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CRAWFORD COUNTY,
 OHIO

BIOGRAPHIES
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)

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ABRAHAM LAIBBLY.  Throughout his entire business career Mr. Laibbly has carried on agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of a valuable and attractive farm of one hundred acres in Chatfield township, Crawford county. He was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, October 6, 1836, his parents being John and Susanna Laibbly, who had eleven children, six of whom are yet living. Upon the family homestead in the county of his nativity the subject of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On attaining his majority he began farming on the shares, and has always engaged in the tilling of the soil, his industry and careful management making his work a profitable source of income.
     In the year 1857 Mr. Laibbly was married to Miss Catherine Mock, and unto them were born two children: Emery W., who is now a resident farmer of Chatfield township: and Matilda, who died at the age of two years. After the death of his first wife Mr. Laibbly was again married, his second union being celebrated on the 17th of January, 1899, when Amy Seiple became his wife.
It was in the year 1860 that Mr. Laibbly removed to Crawford county, taking up his abode upon the farm which has since been his home. He at first purchased eighty acres of land, but has since added to the property, until he now owns one hundred acres. Only twenty acres had been cleared when he took possession, all of the remainder being covered with a heavy growth of timber. He has since cleared forty acres alone, and of the entire amount eighty-three acres has been made ready for the plow and is now under a high state of cultivation, the fields yielding a golden tribute to the owner, while fine improvements indicate his progressive spirit. His first home here was a log cabin, in which he resided for eighteen years, when he replaced it by his present fine commodious residence. Good barns and outbuildings also furnish shelter for grain and stock, and the accessories and conveniences of a model farm are here in evidence, standing as monuments to the enterprise and labor of the owner.
     Mr. Laibbly gives his political support to the Democracy, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office, continuing him in the position of township trustee for nine years. He is a member of the parish church, and is a citizen of worth,. widely and favorably known throughout his adopted county.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 855
E. LAMBERT.  It is always a pleasure to the writer and it should edify the reader to peruse and consider any adequate sketch of the career of a man who has made his way to worldly success without, the aid of influential friends and in spite of many discouragements, a man who, with the single idea of achieving victory, pushes obstacles from his path and, making himself superior to circumstances, presses forward to the goal which he seeks. Such a man is the subject of this sketch, who, though a farmer in a rural community, more fittingly represents the possibilities of legitimate American enterprise than a Gould or a Morgan.
     Mr. Lambert comes of that sturdy old Pennsylvania stock which has given strength and activity to enterprise and impetus to education and enlightenment in all parts of our great west, and was born in Northampton county, in the Keystone state, February 2, 1819. He was reared on a farm and. became early familiar with hard work and only the most meager educational advantages were available to him. At the age of nineteen he began to work at the blacksmith's trade. In 1843 he removed from Pennsylvania to Summerville. New Jersey, and worked there as a blacksmith for seven years. From Summerville he went to Ohio, and locating in Lykens township, Crawford comity, opened a blacksmith shop there, which he conducted successfully for four years, when he traded it for another shop at Benton, in the same county, where he carried on blacksmithing until 1864.
     In the year last mentioned Mr. Lambert retired from blacksmithing and bought the eighty-acre farm in Todd township, Crawford county, Ohio, on which he has since lived and the acreage of which he has since increased until it embraces one hundred and seventy-eight acres. The writer wishes to impress upon the mind of the reader the fact that Mr. Lambert has acquired this fine property by his own unaided efforts, by many years of hard toil, during which he has dealt with all with whom he has come in contact with the most scrupulous honesty. These facts are known to all who know Mr. Lambert and they should go far to discourage a belief which has taken root in the minds of many young persons that the easy way and the trickey way is the only sure way to financial success. Such a man exerts upon the community at large an influence more potent for good than that of a dozen millionaires, who have made their money by grinding the faces of the poor and are flaunting it brazenly before an outraged world.
     Mr. Lambert is a Democrat in politics and has held the office of supervisor of his township, which he filled most ably and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, but he has been without political aspirations and has believed and acted religiously upon the belief that one man who does his duty thoroughly as it comes to his hands from day to day, is more useful than any ten men who go about advising others what they should do, especially men who are actuated by the professional politician's hope of profiting by the labor of others. Mr. Lambert is now eighty-two years old and he attributes his healthy longevity to an active and regular life and to the fact that he has never used tobacco or liquor in any form.
     Mr. Lambert was married in 1845, to Miss Margaret Kunnsman, who has borne him six children, Mary, Adam, Samuel, Emma, David and Sarah, of whom all except David and Sarah are living.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 821
Auburn Twp. -
GEORGE LASH, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Tiro; was born in Wayne Co., Apr. 30, 1830.  He is a son of Peter and Mary (Fredline) Lash, who were parents of nine children.  The father was a native of New Jersey, and was born in 1808.  The mother was born in Somerset Co., Pen., in 1812.  They were married in Wayne Co., in about 1828.  The names of their children are George, Charity, Leah, Peter, Benjamin, Mary, Phoebe, Francis and Lucinda.  These children are all living, and all are in Ohio.  Mr. Lash emigrated to Ohio when it was but a Territory, and from Wayne Co. he emigrated to Crawford Co. in 1835, locating in Auburn Township.  He was a thrifty, hard-working farmer, and by his sterling honesty and kindness made many warm and sincere friends.  He departed this life in 1851, leaving behind an honest and upright record many might profit by following.  His widow still survives him.  George Lash lived with his parents through youth and early manhood, assisting them in clearing and improving the place.  He received a good common-school education, and on the 15th of October, 1854, he was united in marriage with Sarah E. Hutson, daughter of Benjamin Hutson, of Cranberry Township.  To this union were born four children - William M., born Apr. 6, 1858; Elmer E., born Aug. 12, 1851, died Sept. 15, 1870; Benjamin E., born June 1, 1864, and George F., born May 9, 1866.  Mrs. Lash was born Apr. 14, 1835.  William, Benjamin and George are living at home with their parents.  Mrs. Lash owns 80 acres of good land in Western Auburn.  He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Good Will Methodist Episcopal Church.  He is a prominent and influential man in his neighborhood, and he and his family are well known and highly respected throughout the neighborhood.
Source:  History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 - Page 869


W. C. LEMERT

WILSON C. LEMERT

Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 566

ADAM LEONHART.  For almost a third of a century Adam Leonhart has resided upon the valuable and attractive farm in Chatfield township which is now his home and where he owns and operates two hundred and thirty-four acres of land.  He was born on the old Leonhart homestead in the same township, Sept. 15, 1846, and there remained until twenty-one years of age, his childhood and youth being passed in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period.  The duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the labors of the fields on the home farm occupied his attention.  Thus the years went by until he had attained his majority, when he sought as a companion for the journey of life Miss Mary Crabach, and their marriage was celebrated on the 8th of March, 1868.  Mr. Leonhart then began farming as a renter, first renting a portion of his father's farm, later other lands, and for several years farmed rented lands.  He owns two hundred and thirty-four acres of land, all in one body, including a tract of valuable timber land.  It has been divided into fields of convenient size for cultivation, and almost always he raises good crops, which sell at high market prices, thus bringing him a merited reward for his labor.
     The home of Mr. and Mrs. Leonhart has been blessed with six children, as follows:  Elizabeth, the wife of William Kline, of Cranberry township, Crawford county; Ira A., who is living in New Washington; Emma; Oliver H., a veterinary surgeon; and Nora and Walter, at home.  They have also lost one child, Clara B., who died at the age of seven years.  The family attend the German Evangelical Lutheran church, of which Mr. Leonhart is a consistent member.  He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, but has never been an aspirant for the honors and emoluments of public office, preferring to give his attention to his farming operations, whereby he has gained a place among the men of affluence in his community.
     Mention of his paternal history is made in the biography of John Leonhart, his eldest brother.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 626


JOHN LEONHART
FAMILY

JOHN LEONHART

Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 446

HENRY R. LINN.  As one of the largest land-owners and most substantial citizens of Crawford county, Henry R. Linn occupies a prominent position, although there are many who can recall the day when his only capital was an abundance of energy, an industrious and willing nature and an honesty, which his worthy parents had taught him while still a child.
     Mr. Linn was born in Holmes township, in Crawford county, on April 12, 1840, and was a son of Philip and Christina (Holcher) Linn.   They were born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and were married in their native land, and there their oldest son, John, was born.  John Linn is now a prosperous farmer of Chatfield township.  In 1833, when John was but three years old.  Mr. and Mrs. Linn came to America and settled on a farm in Holmes township, where the rest of the children were born, these being: William, who died in 1862; Mary, who married Andrew Green, of Liberty township; Henry R.; Philip, who resides in Marion county, Ohio; Jacob, who also resides in Marion county; Charles, who lives in Bucyrus; and Elizabeth, who is unmarried.  The mother died in 1870, at the age of sixty-five, the father surviving until he was eighty-two.  These worthy and pious parents reared their children in the German Lutheran church and did their best to give them a common-school education. 
    Until he was fifteen years old Henry Linn remained at home, but the family was large and he early decided to look out for himself, and for five or six years he worked by the month and then bought a team and as a renter engaged in farming.  For about eight years he rented farms and finally bought a tract of one hundred and thirty acres in Holmes township, but never located on that land.  After owning it for some three or four years he sold it and bought one hundred and fifty-six acres in Dallas township, upon which he moved, and there he lived for two years, erecting a house and barns, with other outbuildings and putting it into perfect repair.  This enabled him to sell at a good profit and then he bought a fine estate, consisting of three hundred and twenty acres in Dallas township, where he now lives.  Here he has built one of the most attractive residences in this locality, and one of those barns so necessary upon a farm where large operations are successfully carried on, and has made other improvements, both to beautify and increase the value of his property.  Since this purchase he has added ninety acres and now owns four hundred and ten acres of some of the finest land in the county.
     In 1877 Mr. Linn married Miss Alice Martin, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Miller) Martin, pioneers of Crawford county.  To Mr. and Mrs. Linn three daughters and one son have been born: Grace E., who has taught several terms of school; Gertie, who has also proved herself a fine teacher; Helen and Ora.  With his wife and children he belongs to the Methodist church, where all are highly valued.  Mr. Linn has been a life-long Democrat and has efficiently served for two years as township treasurer.
     Henry Martin, the farmer of Mrs. Linn, was born in Richland county, Ohio, on Jan. 12, 1826, and was a son of Charles Martin, a pioneer of Richland county, who later lived in Crawford county and then removed to Huron county, where he died.  His ancestry was German.
     Mr. Martin was married to Elizabeth Miller, in 1853, in Marion county, Ohio, where Mrs. Martin's parents were then living.  She was born there.  Her parents, also of German descent, were early settlers of Marion county.  To Mr. and Mrs. Martin ten children were born, all of whom survive and are George W., Alice J., Mary J., Effie A., Sarah Ellen, Ida May, Viola I., Charles E., Harry J. and Blanche I.  The lamented death of Mr. Martin occurred on Aug. 19, 1891, and his widow lives on the old home place.
     In 1857 Mr. Martin moved to Dallas township, Crawford county, and established the home upon which his widow now resides.  By trade he was a carpenter, but he worked at it very little after coming to this county.  In business he was fairly successful.  He took a great interest in Democratic party and for several years was justice of the peace and township treasurer.  He was held in high esteem in the Methodist church, of which he was a worthy member.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 557
WILLIAM LINN.  It is generally conceded that the state of Ohio has a type of citizenship which is not surpassed by that of any other state in the Union.  From its farming communities have come men of world-wide fame.  Crawford county is particularly favored and among the representatives of old and honored families is William Linn, whose ancestors were among the early settlers.
     William Linn was born in Holmes township, Crawford county, on July 17, 1835, a son of William and Sophia (Veivle) Linn, who reared a family of eight children, four of whom still survive, these being: William of this sketch; Caroline, the wife of Augustus Cronenbaugh of Ada, Ohio; Julia, the wife of Louis Holker, of Kansas City, Missouri; and Louis, of Williams county, Ohio.  The father and mother were born in Bavaria, Germany, and married there, where two children were born.  In the spring of 1834 they emigrated to America, landing in New York City, after a voyage of thirty-five days ,and coming then to Ohio, spending six months in Massillon, where Mr. Linn worked at his trade as a shoemaker.  They then came to Crawford county and settled on thirty acres of land, nearly all of which was covered with timber, on the Sandusky pike road, in Holmes township.  Mr. Linn immediately set to work clearing his land and built a log cabin and settled down to hard and laborious work.  Later he purchased eighty acres, which is now owned by our subject, and an additional eighty acres, which is now the property of Henry Leimenstoll.  The father lived and died on the thirty-acre farm, on Mar. 30, 1895, at the advanced age of ninety-one years.  His political choice of party had been that of Democracy.  A faithful member of the German Lutheran church, he was valued for his many excellent qualities.
     Our subject was reared on the farm and found much to do while still a lad.  His school facilities were limited, but his natural ability enabled him to learn quickly when he had the oportunity. In 1856 he married Miss Leah Fralick, a native of Holmes township, in this county, the daughter of Jacob Fralick, one of the early settlers of this county, the daughter of Jacob Fralick, one of the early settlers of this county.  Then Mr. Linn located on his present home farm, which was covered with timber except some fifteen acres, upon which was erected a log cabin.  Game was plentiful, squirrels, wild pigeons and wild turkeys were abundant.  Mr. Linn set about industriously to clear his land and paid his father a stipulated sum yearly up to the time of his death.  A number of additions have been made to the original tract, and now Mr. Linn owns five hundred acres of some of the very choicest land in Crawford county.
     A family of seven children, two boys and five girls, blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Linn, these being: Washington G., a farmer of this township; Lafayette, a farmer of this township; "Allie J., the wife of T. W. James, of Holmes township; Lucy A., the wife of Charles S. Spore of Holmes township; Melissa, at home; Laura J., wife of George Heilerman of Marion county; and Clara D., the wife of Welmer Sawyer, a manufacturer of soft drinks in Bucyrus, Ohio.
     Mr. Linn is a stanch Republican, although he was born and bred a Democrat.  Slavery in the old party caused him to join the Republicans.  For many years he has been a consistent member of hte German Lutheran church, and is one of the most highly esteemed men of the county.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 396


D. W. LOCKE

DANIEL W. LOCKE

Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 94


A. O. LUCAS

ARISTA O. LUCAS, M. D.

Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 212

Chatman Twp. -
DANIEL LUTZ, farmer; P. O. Sulphur Springs; was born on the farm he now owns, in December, 1837, and is a son of Gottlieb and Eva Kibler.  He was born in Wurtemberg, 1797, at Oberamts, Backnang; she was born July 11, 1808.  He died April 28, 1868; she died Oct. 17, 1850.  To them were born twelve children, five of whom lived to maturity, Daniel being the sixth.  In 1832, Gottleib emigrated to this State, stopping first at New Lisbon, and, the year following, came to Chatfield, where he located, entering 40 acres of land in the "green woods," and building a rude log cabin.  He lived several years the life of a pioneer, the wolves and bears being their companions and neighbors, making the night hideous with their howls, and the sheep-pens and sties almost tenantless by their nightly depredations.  One viewing the well-kept and farmer-like premises of Daniel Lutz in 1880, one would scarcely imagine how great the contrast when his father first settled here and the present time.  Now the forest and rude cabin are things of the past, being supplanted by fruitful and productive fiends, the premises being adorned by excellent and well-designed farm buildings.  Daniel stayed with his paternal ancestor until 20 years of age, then, learning the carpenter's trade, he followed the same until he was 27 years of age.  On Oct. 5, 1863, he was united in wedlock to Elizabeth Ulmer, who was born July 28, 1837, in Liberty Township, daughter of Daniel Ulmer, who was born in Wurtemburg; to them were born twelve children, eleven of whom are living.  Mr. Lutz has 128 acres of choice land, and is an excellent and successful farmer.  Two children - David and Katie - compose the family.  Mrs. Lutz's mother's maiden name was Barbara Brosey.  Mr. and Mrs. Lutz are members of the Lutheran Church, and are true representatives of the better class of farmers.
Source:  History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 - Page 1012
DAVID A. LUTZ.  Among the progressive men of Liberty township, Crawford county, who are well known and respected, none stand higher in public esteem than does David A. Lutz.  Mr. Lutz was born in Chatfield township, this county, on Sept. 9, 1867, a member of a family of four children, the two survivors being himself and his sister Catherine, the wife of W. E. Green, of Liberty township.  Daniel Lutz, the father, was also a native of Chatfield township and was born on December 12, 1837, a son of Gottlieb and Gottlieben (Kibler) Lutz, both of whom were born in Wurtemburg, Germany.  There they married and two of their children were born there before the family emigrated, in 1832, to America.  Their voyage covered sixty days, and they came directly from New York to Lisbon, Ohio, where Gottlieb worked for one year at his trade of weaver.  In 1833 he removed to Crawford county, settled in Chatfield township, entered forty acres of land and built his cabin in the forest.  Later he bought additional land until his farm numbered one hundred and twenty-eight acres.  His death took place on his farm when he was seventy-one years old, his faithful wife having passed away in 1850.
     At the age of twenty years Daniel Lutz began to learn the carpenter's trade and worked at it for some time.  In 1865 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ulmer, and then purchased his father's farm, the latter coming to live with his son, and so continued until his death.  In 1882 Mr. Lutz purchased one hundred and eight acres of land, and also the Keller farm of fifty acres which adjoined it on the east, and then removed to his new home, disposing of his Chatfield township farm some years later.  Mr. Lutz is one of the leading members of the Lutheran church, and for twelve years has been a trustee and a member of the building committee that erected the present imposing brick structure known as the St. Paul German Lutheran church of Liberty township.  In his political life he has always been an uncompromising Democrat.  His life and character have made him one of the most esteemed citizens of the county.  The mother of our subject was born in Liberty township, July 27, 1838, a daughter of Daniel and Barbara Ulmer, both of them natives of Germany.  They come to Crawford county the same year as did the Lutz family.  The mother passed out of life May 11, 1898.
     The early life of our subject, David A. Lutz, was spent upon his father's estate, and he was afforded the best possible opportunities for the attainment of an education.  When eighteen years old his father entrusted a portion of the farm to his care, and he operated it on shares.  On Dec. 10, 1891, he was married to Miss Mary Luidhardt, a native of this township, a daughter of John and Louisa Luidhardt, the former of whom was born in this township.  His father, George Luidhart, came to Crawford county at an early day.  Mother Luidhardt was a native of Germany and was brought to this country when she was but a child.
     In September, 1891, our subject, in partnership with his brother-in-law, W. E. Green, purchased the old Keller farm of seventy-two acres in Liberty township, both of these having been the property of Mr. Lutz Sr.  During one summer the partners engaged in cultivating together, but in the following September they divided their interests, out subject acquiring the Keller farm, while Mr. Green took the Chatfield township farm.  Mr. Lutz is one of the energetic young agriculturists of this county, and not only successfully cultivates his own land but also tills eighty-six acres of that belonging to his father.  Like his father, he is a stanch member of the Democratic party.  For three years he served as a trustee in the Lutheran church and is highly valued there.  He has displayed great ability in his chosen occupation, and his success has been very gratifying not only in a pecuniary way but also in the position it has given his as a worthy representative of an honored and industrious family.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page
 671


D. E. LUTZ

  DAVID E. LUTZAmong the successful business men of Chatfield is the subject of this review, a well-known representative of the industrial interests of his community.  He is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, and his excellent management and executive ability have brought to the concern with which he is connected a high degree of success.  Brooking no Obstacles which honest effort can overcome, he has steadily advanced on the high road to prosperity and today he occupies an enviable position among the men of worth in his native county.
     Mr. Lutz was born on the old home farm in Chatfield township, Jan. 18, 1866, and the common schools afforded him the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his early youth, wile later he attended the high school in New Washington and the Ohio Normal University at Ada.  His time, not given to the duties of the school-room, was devoted to work upon the home farm, where he remained until 1885, when he began teaching school through the winter months.  At the age of twenty-two he became connected with the operation of a sawmill, but continued his labors as an instructor in the public schools until twenty-five years of age.   Since that time he has engaged in general farming and stock-raising, but his efforts have been by no means confined to this line, for throughout the entire period he has also engaged in the lumber business, operating a sawmill and conducting a lumber yard.  In 1897 he erected the plant of the Chatfield Bending Company, in which enterprise he is associated with James McCormick. They engaged the manufacture of bent-wood material for carriages, wagons and sleds, and theirs is one of the leading industrial interests in this part of the county.   Employment is furnished to twenty men in the shops, and the pay roll and expenses for timber amount to from thirty-five to forty hundred dollars per month.  Their patronage is large and is constantly growing, and the firm has an unassailable reputation in business circles.  On account of the excellence and durability of the workmanship, as well as the straightforward business methods of the partners, the Chatfield Bending Company has a large trade, and the income of the partners is thus annually augmented. 
     In May, 1889, Mr. Lutz was joined in wedlock to Miss Elizabeth Kibler, and until them have been born four children: Lester E., O. Ward, S. Vida and P. Verna.  The wife and mother died in Feb., 1898, and her loss was widely felt throughout the community, for her many estimable qualities had endeared her to a large circle of friends.  Mr. Lutz is regarded as a leading and influential citizen and one whose force of character is felt in the control of public affairs.  He was elected the first mayor of Chatfield after its incorporation and still holds the position, and has splendidly performed the difficult task of placing the new machinery of government in good working order.  In politics he is a stalwart Democrat and for several years has served on the Democratic central committee, while for three years he was township treasurer.  He belongs to the German Evangelical Lutheran church and is in hearty sympathy with every movement for the general good and progress.  Every public duty and private obligation are discharged by him willingly and faithfully.  He is yet a young man, full of determination and laudable ambition, combined with business ability, and while he has already won prosperity still further success undoubtedly awaits him.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 467
EMANUEL L. LUTZ.  Upon the farm in Chatfield township upon which his father now resides Emanuel L. Lutz was born and reared.  His birth occurred Dec. 16, 1853.  At the usual age he entered school and through the winter months pursued his studies, while in the summer season he worked in the fields, Aiding in the raising of crops from the time of early spring  planting until after the autumn harvests.  He did to go out to work, but assisted his father until his marriage, when he began making a home of his own.
     In 1874 Mr. Lutz was joined in wedlock to Gertrude Schaffer, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine Schaffer and their home has been enlivened and brightened by the presence of five children born to them, namely:  Manetta, William F., Clara M., David H. and Emma L.  Soon after their marriage our subject and his wife removed to their present farm.  Here he owns one hundred and twenty-three acres of land, and, like most of Ohio's farming land, it is a richly productive tract, yielding good harvests for the care and labor bestowed upon it.  Mr. Lutz also owns fifty-eight acres of land elsewhere and is a successful general farmer.  He realizes the dignity of labor, and industry has been one of his chief characteristics from his youth.  Upon this he has builded his success, his sound judgment and reliable dealing also assisting him in acquiring the comfortable competence and good home which are today his.
     In his religious vies Mr. Lutz is a German Evangelical Lutheran, holding membership in the church in Chatfield.  His political support is given the Democrat party, and on the ticket he has been elected to public office, having served as trustee of Chatfield township from 1895 until 1899, his long retention in office well indicating his faithful performance of duty.  His friends, and they are many, known him as a man of genuine worth, and as a representative citizen of this township he well deserves mention in the history of Crawford county.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 667
Chatman Twp. -
M. J. LUTZ, merchant, Chatfield; is among the rising young merchants of Crawford Co., and was raised to farming pursuits.  He ws born Aug. 29, 1854, in this township; son of Michael and Savina (Kalb) Lutz, who were natives of Germany, and emigrated to this State, locating in this township, many years ago, and have been, since their arrival, closely identified with its interests.  At the age of 18, Michael J. left the farm and engaged at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for about five years.  On Feb. 6, 1879, he engaged in the mercantile business at Richville, with Mr. Morhoff, under the firm name of Morhoff & Lutz, and they are doing a thriving and prospering trade, it having doubled since their commencement.  They keep a general stock consisting of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, queensware, and such articles as are required among the farmers, and at prices to suit the times.  On Sept. 16, 1880, he was united in marriage to Christina Zeller, who was born July 6, 1856, the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Bardon) Zeller.  In 1879, he was elected Township Treasurer.  He and wife are both members of the Lutheran Church.
Source:  History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 - Page 1012
MICHAEL LUTZ.  The German element in our national commonwealth is one of much importance.  No country has furnished so many valuable citizens to the United States as the fatherland.  They are men of diligence, determined and self-reliant, and of this class Mr. Lutz is a representative.  He was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, Feb. 7, 1821, and spent his early youth upon a farm.  In 1833 he came with his stepfather, George Schemly, and the family to America, the voyage being made in a sailing vessel which reached the American harbor in ninety-five days after leaving the German port.
     In the spring of 1834 Mr. Lutz came to Crawford county, taking up his abode in Chatfield township.  The next year he went to Pennsylvania and began carrying water for the men working on the canal.  In the fall he returned to this county and the next summer worked on the Miami canal.  Subsequently he began working by the day, and when nineteen yeas of age he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1861, being actively identified with the building interests of the county throughout that period.  He was a skillful mechanic and was thus enabled to secure employment easily.  In the meantime, however, in 1849, he had invested his earnings in one hundred and forty acres of land, which he cleared and improved, transforming the wild tract which came into his possession into a valuable farm.  As the years have passed he extended the boundaries of his property and now has two hundred and ninety-two acres of valuable land, constituting a very fine and attractive farm, supplied with all modern accessories and improvements.
     In 1848 Mr. Lutz was united in marriage to Miss Sabina Kalb, and until them have been born eleven children, all of whom are yet living.  Mr. Lutz is a member of the German Evangelical Lutheran church, in which he has held the offices of trustee and deacon, having been identified with the society of that denomination in Chatfield since its organization.  He has ever taken a deep interest in the growth and progress of the society and the extension of its influence.  In his political affiliations he is a Democrat and has filled the position of trustee and school director, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity.  His life has been crowned with success and though he started out for himself empty-handed, he is now the owner of a valuable farm.  For two thirds of a century he has resided in the county and has therefore witnessed the greater part of its development and upbuilding and has borne his part in its progress.  His life, honorable and upright, has commended him to the respect of his fellow men and no one is more worthy of representation in this volume than Michael Lutz.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 464

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