives of the state. She was reared in the Christian church, but now affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal congregation. Her father is a member of the grange, and is also a member of the G. A. R., having served all through the late war; he is a republican in politics, and in religion adheres to the Christian church. After marriage John Roose taught one term of school, and then, in April, 1893, embarked in the drug business in Kalida, where he is doing a prosperous trade. Politically he is a democrat, and has held the office of justice of the peace since August, 1893, and has also been township treasurer since the spring of 1895. He is a member of the democratic county central committee and is very active in county politics. He is a member of Kalida lodge, No. 28o, F. &. A. M., and of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is chorister, and for the past few years has been a Sunday-school teacher. He is well qualified for his 466 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY present line of business, having studied pharmacy for the last two years of his attendance at the Ada university, and possessing an obliging disposition and courteous, affable manners. WILLIAM ROWER.-A few years before the din of the Napoleonic wars had awakened all Europe from peaceful repose to the condition in which every state was in arms, there was born in Dresden, Saxony, Germany, on March 19, 1779, Christian Frederick Benjamin Rower, who was given an education such as German youths of that time received. He served in the army' of Saxony in the Napoleonic wars, and on April 17, 1799, left the fatherland, arrived in America November 30, 1802, and settled near Pottsville, Pa. He was a distiller by trade, and followed that business in his new home. On November 12, 1807, he married Elizabeth Long, who was born in Pennsylvania February I I, 1790, of sterling Pennsylvania-Dutch parentage. Her father's name was Joseph Long. Elizabeth had been educated in the common schools of her native state, and was a member of the Baptist church, in which she took an active part; her husband was also a member of this church, and both were consistent Christians. The young married couple, about the time of the close of the war of 1812, crossed the mountains from Pennsylvania in a large wagon and settled in Franklin county, Ohio, and were among the very first pioneers of that county. Here he purchased a small tract of land, on which he lived until his death, September 20, 1826, his wife surviving him twenty years, dying June 10, 1846. Their family consisted of ten children: Rosanna, born October 6, 1808, deceased March 27, 1887; an infant; Sarah, born February 25, 1811, the deceased wife of John Cable, of Franklin county, her death occurring November 30, 1893; Julia A., born December 5, 1812, the deceased wife of Ellis Long, of Franklin county, died in 1849; Charlotte, born December 5, 1815, deceased February, 1881; Susanne, the wife of Emanuel Conkle, of Indiana, was born October 4, 1817 (she made her home with Mrs. L. A. Rower, where she died March 7, 1892); Mahala, born August 10,1819, and died in 1837; John, born June 15, 1821, and died June 28, 1853; William, the subject of this biographical sketch, and James, a retired farmer of Kalida; he was born February 9, 1826. At the time of this writing-January, 1896-there were thirty-three grandchildren and sixty-three great-grandchilden, and of this number seventy-one are now living. William Rower, the subject of this sketch was born in Franklin county, Ohio, August 5, 1823. He laid the foundation of his education in a log school-house in the neighborhood in which he was born. He worked on a farm, and when old enough received $3 per month for his work. On September 7, 1848, he married Eliza A., who was born May 8, 1830, the daughter of James and Sarah (Cable) Pearcy. James Pearcy, father of Mrs. Rower, was a native of Ohio, having been born in 1795, and followed farming and the carpenter's trade. He was a member of the United Brethren church, a republican in politics, and held the office of justice of the peace and other minor offices. He was a leader in public' improvements, and every enterprise that had for its aim the welfare of the community at large received his undivided attention and support. In 1820 he married Sarah Cable, a native of Pennsylvania and then living in Franklin county. Their children were eight in number. named: Eliza A., of this mention; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Beary, of Sugar Grove, Ohio: William, of Georgia; Mary, wife of Sephariah Dildine, of Georgia, now deceased; James Tallman, of Franklin county, Ohio; Malinda OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 467 and Amanda, twin sisters—the first married to Edward Root, of Straightsville, Ohio; the second to Harrison Tallman, of Franklin county. Their mother died December 8, 1891, and had been a member of the United Brethren church most of her life. After his marriage Mr. Rower lived one year in Franklin county, and in September, 1849, he and his wife came in a wagon to Jackson township, Putnam county, and settled on a beautiful tract of wild woodland, which he had previously purchased, nicely situated in the valley of the Auglaize river. They at first tried living in a tent until they could clear a space and build a log cabin, but the season was a rainy one and the tent was not proof against the hard-beating rains, and they were forced to abandon it and go to the house of a neighbor until their own could be made ready. After assisting in erecting a home for his brother, Mr. Rower put up one for himself and moved his family into it, and cleared a good farm around it. Twelve children have been born to them, viz: Samantha J., the wife of George Reynolds, a farmer in Jennings township; Jane M., who died in infancy; Sarah E., the wife of Richard Reynolds, of Jennings township; Susan Ellen, the wife of Benjamin Blakely, of Jackson township; John Tallman, of Union township; William H., now living on the old homestead in Jackson township; Lewis Albert, who manufactures tile and runs a creamery in Ottoville; Elvin, also of Ottoville; Vallandigham, who was born in Jackson township October II, 1863, and was reared on his father's farm, but has, since April, 1894, been engaged in the livery business in Kalida, where he is quite successful; Amanda A., wife of J. R. Langston, of Pine Bluff, Ark; Nancy C., who died in childhood, and Gurchie M., wife of William Dunavan, of Kalida. From the time he settled on his farm Mr. Rower worked hard and improved it until 1889, when when he retired from active work, and now enjoys the fruits of a well-spent life. He still keeps up his interest in agriculture, however. His political affiliations are with the democratic party, and he has held the office of justice of the peace, and for fourteen years that of township trustee. He has always enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and has always been foremost in anything which was for the good of the neighborhood. Both he and wife are members of the United Brethren church, and are now the oldest pioneers of the county, and many are the tales they can tell of the early hardships and piivations which they underwent when they first came to this then new county. WILLIAM HENRY ROWER. Among the many excellent farms in Jackson township, Putnam county, Ohio, one of the finest and best is the old homestead of William and Eliza Ann (Pearcy) Rower, now owned and occupied by their son, William Henry Rower, a prominent and influential farmer, who was born on this farm on June 15, 1858, and under his father's guidance learned to be an excellent farmer and was also given a good education. On April 15, 1885, he married Clara, the estimable daughter of George and Mary (Hegner) Miehls, a biography of whom will be found on another page. She was born in Carroll, Ohio, in February, 1861, and was there educated. After marriage the hopeful couple located in Vaughnsville, Putnam county, where for four years the husband was engaged in the saloon business, but, it not being to his liking, he disposed of his business and property, and on March 6, 1889, returned to Jackson township and bought the old homestead, where he had been born and had spent his happy childhood days. This farm consists of 105 acres of excellent farming 468 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY land, under a fine state of cultivation. He has his home nicely and comfortably furnished, and the home is rendered most happy by the cheerful voices of their two bright daughters —Mary Zora, a blonde, born January 23, 1886, and Zella Theresia, a sparkling brunette, born April 18, 1888. Their mother is a member of the Catholic church and is a genial and social helpmate, a kind, mother and lovable lady. The husband is always active in all affairs which concern the welfare of the neighborhood; he is progressive and sociable and is respected by all, and in politics Mr. Rower takes an active part in the democratic party. MRS. MARY E. ROWER is the widow of Lewis A. Rower, a younger brother of James H. Rower (see his sketch) and son of John and Nancy (Chandler) Rower. Lewis A. Rower was born in Putnam county, Ohio, November 6, 1851. When Lewis was quite young his father died, and his mother, after remaining five years on the homestead, took her children, Lewis, aged eight years, and James, ten years, to Franklin county, Ohio, where they lived on a farm, and where Lewis attended school when an opportunity offered itself. When twenty-one years of age (1872) he returned to the farm in Putnam county, on which he had been born, and on February II, 1875, he married Mary Elizabeth Begg, the subject of our sketch, who was the daughter of John and Mary (Whyte) Begg, and was born in Franklin county, June 1 5, 1852. She was given a good education, and had taught school, being one of the best teachers in Franklin county at that time. Her father, John Begg, was born. in Cumberwauld, Scotland, January 4, 1806, his father being William Begg, who was a miner of Scotland, and who had married Elizabeth Cowie, to whom the following children were born: Mrs. Rower's father, John Begg; William, of Putnam, county, Ohio, deceased; Alexander, who died in Scotland; James, Janet, Elizabeth and Elizabeth the second, all four of whom are deceased; Robert, of Columbus, Ohio, but now deceased, and his twin brother, who died in infancy; Isabelle, the youngest, also died in infancy. William Begg, the father of this family, came to America in 1844, with his son John, and made his home with his son Robert, in Buffalo, N. Y., until his death on June 21, 1849. His devoted wife survived him scarcely a year, dying May 5, 1850. John Begg, the father of Mrs. Rower, had received .a fair education in Scotland, and had worked in the mines with his father. In 1835, while yet in Scotland, he married Mary Whyte, who was born near his home in June, 1813, and to them were born six children, as follows: Millian, who enlisted in the late Civil war on August 15, 1862, in company A, Fiftieth Ohio volunteer infantry, and was killed at Perryville, Ky. ; Thomas Begg, of Sugar Creek township, Putnam county, Ohio; Janet, who makes her home with Mrs. Rower; John, a farmer of Allen county; James, who died February 14, 1852, and Mary E., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Rower's father remained in Scotland until 1844, when he came to America and settled on a farm in Franklin county, Ohio. In 1875 he sold his farm and moved to Allen county, where he passed the remainder of his life, respected and honored by all, two years of his life being spent in retirement from active work. He was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, in which he was an elder from 1858 until his death, which occurred September 19, 1886. His wife was also a member of this church until her death, May 19, 1878. In politics John Begg was a stanch republican; fraternally he was a prominent member of the Masonic order. OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 471 After their marriage the subject of our sketch went with her husband to live on the home farm, on which she and her family now live. This family consists of six children : John Sumner, who was born December 4, 1875, and died December 14, 1877; Thomas Harvey, born January 9, 1878, and who is now a young man of sterling qualities and remains at home with his mother; Mary Janet, born December 17, 1879, now a charming young lady; Lewis Edson, born March 3, 1882; Philip Alfred, born September 22, 1884; Mabel Alice, born December 20, 1886. The young couple went hard to work after settling on this farm and improved it very much, and in 1885 they built their substantial and handsome brick residence, but the husband lived only a short time to enjoy it, death calling him away on November 23, i886, after an illness of three months. In politics Mr. Rower was a democrat, yet voted rather for the man than the party. He was not a member of any church, yet was a good Christian man, liberal and charitable to destitute neighbors and all needy wayfarers whom chance might lead to seek temporary relief beneath his hospitable roof, never, indeed, failing to respond to any appeal for aid. After the death of her husband Mrs. Rower bravely took up the work where her husband had left it. We only too infrequently give women the credit of the many sterling qualities possessed by those who at the death of their husbands continue their work successfully. Mrs. Rower is one of those who deserve very much credit for the success with which she has carried on all the affairs of a productive farm. She is a straightforward business woman, possessed with decision and rare business tact. She is blessed with the comfort of an interesting family, to whom she gives all the advantages obtainable. She is liberal and public spirited, and her farm is one of the best and neatest in the county. DR. GEORGE B. RUMMELL, the leading veterinary surgeon of Ottawa, Putnam county, was born in Findlay, Ohio, June 20, 1867, and is a son of David and Mary (Reed) Rummell. David Rummell was born in New Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio, September 13, 1827, and is a son of Joseph and Catherine Rummell, both of whom belong to old and well-known families of that part of the state. David Rummell was reared in his native county, and early learned the trade of bricklaying, with his father, which he followed for some time in his youth, but, at the age of seventeen, apprenticed himself to learn cabinet making, and before his twenty-first year was carrying on business for himself in partnership with H. K. Lee. Messrs. Rummell & Lee located in Findlay, Ohio, in 1848, where they remained in partnership but a short time, Mr. Rummell purchasing his partner's interest in the spring of that year, and continuing in the furniture business until 1856. For a short time, he was not engaged in business, but subsequently embarked, the second time, in the furniture trade with which he is still identified. In addition to the cabinet trade, he also assisted in erecting some of the leading business houses and churches of Findlay, and at this time is one of the oldest furniture dealers of that city. David and Mary Rummell reared a family of six children, four of whom are living at this time, viz: Ella, wife of H. W. Everson; Jessie, wife of Isaac Faucht; W. R. and George B. George B. Rummell was reared in Findlay, in the schools of which city his educational training was obtained, completing the prescribed course and graduating in the class of 1884. On quitting school, he engaged in chicken farming near the city of Findlay, in partnership with Walter Meeks, but continued that business for a short time, after which he accepted a position as salesman in a grocery 472 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY house, continuing in that capacity for a period of about eleven months. He then returned to his father's place of business, where he remained until 1891, in which year he entered the Toronto Veterinary college, Toronto, Canada, where he spent the greater part of one year. During the winter of 1892-93, Mr. Rummell attended the Ohio Veterinary college, at Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1893, and immediately thereafter located at Ottawa, where he has since practiced his profession with the most encouraging success. The doctor's reputation is much more than local, and he stands at the head of his profession, being recognized as one of the most skillful and thorough veterinary surgeons in Northwestern Ohio. He makes a speciality of surgery and dentistry and has performed many difficult and delicate operations, one of which was the removal of a cystic tumor, or tumor of the nose, the abnormal growth being ten and one half inches long by three and a half inches in diameter. This was indeed a skillful piece of surgery, and speaks much for the doctor's success in his profession. Mr. Rummell has a complete hospital, furnished with all the latest appliances, and it is the most completely equipped establishment of the kind in the northwestern part of the state, if, indeed, one more complete can be found throughout the entire state of Ohio. Mr. Rummell was married September 20, 1888, to Miss Etta Struve, of Findlay, Ohio, the issue of which marriage is one child—Earl, whose birth occurred June 12, 1890. Politically, Mr. Rummell is a republican, and as such, takes an active interest in the success of his party. The family to which Mr. Rummell belongs is noted for longevity, his grandmother Rummell having reached the advanced age of ninety years, and his grandfather the closely approximating number of years, dying at the age of eighty-nine. SAINT JOSEPH'S CONGREGATION, Fort Jennings, Putnam county, Ohio, 1832-96.—The first Catholic family, which settled in Fort Jennings, was that of J. H. Wellman. He left his native country, the grand duchy of Oldenburgh, in 1830, and in the same year came to this place. It was then yet a part of the wild wood of. Ohio. The fort which Gen. Jennings had' built in 1812 and a few wigwams were the only structures in sight. Intending to found a Catholic settlement, Mr. Wellman bought several sections of government land, divided it into smaller portions, and offered them, on easy, terms of payment, to those that were willing to follow him from his native country. Many availed themselves of this opportunity to secure a cheap homestead, and most of them rank now among the well-to-do farmers of this county. These families were visited as early as 1834 by Rev. Prof. Horstmann, from Glandorf, Ohio, mass being said in a private house. But when the number of families had increased considerably, they found it necessary to build a church. Hence, in 1840, Catholics and Protestants agreed to erect a log house, to be used for church and school purposes; the former during the forenoon, the latter in the afternoon. As soon as the structure was finished Rev. Father Herzog was appointed the first resident priest in Fort Jennings in 1840. He remained but a short time, and it was again attended from Glandorf, successively, by Revs. Prof. Horstmann, Kunkler and Maximillian, of the Society of the Precious Blood, until 1846. The congregation increased rapidly. In 1845, Archbishop Purcell visited it for the first time. Seeing that the church was little adapted for religious services, he advised the people to build a new one. In following year, 1846, Rev. George Boehne was appointed their pastor. He was anxious to execute the plan of Archbishop Purcell, but was not able to do so OF PUTNAM COUNTY - 473 until six years later. In 1852 he laid the foundation of the present brick church, 4ox6o feet. Money being scarce, the people aided the progress of building by working at it, every week, one or two days, gratis. Two years later, 1854, it was completed at a cost of about $2,000, and dedicated to Saint Joseph on the 24th of December. In this new church Rev. George Boehne labored for six years with missionary zeal. In June, 1860, he was taken ill, and died three months later, September 20, in the fourteenth year of his pastorate at Fort Jennings. From October, 186o, until March, 1861, it was attended from Delphos by Rev. Westerholt. Next came Rev. James Goebbels, who remained in charge till 1864. During his stay he built a steeple and the present pastoral residence. He was succeeded by Revs. E. Haemers, 1864-66; C. Viere, 1866-67; M. Mueller, who attended from Ottoville, 1867-70; L. Zimbuehl, 1870-73. Rev. Charles Barbier succeeded, September, 1873, and remained in charget ill his death, Auguet 23,1876. Rev. J. A. Michenfelder was appointed, during whose pastorate the main altar and a new organ were secured for the church. Rev. Michenfelder was succeeded May IC, 1879, by Rev. George 'ter, and he remained till May, 1881. He was followed by Rev. James Heidegger till November, 1888. During his pastorate, the third new church, 132x55 feet, brick, trimmed with stone, gothic, with a beautiful steeple, was built, with clock and three bells, stained glass windows, tower, pulpit, three fine altars, confessionals and sanctuary, railings, all of white ash, were obtained through a very liberal donation of Mr. Hellman, who donated a farm worth $4,50o for that purpose. A great deal is due to the zeal and prudent management of Father Heidegger, that the present church projected and successfully finished at a cost of about $51,000, all included. In November, 1888, Rev. Charles Braschler took charge of the congregation, is still the acceptable and gracious pastor, and to him the publishers of this volume are indebted for the above information. In the fall of 1882, the foundation of the new church was built; in May, 1883, the laying of the cornerstone took place, and in May, 1884, the new church was dedicated by Rt. Rev. R. Gilmore. October 8, 1895, a new cemetery was dedicated. In this connection, the attention of the reader may be called to the sketch of the life of Rev. Father Braschler, on page 65, of the department of this volume allotted to Putnam county. LEWIS RUNKLE, one of the most thrifty and enterprising farmers of Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Fairfield county, this state, August 15, 1849, a son of George and Magdalene (Ware) Runkle. The father, George, was born in the same county in 1821, and was a son of George Runkle, who was born in Pennsylvania of Dutch parentage and who was an early settler of Fairfield county, Ohio, whence he moved to Hancock county, and there passed the remainder of his days, dying a member of Lutheran church, of which his wife is also a member. He had served in the war of 1812, was in all respects a worthy citizen and the honored father of the following children by his first marriage; George, who died in 1884; Betsey, Barbara, John (deceased), Mrs. William Crossley (deceased), Marie (Mrs. Dan Garling), Mrs. Hannah Four, Lewis, . Mrs. Feller and Mrs. Plotner—both the latter deceased. George Runkle, father of our subject, was reared a farmer and blacksmith, and about 1832 married a Miss Ware, who bore one child, named Samuel, but now deceased. The second marriage of Mr. Runkle was with Miss Mary Magdalene Ware, sister of his first wife, and to 474 - BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY this union were born six children, as follows: Jacob, Jerry and Daniel, all substantial farmers of Auglaize county, Ohio; Lewis our subject; George, of Fairfield county, and Sarah, wife of John Morehart, of the same county. After his marriage, George Runkle settled down to his trade in Fairfield county, and as a democrat filled the office of school director for a number of years, and both he and his wife died respected members of the German Reform church. Lewis Runkle, the subject of this sketch, was reared to his present vocation in Fairfield county, and on December 24, 1875, married Loa Buss, daughter of Jacob and Annamira (Cope) Buss, natives of Monroe county, Pa., and of Dutch descent. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Runkle have been born four children, in the following.order; Jennie Catherine, May 10, 1877, and a teacher since her fifteenth year; Tressanna, November 28, 188o, and now in school; John Buss, July, 18, 1882, died August 6, 1883, and J. D., January 11, 1890. Mrs. Runkle, the mother of these children, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, December 21, 1855; her father, who is still living, was born in 1831, and has been four times married; his surviving children are four in number, viz: Mary, wife of our subject; John, of Findlay, Ohio, Ella, wife of Oscar Palmer, telegraph operator of New Haven, Ind., and Elizabeth, wife of Edward Erk. After his marriage, Lewis Runkle resided in Fairfield county, Ohio, one year, and in November, 1876, came to Putnam county and located in Union township, on the bank of the Ottawa river, where he still lives on his remodeled and highly improved farm. In his politics Mr. Runkle is a democrat. He has been school director for a number of years and is at present township trustee, to which office he was elected in 189o, and has also held several other township offices. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge, No. 464, of Colum bus Grove, having been initiated into fellowship in 1874, in Hancock county. His wife is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has reared her children in the same faith. Mr. Runkle is recognized as one of the most practical farmers of Union township, and as a breeder of Poland China hogs, of which he makes a specialty, has few equals. As an enterprising and public-spirited citizen he is universally respected, and, although yet a comparatively young man, holds a leading position among the formost residents of Union township. KEMP SAMSAL, a retired farmer of Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born in Fairfield county, this state, May 11, 1829, a son of Paul and Elizabeth (McBaugh) Samsal. The father Paul Samsal, was born in Berks county, Pa., November 15, 1789, of German parentage on his father's side. Paul was educated in Philadelphia and learned the tailor's trade. His first marriage was with Miss McBaugh, a Quakeress, and of ten children born to this union, our subject is the only one living. After his marriage Mr. Samsal moved to New Jersey, lived on a farm a short time, and then .came to Ohio and located near Lancaster, Fairfield county, where he followed tailoring. His wife died November 24, 1834, and on the 5th of March, 1835, Mr. Samsal married Sarah Scoonover, who died the following November, and on March 20, 1836, Mr. Samsal married Mary Egbert, who became the mother of three childern, all deceased. About 1852, Mr. Samsal came to Putnam county, bought a farm on which he lived three years, then moved to another, where his third wife died February 8, 1860, aged fifty-two years. About 1862 he married, for his fourth wile, Rebecca Shannon, who still lives in Kalida. Mr. Samsal died May 27, 1865, at the age of sev-