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(Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens -
Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S.
Scranton, Celina, Ohio -
Published by Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 -
*UNLESS Otherwise Noted.)
JACOB
J. BAKER, deceased, was one of the leading citizens and
honorable and respected men of Liberty township, where his
death occurred on June 6, 1889. He was born in Shelby County,
Ohio, April 17, 1840, and was a son of John and Barbara
(Whiteman) Baker.
The parents of Mr. Baker, who were
natives of Germany, came to America and lived in Shelby
County, Ohio, until 1850, when they removed to Mercer County,
where they became settlers in Black Creek township.
In the latter, Jacob J. Baker completed his
education in the district schools. He remained in the same
vicinity until 1865, when he removed to Liberty township,
where he engaged in farming, having an estate of 153 acres. In
addition to farming he went into the sawmill business, in
partnership with the late Adam Bollenbacher and
the late William Gehm. For many years he was
deeply interested in the lumber business and was a practical
worker in his mill. It was while engaged in duties pertaining
to this work that he met a tragic death, accidentally falling
in the way of the circular saw, injuries being inflicted
before he could be rescued that caused his death. It was a
time of mourning all over the township, for Mr.
Baker was a man who was honored and respected by
everybody. The deepest sympathy was felt for his bereaved
family to whom he had been a loving and beloved husband and
father.
On June 13, 1863, Mr. Baker was united in
marriage with Caroline Bollenbacher, who was.
born June 1, 1842, and is a daughter of George and
Henrietta (Alt) Bollenbacher. The father
of Mrs. Baker was a man of family in Germany
when he decided to emigrate to America, Mrs. Baker
being then 10 years old. They were early settlers in Liberty
township and Mrs. Baker recalls many interesting
events of pioneer life. Both parents died in Liberty township,
but three brothers and one sister of Mrs. Baker
still survive, as follows: George, Jacob and
Charles, all of Liberty, township; and Catherine,
wife of Ferdinand Kable, of Liberty township.
The children born to our subject and wife were as
follows: Charles W., of Black Creek township; Annie
H., wife of William Rothhaar, of Dayton,
Ohio; Lewis, of Black Creek township; Caroline.C.,
wife of Christian Stuckey, of Adams County,
Indiana; Mary C., wife of Frederick Stuckey,
of Black Creek township; Lydia P., wife of George
Rothhaar, of Liberty township; Jacob A., Henry C.
and Theobald A., all of Liberty township; Hulda L.,
wife of Albert German, of Van Wert County;
Thedona D., wife of William German,
of Van Wert County; and Amelia M., wife of
Michael Linn, of Liberty township. Mrs.
Baker has 26 grandchildren.
Mr. Baker was a consistent member of St.
Paul's German Evangelical Church, in which he took a prominent
part. Mrs. Baker is also a member of this church
and belongs to the Ladies' Aid Society. |
WARREN
BARBER, a prosperous and successful farmer of Union
township, was born October 24, 1835, and is a son of
Samuel C. and Hannah (Murlin) Barber.
Upon leaving his native state, New York,
Samuel Barber moved first to Kentucky and then to Mercer
County, Ohio, locating in Union township in 1828 and
purchased 120 acres of timberland one and a fourth miles
southeast of Mendon. He cleared this land and placed it
under cultivation. He was one of the very earliest settlers
of the township and county. He was the father of five
children; Relief, who married Isaiah Johns,
a resident of Mendon, and died some years ago; Lucretia,
deceased, who was the wife of John Bolton;
Austin, deceased; Warren; and Abram, who
was captain of Company C, 31st Reg,. Ohio Vol.
Inf. Samuel Barber died in 1851 at the age of
45 years and his wife died in 1844.
Warren Barber was reared on his father’s
farm and received his education in the district schools. At
that time all this section was a wilderness and there was
only one house between the Barber home and Neptune on the
road to St. Marys, which was the market for a large part of
Mercer County. His father drove twice a year to Piqua to
get his wheat ground. The canal was then being
constructed. There was only one small store at Mendon, and
the other leading industries of the place consisted of a
grist-mill for grinding corn, a tannery and a blacksmith
shop. In 1847, when a boy of 12 years, our subject
accompanied his father on a trip to Wisconsin, while moving
a family through in a wagon, the cattle being driven. They
passed through Fort Wayne, Chicago, and Milwaukee. Chicago,
a very small place at that time, was scarcely considered a
rival of Fort Wayne. It required seven weeks to make the
trip there and back. Mr. Barber remembers two
Indians who often came to his father’s house when he was a
boy, to practice shooting.
After reaching manhood, Mr. Barber began farming as a
renter, although he owned a small farm of 40 acres. He
continued to rent until 1860, when he sold the 40-acre tract
and purchased another farm, to which he has added until he
now has an estate of 145 acres. He has cleared the greater
part of his farm and has assisted in clearing several other
farms.
In 1863 he enlisted in Company K, 88th Reg.,
Ohio Vol. Inf., and severed under Colonel Neff, Capt. Waldo
F Davis, 1st Lieutenant Quick and 2nd
Lieutenant J.H. Patterson, the last named now a resident of
Ada, Ohio. He was mustered out at Camp Chase, Columbus,
Ohio, and was honorably discharged July 3, 1865.
Mr. Barber was married March 11, 1857, to
Sallie Hamilton, a daughter of William
Hamilton, of Union township. Mrs. Barber
was one of a family of children, as follows: Polly
Ann, who married James Shepard, and
resides in Union township; Lois Hamilton, who
married Cynis Hussey, and resides in Salem
township, Auglaize County; Hugh, deceased, whose widow lives
in Union township; Sallie, wife of our subject;
Isabelle, who married John A Murlin, and resides
in Mendon; and William, deceased, whose family
resided in Union township. Mr. And Mrs. Barber have
had six children, namely: Martha L., who married
J. H. Wright, and at her death left three children –
Arthur, Zue and Maude; A. Harry, a
merchant at Mendon, who married Clara Murlin
and has four children – Mae, Meryl, Robert
and Warren; Susan, who married Giles P.
Murlin, resided in Union township and has one child,
Josephine, who married Alpa Miller, and
has one child- Dwight, the great-grandson of our
subject; Lulu May, who married Horatio
Hopper, and at her death left two children- Ralph
and Ruth; Sophronia, deceased; and Walter,
who married Celia Brewer, a daughter of
Alpheus Brewer, and has four children – Vaughn,
Kenneth, Janice and Keeth. Walter
Barber owns a farm in Union township, and also runs
his father’s farm. In March 1907, Mr. And Mrs. Barber
will celebrate their golden wedding, having lived happily
together since March 11, 1857. Mr. Barber is
a Republican in politics, but reserves the right to vote for
the best man for office. He is now serving his third term
as township trustee. A picture of a portion of the Barber
family, showing four generations, accompanies this sketch.
Found in History of Mercer County, 1907 - pgs.
447-448
Contributed by
Tracy Clark |
|
ORLINGTON BARKER, a
substantial farmer of Butler township, residing on a farm of
120 acres situated in section 25, was born near Rushville,
Fairfield County, Ohio, January 3, 1862, and is a son of
William J. and Nancy E (Palmer) Barker.
William J. Barker was born in Perry County, Ohio, in
1831, and died in Franklin township, Mercer County, August
31, 1905. His wife was born in 1832, and is now residing on
the home place. In 1863 they moved from Fairfield to Mercer
County.
Orlingotn Barker was reared and educated in Franklin
township and attended the district schools. In 1884 he
bought 40 acres of farm land in Butler township, which he
farmed while living at home. In 1891 he erected a large
frame house, and three years later added a large barn to the
many other improvements. In 1894 he purchased 40 acres more
farm land, across the road from his original purchase of 40
acres, and in 1901 added another 40 acres adjoining his
second purchase, making, in all, 120 acres of valuable farm
land. Mr. Barker engages in farming and stock-raising and
takes a great deal of pride in his fine stock. He owns some
pedigreed Shorthorn cattle, high-grade Percheron horses and
Cotswold sheep, his collection being as fine as any produced
in the county.
On October 8, 1890, Mr. Barker was married to
Lavergnie Walmire, a daughter of Joseph
Walmire an Elsie Leah. Mr. Barker has
been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 15
years of age, is a trustee of the church and for the past 15
years has been a steward. In politics he is a Democrat.
Found in History of Mercer County, 1907 - pgs.
567
Contributed by
Tracy Clark |
~ Page 285 |
ANDY
BAUER, township clerk, and the owner of a
well-improved farm of 40 acres, situated in Liberty township,
was born in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, August 4,
1868, and is a son of John and Susan (Koch) Bauer.
John Bauer was born in Prussia, Germany, February
8, 1834. His parents were Michael and Mary (Distler)
Bauer, both of Prussian birth. Prior to coming to
America, John Bauer attended school in his native land,
where he had better advantages than he could have obtained at
taht time in Liberty township. He reached Ohio in 1852,
a well educated young German, and located first in Van Wert
County. In 1854 he came to Liberty township, Mercer
County, where he was one of the earliest teachers. The
pioneers here were mostly Germans and, had he so desired, he
could have continued to teach their children for years.
His aim, however, was to become a farmer and to own a goodly
number of the fertile acres which he saw being developed all
around him, and to agricultural pursuits he has devoted a
large portion of his life. He has lived on his valuable
farm of 160 acres, in section 15, Liberty township, for almost
half a century.
On January 25, 1858, John Bauer was married to
Susanna Koch, a daughter of John and Mary Koch,
natives of Germany and old Liberty township settlers.
Mrs. Bauer's brother, Anton Koch, is a prominent
resident of Chattanooga, Mercer County. Mr. and Mrs.
Bauer had eight children, and of this number the following
six survive: John, residing in the State of
Washington; Mary E., wife of Louis Bollenbacker,
residing in Liberty township and Andy, Frederick and
William, all of Liberty township. John Bauer
and wife belong to the Evangelical Association and were among
the early active members of the church in Liberty township.
In politics he is a Democrat.
Andy Bauer was reared by his estimable parents
in a home where thrift was taught and precepts of morality
were instilled. He assisted on the home farm all through
his youth and obtained his education in the schools of his
native township. His business has always been along
agricultural lines. He has been active in politics and
has consistently supported the Democratic party. Mr.
Bauer is a well-informed man and a pleasant, genial
official.
On November 28, 1868, Mr. Bauer was married to
Mary Brehm, who was born at Dayton, Ohio, and is a
daughter of John Brehm, of Liberty township.
Mr. and Mrs. Bauer have had 11 children, as follows:
John J., Elizabeth A., Bertha l., Carl, Lawrence P.,
Valentine, Lovina, Rudolph, Eda H. and two deceased.
The family belong to the Evangelical Association. |
ADAM
BEACH, who is at the head of the only boot and shoe
store in Fort Recovery, was born in Germany, January 3, 1859,
and is a son of Andreas Beach, who is still a resident of
Germany.
Adam Beach was reared and educated in Germany
and learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1882, when 22 years old,
he came to America, landing at New York. He first located in
Crestline, Ohio, where he worked for about four years as a
shoemaker, in 1885 removing to Fort Recovery, where he' opened
a repair shop. Two years later he put in a line of shoes,
expending about $200. He kept increasing this stock, and at
present has the only shoe store in Fort Recovery, having
bought out E. T. Hastings' stock of shoes in the fall
of 1905 and combined it with his own. Mr. Beach
owns his residence property and also owns a storeroom, which
is at present occupied by a poultry store.
Mr. Beach has been married twice, his first
marriage occurring in 1885 to Margaret Mathias,
a daughter of John Mathias. They had one child,
Leonora Anna. Mrs. Beach died in
1887. He was again married, in 1888, to Elizabeth
Mathias, a sister of his first wife, and they have had
three children, namely: Aurelia Marguerite,
Arden and Ruth.
Mr. Beach served as trustee of Gibson
township for six years. He has served as treasurer of the
Recovery corporation for the past five years. He has also been
a member of the Fort Recovery Village Council.
Religiously, he is a member and trustee of Trinity
Lutheran Church at Fort Recovery. |
JACOB
BECHER, who is engaged in farming in Black Creek
township, has resided here since 1882 on his present valuable
farm of 80 acres, near Chattanooga. He was born in Liberty
township, Mercer County, Ohio, May 8, 1859, and is a son of
John and Anna Maria (Baker) Becher.
The parents of Mr. Becher had a large
family, of whom the eight survivors are as follows: Sophia,
wife of Jacob B. German, of Van Wert County, Ohio;
Mary, wife of Frederick Dasher, of Van Wert,
Ohio; Jacob, of this sketch; Louisa, wife of
Philip W. Deitsch, of Celina; John F. and George
W., both of Liberty township; Matilda B., wife of
John Gribler, of Van Wert; and William of
Liberty township. Catherine and Henry are
deceased.
The father of our subject was born in Germany and the
mother in Pennsylvania, The former died July 25, 1883, but the
latter still survives and resides with her affectionate
children in Liberty township. John Becher was a
boy when he came to America with his parents. His father,
Frederick Becher, settled in what was then a
wilderness in Black Creek township, Mercer, County. The
grandfather and father of Jacob Becher
were pioneer settlers who proved their worth by clearing their
lands, cultivating them thoroughly and assisting in all the
civilizing movements of their day. The township lost men of
high character when Frederick and John Becher
passed away. They were Lutherans in religion and Democrats in
politics.
Jacob Becher was reared on his father's
farm and attended the district schools. His training was all
along agricultural lines and he has been familiar with farming
in all its details since boyhood. He has resided on his
present farm since 1882, as noted above, and in the quarter
century which has elapsed has become identified with all. the
educational and public interests of this neighborhood. He is
numbered with the good farmers of this township.
On October 12, 1882, Mr. Becher was
married to Mary Kettering, who was born in
Washington township, Mercer County, Ohio, and. they have nine
children, as follows: John Henry Frederick,
Caroline Alminnie Anna, George
Jacob Edward, Ida Fredericka
Catherine and Iva Mary Margaret
(twins), Sarah Ella Jane, James
William.Theobald, Clarence Oliver,
Raymond and Samuel Oscar Leroy.
Mr. Becher and family belong to the Lutheran
Church. Politically he is a Democrat.
(pp. 604 & 607) |
|
HARVEY BEOUGHER, a
well-known citizen and successful farmer of Jefferson
township, whose 80-acre farm is located in section 11, was
born near Logan, Hocking Co., Ohio, Mar. 27, 1842, and
is a son of Benjamin C.
and Catherine (Cook) Beougher.
Benjamin C. Beougher was born near Millville, Fairfield
co., Ohio, where he was reared
and educated, removing to Hocking Co. 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 186.
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 Mar. 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 Co.,
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 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 nearby page are shown views of
Mr. Beougher’s
first residence and of his present residence and barn.
(page 513)
|
ADAM
BOLLENBACHER, deceased, was one of the early settlers
of Liberty township, and for many years was one of its
leading citizens. He was born in Germany, Jan. 10,
1840, and died in Liberty township, Apr. 25. 1901, leaving
behind him the record of a most worthy life. His
parents were George and Henrietta (Alt) Bollenbacher.
When Adam Bollenbacher
was 12 yeas of age, his parents decided to emigrate to
America; when they reached the United States, they made
their way to Mercer County, Ohio, and settled in the woods
of Liberty township. His parents died on the home on
which Adam grew to manhood. In his younger
years he learned the carpenter's trade and followed the same
for a time, but the main activity of his life was farming.
Although largely dependent upon his own efforts, he became a
man of substance, acquired considerable property and left an
ample estate.
On April 9, 1864, Mr. Bollenbacher was married
to Christina Koch, who was born in Germany, Nov. 7,
1842, and is a daughter of John and Annie M. Koch,
who brought her to America when a child of two years.
The family resided several years in Butler County, Ohio, and
then came to Mercer County, where both parents died.
The children born to Adam Bollenbacher and wife
were 13 in number and of these nine still survive, as
follows: John Jacob,
of Liberty township; George,
of Liberty township; Adam, of Van Wert County;
Andrew and Charles, of
Liberty township; Mary H., wife of Theodore Baker,
of Black Creek township; Christina Caroline, wife of
John J. Deitsch, of Liberty township; Frederick
Joseph, living on the home place in Liberty township,
who married Margaret Smith, and has two children -
Carrie Luletta and Lura Elizabeth; and Amos
B., of Black Creek township. The mother of his
family still survives and resides on the old farm in Liberty
township, with her son, Frederick Joseph Bollenbacher;
she owns a valuable tract of 60 acres.
Mr. Bollenbacher always cast his vote with the
Democratic party, not on account of possible political
honors, but because he believed in its principles. He
was a consistent member of the Evangelical Association.
He was a kind husband and careful father and was a neighbor
in all that the word implies. As a citizen he cast his
influence at all times in the direction of improvement,
favored the cause of education and set an example of
morality.
~Page 490 |
ANDREW
BOLLENBACHER, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of
Liberty township, residing on his valuable farm of 8 acres
in section 12, belongs to an old pioneer family of this
locality, which has many substantial representatives in
Mercer County. Our subject was born Sept. 2, 1868 in
Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of
Adam and Christina (Koch)
Bollenbacher.
The Bollenbacher Family originated in Germany and
was founded in Mercer County by George Bollenbacher,
the grandfather of our subject.
Adam Bollenbacher, the
father, was also born in Germany, but spent the greater part
of his life in Liberty township, where he became a large
farmer and honored citizen. His death took place Apr.
25, 1901, and in that event Liberty township lost a citizen
of more than usual worth. He had done much to develope
its agricultural resources and had lived an exemplary,
worthy life. In politics he was a Democrat. He
was a member and a liberal supporter of the Evangelical
Association. His widow, who still survives, resides in
Liberty township and is a lady who is worthy of the esteem
and affection in which she is held.
Andy Bollenbacher was reared on his father's
farm and obtained his education in the district schools.
His life has been mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits
and the excellent condition of his farm testifies to the
interest he takes in its management.
On April 27, 1893, Mr. Bollenbacher was married
to Catherine Ceilinger, who was born in Germany and
when two years old was brought by her parents, Michael
and Elizabeth (Kundinger) Ceilinger, to America.
They settled in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, where
she was reared; later they removed to Muncie, Indiana, where
they are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Bollenbacher
have seven children as follows: Elmer E., Romy G.,
Lolie E., Henry S., Eda C. Victor and Ralph.
Politically Mr. Bollenbacher is identified
with the Democratic party. Although not actively
interested in politics, he is a citizen who takes a
thoughtful interest in public affairs and gives hearty
support to movements calculated to improve the public
schools.
~Page 415 |
GEORGE
BOLLENBACHER, JR., a representative farmer and
stockman of Liberty township, where he owns a
well-cultivated farm of 120 acres, was born Sept. 19, 1864,
in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of
Adam and Christina (Koch)
Bollenbacher, who were natives of Germany.
Adam Bollenbacher came to Mercer County with his
parents when about 12 years of age, his father, George
Bollenbacher, being one of the pioneer sterling worth
and led busy agricultural lives in Liberty township as long
as they lived. they were Democrats in politics and the
family has always been identified religiously with the
Evangelical Association. The mother of our subject
owns a 60 acre farm in Liberty township, but resides with
her son, Frederick Joseph Bollenbacher, on the home
farm. Of the large family born to the parents of
George Bollenbacher, nine survive and he is the second
in order of birth.
George Bollenbacher, Jr., was reared on his
father's farm in Liberty township, and was educated in the
schools of District No. 3. He has always given his
attention to agriculture and has the reputation of being one
of the most successful farmers of his locality. In
1889 he settled on his present farm, which shows the effects
of careful cultivation. He engages in general farming
and raises a great deal of first-class stock.
On April 22, 1888, Mr. Bollenbacher was married
to Caroline Miller, a daughter of Phillip Miller,
of Van Wert County, and they have five children, namely: Walter,
Tona B., Clarence W., George E. and Nora R.
The members of the family belong to the Evangelical
Association.
Mr. Bollenbacher has always been a Democrat but
has accepted no office other than that of school director of
District No. 1, and has been a useful member of this School
Board for some time. He stands well with his neighbors
and enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him,
making no great show of public spirit, but being always
ready to help along public improvements when they are
needed.
The children of George Bollenbacher are all
anxious to secure good educations. The oldest,
Walter, who finished the common-school course, has been
a student at the Rockford High School for two years past.
The other children are attending school in District No. 1.
~Page 390 |
JOHN
JACOB BOLLENBACHER, JR., treasurer of Liberty
township, is one of the substantial farmers of this
locality. He owns a fine farm of 80 acres in section
12, on which he resides, and other tracts in the township,
his total possessions aggregating 200 acres. He was
born in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, July 28, 183,
and is a son of Adam and
Christina (Koch) Bollenbacher, both natives of
Germany.
Adam Bollenbacher accompanied his parents to
America when about 12 years of age and the family has
resided in Liberty township ever since, always maintaining
its honorable standing. Our subject's grandfather,
George Bollenbacher, the father, was an extensive farmer
and stock-raiser. His death occurred in April 24,
1901. The mother of our subject, who is now in her 3rd
year, resides in Liberty township. Of a large family
of children, nine survive as follows: John Jacob,
of this sketch; George,
of Liberty township; Adam, of Van Wert county;
Andrew and Charles,
of Liberty township; Mary H., wife of Theodore
Baker, of Black Creek township; Christina Caroline,
wife of John J. Deitsch, of Liberty township;
Frederick Joseph, of Liberty township; and Amos B.,
of Black Creek township.
John J. Bollenbacher was reared to man's estate
in Liberty township and obtained his education in the public
schools. His life has been mainly devoted to
agricultural pursuits and he is one of the enterprising and
representative farmers of the township.
On Mar. 11, 1888, Mr. Bollenbacher was married
to Effie B. Strobel, who was born in Liberty
township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a daughter of the late
Peter Strobel. Mrs. Strobel, who is 80
years of age, resides with her daughter, Mrs.
Bollenbacher.
In politics, Mr. Bollenbacher is a stanch
Democrat. He assumed the duties of his present office
on Jan. 1, 1906, and has become a very popular official.
Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical
Association.
~Page 407 |
| |
ADAM
BETTINGER, a successful farmer of Butler township, who
owns 80 acres of excellent land, situated in section 28, was
born in Bavaria, Germany, September 8, 1834, and is a son of
John and Barbara (Swartz) Bettinger.
The parents of Mr. Bettinger were both
born in Germany, where the father owned a small farm. Desiring
more land, he decided to emigrate to America, and with his
family took passage in 1846 on a sailing vessel, which landed
them at the port of New York after a long voyage. John
Bettinger settled on a farm in Seneca County, Ohio,
four years later removing to Lucas County, where he died in
1856. His widow died in Lucas County in 1871.
Adam Bettinger continued to live in Lucas
County until 1866 and then returned to Seneca County, where he
rented a farm for a few years. In 1869, after investigating
the farming land in Mercer County, Mr.
Bettinger bought his present farm in Butler township, 40
acres of which were improved. He erected the house and barn
himself and made all the other improvements, which have
converted this into one of the best farms in the township.
Mr. Bettinger has always been a hard worker and
through his enterprise and industry has accumulated a fine
property.
In 1861 Mr. Bettinger was married to
Mary Omlor, daughter of Theodore Omlor.
She was born in Germany and was two years old when her parents
brought her with them to this country. Mr. and Mrs.
Bettinger have had 13 children, namely: John, who
married Lizzie Rhein, lives at Coldwater and has
six children; Frank, who married Josephine
Albers, lives on his farm of no acres in Butler township,
and has six children; William, who married Carrie
Rahe, deceased, has one child; Charles, who
married Kate Hoenning and has two children;
Jacob, unmarried, who lives on the home farm; Catherine,
who married John Wentzel, lives at Dayton and
has one child; Mary, who married Ora Rhoades
and lives at Dayton; Rose, who married Frank
Fullenkamp and lives at Celina; Stephen, who lives
at home; and Joseph, Joseph (2), Anthony
and Margaret, who are deceased.
Mr. Bettinger is a member of the Catholic
Church. .He has always been an active citizen of the township
and for 21 years he served as a member of the School Board.
(pg. 601) |
HENRY
BRACKMAN, whose fine farm of no acres is situated in
section 15, Recovery township, was born in Marion township,
Mercer County, Ohio, April 18, 1837, and is a son of John
and Agnes (Dorgeloh) Brackman.
The parents of Mr. Brackman were both
natives of Germany. At the age of 15 years, John
Brackman became an ocean sailor and followed the sea until
he was 22 years of age. In order to escape service in the
German Army, he came to America and settled at Baltimore,
where he worked on the railroad then being constructed between
Baltimore and Washington. From there he came to Cincinnati,
Ohio, later going to Alabama where he worked through the
winter, returning in the spring to Cincinnati, making the trip
on a steamboat running between New Orleans and Cincinnati. In
the latter city he married and there he continued to make his
home. In the summer time he worked on the steamboats on the
Ohio and Mississippi rivers, while in the winter time he was
employed in railroad and canal construction work. In the
spring of 1836 he came to Marion township, Mercer County,
where he entered 80 acres of wild land for himself and 80
acres for his friend, Frank Evers, paying $100
for his 80 acres. The land had been entered two years before,
in 1834.
Mr. Brackman built a round-log cabin on
his land, which, as prosperity came to him through hard work,
was replaced by a hewed-log house. On this farm his children,
six in number, were reared. He died in 1873.
John Brackman was married (first) to
Agnes Dorgeloh, who died in 1838, leaving one
child, Henry, the subject of this sketch, who was then
one year and seven months old. A cousin, Catherine
Dorgeloh, came to take care of the infant and she
subsequently became Mr. Brackman's second wife.
Five children were born to this union, of whom the survivors
are: Theodore and Catherine, who live on the old
farm in Marion township.
Henry Brackman attended school in Marion
township and remained at home until his marriage. His first
farm was one of 45 acres, located in Marion township, to which
he added until he owned 125 acres, which he sold in 1882, when
he bought his farm in Recovery township, which then consisted
of 160 acres. Later he sold 50 acres of the farm to his son.
He has always carried on general farming and is considered one
of the successful agriculturists of his neighborhood.
On June 14, 1864, Mr. Brackman was
married to Agnes Dahlinghaus, daughter of
Bernard Dahlinghaus, and they have had nine
children, as follows: John, residing on a farm of 50
acres which he purchased from his father, who has six
children; Frank, deceased at the age of 25 years and 6
months, at Belleville, Illinois, who was one of the professors
at St. Peter's Institute and also organist in the Catholic
Church; Mary, who married Aloys Guggenviller,
resides at Wendelin and has five children; Annie, who
is the wife of August C. Eifert, a county school
examiner, and the mother of four children; Joseph, who
married Rosa Bruns, has one son, Raymond,
and resides with his father; Minnie, who lives in Fort
Recovery; and Henry, also single, who is a teacher in
the school of St. Joseph's Church and is also church organist.
The whole family belong to St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
For many years Mr. Brackman served on the
Board of Education. He has also been supervisor and trustee of
the township, and is a very highly valued citizen. |
JOHN
BRACKMAN, who has lived all of his life on his present
farm of 139 acres, situated in section 2, Marion township, was
born March, 1845, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Tiesem)
Brackman.
John Brackman and his wife, who were both
of German birth, came to this country from Hanover, Germany,
locating for a short time in the South. They also lived in
Cincinnati, Ohio, for a short time, after which they came to
Mercer County, Ohio, among the early settlers, and purchased
60 acres of land from the government at $1.50 an acre. At that
time the United States Land Office was at Lima and the deed
was signed by President Martin Van
Buren. Afterwards 79 acres more were purchased from the
government at $2.00 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Brackman
only had one child, John, the subject of this sketch.
Mrs. Brackman died about 1851 and her husband
died six years later.
John Brackman, the subject of this
sketch, lived until 12 years of age with his parents. At that
time his father died, leaving him the farm of 139 acres. Mr.
Sherman was appointed guardian, but died shortly after.
Our subject worked around on different farms for a time and
also spent some time in Cincinnati. When 21 years of age he
came into possession of his property. The country at that time
was still chiefly timberland. The Cincinnati, Hamilton &
Dayton Railway runs through his property now.
Mr. Brackman was married in 1866 to
Caroline Overman, a daughter of Henry and Agnes
(Bockman) Overman. Henry Overman and his wife
came from Germany to this country, and were married at
Cincinnati, Ohio. They had 10 children: Mary, who
married Henry Reichert; Henry, deceased ;
Barney; Fred, deceased; Anthony; Agnes,
deceased, who was the wife of Benjamin Miller;
Elizabeth, who married Henry Gottemoller;
John; Joseph, deceased; and Caroline, the
wife of our subject, who was born May 5, 1847, in Marion
township, Mercer County, Ohio. Mr. Overman died
March 8, 1876. His wife died May 5, 1904.
Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brackman,
as follows: Agnes, who married August
Rutchilling, and after his death Joseph Winners
and lives in Berlin, Shelby County—she had one child by her
first marriage, Henry, and has two children by her
second marriage, Leona and Alexander; Henry,
who married Anna Lubke, lives near his father
and has one child, William; Elizabeth, who
married Henry Brims, lives in Marion township
and has four children—Caroline, Anna, Laura
and Clara; John; Clara; Catherine;
Frank; Vincent; Amy; and Anthony,
who died when an infant. Mr. Brackman and his
family are members of St. John's Catholic Church. He served
two terms as township trustee. |
REV. THEODOSIUS BRACKMAN,
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. Bernadina Kemme, who
lies in Germany; Theodosius H.; Didacus A.,
professor in St. Charles Seminary, at Carthagena; and
Anna, who lives with her brother, Theodosius H.,
as housekeeper.
Theodosius H. Brackman 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 St. Charles Seminary, at 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, Nov. 1, 1905, this
being his first pastorate. |
ISAAC
BRANDON, county commissioner of Mercer County, is the
owner of 337 acres of farm land in Franklin and Butler
townships. His residence is on his Franklin township
property in section 22, known as the "Lake Mercer Stock
Farm," where he is engaged in raising pacing horses.
He was born March 3, 1851, in Shelby County, Ohio, and is a
son of Xurg Brandon.
Xurg Brandon was born in Darke County, Ohio.
He was married to Delia Baker, a daughter of Lewis
Baker, who came from Virginia and settled in Darke
County. Mr. and Mrs. Brandon had 10 children,
of whom three died during infancy. The other seven
were as follows: Xurg, who died when a boy;
Babrilla (now deceased), who married Calvin E. Riley,
and had seven children: Eliza, who married George
Breo; Lydia (Ryan); Lucinda, who married John
Hight; John, who married Jennie Knox; and
Isaac, who was the youngest of the children.
Mr. Brandon died at Berlin, Shelby County, where he was
the proprietor of a hotel, passing away when our subject was
10 months old. After the death of Mr. Brandon,
his wife sold the hotel and moved to Celina. In 1856
she was married to John Haneline moved to a farm in
Center township, Mercer County. One child was born of
this union, Nathan, who died at the age of four
years. Mrs. Haneline, mother of our subject,
died in 1903, at the age of 89 years.
Isaac Brandon lived with his step-father until
about 12 years old after which he learned the blacksmith'
trade and worked on a canal boat for two years, driving the
mules on the tow-path a portion of the time. He then
worked on a farm for Calvin E. Riley.
On Jan. 2, 1872, he was united in marriage to
Caroline L. Emerson, daughter of John and Ellen
Emerson. In 1873 he moved to his present farm in
Franklin township, which he purchased four years later from
the State. Here Mr. Brandon is engaged in
general farming and breeding pacers. One of his best
known horses is "Red Hall," whose record is 2:13¼.
Mr. Brandon is the father of four children:
Electra, born Nov. 4, 1872, in Jefferson township, who
married Allen Palmer and lives at St. Marys;
Delila Ellen, deceased in infancy; and Fannie,
born in 1876, and Park T.; born in 1879, both of whom
live at home. The two last named attended the Ohio
Normal University at Ada, Park T. Brandon also asking
a course at Valparaiso College and at Tacoma, Washington.
Mr. Brandon was elected county commissioner in 1903
and still serves in that capacity. He is a member of
the United Brethren Church and belongs to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows.
~ Page 397 |
JOHN
BREHM, one of the old and respected residents of
Liberty township, who has resided on his present farm of 100
acres, situated in section 10, for the past 34 years, was born
in Bavaria, Germany, November 10, 1828, and is a son of
Fettus Brehm.
The parents of Mr. Brehm were intelligent
German people who afforded their son good educational
advantages. He learned the trade of baker in his own land, but
he came to America when 20 years of age and since then has
been entirely engaged in agricultural pursuits. He lived in
Montgomery County, Ohio, until 1872, when he brought his
family to Mercer County and settled on his present farm in
Liberty township. He still retains 100 acres but has given
farms to his children and has been liberal to the church.
In Montgomery County, Ohio, John Brehm
was married to Mary Lower, and they had eight
children, five of whom are still living, as follows: John
C., Caroline (wife of John Deitsch),
John Peter, Valentine W. and Henry C.
Henry C. Brehm, the youngest son of our subject, is a
prominent citizen of Liberty township and one of the leading
Democrats. He has served four years on the township School
Board and in 1900 served on the board of election. On June 27,
1889, he married Phebe Leininger, a daughter of
Jacob Leininger, of Liberty township, and they
have four children, namely: Margaret C., Walter E.,
George J. and William H., all grandchildren
of whom our venerable subject may well be proud.
John Brehm's second marriage also took
place in Montgomery County, to Margaret Bollenbacher.
They had three children, the two survivors of this marriage
being: Mary, wife of Andy Bauer; and
Elizabeth, widow of Jacob Bauer.
All through the years of citizenship, Mr.
Brehm has consistently supported the candidates of the
Democratic party. He is one of the leading members of St.
Paul's German Evangelical Church.
(pg. 601) |
VALENTINE
W. BREHM, a well-known citizen and representative
farmer and stock-raiser of Liberty township, residing on his
valuable farm in section 16, was born January 11, 1861, in
Montgomery County, Ohio. His parents were John and
Mary (Lower) Brehm.
John Brehm, who is now a resident of Liberty
township, was born in Germany. After coming to America,
he resided for a time in Montgomery County, Ohio, but came to
Mercer County in 1872. The mother of our subject died
when he was a boy.
Valentine W. Brehm was reared on his father's
farm until he reached manhood, and was educated in the public
schools. He has always devoted his attention to
agricultural pursuits and is numbered with the successful
farmers of Liberty township. He settled on his present
farm in 1893, finding it little more than a timber tract then,
but he has developed it into a very valuable farm.
Mr. Brehm was married on December 24, 1885, to
Sophia Alt, a daughter of John Alt, a well-known
resident of Liberty township. Mr. and Mrs. Brehm
have two children, Philip J. and Annie L., both
of whom have been educated in the local schools and reside at
home.
Mr. Brehm is a stanch Democrat. He is a
man who takes a great deal of interest in the public school
system and has given his time to serve as school director of
District No. 5. Both he and his good wife are members of
the Lutheran Church.
(pg. 594) |
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 80 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 then being built. He acquired other tracts
of land from time to time - 110 acres of farm land in
"Auglaize County, to which he later added 40 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 died on he 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 the father's
death; the remainder, 105 acres, Mr. Burns
purchased. The house which Mr. Bruns and
his family occupy is a large, 10-4oom 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 Apr. 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 Jack 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. |
WILLIAM
H. BRYAN, a representative agriculturist of Washington
township, residing on his well-improved farm of 124 acres
situated in section 3, was born May 2, 1852, in Ridge
township, Van Wert County, Ohio, and is a son of William
Patterson and Rebecca (Leathers) Bryan.
William P. Bryan was born in Pennsylvania and
removed to Van Wert County just after attaining young manhood.
In December, 1866, he moved to Mercer County, and resided with
his eldest son, Daniel Bryan, until his death in
January, 1867. He was married in Allen County, Ohio, to
Rebecca Leathers, who died in 1863, when our
subject was 11 years old.
William H. Bryan was about 14 years of age when
he accompanied his brother to Mercer County, with whom he
remained for one year and then entered the employ of the
Spriggs family, with whom he remained for six years and
seven months continuously. During this time he was well
trained in all kinds of farm work and was prepared to farm on
his own account, which he did for two years on rented land. On
February 27, 1873, he bought the old Hiram Shaw
farm of 160 acres, which he still owns. Gradually he
accumulated land until he owned 244 acres. In 1903 he
advantageously sold 40 acres and has given 40 acres each to
his two oldest sons. In association with his eldest son, Mr.
Bryan also owns 80 acres of good land in Michigan. In
addition to carrying on extensive operations in general
farming and stock-raising, Mr. Bryan spent 13
years in the contracting business, mainly in the line of
building turnpike roads. He has constructed many miles of
these excellent highways in Mercer and Auglaize counties. He
has always been a man of enterprise, through sound sense and
excellent business judgment has made his business ventures
successful.
In April, 1877, Mr. Bryan was married to
Mary E. Fennig, who is a daughter of John
Fennig, and they have five children, as follows: John
Garrel, who married Sadie Culp and lives
on a farm of 40 acres given him by his father; Charles A.,
who resides at home, also owning a farm of 40 acres given him
by his father; Daisy B., who married Earl Dumbauld,
lives in Jefferson township and has had two children, Marie
and Guy, the latter of whom died aged 6 months and 17
days; Ethel, who married Henry Bobenmoyer
and resides with her father in Washington township; and
James, who lives at home.
Although, as noted above, Mr. Bryan has
always been a successful business man, he has met with some
misfortunes. On May 14, 1886, a terribly destructive cyclone
swept through Washington township, which leveled all his farm
buildings, his fine orchard and destroyed 40 acres of timber. |
REUBEN
BUCK, whose valuable and well-improved farm of 200
acres is situated in section 31, Jefferson township, is one of
the oldest men in Jefferson township and one of the most
highly esteemed and best known men in Mercer County. He was
born August 18, 1825, in Stark County, Ohio, and is a son of
Christian and Elizabeth Buck.
When he was a boy, Mr. Buck's parents
moved to Richland County, Ohio, and it was there he spent his
early life. In 1839, when he was about 15 years old, his
parents moved to Mercer County and settled in an 80-acre
timber tract in Hopewell township, which his father had
purchased, and which had to be cleared before crops could be
raised. At that time the country was nothing but a forest
wilderness and the family were compelled to endure many trials
and hardships incidental to pioneer life. Mr. Buck
assisted his father in erecting a round-log cabin for the
family to occupy, in clearing the farm, and in making many
other necessary improvements on the place. About two years
after his marriage, he moved to Jefferson township, where he
has since made his residence.
Mr. Buck married Jane Lincoln
and they are the parents of nine children, of whom but four
are now living, namely: William, a farmer of Jefferson
township, who married Margaret Rohr and has
seven children; Mrs. Henrietta Whelan,
who lives in Idaho; Emanuel, who married Maggie
Anselman, has one child, Carrie, and lives on
the home farm; and Mina, who married John
Yaney and lives in Butler township. Mr. Buck
has always taken. a great interest in the politics of his
community, and has served as township supervisor and also as a
member of the School Board. |
ANDREW
BUEHLER, whose valuable farm of 120 acres is located in
two counties, 80 acres in Darke and 40 acres, on which he
makes his home in Granville township, Mercer County, just
across the road from the larger portion, was born in Marion
township, Mercer County, Ohio, near Chickasaw, and is a son of
Raymond and Veronica (Cook) Buehler.
Raymond Buehler was born in Germany
and„came to America when he was about 11 years of age,
accompanying his parents, August and
Catherine Buehler. The family settled first at
Greenville, Ohio, but later moved to a farm purchased by our
subject's father, in Marion township. Subsequently they sold
this farm to their son Raymond, and moved to Carthagena,
where they died. They had eight children, namely: Raymond,
Bernard, John, Joseph, Patrick,
Agnes (wife of John Esser), Theresa
(wife of John Blotur) and Sophia (wife of
Christian Voesey). All have died except
Joseph.
Raymond Buehler remained with his parents
until his marriage, assisting his father. Then he settled with
his wife on the old home place, where Deitrich
Buehler, our subject's brother, now lives. At that time
little clearing had been done in his neighborhood and game was
very abundant in the woods. Deer were plentiful and wild
turkeys were to be had for the shooting. Raymond
Buehler remained on this farm, clearing it up and
developing it, until his death, which occurred January 6,
1880. He was survived by his wife until September 19, 1901.
Raymond Buehler married Veronica
Cook, who had come to America with her parents from
Germany. To this marriage 13 children were born, as follows:
Theresa, who died aged five years; Elizabeth, who also
died aged five years; Wendel and Joseph, both
deceased in infancy; Mary, who married Joseph Hess;
Caroline; Henry, who married Victoria
Miller; Andrew, of this sketch; August, who
married Theresa Brunswick; John, who
married Frances Rockner; Deitrich, who
married Mary Ausman; Veronica, who
married Henry Wiel; and Catherine,
deceased in 1905, who was the wife of Herman Box.
Andrew Buehler attended the district
schools and remained at home assisting his father on the home
farm. When his father died, he inherited 80 acres of land in
Darke County and when he married he started in to live on his
property. He built a log house there, in which he lived for
about 20 years. On January 1, 1901, he purchased from his
brother-in-law, Frank Rammel, the 40 acres on
which is situated his home. As a house was on the place,
the family moved into it immediately. Mr. Buehler
has greatly improved the property and has remodeled and added
to the house, which is a comfortable frame one of six rooms.
He carries on general farming and has made a success of it.
On April 20, 1880, Mr. Buehler was
married to Mary Rammel, a daughter of Joseph
and Anna Mary (Ehrenbeck)
Rammel, both of whom were born in Germany and became
highly respected residents and substantial farming people of
Mercer County. Mr. Rammel died on his farm in
Granville township, May 2, 1892, but Mrs. Rammel
survives and lives with her son George.
Mr. and Mrs.
Buehler have three children, namely: Joseph, born
July 2, 1882; William, born October 27, 1883; and
Elizabeth, born May 22, 1888. All reside at home and, with
their parents, belong to St. Paul's Catholic Church at
Sharpsburg. |
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