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PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO
History & Genealogy

BIOGRAPHIES

Source: 
History of Putnam County, Ohio,
by George D. Kinder,
Publ. B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
1915

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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  STEPHEN A. KAGY

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1012

  AUGUST KAHLE.  The subject of this sketch is one of those strong, self-reliant and determined characters who are occasionally met with and who are of such a distinct type as to seem to be born leaders of their fellow-men.  Not that Mr. Kahle courts that distinction, for he is entirely unassuming, but his great force of character and his zeal and energy, in whatever he undertakes, naturally places him at the head of the crowd, and he has been a potent factor in the development of Putnam county, where he has long maintained his home and where he is well known to all classes for his honorable and industrial life, in both private and public.
     The gentleman , whose name appears at the head of this review, was born in Riemsloh, Province of Hanover, Germany, Mar. 2, 1851, and is the son of Anton and Sophia (Dutting) Kahle, both natives of Germany; the former was born in the town of Glandorf, the latter born in the town of Mille. Anton Kahle conducted a general store in the old country for the greater part of his life and died when August Kahle was a very young boy.  To Mr. and Mrs. Anton Kahle were born seven children, August, Antonio, Clemens, deceased; Louisa, deceased; Charles, deceased, and two others who die din infancy.  Of these children, August and Charles came to America in the year 1873 and, after landing in the city of New York, they decided to go to Cincinnati, where they remained a while, then went to Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio.  August returned to Cincinnati and put in about four months' time there, then decided to go back to Glandorf, Ohio.  On his return he remained in Glandorf and was employed by Frank Kahle, with whom he remained for six years.  After this, a partnership arrangement was made with Ignatius Kahle for the starting of a tile factory in Greensburg township, this county.  Subsequently, August bought out the interests of Ignatius Kahle, and continued the manufacture of tile for about seven years.  Believing his possibilities would be greater in farming for a living, he made a trade for one hundred and twenty acres of land situated in Union township, Putnam county, and upon which he erected a number of splendid and commodious farm buildings.  To this residential farm, where he now makes his home, were added three hundred and twenty acres more, one hundred and sixty of which is located in Jackson and eight acres in Greensburg township.  Believing, also, in town lot investments, Mr. Kahle is now the owner of six lots in the town of Kalida, located near the site of St. Michael's Catholic church. 
     August Kahle
was married on Apr. 28, 1885, to Magdalena Overmeyer, a daughter of Ferdinand and Dorothea (Wilberding) Overmeyer, natives of Germany, and where her father died. Mrs. Overmeyer, together with her son Arnold and Magdalena, came to this country and settled in Glandorf, Ohio, where Arnold became the husband of Mary Luhn, after which he engaged in the manufacturing of cigars, in Ottawa, Ohio.  Arnold died about seventeen years ago, and the mother preceded him by about two years.  To August Kahle and wife there were born the following named children: August, Mar. 25, 1886; Ferdinand, Apr. 30, 1887; Dorothea, July 16, 1888; Antonius, June 24, 1890, deceased; Leo, May 10, 1892; Magdalena Sept. 17, 1893; Anthony, Mar. 22, 1895; Clemens, Mar. 27, 1897; Louisa, Feb. 15, 1899; Sophia (infant born), died 1901; Sophia and Antonio, twins, Oct. 2, 1902; Mary, Feb. 8, 1906, died in 1911.  Of these children, Ferdinand is married to Clementine Bensman; they have one child, Rudolph, and reside in Jackson township; Dorothea is married to Frank Knueve, and they live in Union township, having one child, Arnold; August, Jr.; Ferdinand and Dorothea attended the district schools in the neighborhood, while all the other children are now attending the parochial school belonging to St. Michael's church in Kalida, Ohio, and of which church the entire family are devout members.
     Personally, Mr. Kahle is a man of broad sympathies and takes an abiding interest in the welfare of those about him, and because of his genial disposition and high character, he enjoys a large popularity in the community in which he has spent so many years.  To Mrs. Kahle is due a word in appreciation of her devotion and solicitude for her husband's undertakings, which have brought him to notice as a successful agriculturist.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 563
  FRANK KAHLE, SR.  Although some time has elapsed since the subject of this memoir was called into the life beyond, yet his memory is still fresh in the minds and hearts of many of his friends and neighbors.  Frank Kahle was a popular man in his own community and had the reputation of being a man of boundless energy and ambition.  It is said that those who live the closes to us know us best and, this being true, Frank Kahle was indeed a worthy man, for those most closely associated with him hold him the dearest in their memories.
     Frank Kahle, Sr., was a native of this county, born in Greensburg township on his father's farm on Dec. 21, 1839.  He was a son of John F. and Bernadina (Wilberding) Kahle, who were among the oldest settlers of this community.  The Kahle family has, throughout a long stretch of years, been numbered among the bet citizens of this section and the subject of this memoir added his quota to the excellency of the family name.  Frank Kahle was reared on his father's farm in Greensburg township and passed his entire life on the one homestead.  In early manhood, he was united in marriage to Bernadina Brinkman, born in this county in 1846, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Rieman) Brinkman.  The Brinkman's were both natives of the German Empire, and upon emigrating to America, they first located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where, however, they remained but a short time.  They, eventually, came to Glandorf, Putnam county, and later engaged in farming.  There were two children in the family, Bernadina, widow of Frank Kahle, and JohnJohn Chose Minnie Maag as his helpmeet and they were the parents of three children:  Frank, Harry and Francis.
     Frank Kahle
's father was one of the colonists who came from Germany with Father Horstman and settled the town of Glandorf.  His father was John Kahle, and with Father Horstman and John Kahle prepared the settlement for them and they came for Detroit a short time later.  His son, Joseph, is president of the Peoples Bank of Kalida, a sketch of whom is found elsewhere in this volume.
     To Frank Kahle and wife was born a family of twelve children, as follow:  Mary Wilhelmina, deceased; John Frank, John Heinrich Joseph, John Ignatius Gustav, Mary Bernadina Amalia, Theresa Bernadina, Mary Helen Elizabeth, Mary Frances Paulina, deceased; John Heinrich Bernard, Anna Maria Theresa,,, John August Louie, deceased, and Maria Clara Wilhelmina.  Of these children, Mary married Frank Schrader and lives in Greensburg township up to the time of her death.  She passed away five years ago and is survived by her husband and nine children.  John Heinrich Joseph married Wilhelmina Smith and is the father of six children.  Mary Bernadina Amalia became the wife of Hubert Smith and is the mother of eight children.  They reside in Greensburg township.  Theresa Bernadina remains unmarried, and lives with her mother.  Mary Helena Elizabeth is the wife of Frank Smith and is the mother of six children.  That family lives in Union township, this county.  John Heinrich Bernard chose Anna Schroeder as his wife and lives on the old family homestead; he is the father of one child.  Anna Maria Theresa married Joseph Grote and has one child.  Maria Clara Wilhelmina resides with the widowed mother.  John Frank married Anna Verhoff, who died later.  He is now in the sugar-beet industry.  There are four children in that family.  John Ignatius Gustav married Katrina Duling and they reside on a farm in Greensburg township, where they are raising a family of six children.
     Frank Kahle possessed considerable of this world's goods.  His father had left him a goodly portion, but by habits of thrift and energy he greatly added to it until he had accumulated quite a fortune.  The farm on which his widow continues to reside, contains two hundred acres and it has on it the finest buildings to be seen in many miles.  It easily ranks as one of the very finest farms in Putnam county and ranks with the very best throughout this state.  Mr. Kahle has kept up her interest in the farm home, and in spite of her years, is closely associated with her son, Benjamin, in the active management of the farm.  Her vitality, both mentally and physically, is far beyond that of the average woman of lesser years and she is well versed in all that pertains to the best interests of their business.  The farm is given over to the cultivation of grain and the raising of cattle.
     Frank Kahle's death occurred on Feb. 23, 1898, and both himself and family were of the parish of St. John's, Glandorf.  It is all too true that our influence lives, a vital force, long after we are gone from this world.  This is well when our lives have been all that they should be, and to be deplored when evil influences have been set in motion by us, but the children of this good man can well be thankful that his life was so lived as to shed a beneficent influence on, not only the ones of his immediate household, but the charm of his personality permeated the lives of his large circle of friends.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 717
  IGNATIUS KAHLE.  Prominent among the younger generation of progressive and successful farmers of Putnam county, Ohio, is Ignatius Kahle, the well-known citizen of Greensburg township.  Mr. Kahle is a descendant of some of the earliest pioneers of this section, men and women who have left the impress of their personalities upon the life of the community, and in his own day of generation Mr. Kahle is so ordering his life as to also make of himself an example of exemplary manhood.  He is ambitious to make for himself a success of life not only in material matters, but in the things that count for most and are of lasting value, and, judging of the esteem in which he is held, he is already succeeding in the undertaking he has in mind.
     Ignatius Kahle was born on the family homestead in Greensburg township, Putnam county in February, 1876, a son of Frank and Bernadina (Brinkman) KahleFrank Kahle, Sr., father of Ignatius Kahle, was born on Dec. 21, 1839, on the family homestead in Greensburg township, and passed his entire life in the one spot, his death occurring on Feb. 3, 1898.  He was a son of John F. and Bernadina (Wilberding) Kahle and in early manhood was united in marriage with Bernadina Brinkman, born in 1846, in this county, who was a daughter of Henry and Mary (Rieman) Brinkman.  The Brinkmans were native of Germany, who had emigrated to this country early in their married life and, after locating in one or two different places, finally settled permanently in this county.
     Ignatius Kahle is one of a family of twelve children, for particulars of which the reader is respectfully referred to sketch of the career of Frank Kahle, Sr., elsewhere in this volume, and when a youth received his education in the common schools of his home township.  From earliest boyhood he was carefully trained in the art of successful husbandry by his painstaking father, and by the time he had reached manhood he was well versed in the practical side of agriculture.
     Mr. Kahle was united in marriage on Apr. 16, 1902, to Catherine Duling, father of Mrs. Ignatius Kahle, was born in this county and educated in its public schools.  His parents were both natives of Germany, who lived for many years in Ottawa township, this county, where they were known as successful farmers.  Anna Schroeder, wife of William Duling, was a daughter of Henry and Catherine Schroeder, who came from Germany directly to this county, where they located in Greensburg township and were actively engaged in farming for many years.  She was one of a family of thirteen children; the others living are: John, William, Charles, Matthew, Frank, Katie and Theresa.  After William Duling and Anna Schroeder were married they moved to a farm of eighty acres in Greensburg township, on which spot their family was reared.  At the time they obtained possession of it there was not much done to it in the way of improvements, but they bravely set to work, cleared the greater part of the land, put it all into an excellent state of cultivation and built many buildings, so that it came to be one of the comfortable homes of the community.  They were the parents of four children, namely:  Henry, Catherine, wife of our immediate subject; Anna and Frank.  Henry married Adeline Recker and resides in Ottawa township, this county; they are the parents of five children.  Anna became the wife of Barney Kottenbruck, a farmer of Ottawa township, and is the mother of nine children, three of whom are dead.  Frank chose Rosa Barlager as his helpmeet, and they make their home with his widowed mother on the old Duling homestead, where he carries on farming.
     After marriage Ignatius Kahle and wife took up their residence on his present homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, which land was at one time a portion of his father's estate.  He has made all the improvements on this land in the way of buildings, having erected fifteen structures in all, which are accounted among the best farm buildings in the county.  This is saying considerable when the excellent conditions prevailing in this county are considered.  Mr. Kahle carries on general farming, conducting his business along lines most approved by modern scientific experiment and is, therefore, meeting with well deserved success.  He also pays particular attention to the rearing of Shorthorn cattle, finding this a most remunerative side line to his regular business as agriculturist.  In all, Mr. Kahle owns three hundred and thirteen acres of some of the best farm land in this section, and every acre of it bears silent witness in the excellent care given it by the owner.
     To Ignatius and Catherine (Duling) Kahle have been born an interesting family of six children, namely:  Frances Mary Bernadina on Mar. 22, 1903; Amos Frank John, July 7, 1905; Clara Mary Ann, June 26, 1907; Henry Frank William, Nov. 2, 1909; Herbert Barney Ignatius, Mar. 15, 1912, and Anna Mary Katherine, May 21, 1914.  Mrs. Kahle is a woman of charming manners, who is much admired among her circle of friends and whose true mother heart is anxious that the little ones in her care shall be so trained as to be able to fill places of usefulness in the world when they come to years of manhood and womanhood.
     Ignatius Kahle and family are devout members of St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, while the others mentioned within this sketch were of St. John's at Glandorf.  Mr. Kahle votes the Democratic ticket, although he has no aspirations for the doubtful honors of a political career.  He is an excellent specimen of sturdy young manhood and such as he form the foundation upon which the structure of our national wholesomeness is built.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 798
  HON. IGNATIUS H. KAHLE.  The late Ignatius H. Kahle spent his entire life in Putnam county, Ohio, and was one of its leading citizens, eminent and able, both in private business and in public life.  Whether he was serving his fellow citizens in the capacity of a township official, or his legislative district in the capacity of a member of the state Legislature, he was faithful to every trust which was respond in him.  As a business man he had house qualities of integrity and industry which made him successful, and at the same time earned for him the hearty commendation of his fellow citizens.  In his domestic relations, he was above reproach and was never happier than when seated by his own fireside honored by those who knew him and cherished by his children and his children's children.
     Ignatius H. Kahle, the son of John Francis Kahle, was born in Greensburg, township, Putnam county, Ohio, on Aug. 22, 1850, and died at his home in  Glandorf, Ohio, on Feb. 7, 1899.  His father was a pioneer citizen of this county and came from Germany in 1832 with Professor Horstman and settled at Glandorf, in this county, the following year.
     Having received his education in the district schools of Greensburg township, Ignatius H. Kahle, when only fifteen years of age, became a public school teacher, which honored occupation he followed for three years.  When he reached his majority he was elected clerk of Greensburg township, and was re-elected term after term until 1882, when he was nominated and elected representative of the General Assembly of Ohio by a majority of twelve hundred and fifty-six.  His service in the Legislature was so eminently satisfactory that he was renominated and elected a second time, by a majority of nineteen hundred and thirty-five, the largest ever given to a candidate in this county, up to that time.
     Mr. Kahle made a notable record while a member of the state Legislature.  During his second term the Cincinnati Enquirer paid a glowing tribute to him in the following words:
     "Ignatius H. Kahle, the curly-headed boy of destiny from Putnam, is here pictured with one hand on the plow and the other on the helm of state.  Those who know him best eulogize him in both positions.  Returning from legislative duties he grapples with the plow or harrow and reaps a bountiful harvest of golden grain in the autumn.  In mastering the intricacies of the law, he is not less successful, and is earnest, industrious, cautious, manly.  You can count on the member from Putnam as a good Democrat and as a good fellow.  He is quiet and conservative in manner, but just the kind of a man you can sit down and talk to and be surprised at the information you have gained while taking."
     At the close of his second term in the state Legislature Mr. Kahle continued to farm for a year, and in 1887 he engaged in the milling business at Glandorf.  In the year following he engaged in the mercantile business at Glandorf with Mr. Kersting, and continued this dual kind of activity until 1893, in which year he went to Europe and visited Germany, France, Italy and Austria, taking with him his son, Frank G.  Upon his return home he started in a small way the real estate and banking business at Glandorf, and in 1894 established the Bank of Ottawa, in partnership with Doctor Reed and W. H. Harper, Jr., and continued in charge of the bank until his death in 1899.  As a legislature, business man of honest convictions and sterling integrity in all things.  He was genial and cheerful, and a man whose many ennobling qualities endeared him to everyone with whom he came in contact.
     Mr. Kahle was married on Nov. 4, 1875, to Mary A. Miehls.  She was born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a daughter of George and Mary A. (Hegner) Miehls.
     Mrs. Kahle's father was born in Rhenish Bavaria, and her mother was a native of Wurttemberg, Germany.  When Mrs. Kahle was four years of age, in1857, the family moved from Pittsburgh, to Carroll county, Ohio, and seven years later the family located in Greensburg township, Putnam county.  Her parents resided on a farm here until old age, and then moved to a farm at Ottoville, where Mr. Miehls died on Oct. 3, 1879, three days before his sixty-third birthday.  His widow remained on the farm with the children about fifteen years and then married Peter Wannamaker, and moved to Ottoville, where she lived until her death, Oct. 29, 1911, at the advanced age of eighty-six years.
     Nine children were born to Ignatius H. and Mary A. (Miehls) Kahle, Frank G., cashier of the Bank of Ottawa Company, who married Gertrude Vocke, and has one son, Robert; Emma B. is the wife of Hubbard C. Gerding, and has two daughters, Mary and Eleanor; Adelia B., the wife of Frank Laibe; Laura M., the wife of George Laibe, and has a daughter, Laura Mae; George W., the assistant cashier of the bank; Harry I., a real estate man, who married Emma Hermiller, and has a daughter, Rosemary; and has a son, Ignatius Henry; Bertha M. and Mary Pauline, who are now attending St. Joseph's Academy at Adrian, Michigan.
     After the death of Doctor Reed, the president of the bank, in the spring of 1913, Mrs. Kahle succeeded him and has the distinction of being the only woman in the state of Ohio, who is a president of a bank.  The entire family are loyal members of the Catholic church.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1429

Joseph H. Kahle


Joseph H. Kahle Residence

JOSEPH HENRY KAHLE.  By the marriage, in the year 1900, of Joseph Henry Kahle to Wilhelmina Smith, there was effected a happy union of two of the oldest families in Putnam county, and it is but fitting that there should be presented in this valuable volume of biographical narrative relating to the prominent families of hits county a brief sketch of the head of the new household that was then created.
     Joseph Henry Kahle was born on a farm in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, Jan. 18, 1874, the son of Frank Kahle, a member of one of the oldest and best known families in Putnam county, the genealogy of which will be found set out in a biographical sketch of Frank Kahle, father of the immediate subject of this sketch presented elsewhere in this volume.
     Joseph Henry Kahle was educated in the schools of his native township and grew to manhood on the paternal farm, being carefully instructed in all the details of farming life, and there he remained until his marriage, in the year 1900, after which he moved on a farm of eighty acres, which he had purchased in section 17 of Union township, where he has since made his home.  This original eighty acres was a part of the old Kahle farm and Mr. Kahle later added to the same tract of one hundred and eighty-two acres adjoining, eighty acres of which lies in Greensburg township..  This farm is noted far and near for the excellent character of its buildings, there being eight in all upon it, all of the most substantial structure, from the splendid dwelling house to the humblest outbuilding, and all of which are designed for the greatest convenience and comfort.  Mr. Kahle believes in taking proper care of his domestic animals, and the buildings erected for them have left nothing to be desired for the most humane treatment of his stock.
     In addition to his considerable operations in the line of general farming and stock raising, Mr. Kahle has become a potent figure in the business life of his community, and is reckoned as among the leading men in that section of the county in all things pertaining to the highest development of the community interest.  He is the president of the Peoples Bank at Kalida, and is well known and popular among the business men in all parts of the county.  There are few public enterprises, affecting his immediate neighborhood, in which Mr. Kahle is not in some manner interested, and his influence in the affairs of that section of the county is growing constantly.
     Joseph Henry Kahle was united in marriage, on Nov. 7, 1900, to Wilhelmina Smith, daughter of the late L. Jacob Smith, who, for many years, was one of the best loved and most influential men in that part of the county.  For further details of the genealogy of Mrs. Kahle the reader is referred to the biographical sketch of her brother, Frank Smith, presented elsewhere in this volume.
     To Joseph Henry and Wilhelmina (Smith) Kahle there have been born eight children, as follows:  Infant, deceased, born on Aug. 10, 1901; Frank Jacob, born on Aug. 14, 1902; Joseph Cyrrels, born on July 5, 19043; Alfred Henry, born on June 5, 1906; Hubert Joseph, born on Dec. 30, 1909; Florentine Mary, born on July 27, 1911; Cletus Arnold, born on Mr. 31, 1913, and August Robert Victor born on Apr. 24, 1915.  This promising quiverful of youngsters keep things lively about the Kahle home and are the great delight of their devoted parents' lives.
     Mr. and Mrs. Kahle
are members of the St. Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, and their children are being reared in the firm faith of the church, to which institution they are devoted and are earnest and active supporters of its various beneficiaries, their service to the parish being as unselfish as it is generous.  In all the other good works of the community they are also deeply interested, and no couple in that part of the county is more popular or more highly esteemed that are Mr. and Mrs. Kahle.
     Mr. Kahle is a man of the most engaging personality, wholesome and genial in his demeanor and popular with all.  He is a good farmer and an excellent business man, and is doing well his part in the community.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 704
  JOHN G. KAPPAUF

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 853

  HENRY KAUFMANN

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1261

  JOHN KEHRES

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1462

  HOMER H. KEIFER

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1366

  SAMUEL H. KEIRNS

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 948

  JULIAN KEMPF.     The stability and prosperity of any community is determined largely by the character of the business men in whose hands the life of the community, to a great extent, lies.  This responsibility rests even more heavily on the younger business men, for on them depends the future prosperity of the community, and it is their integrity and energy which will determine the standard of citizenship which the community is to maintain.  In this respect, Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, is indeed fortunate in numbering among its younger and rising business men many whose integrity cannot be questioned and whose energy and business enterprise is being daily demonstrated.  Of these the subject of this sketch, Julian Kempf, is an excellent example.
     Julian Kempf was born on Mar. 20, 1883, in Pandora, Riley township, Putnam county, Ohio, a son of Rudolph and Anna (Wehrley) KempfRudolph Kempf was born in Berne, Switzerland, Apr. 9, 1852, and died in Pandora, Putnam county, Aug. 21, 1914.  He was a son of Christian and Mary Kempf.
     Christian Kempf, about whom little is known, operated a tile mill in Switzerland.  He and his wife were the parents of sixteen children, nine of whom were boys and seven girls.
     Rudolph Kempf came to America in 1868, when he was twenty-one years of age.  He came direct to Ripley township, Putnam county, where he remained for about three years.  During that time he was employed on the farms of Daniel King and Isaac Hilty.  He was then recalled to Switzerland on account of his mother's death.  Shortly afterward he returned to this country and again resumed farm work, in which he continued until the time of his marriage, Oct. 2, 1881.  He married Anna Wehrley, who was born in Riley township, Putnam comity, in March, 1855, a daughter of Anthony and Catherine (Suter) Wehrley.  Her, father was a native of Switzerland and her mother was born in Riley township.
     After his marriage, Rudolph Kempf entered the quarry business and conducted a stone quarry, which had formerly been known as the Hart stone quarry.  He remained in that business for several years and then entered the mercantile business, at Pandora, in which business he remained for several years.  When Julian Kempf was six or seven years of age, Rudolph Kempf engaged in the restaurant and meat business for about three years.  For the next ten or twelve years he operated a dray line, and was then appointed township road supervisor, which position he held until his death, about five years later.
     Rudolph and Anna (Wehrley) Kempf were the parents of two children, Mary and JulianMary is now the wife of Noah Schumacher, and lives at Pandora.  They are the parents of three children. 
     Julian
Kempf spent his childhood and youth in Pandora, where he attended the common schools and the high school.  After he had completed his studies, he began his business career by assuming charge of his father's dray line, in which business he remained four years, or until August, 1904, when he entered the employment of the Pandora Milling Company.
     His first duties with the milling company were of a minor character, but, as he proved his efficiency, he was given more responsible duties, and at the end of two years was put in charge of the company's accounts.  At that time he was also made secretary of the company, a position which he still holds.
     On Jan. 4, 1904, he married Eva Frantz, of Gilboa, a daughter of William W. and Elizabeth (Hoskinson) Frantz.  She was born at Gilboa, Ohio, Oct. 15, 1882.  She attended the public schools of Gilboa and remained with her parents until the time of her marriage.  The details of her family history are given in the sketches of her brother, William Pratt Frantz, and Frantz Brothers, which appear elsewhere in this volume.
     To Julian and Eva (Frantz) Kempf have been born two children, Francis, who was born on Nov. 26, 1911, and Elizabeth, who was born on Jan. 31, 1915.  Mr. Kempf is a supporter of the Democratic party and has taken an active interest in the political affairs of his community.  He has been twice elected town councilman, and was appointed clerk of the corporation to fill out an unexpired term, discharging the duties of the office so satisfactorily that he was later elected to the office.
     Julian Kempf is a clean-cut and progressive young business man of unquestioned integrity.  He is junior member of the firm of Steiner, Hilty & Kempf, who operate the Pandora Milling Company, a position into which he gradually worked himself by keen and efficient business ability.  He is popular with all who know him and is a prominent member of his community.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 894
  HENRY UPTON KENNEY

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1358

  EDWARD KERNER

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 852

  JOSEPH KERNER.  The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished.  An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have been successful in their life work and who, at the same time, have left the impress of their strong personality upon the community, men who have won honor and recognition for themselves and who have conferred honor upon the locality in which they reside, would be incomplete with a failure to make specific mention of Joseph Kerner, a well-known retired farmer of Greensburg township.  His life has been a busy one, but he has
never allowed anything to interfere with his Christian obligations or the faithful performance of his church duties.  Mr. Kerner has lived to rear a large family which is highly esteemed and respected throughout all Putnam county.
     Joseph Kerner was born on Sept. 24, 1848, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of Mathias and Elizabeth KernerMathias Kerner was born in Germany, and his wife was born in Pennsylvania.  The former came to America and settled in Putnam county early in life, but prior to arriving in Putnam county he spent three years in South Carolina.  His wife came to Putnam county from Pennsylvania after the death of her parents.  She met and married Mathias Kerner and they moved to the farm where Joseph Kerner now lives.  They acquired a substantial competency and lived upon this farm during practically their entire life.
     Joseph Kerner, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm and attended the public schools in Putnam county.  Mr. Kerner was married on Nov. 6, 1872, to Mary Schaeffer.  She was born on Nov. 18, 1853, and is the daughter of Henry and Agnes (Hoffman) Schaeffer.  Both her parents were born in Germany, and were there married.  Three days after their marriage, Henry and Agnes Schaeffer came to America and settled in Brooklyn, New York, where they remained for some time.  Subsequently, they removed to West Virginia, and, eventually, came to Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, where Mr. Schaeffer followed the blacksmith trade, which he had learned in his native country.  They lived in Putnam county for many years and reared a family of four children, John was born in 1856, Clara was born in 1859, Mary became the wife of Mr. Kerner, and Clara, deceased, married Barney KolaffJohn was thrice married, the first time to Theresa Schrader, the second to Katrina Recker and the third time to Caroline Lemkuhle.  After their marriage, Joseph Kerner
and wife moved to Mr. Kerner's farm in section 22, Greensburg township and here they have spent practically their entire life.
     Joseph Kerner and wife are the parents of the following children:  Mathias, born on Apr. 6, 1874; Elizabeth, born on Dec. 6, 1875; Carolina, born on Nov. 9, 1877, and died on Oct. 21, 1881; Amalia was born on Nov. 22, 1879; Katrina was born on Jan. 26, 1882; Mary T. was born on Dec. 8, 1884; Mary Ann was born on Apr. 26, 1887; John Edward was born on Nov. 3, 1889; Rosa was born on Oct. 20, 1892.  Elizabeth Kerner married Barney Merschman, and they have the following children:  Philomena, Edward, Clara, Frank, Bernard and two who died in infancy.  Their home is in Ottawa.  Amalia married John Kolhoff, and they live near Alma, Michigan.  They have four children, Wilfred, Alvine, Cletus and ColletteKatrina married Barney Gerding and they have six children, Clarence, Louis, Adelia, Edwin, Marcella and AmbroseMary T. married John Siebeneck and they have two children living, Mary and Edward.  Four children are deceased.  Mary Ann married Chris Marmon and they have four children, Hubbard, Loretta, Leo and Sylvester.  Edward married Anna Rieman and they have one child, Marcella Mathias married Mary Merschman and they live on the farm adjoining that of Mr. Kerner.  They have five children, Eleanore, Harry, Loretta, Emma and VictorRosa is unmarried and lives at home.
     Joseph Kerner is an active man for his advanced years and can do a day's work as well as the average man of younger years.  He has a splendid farm of eighty acres which is devoted to general farming.  He and his wife are proud of their many grandchildren and are a happy couple.  Mrs. Kerner is a very active woman, of motherly disposition.  The Kerner family has been very highly esteemed in Putnam county for several generations.  All the members of this family are affiliated with the Catholic church, and politically, most of the Kerners are Democrats.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 706
  MATHIAS J. KERNER

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 781

  THEODORE J. KERNER

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1403

  JOSEPH KERSTIN

Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page  785


George D. Kinder
 
GEORGE D. KINDER.  There is no agency which exerts a more powerful influence upon the nation today than the press, and the editor who keeps in close touch with the progress of the times and faithfully records the news from day to day, is performing a mission of inestimable value.  Ohio has several hundred newspapers, and there is not a county but has its local papers, usually both of the leading political parties being represented thereby.  Putnam county Democracy has supported the Putnam County Sentinel for nearly three-quarters of a century, and the paper, during all of these years has stood not only for the principles of the party, but has also taken an active part in the advancement of every measure which has been proposed for the general welfare of the county.
     For nearly half a century George D. Kinder has been connected in one capacity or another with the Sentinel, and his record as a newspaper man is such that he rightly ranks with the leaders of the profession in the state of Ohio. Starting in to learn the business when a mere youth, he has made it his life work, and the success which has attended, his efforts is ample evidence of his ability.  As a newspaper editor, as a county official, as a member of the school board of Ottawa, as a successful business man, as a public-spirited citizen and as a man devoted to his home and family, George D. Kinder may justly be included among the truly representative men of his county and state.
     George D. Kinder was born in Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, Nov. 6, 1836, a son of Captain George and Eliza (Schnorf) Kinder.  On the paternal side he traces his ancestry back to the burghers of Holland, and the Dutch characteristics of thrift and conscientious devotion to duty have been handed down through each succeeding generation. After receiving a good common school education, the youthful George entered the printing office of his brother when he was fifteen years of age.  His brother, at that time, was the owner and editor of the Hamilton Telegraph, one of the leading papers of that city.  He served as an apprentice for a few years and learned all the little details which go to make a successful newspaper man.  He then worked as a journeyman printer until 1862, when he went to Sandusky, Ohio, and established the Erie County News, a Democratic weekly, which.  he published until 1864.  He then moved his newspaper plant to Port Clinton, Ohio, and founded the Ottawa County News.  He continued this paper for only a short time and then disposed of it to advantage and purchased the Greenville (Ohio) Democrat.  This paper was not very prosperous when Mr. Kinder took charge of it, but, under his able management, it was soon put on a paying basis . For two years he remained in Greenville at the head of the paper and then disposed of it at a handsome profit.  His next venture was with the Bucyrus Forum, which he managed and edited for Thomas Coughlin until the summer of 1867.
     Mr. Kinder came to Ottawa, Ohio, in June, 1867, and purchased an interest in the Putnam County Sentinel, becoming the editor and general manager of the paper.  A year later he became the sole owner of the paper, retaining the ownership until in January, 1900.  A complete history of this paper is given in the newspaper chapter elsewhere in this volume.  During his long  connection with the paper Mr. Kinder made it one of the leading Democratic papers of this section of the state.  While he was always a fearless advocate of the principles and policies of his party, he was always fair to his political opponents and won their respect if he did not secure their favor.  As long as he was connected with the paper he refused to become a candidate for public office, although he was frequently importuned to do SO by his many friends. It is safe to say that, for a quarter of a century, he was the leader of his party, not only in local matters, but also for many years one of the men who helped to shape the policies of his party in State affairs. Serving frequently on congressional and state committees, he was thrown in touch with the leaders of his party in the state, and was thus given an opportunity to be of benefit to the party whose cause he so ably espoused.
     After retiring from the Sentinel in 1900, Mr. Kinder became a candidate for county treasurer and was elected, in the fall of the same year, by a handsome majority.  His first term gave such universal satisfaction that he was re-nominated by his party and again elected, filling the office for a period of four years.  He introduced many needed reforms in the administration of the duties connected with the office and had the satisfaction of knowing that his changes in the conduct of the office have been followed by his successors.  After leaving the treasurer's office, Mr. Kinder was elected a member of the board of public affairs, and has been re-elected every two years since the passage of the law creating the office.  His present term expires in January, 1916.  The only other public office which he has held was that of school director, filling a position on the board of Ottawa for five years.
     When Mr. Kinder retired from the newspaper business, in 1900, he never expected to identify himself with a paper again, but the call of the press could not be denied.  Immediately after leaving the treasurer's office he found himself unable to keep away from the Sentinel office, and few days went by which did not see him at his old desk.  He assumed complete editorial management of the Sentinel in 1911, and continued in this capacity until 1913, when A. P. Sandles became the editor.  Since that time Mr. Kinder has devoted himself to the local department of the paper, and the chances are that he will retain his connection with the paper as long as he is able to get to the office.  For considerably more than half a century Mr. Kinder has been in the newspaper business, and it is probable that there is not a man in the state who can equal his record for continuous service.
     Mr. Kinder was married in February, 1869, to Zella Gordon, and to this union have been born two children, Gordon and ZellaGordon was educated in the Ottawa schools and later graduated from the law department of Ohio State University.  He married Charlotte Duncan and has two interesting little children.  He is now practicing law in Martins Ferry, Ohio.  Zella, the other child of Mr. and Mrs. Kinder, is the wife of J. C. Spencer, a real estate and insurance agent of Findlay, Ohio.
     Mr. Kinder has been a director of the Ottawa Home and Savings Association for many years and has extensive property interests in his home town.  As a newspaper man he has been unusually successful in a financial way, and has always invested his money in local enterprises.  In his social connections, Mr. Kinder is a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding his membership in the blue lodge, chapter and council at Ottawa, and in Shawnee commandery at Lima.  He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Arcanum.
     The publishers were glad to avail themselves of Mr. Kinder's services in the preparation of the present history of Putnam county.  His connection with the leading newspaper of the county during the past half century and his active participation in every phase of the county's development makes him as able an editor as could be secured for a work of this kind.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 712
  JOHN H. KLEMAN.  It is a pleasure to the biographer to record the lives of prosperous men who  have honored their community and who are loved by their fellow men.  They inspire the coming generation, as well as the present, and justly deserved mention in such a work as this.  One of the most influential citizens of Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, is John H. Kleman.
     John H. Kleman
was born Mar. 28, 1852, on the farm where he now lives in the southwestern part of Ottawa township.  He is the son of Andrew and Mary C. (Gerdeman) KlemanAndrew Kleman
was born in Prussia in 1805, and was a trained soldier under the grandfather of the present German kaiser.  He came to America about 1835 and located near, or at, Glandorf, Putnam county, when Indians were still in the vicinity.  He was a farmer.  Here he married Mary C. (Gerdeman) Utendorf, the widow of Joseph Utendorf, deceased.  She was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1811, and came to America and spent her first winter at Toledo, at the time the first railroad reached that city.  She then came to Glandorf and married Joseph Utendorf and they lived on the farm where John H. now lives until Mr. Utendorf's death.  There were two children by her first marriage, Joseph and Mary Ann the former dying in 1885.  Mary Ann was the wife of J. W. Ellerbrock and died at Glandorf in 1912.  After Mr. Utendorf died she and Mr. Klemam married and spent the rest of their lives on the farm which she owned.  Here she died in 1882, her husband dying in 1859, leaving her with a family of children.  She had seven by her second marriage, of whom three died before her husband.  She and her children remained on the farm as long as she lived.
     John H. Kleman was married to Mary Hueve in 1873.  She was born northwest of Glandorf, the daughter of Joseph and Lisette (Claforn) Hueve.  Her father was born in Prussia and came to America about 1840, at the age of sixteen, with his parents, Herman and Elizabeth Hueve.  They located northwest of Glandorf when the country was still new.
     Lisette Claforn was born in Hanover, Germany, and at the age of three was brought to America with her parents, who located southwest of Ottawa.  Joseph Hueve and wife located in section 3 of Pleasant township, when Mrs. Kleman was about three years old.  They located in the midst of the woods, as did the other pioneers and there spent the rest of their lives.  Mrs.. Hueve died in 1893 and her husband in 1899.  They had a large family, of whom three died in infancy and three grew to maturity.
     After John H. Kleman married, he continued farming where he now lives.  He has served twice as land appraiser, in 1900, and again in 1910, and was trustee of Ottawa township from 1882 to 1887.  Mr. Kleman has added to his original land holdings, as he was able, and now owns three hundred and ten acres.  He has rebuilt his barns and houses and is a well-known and influential citizen.
     John H. and Mary (Hueve) Kleman are the parents of ten children, Anna M., Joseph, Elizabeth M., Frank J., Veronica K., John, Lewis H., Carolina C., Albert L. and Adolph H.  Anna M. was born on Oct. 5, 1874, married Frank Smith.  They live near Bryant, Indiana, and have seven children.  Joseph G., Mar. 8, 1876, married Lizzie Meyer.  They live three miles northeast of Miller City and have four children:  Elizabeth M., Apr. 2, 1879, married John Liebrecht, and lives two miles south of Kalida.  They have four children; Frank J., May 30, 1881, married Nov. 17, 1914, to Anna Shekelhoff.  They live one mile south of his father's farm; Veronica K., Aug. 5, 1882, married to Joseph Reitz.  They live at Oberlin, Ohio, have four children living; John, Feb. 27, 1885, is still single, living at Toledo, Ohio; Lewis H., July 23, 1887, was married June 10, 1914, to Elizabeth Kreinbrink.  They live just across the road from his father; Caroline C., Jan. 2, 1890; Albert L., Feb. 14, 1892; and Adolph H., Nov. 13, 1895, all still resides at home.
     John W. Kleman and family are devoted members of the Catholic church at Glandorf.  He also belongs to the Holy Name society and the St. Joseph society.  Mr. Kleman is broad-minded, hospitable, sociable and patriotic, a worthy son of Andrew Kleman, who was a king's guard in the old country and, in 1842, upon coming to America, was appointed captain of the home guards of Ohio and was always known as Captain Kleman.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1038
  LOUIS KONST.     Not a few of the enterprising citizens of Putnam county, Ohio, were either born in the little Kingdom of Holland or are descended from people who were born in that thriving domain.  The people who have come from Holland and their immediate descendants are among the best citizens not only of Putnam county, but of any county where they have settled.  The Konst family has long been known in this section of the state, and one of the enterprising and progressive members of that family is Louis Konst, of Miller City, who is now engaged in the retail liquor trade in Miller City. 
     Louis Konst was born on Feb. 19, 1872, in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, on a farm, the son of Lucas and Caroline (Burkhart) Konst, the former of whom was a native of Holland and the latter a native of Ottawa township, this county.
     Lucas Konst was born in Holland, and when six years of age came to America with his parents, who brought with them their entire family, as follow: John, deceased; Katherine and Lucas.  The family first settled in Cincinnati, where Lucas attended school, and in that city he learned the carpenter trade.  When a young man he came with his father and the rest of the family, to New Cleveland, Ohio, where they settled on a farm of eighty
acres.  Lucas Konst's sister, Katherine, married Mathias Otto, and lives at New Cleveland.  After coming to New Cleveland Lucas Konst worked at his trade as a carpenter, and here married Caroline Burkhart, the daughter of Adam Burkhart and wife, and after his marriage he engaged in farming on what is known as the John Beck farm.  For some time Mr. Konst farmed on shares.  Later he moved to the Kinnecke farm, near Columbus Grove, where he remained for three years, when he bought a farm at Elm Center, consisting of forty-seven acres, where he lived until 1910, and then removed to Ottawa, where he lived until his death on Jan. 8, 1913.  He was survived by his widow and the following children: Frank, Charles, John, Joseph, Louis, Thomas, Martha, Rudolph, William and Mathias.  Of these children Frank married Anna Yenner, and lives in Continental, Ohio; Charles first married Mary Barlager, and after her death he married Caroline Yenner, who died at Continental, Ohio, after which he married Clara Vanvlera, and now lives near Hicksville, Ohio; John married Catherine Krouse and lives at Leipsic, Ohio; Joseph married Zine Riggs and lives in Ottawa; Louis is the subject of this sketch; Thomas married Emma Laird and lives in Toledo, Ohio; Martha became the wife of William Hammond, and they live at Sherwood, Ohio; Rudolph married Gertrude Alt, and lives in Ottawa; William lives in San Diego, California; Mathias married Jennie Klass, and lives in Miller City.
     Louis Konst received his education in the schools of Elm Center, Ohio.  During the early years of his life he lived on a farm, where he worked for some time.  Later he was employed in a stave factory.
     Louis Konst was married on Apr. 5, 1898, to Imus L Kiefer, the daughter of Marion and Mary (Gingrich) Kiefer, who were residents of Continental, and were the parents of the following children: Benjamin, Amanda, Imus and OvelMrs. Kiefer is now deceased, and her husband is still living at Continental.  After his marriage Mr. Konst lived in Ottawa and was engaged in the restaurant business.  He also worked for a time in Continental and then engaged in business with Joseph Gingrich.  Subsequently he engaged, on Sept. 1, 1900, in business for himself at Continental and later moved to a farm of one hundred and forty-nine acres in Defiance county, Ohio, which he purchased.  He lived there for two years, and improved the farm in many ways, erecting a house, barn and other outbuildings.  He then bought one hundred acres additional on Jan. 1, 1915.  Subsequently he moved to Defiance and later engaged in the meat business on June 1, 1910, Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 802
  MATHIAS KONST.     One of the best known young business men of Miller City, Putnam county, Ohio, is Mathias Konst, a liquor merchant of this city.  Mr. Konst is a self-made man in every respect, and his financial success is an example of what may be accomplished by hard and conscientious work and strict attention to duty.
     Mathias Konst was born at Elm Center, Putnam county, Ohio, on July 18, 1887.  He is the son of Lucas and Caroline (Burkhart) KonstLucas Konst was born in Holland and came, with his parents when six years of age, to America.  His parents, with their children, John, Katherine and Lucas, on coming from Holland, landed in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Here Mathias Konst's father, Lucas Konst, was educated and learned the carpenter's trade, and, when a young man, he came with his father and family to New Cleveland, Putnam county, Ohio, settling on a farm of eighty acres.  Of the children, John died, Katherine married Mathias Otto and lives at New Cleveland.  After coming to New Cleveland, Lucas Konst's father worked at his trade.  After his marriage, Lucas Konst began fanning on the John Beck place.  Later, he purchased a farm of forty-seven acres, at Elm Center, Liberty township, Putnam county, where he farmed for a number of years, or until 1910.  He then moved to Ottawa and retired.  He died in Ottawa on Jan. 8, 1913.  His widow survives him and lives in Ottawa.  Lucas and Caroline (Burkhart) Konst were the parents of ten children, Frank, Charles, John, Joseph, Louis, Thomas, Martha, Rudolph, William and Mathias, the subject of this sketch.  Frank Konst married Anna Yenner and they live at Continental; Charles was married first to Mary Burlager; she died and he was again married to Caroline Yenner.  His second wife died and he now lives at Hicksville, Ohio.  John married Catherine Krouse and lives at Leipsic, Ohio.  Joseph married Zine Riggs and they live at Ottawa.  Louis married Inez Kiefer and they live at Miller City.  Thomas married Emma Laird, and they live at Toledo, Ohio; Martha married William Hammond and lives at Sherwood, Ohio; Rudolph married Gertrude Ault, and they live at Ottawa; William is married and lives at San Diego, California.
     Mathias Konst was educated in the township schools of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio, and spent his boyhood days on his father's farm at Elm Center.  After leaving school he learned the barber's trade, and worked at this trade in Continental for five years, and then engaged in the liquor business.  He was there in this business for four months and then came to Miller City, Ohio, where he entered the business with his brother Louis as partner.  They also operate a cafe, and both are still active.
     Mathias Konst was married on Apr. 19, 1910, to Jennie Klass, a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Steffen) Klass, both natives of Liberty township, Putnam county, Ohio.  Joseph Klass is a farmer and had a family of five children, Jennie, Walter, Oliver, Albert and Florence, all of whom are living.
     To Mathias and Jennie (Klass) Konst four children have been born, as follow: Gladys, Edith, Alton and Berneda.
     Mathias Konst is the treasurer of Miller City.  Throughout his life he has been an active Democrat.  He is not a member of any lodges.  Mathias Konst, wife and family are members of St. Nicholas's Catholic church at Miller City.  Mrs. Konst is a member of the Mother's Society of the Catholic church.  They are well known in this section of Putnam county and are highly respected citizens.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 863
  ANTON KUHLMAN.     Philosophy and experience teach us that society is more quickly ameliorated zand best improved by the advancement of the individual.  That is to say, if a person will attend to his or her own uplift, it stands as a matter of course that the entire body of society will benefit thereby.  The greatest factor in this work is example; the life and deeds of every individual are sure to react upon their fellows.  The proof of this is found in the study of the life of Anton Kuhlman, who has materially aided his community by a quiet and unassuming example.
     Anton Kuhlman was born in Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, on Mar. 26, 1850, his parents being John Theodore and Anna (Schwatzengraber) Kuhlman, who were also the parents of Theodore, Barney and Henry, who live on adjoining farms in Ottawa township.  Frank and John are both deceased.
     Born in Germany, Theodore Kuhlman came to America with his parents at the age of fourteen.  He was mechanically inclined, and when not working on the farm made machinery in a small shop, making three separators, two of which he sold, keeping the other for his own use.  Altogether he accumulated six hundred acres of land, which he bought uncleared and made valuable by hard work. To each of three sons he deeded one hundred and seven acres, and to the other son, Theodore, he gave eighty acres.  Theodore, the elder, followed general farming throughout his life and died on the farm Jan. 6, 1889.  He was a power in the community, a member of the Catholic church and was a Democrat.
     It is related of Theodore Kuhlman that he was compelled, in pioneer days, to take his pork and grain to Defiance, in a boat built by himself, which would hold five hundred bushels of wheat.  For this boat he hewed his own lumber; its proportions were seventy-four feet long and six feet wide.  Pork was packed on fop of the wheat.  Theodore slept in the boat during his trips. 
     Anna Kuhlman was also born in Germany and came to America with her parents about two years later than did her future husband.  Her parents also settled in Glandorf.  She died, Aug. 18, 1877, mourned as a kind neighbor and a loving mother.
     Living at home until his marriage, Anton Kuhlman located on the place given him by his father, which he cleared, fenced and drained, and on which he built numerous new buildings.  At the present time he is an influential farmer, an automobile enthusiast and a good roads advocate.
     On May 26, 1874, Mr. Kuhlman was married a second time, to Agnes Lefken, the daughter of Henry and Theresa (Hundepohl) Lefken, the former of whom was a native of Germany, who settled on an uncleared Putnam county farm in the early days, and became a successful farmer.  He and his wife had six children: Elizabeth, who married Barney Gerding; Mrs. Myrtle Kuhlman; Mrs. Anna Kuhlman, who died on Dec. 2, 1910; Agnes, the wife of the subject; Magdalena married Frank Doepper and lives in Glandorf; Mrs. Helena Becker is deceased.  To Anton and Agnes (Lefken) Kuhlman and wife were born the six children described as follow: Barney, who married Emma Helker, lives on an Ottawa township farm and has four children, Hilda, Leona, Bernard and Louisa; William married Mary Schroeder and lives on an Ottawa township farm; Andrew married Mary Lammers and lives on a farm in Blanchard township, and has three children, Arthur, Carl and Genevieve; Emma, who married Joseph Schmenk, lives on Ottawa township farm and has four children, Rudolph, Mildred, Elmer and Alice; George married Susan Nadler and lives in the parental home; Harry also lives at home.
     An active worker in the Democratic party, Mr. Kuhlman has never sought office.   He is a member of the New Cleveland Catholic church, as is his family.  Mr. Kuhlman is congenial, stands high in the regard of his neighbors, and supports all movements which will benefit the county.  He is a kind and loving father and so lives that his example is a powerful agent for good.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1245
  JACOB M. KUHN.  To write the personal record of men who have raised themselves from humble circumstances to a position of responsibility and trust in a community, is no ordinary pleasure. Self-made men, who have achieved success by reason of their indefatigable labor and who have left the mark of their individuality upon the agricultural and business growth of their township, affect for good a far larger community than they suspect. Unwittingly, perhaps, they build monuments that will endure longer than any shaft which might be erected to their memory. Jacob M. Kuhn is a man who has always exerted an influence for good and is well known and widely respected in Putnam county.
     Jacob M. Kuhn was born on March 6, 1857, in Richland county, Ohio.  He is the son of Jacob and Mary ( Shaffer) Kuhn. Jacob Kuhn was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on November 26, 1824.  He lived with his brother, George, until he was twenty-one years old, his father having died when he was two years old. Near the school house where Jacob Kuhn went to school, on the 26th day of July, 1764, a party of three Indians murdered a schoolmaster, named Brown, and at the same time killed and scalped ten scholars.  One of the scholars, a boy, left for dead, recovered and told the story and lived many years afterward. Jacob Kuhn came to Plymouth township, Richland county, in the year 1845, walking the whole way and averaging thirty-five miles a day. He lived with his brother, Samuel, for three years, farming on shares. In the year 1848, he returned to Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on horseback, sold the horse and received about eighteen hundred dollars as his share of his father's estate, walking back to Richland county, carrying his money in a belt and his boots, averaging thirty miles a day.  The year 1849, he bought forty acres near his brother, Samuel, and lived with his nephew, H. W. Patterson, until the year 1851. He also held minor township offices, but throughout his life was a stanch Republican, and always took a deep and active interest in politics, notwithstanding the fact that he never cared for office. Pie was a sterling member of the German Reformed church in Richland county and an active worker in this church at all times.  He was one of the founders of this church in the community where he lived and held all of the offices in the church. He gave liberally to the church both in money and services. He died on August 25, 1876, at the age of fifty-two years, after an illness of eighteen months.  Jacob Kuhn was married, November 20, 1851, to Mary Shaffer, of Jackson township, Richland county.  She was a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and came to Richland county with her parents when a small child, where she grew to womanhood and married.  She was the daughter of George and Mary (Detrick) Shaffer, who came to Ohio in 1839 in wagons.  She was born on March 13, 1827, and died. May 18, 1892, on the old homestead farm in- Richland county, at the age of sixty-five. Jacob and Mary (Shaffer) Kuhn were the parents of seven children, Mary, who died in infancy; Mrs. Martha Jane Coulter, who died at Olympia, Washington, in 1910; George U., who lives in Richland county; Jacob M., the subject of this sketch; Frank, of Richland county; William, who lives in Richland county; and Mrs. Clara Strock, of Olympia, Washington.
     Mary Detrick, the maternal grandmother of Jacob M. Kuhn, was born on March 28, 1792, the daughter of Lewis and Julian Detrick. She was the tenth child of a family of thirteen children, seven boys and six girls, and died in June, 1866.
     Great-grandfather and great-grandmother Kuhn came from Germany to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in the year of 1754.  To them were born seven children, five boys and two girls.  They moved to Franklin comity, Pennsylvania, in the year 1772, and entered a farm that has been in the Kuhn name ever since, Mr. Bruce Kuhn living on the farm at the present time, 1915.
     Grandfather Samuel Kuhn was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on February 18, 1771, and moved with his parents to Franklin county, that state, in 1772.  He was married about the year 1798, to Catherine Smith.  To them were born twelve children, six boys and six girls.  They both died in Franklin county, grandfather Kuhn in the year 1826, and his wife in the year 1842.
     Jacob M. Kuhn grew up in Richland county, and was there married.  He came to Putnam county in 1887, and settled on a farm which his father had purchased, in 1857, for nine dollars an acre.  It was in the wilds at that time and nothing had been cleared. Jacob M. Kuhn's father never farmed this land, but leased it. It originally comprised one hundred and sixty acres,
but now consists of one hundred and five acres.  Jacob M. Kuhn farmed here until the fall of 1911 and then moved to his present place, just outside of the corporation limits of Columbus Grove, consisting of twenty-five acres.  His son is now farming the land from which Mr. Kuhn moved in 1911.  Jacob M. Kuhn made all of the improvements on the one-hundred-and-five acre farm and erected all the buildings.  He has also made many improvements upon his present place and has one of the finest farms in Pleasant township, and the twenty-five acres where he now lives is a beautiful country home and is well kept. Mr. Kuhn occupies a large and spacious residence.  He built a new barn in 1913 and has made extensive improvements on the residence which was standing on the place when he moved to it.
     On October 3, 1882, Jacob M. Kuhn was married to Ida Enlow, a native of Richland county, and a daughter of Andrew J. and Mary (Schlosser) Enlow.  Andrew J. Enlow was born on August 13, 1826, in Richland county, and died on July 17, 1904.  His wife, who before her marriage was Mary Schlosser, was born on August 17, 1831, and died on July 6, 1903. Jacob M. and Ida (Enlow) Kuhn have been the parents of five children, Clara, who married Floyd Bowers, of Lima, and has two children, Mary and Earle; Earle, who is a cigar maker at Ottawa; George Howard, who lives on his father's farm in Pleasant township, married Forrest Stoner and has two children, Kholetta and Kenneth; Mary Lilace, who married Brice Darbyshire, a farmer of Sugar Creek township, near Rimer, and June, who is at home.  Mr. Kuhn was one of the incorporators and chairman of the board of directors of the Home Industry Store Company, of Columbus Grove.
     Mr. Kuhn is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 376, of Columbus Grove.  He served as township trustee of Pleasant township for one term.  He is identified with the Republican party, but is more or less independent in his voting.  Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn are members of the Presbyterian church at Columbus Grove.  Formerly, he was a trustee of the church but is no longer active.  The Kuhn family are also members of the same church.  Jacob M. Kuhn is a congenial, sociable man of splendid intellect and is a substantial citizen. He is a man who never violates a spoken or written promise and his word is a good as his bond.  He is well liked and favorable known throughout this section of Putnam county.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1347
  LOUIS W. KUNTZ..  Success in the mercantile business is founded on strict integrity, good business management and courteous dealings with the public.  Such a business is likewise an evidence of the possession of these qualities, because no man can succeed very well without them.  The Kuntz store, at Leipsic, Ohio, founded by the late Louis Kuntz, is conducted on these principles.
     Louis W. Kuntz
was born, in 1850, at West Leipsic, Putnam county, Ohio, the son of Christian and Mary (Dietz) KuntzChristian Kuntz and wife were born, reared and married in Germany, and came to the United States about 1850.  They first lived at Scranton, Pennsylvania, and later came to West Leipsic, where they engaged in the saw-mill business.  Later, Mr. Kuntz came to Leipsic and took a half interest, with Mr. Foltz, in the gristmill, at the south end of Leipsic.  He sold out his interest there, in the early seventies, and bought a farm at the south edge of the town, living there until July, 1914.  He died on February 6, 1915, Christian Kuntz was eighty-nine years old and his widow registers an even four score and ten.  They had been married nearly sixty years.
     Louis W. Kuntz grew up at Leipsic, and, while a young man, worked in a dry goods store until about twenty years old.  He then went into business for himself.  He and William Cole were in the grocery business together, but three years later they dissolved the business, when Louis W. and his brother went into a partnership, which lasted for about fifteen years.  After that, Louis W. Kuntz continued in business until his death.  At the time he and Mr. Cole were together they also operated a warehouse.
     Louis W. Kuntz was married, in 1882, to Emma Wineland.  She was born at Van Buren, Hancock county, Ohio, the daughter of George and Isabel (Morehead) Wineland.  George Wineland was a native of Pennsylvania.  Isabel Morehead was born on a farm in Hancock county, near Findlay.  George Wineland and his brother conducted a saw-mill until he went to war.  He served in the Civil War, as a soldier, dying in the service, of typhoid fever.  At the time of his death he was still a young man.  He left a widow and two daughters, of whom Mrs. Louis W. Kuntz was only about a year old at the time of her father's death.  The mother later married Joseph Mitchell and lived in Mocomb.  She afterward moved to Ottawa.  The mother died in1908 and is buried in Leipsic.*
     Five children have been born to Louis W. Kuntz and wife, Charles Edward, Mary, Florence, Hazel and Dorothy.
     Mr. Kuntz
erected the business block in which the Kuntz store is located about 1900.  This is a substantial two-story brick building.  Charles Edward Kuntz, his son, who now operates the store, was born July 25, 1883, in Leipsic, Putnam county.  For ten years he was chief clerk in the office of the Nickel Plate railroad, at Leipsic Junction, and resigned that place to take charge of the store, at the time of his father's death.  He was married, in August, 1905, to Bessie Sherrard.  She was born in Blanchard township, Putnam county, the daughter of Chester and Carrie (Maidlow) SherrardChester Sherrard was born in Blanchard township and a sketch of his life in found elsewhere in this volume.
     Louis W. Kuntz was a Republican.  At various times he was nominated by his party for county treasurer and county clerk and served on the city council several terms, and also on the school board.  He was a member of the school board at the time the new building was erected.  Mr. Kuntz was a member of the Presbyterian church, a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias.  He was master of finance in the Knights of Pythias for twenty-five years, holding this office until his death, and was also secretary of the Masonic lodge.  He died on June 25, 1912.  Mrs. Kuntz owns the store, left by her husband.
     Charles Edward Kuntz, the present manager of the store, is a republican and is now serving as treasurer of Van Buren township.  He belongs to the Masonic lodge and the Knights of Pythias.  Mrs. Charles E. Kuntz is a highly educated woman, and very popular in her community.  In fact, the whole Kuntz family are popular throughout the county, where they have occupied a prominent place for so many years.
Source:  History of Putnam County, Ohio, by George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 354
* Isabelle M. Mitchell is at Find a Grave #115423323 @ Sugar Ridge Cemetery, Leipsic, Putnam Co., OH - b. 1834 d. 1907
* Christian Kuntz is at Find a Grave #108634581 @ Sugar Ridge Cemetery, Leipsic, Putnam Co., OH - b. 1827 d. 1915
* Louis W. Kuntz is at Find a Grave #108634699 in Sugar Ridge Cemetery, Leipsic, Putnam Co., OH - b. 1859 d. 1912

 

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