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Mercer County, Ohio
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(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)

Source:
HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY, OHIO
and Representative Citizens
Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio
Published by Biographical Publishing Co.
Chicago, Illinois
1907

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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Joseph Sager, M. D.		 JOSEPH SAGER, M. D.

Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 303
  ADAM SCHAADT

Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 654
  JOHN SCHINDLER

Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 520
  BERNARD SCHLARMAN

Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 689
  JOHN M. SCHLOSSER

Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 380
  J. B. SCHMITT, a well-known citizen and one of the leading grocers of Celina, was born in Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, Aug. 24, 1861, and is a son of Barney Schmitt.
     Barney Schmitt was born in Mercer County, where his father, a native of Germany, was one of the pioneer settlers, and where they both became prominent farmers.
     J. B. Schmitt was reared on a farm in Marion township and was educated in the district schools, remaining on the farm until 26 years of age.  After leaving the farm, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, hoping to find suitable employment.  Within a few days after his arrival in the city, he secured employment with Eckert Brothers, wholesalers and retailers of notions, and remained with them for three and a half years, at the end of which time he was employed by I. W. Klaw & Company, clothiers, and remained with them for the next three years.  He then moved to Celina and engaged in the grocery business, in which he has since been engaged.  Mr. Schmitt also has interests in several stock companies.
     Mr. Schmitt was married on Nov. 13, 1893, to Josephine Schweitermann and has one child, Hilda.  He and his family are members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Celina.  Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of St. John, St. Joseph's Aid Society, and the German Independent Aid Society and the Eagles.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  562
  PETER J. SCHMITZ, whose excellent farm of 103-1/2 acres of well cultivated land is situated in Gibson township, was born in Lorain County, Ohio,. May 21, 1862. He is a son of John and Mary Ann (Pfiefer) Schmitz.
     John Schmitz, father of our subject, was born in Germany, April 3, 1817, and still survives, being probably the most venerable resident of Sharpsburg, Gibson township. He came to America in 1844 and settled in Lorain County on a property that his father had purchased. After his marriage, he bought a farm in that county on which he lived for some 20 years, leaving it to remove to Mercer County, in 1864. After selling the old farm, he bought 80 acres in Gibson township, this being the farm now owned by our subject. On this he erected a log house which is still inhabited and later bought 8d acres adjoining. Still later he added 50 acres more, situated in Darke County. He was considered a very judicious business man during his active life.
     John Schmitz married Mary Ann Pfiefer, and they had eight children, namely: Maggie, who died aged 11 years; John, a wagon-maker, whose home is in Oregon; Joseph, a resident of Gibson township; Jacob, who lives in Minnesota; Gertrude, the wife of Joseph Remanklus, of Jay County, Indiana; Emma, wife of David Schlamp, of Gibson township; Peter J., of this sketch; and an infant that died unnamed.
     Peter J. Schmitz. was two years old when his parents brought him to Mercer County and he was reared in Gibson township. He learned the carpenter's trade and has followed that in connection with farming. He has many improvements about the place and in 1905 he built a large, convenient barn for his use. He carries on general farming.
     On August 17, 1886, Mr. Schmitz was married to Elizabeth Leiser, a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Agler) Leiser. Frederick Leiser came with his parents to America from Germany, when seven years of age, his parents settling in Tuscarawas County, where he married when grown to manhood. He had 13 children, namely: Valentine, who died in infancy; Philip, who died aged five years; Katie, wife of Patrick Reedy, of Darke County, Ohio; Mary, wife of John Bright, of Dayton, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of our subject; Charles, of Canal Dover, Ohio; Martha, wife of Englebert Schmitz, of Dayton; Anna, wife of William Camper, of Dayton; Maggie, wife of Peter Rummel, of Granville township; John, a teacher in Gibson, township; Carrie, wife of Benjamin Hulsman, of Gibson township; William, a teacher in Gibson township; and Lawrence, who died aged four years. Mrs. Schmitz was 12 years old when she accompanied her parents to Mercer County.
    After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Schmitz moved to Oregon, where Mr. Schmitz bought 40 acres of land, on which they lived for seven years and then came back to Mercer County. They have nine children: Frederick William, Mary Anna, Ursula, Emma, George, Henry, Lawrence, Charles and Gertrude. Mr. Schmitz and family are members of St. Paul's Catholic Church at Sharpsburg, of which he is one of the directors.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 740
  JOHN SCHNARRE

Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 384
  ADAM SCHNEIDER, a highly esteemed citizen of Fort Recovery, was born in Germany, Apr. 15, 1858, and is a son of Fred and Catherine (Fenter) Schneider.
    Adam Schneider was reared and educated in Germany and worked on a farm until about 23 years of age, when he came to America and located in Fort Recovery, in 1881, where three brothers of Mr. Schneider had located in 1872.  The eldest brother, Fred, who had served in the Franco-Prussian War, came to America in 1871 and died in Georgia in 1884, where he had gone for his health.  Charles, another brother, runs the Wayne Hotel at Fort Recovery.  Peter, the third brother, is now a resident of Colorado.
     After Mr. Schneider located at Fort Recovery he worked for a few months in a gravel pit and then assisted his brother Charles, who was proprietor of a saloon and pool-room in Celina.  He also worked some time for his brother, Peter.  In 1884 he opened a saloon at Fort Recovery and continued in that business until the fall of 1905.  In 1888 he erected the large brick block on Wayne street, which bears his name.  His brothers have also erected some fine buildings, Peter Schneider and Dr. Adams having built the Opera House in 1888; and Peter also built the Wayne Hotel and a fine brick residence on South Wayne street.  Charles Schneider erected two fine business blocks.  In 1895-96, Mr. Schneicer erected his large brick residence, containing 10 rooms and a bath, which is located on a tract of 23 acres just outside of the corporation of Fort Recovery.  It is considered one of the finest country homes in Mercer County and stands on the elevation about 100 yards back from the road; the lawn is beautifully and artistically laid out in flower beds and presents a very attractive appearance.  The house is beautifully finished and furnished and has all the modern improvements and conveniences.  In 1893 Mr. Schneider took a trip to his old home in Germany to visit his mother, two sisters and a brother.  His mother died since this visit.  He remained in Europe four months, in which period he also took a trip through France.
     Mr. Schneider was married Apr. 15, 1890, to Christina Heintz, a daughter of George and Mary (Augenstein) Heintz.  Mr. and Mrs. Schneider have had three children:  Eda, Herbert and Otmar.  Mr. and Mrs. Schneider are members of the Lutheran Church at Fort Recovery, of which he was treasurer for many years.
     George Heintz, the father of Mrs. Schneider, was born in Elsass, Germany, came to America when a young man and located in New York State, where he worked for some time, finally settling in Marion, Ohio.  He was married to Mary Augenstein and had three children:  Mrs. Mary Neiby; Emma, who died in infancy, and Christina, the wife of our subject.  Mr. Heintz was agent for 40 years of the West Bote, a German newspaper of Columbus, Ohio.  He died in May, 1901, and his wife died in Aug. 1902.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  712
  MICHAEL SCHOTT, a prominent citizen of Liberty township, a well-known agriculturist and a man who is a leader in oil development, owns a farm of 76 acres in section 7, which has been shown rich in both oil and gas. Mr. Schott was born in Washington township, Mercer County, Ohio, October 28, 1855, and is a son of Michael and Catherine (Breckhisen) Schott.
     The parents of Mr. Schott were born in Germany. In 1850 they emigrated to America and came directly to Mercer County, and were settlers at an early date in Washington township. Of the children of the parents of our subject, three survive, namely: Mary, wife of Adam Martin, of New Corydon, Indiana; Barbara, wife of Ferdinand Huffman, Jr., of Liberty township; and Michael, of this sketch. Of the deceased, Jacob left a widow and "five children, who live in Washington township.
     Michael Schott was reared in Washington township until the age of eight years, and then came to Liberty township with his mother and step­father, Nicholas Martin. His own father had died when he was two years of age. He attended school in Liberty township and assisted Mr. Martin on the farm for some years, but he is practically a self-made man, acquiring his possessions through his own industry.
     On November 12, 1874, Mr. Schott was married to Margaret Kuehm, who was born in Germany and came to America when 18 years of age, in company with her parents, who settled in Jefferson township, Adams County, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Schott have had nine children, the survivors being: August M., Elizabeth, Frederick W., Mary C, Lorena B., Walter A. and Margaret O.
     Mr. Schott is identified with the Democratic party. He has served two terms as assessor of Liberty township. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.
     Mr. Schott is a practical oil operator and is well-known in the various fields. He is in the employ of the State Line Oil Company, of Newark, New York, with which organization he has been connected for a considerable period. He is known to be a man of business ability and personal integrity and enjoys the respect of his fellow citizens.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 737
  DAVID SCHROYER

Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 644
  CHRISTOPHER SCHUNCK

Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 366
  HARMAN GERHARD SCHWIETERMANN, one of the prominent agriculturists of Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, who resides on his valuable farm of 120 acres, situated in section 17, was born near Sebastian, in Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, on April 13, 1868, and is a son of Gerhard and Josephine (Munning) Schwietermann.
     The Schwietermann family is a numerous one in Mercer County, where it is noted for its thrift and good citizenship. It was founded here by the grandparents of our subject, Harman Arnold and Maria (Broaman) Schwietermann, who were born in Germany and came to America, when their oldest son, Gerhard, was three months old. ! The family home in Mercer County was established in 1836 on the farm now occupied by Frank Schwietermann. There were nine others in the family to which Gerhard belonged, namely: John Henry, Harman Henry, J. Bernard, Mary, Elizabeth, John and William (twins), and Anna and Joseph (twins). The parents died on the farm on which they had settled when all this land was little less than a wilderness.
     Gerhard Schwietermann was reared a farmer and when he arrived at manhood worked for Anton Munning, whose daughter, Josephine, he married at a later date. Subsequently he purchased his father-in-law's farm. Josephine Munning was born in France and was seven years of age when she accompanied her parents to America. They settled near Sebastian, in Mercer County, where-she was later married to Gerhard Schwietermann. She had two brothers, and three sisters—Catherine, Victora and Mary.
     Gerhard Schwietermann and wife had 10 children, as follows: Henry, who married Catherine Grieshop; Mary, who married George Klostermann; Anna, who married John Flick; Harman Gerhard, the subject of this sketch; Frank, who married Agnes Stammen; Josephine, who married John Schmidt; Elizabeth, who died aged 18 years; and Philomena, Louis and George, who live at home. The mother of this family died March 19, 1895, and the death of the father followed five years later, June 5, 1900.
     Harman Gerhard Schwietermann was reared and educated in Marion township and has been a farmer ever since he has been old enough to handle agricultural implements. He purchased his present farm from his father, in 1890, and has resided here ever since, continually improving his property and adding both to its value and to its attractiveness. When he settled here the residence was a six-room brick house, quite comfortable as it was, but in no way equaling the fine home into which Mr. Schwietermann transformed it in 1906. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and stands in the front rank of good farmers of Marion township.
     On February 12, 1890, Mr. Schwietermann was married to, Catherine Homan, who was born in Mercer County, Ohio, June 11, 1872, and is a daughter of Barney and Mary (Evers) Homan. Mr. Homan came from Germany in young manhood and in Mercer County was married to Mary Evers, a native of this county. He was born in 1828 and she in 1841. They had the following children: Frank, who married Mary Polman; Clemmens, who married Catherine Kellar; Catherine; Anna, who is the wife of Barney Bills; Joseph, who married Anna Kellar; and Barney, who married Margaret Kellar. Mr. and Mrs. Homan reside on their farm of 170 acres in Marion township.
     Mr. and Mrs. Schwietermann have four children, namely: Rosa, Stephen, Constant and Clemmens. The family belong to St. Sebastian's Catholic Church at Sebastian. Mr. Schwietermann is a valued and active member of St. Joseph's Society.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page . 459 & 460
  HARMAN HENRY SCHWIETERMANN, whose fine farm of 128 acres is situated in sections 22 and 23, Franklin township, was born September 14, 1842, in Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of Harman Arnold and Maria). (Broaman) Schwietermann.
     The parents of Mr. Schwietermann were both born in Germany. They both died in Ohio, the father in 1860, and the mother in 1869. They had these children: Gerhard, who was born in Germany, and married Josephine Munning; John Henry, the first child of the family born in America, married Mary Meinerding, and they now live on a farm adjoining that of our subject; Harman Henry, who was the third in order of birth; J. Bernard, who married Catherine Depweg, and came into possession of the home farm, which he later sold and moved to Carthagena; Mary, who married Henry Gast and died at Chickasaw; Elizabeth, deceased; John, who married Mary Froning— both now deceased; William, who married Anna Fiely and lives at Cranberry Prairie; Anna, who married John Dorston and died in Franklin township; and Joseph, who married Elizabeth Ronnebaum and lives on a farm near that of our subject.
     Our subject lost his father when he was 18 years of age, and he remained with his mother until her death, nine years later. All the sons worked on the home farm and all accumulated enough to purchase farms of their own. Harman Henry bought his farm in 1864, while his brother J. Bernard took the homestead on which his parents had settled when they came from Germany, in 1837. This was a farm of 80 acres in Marion township, for which the father paid the sum of $500. On this farm nine of the children were born, and the father worked it for 23 years; making it a valuable property.. He assisted also in the building of the banks of the Grand Reservoir, this being one of the largest artificial bodies of water in the world.
     Harman Henry Schwietermann was married in 1871, to Anna Bertke, a daughter of Barney Bertke, who was a resident of Mercer County for many years. Mr. Bertke was born in Germany, married in America and had these children: John, who married Josephine Clune; Anna, wife of our subject; Mary, who married Barney Knapke and lives near Maria Stein; Mathias, who married Mary Puthoff, and lives on the Bertke home farm near Maria Stein; Barney, who married Catherine Knapke and lives at Cranberry Prairie; Frances, who married Peter Niekamp, and lives near Chickasaw; and Elizabeth, who married Barney Fehorn and lives on a farm near Maria Stein.
     Mr. and Mrs. Schwietermann have had children, namely: Elizabeth, who died when 10 months old; Barney, who is married and lives in Ohio; Xavier, a resident of Mercer County, who is married and has one child; Frances, who married Charles Fleck, of Celina, lives at Covington, Kentucky, and has one son and one daughter—Lawrence and Edith; Mathias, who is studying for the Catholic priesthood at St. Charles Seminary, Carthagena; and Rose, Eleanora, Maria and Romey, all of whom are at home. This family is one to reflect great credit upon its parents, growing up industrious and intelligent and taking respected places in society. They have all enjoyed good school advantages.
     Mr. Schwietermann's farm is crossed by the Schwietermann turnpike, his name having been given it on account of the hard fight he made to get this public improvement. His land has been found rich in gas and he secured $1,000 for one .well that was drilled on his farm. With four other families, he has put in a system by which all have the use of gas in their homes and the same parties have installed a telephone system. These modern improvements make country life very enjoyable and very different from what it was when Mr. Schwietermann was young. His handsome brick residence is shaded and surrounded by an orchard of cherry and apple trees, while a beautiful hedge fence surrounds the whole.
     Mr. Schwietermann has long been considered one of the representative men of his neighborhood, and he has frequently been elected to offices of trust and responsibility in the township. He has served as school director and as supervisor, for eight years was trustee of Franklin township, for over six years was one of the commissioners of Mercer County, during which period many public improvements were made, and in 1904 he was elected treasurer of the School Board, an office he still fills. As a business man and honest and capable public official, Mr. Schwietermann stands out prominently in Franklin township. He is a consistent member of the Catholic Church. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 495 & 496 - Also:  See Obituary
  JOHN HENRY SCHWIETERMANN, a well-known citizen and representative farmer of Franklin township, owning and operating a farm of 185 acres situated in sections 33 and 32, was born in Mercer County, Ohio, October 29, 1840, and is a son of Harman Arnold and Mary (Broaman) Schwietermann. The parents of Mr. Schwietermann were born in Hanover, Germany.     Harmon A. Schwietermann lived on his father's farm in the old country until he came to the United States; his brother-in-law being a large contractor and dyke builder, he frequently worked for him in Holland and other countries at dyke building. Harman A. Schwietermann had three brothers, Gerhard, Bernard and Henry, and one sister, but none came to America except himself. He married in Germany and with wife and one son, Gerhard, landed at New York, on SS. Peter and Paul's Day, in 1836, and immediately left for Buffalo, New York, where they remained for a short time and then pushed on into Ohio. The father bought a farm of 80 acres in Marion township, Mercer County, only about an acre of which was cleared, and later, as his children grew up, continued to add to his possessions until he owned, at the time of his death, some 300 acres. He carried on general farming and raised stock. His children born in America were: John Henry, Harman Henry, J. Bernard, Mary, Elizabeth, John and William (twins), and Anna and Joseph (twins).
     John Henry Schwietermann, like his father and brothers, stands very high in public esteem in his neighborhood. He is an honest, industrious farmer and stock-raiser and his well-cultivated farm and fine home give testimony to his capacity, as a farmer and his pride in his surroundings. His house is heated and lighted by a system of gas piping from a gas-well, of which well he is part owner; he also has telephone connection.
     Mr. Schwietermann was married on June 12, 1866, to Mary Meinerding and they have four children, viz.: John, who married Martha Shell, and has five children—he was formerly a teacher in a high school in Missouri, but now conducts a general store; Charles, who married Caroline Will, lives on the old home place and has five children; Elizabeth, who married Joseph Folke and resides at Coldwater; and Frank, single, who lives at home.
     Mr. Schwietermann has always been a good citizen and has taken some interest in local politics, assisting in electing good men to office and in working for public improvements. He has not often accepted office for himself, but did serve for a time as township trustee. He is a member of the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  472 & 473
  JOSEPH SCHWIETERMANN, who has been a resident of Mercer County for 54 years and owns a fine farm of 250 acres in Franklin township, was born July 9, 1852, in Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of Harman Arnold and Mary (Broanian) Schwietermann.
     The parents of Mr. Schwietermann were both born in Germany, were married there and had one son, Gerhard, when they came to America and landed at the port of New York, in June, 1836. They came on to Ohio and the father settled on the farm which remained the old family homestead, on the New Bremen turnpike, east of Carthagena. On this farm these children were born: John Henry, Harman Henry, J. Bernard, Mary, Elizabeth, John and William (twins) and Joseph and Anna (twins). Both parents were about 58 years of age at death.
Joseph Schwietermann worked on the home farm until he was married in 1876 to Elizabeth Ronnebaum, who was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a daughter of Henry Ronnebaum, who came from Germany to America at the age of 17 years and settled in Cincinnati, where he did house and sign painting. He married Clara Frilling and they had nine children, four of whom were born at Cincinnati, and the others in Mercer County. They were: Henry, who married Elizabeth Albers and resides in Franklin township; John, who married Philomena Niekamp and resides in Franklin township; Elizabeth, wife of our subject; Clara, wife of Augustus Lennartz; Anna, who married John Puthoff and lives at Minster, Ohio; Frederick, who married Anna Homan, and lived on the home place until his death, in 1903; Katie, who married Frank Puthoff and lives in Shelby County; and two children who died in infancy. The father of Mrs. Schwietermann died on New Year's Day, 1894.
     After marriage, our subject and wife went to housekeeping on his present farm, which he purchased in 1876, from his brother William. He built a two-room, brick house on his property and in this snug, comfortable little home seven children were born, but later he made additions' and now has a fine brick residence of 12 rooms. His farm is one of the most valuable in his locality and he devotes his attention to the growing of grain and the raising of horses, cattle and hogs. He is known as a first class farmer, as well as an honorable and upright citizen. ,
     Mr. and Mrs. Schwietermann have had these children: Mary, who married Frank L. Dabbelt, has three children—Hubert, Alfred and Ferdinand— and lives in Franklin township; Agnes, who married Aloys Dabbelt, has one child, Edwin Joseph, and lives in Franklin township; Minnie and Fred, who died in infancy; and Ferdinand, Clara, Pauline, Joseph and Urban, all of whom are at home.
     Mr. Schwietermann is one of the leading members of the Catholic Church. He takes the interest of a good citizen in public matters pertaining to his township, but has accepted official position only on the School Board.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  442 & 443 - Also: See Obituary

S. S. Scranton		 HON. S. S. SCRANTON

Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 245
  WILSON SELBY

Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 357
  CHARLES SEVERNS, a prosperous farmer of Center township, where he owns three farms of 80 acres each, was born in Union township, Mercer County, Ohio, Apr. 14, 1860, and is a son of Franklin and Amanda (Boroff) Severns.
     Franklin Severns was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1832, and his death occurred in 1900.  He moved to Mercer County, in the early '40's and settled on the farm where his brother Joseph now resides.  There he lived until his death, which occurred in 1900.l  Mr. Severns was a son of Joseph and Catherine (Duffy) Severns.  Joseph Severns was born in 1800 and died in 1879, the death of his wife occurring later.  Joseph and Catherine Severns had eight children, as follows:  Franklin the father of the subject of this sketch; Mary, who married J. M. Hussey and resides in Union township; John, who died unmarried; Margaret, who first married Joseph McNicol and is now the wife of Milton Denison, living at Spencerville, Ohio; Francis, who died in the army in 1862, unmarried; Richard, who married Mary Gross  and resides in Union township; Joseph, residing on the old homestead, who married Martha Jane Griffin; and William R., who resides in Union township near Mendon.  Mrs. Severns, the mother of our subject, was a daughter of William Harrison and Rebecca (Ross) Boroff.  William Harrison Boroff was born in Dublin township, Mercer County, in 1812.  Rebecca (Ross) Boroff was born Feb. 26, 1821, in Franklin County, Ohio.
     The following children were born to William Harrison Boroff and his wife: Amanda, the mother of our subject, born Dec. 24, 1838; Alfred, who resides in the South; Mary Melissa, who died in childhood; John R.; Nancy Ann, who married Charles Hardesty and resides at Spencerville, Ohio; Elizabeth, who married Reuben Haynes, and resides east of Van Wert, Ohio; Sylvia, who died in childhood; Henry M., who lives in Hardin County, Ohio; William H. and Lewis R., who died in childhood; Jacob Alexander, who resides northeast of Elgin, Ohio; Jennie and Richard (twins), the former the wife of Lewis Edward Fox of Union township - the latter married Elizabeth Goodwin and lives in Union township; Benjamin who resides in Union township; and Robert L., a resident of Muncie, Indiana.
     Eight children were born to Franklin Severns and his wife: Belle, who married George Washington Willcutt, of Union township; Charles, the subject of this sketch; Emma, who married John Kelly, of Union township, and resides on the Claudius Griffin place; Alice, who married R. H. Smith and lives in Colorado; Ruth, who married Harry Robbins and lives at Mendon;  Joseph, residing in Union township on the Custer farm, who married a daughter of George Custer, of Union township; Florence, who married Richard Crays and lives in Illinois; John, who married a daughter of Charles Hamilton, of Center township, and resides in the oil fields Illinois.
     Charles Severns, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Union township.  In 1879, when 19 years of age, he started out in life for himself, locating on a farm half a mile from his present place.  In 1898 he moved to his present farm, where he has since continued to reside, engaged in general farming.  He now has three farms of 80 acres each.  Mr. Severns raises principally clover, wheat and corn.  He feeds his corn to his cattle, of which he always has a large number on hand, fattening them for market.  Mr. Severns built his present comfortable home in 1896.  He has one of the finest barns in the county, it being 40 by 90 feet in dimensions, with a cement floor; it is about 45 feet in height.  Besides being naturally fertile, his land is also valuable because of the discovery of oil, there being at present four fair producing wells; a fifth well has just been drilled.
     Mr. Severns was married (first) to Maria Upton, a daughter of Thomas and Mehitable Upton, to which union two children were born - Clayton and Thomas, both of whom are single.  Mr. Severns died Dec. 24, 1893.  The second marriage was with Edith Hebble, a daughter of Elam and Lorena Hebble, residents of Union Township.  Three children were born to this union, as follows:  Cecil, Frank and Richard.  Mr. Severns is a Democrat in politics, but in local affairs votes for the man rather than the party.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 701
  RICHARD SEVERNS, a prosperous farmer and one of the leading citizens of Union township, where he owns a fine, well-improved farm of 140 acres, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, March 15, 1844, and is a son of Joseph and Catherine (Duffy) Severns.
     The parents of Mr. Severns came to Ohio from Virginia and located in Shelby County, but later moved to Mercer County and settled on the farm in Union township, that is now owned by Joseph Severns.  It consisted of 160 acres.  Both parents died on this farm, the father in 1879, at the age of 79 years; the death of the mother followed later.  Joseph and Catherine Severns had eight children, as follows:  Franklin, deceased in 1900, whose widow, Mrs. Amanda (Boroff) Severns, is a resident of Union township; Mary, who married j. M. Hussey and resides in Union township; John, who died unmarried; Margaret, who first married Joseph McNicol and is now the wife of Milton Denison, living at Spencerville, Ohio; Francis, who died in the army in 1862, unmarried; Richard; Joseph, residing on the old homestead, who married Martha Jane Griffin, a daughter of Claudius and Elizabeth Griffin; and William R., who lives in Union township, near Mendon.
     Richard Severns was eight years old when his parents, in 1852, came to Union township and settled in what was practically the forest.  He remained on the farm assisting in the work until Aug. 31, 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, 118th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Capt. Kennedy and Lieut. I. B. Robbins.  The regiment was attached to the Second Brigade, Second Division, 23rd Army Corps, and was mustered n at Camp Lima.  His service was in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama and at the time of the closing of the war he was in North Carolina.  He participated in many battles, including Nashville, Franklin and Dalton and went through the Atlanta campaign.  He vividly recalls the battle of Franklin, one of the notable ones of the war.  For four months he has never out of the sound of cannonading.  He was once struck with a spent ball and on one occasion a bullet struck the rim of his hat.  On one occasion he was in a detail of 20 skirmishers of whom 13 were killed or wounded while on this duty. Mr. Severns' brother
Francis was a member of the 46th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.  Mr. Severns is one of probably 25 survivors of the old regiment, who have earned and enjoyed the admiration and gratitude of their fellow-citizens.  Mr. Severns was honorably discharged on June 24, 1865, at Salisbury, North Carolina.
     After the close of the war, Mr. Severns returned to Mercer County, where he has ever since resided.  In 1873 he purchased the farm on which he resides, 30 acres of which had been cleared, and has completed the clearing of all but 10 acres.  In 1878 he erected his handsome home and later his substantial barn and has made many improvements which make this one of the attractive homes of Union township.  He carries on mixed farming and raises some stock.  In addition to a natural fertility, the farm is also valuable on account of several oil-wells having been developed on it.
     In April, 1869, Mr. Severns was married to Mary Gross, who was a daughter of Peter and Mary Gross, of Union township.  To this union were born two children, namely: Etta L., married J. H. Tomlinson, a farmer of Union township, and has five children: William, Olga, Gayle, Orril and Mary.  Mrs. Severns died in 1882.  Mr. Severns was married (second), in Jan., 1886, to Annie Moler, who is a daughter of Abraham and Martha Moler.  They have one child, Edna. Politically, Mr. Severns is identified with the Democratic party.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 695
  LANNEY LEE SHEELEY, one of the prominent farmers and first-class citizens of Franklin township, resides on his 240-acre farm, located in section 28, and also owns 43 acres in section 16 and 59 acres more in section 21, mak­ing his total holdings 342 acres of some of the best farming land in the south­eastern section of the county. Mr. Sheeley was born June 27, 1870, on the old Sheeley home place in Greene County, Ohio, and is a son of Isaac and Susan F. (Richardson) Sheeley.
     Rev. Philip Gatch, our subject's great-great-grandfather on the maternal side, was the first Methodist preacher in Ohio; he settled at Batavia, Clermont County, Ohio, as early as 1772.
     The first member of the Sheeley family to settle in Ohio was our subject's great-grandfather, who was born in Ireland, emigrated to America and settled at Jamestown, Greene County, where his son William was subsequently born. William Sheeley married Elizabeth Ausborn and they had seven children, namely: Presocia, Sarah Mary, David O., Isaac, Lydia, Alice and Harriet, all of whom survive except Presocia and Alice.
     Isaac Sheeley was born in Greene County, Ohio, May 14, 1849, and lived at home until his marriage, after which he purchased a farm in Fayette County, on which he resided for a time and then removed with his family to Mercer County, in the fall of 1881 settling at Montezuma. In Greene County he married Susan F. Richardson, who died in the spring of 1887. She was a daughter of Wilson Richardson, who came to Ohio from Virginia. Before the parents moved from Greene County, our subject and his sister Lou were born. Lou subsequently married H. F. Littlefield; they live in California.
     Lanney L. Sheeley remained at home until the death of his mother, when he went to work for John Beauchamp, who was a farmer in Franklin township, and made his home with him for two years. When he was about 19 years of age, he embarked in the fish business on his own account and conducted it at Montezuma before and after his marriage. He made considerable money in this venture, enough to enable him, in 1890, to purchase his first farm of W. F. Short. In 1898 he removed to his present farm, which he had bought of Hon. Stephen A. Armstrong and which is a very valuable property. All of his land is well located, his 43-acre tract in section 16 bordering on Lake Mercer and being also bounded by the Bennett turnpike and Prairie Creek. He carries on general farming and is very successful in his agricultural operations.
     On November 23, 1892, Mr. Sheeley was married to Laura Belle Watkins, a daughter of Ezra Watkins, of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Mrs. Sheeley has the following brothers and sisters: Mollie, who married Harry Sholley and lives at Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Almeda, who married John Miller and lives at Anderson, Indiana; Eri, who married Jane Downs and lives at Zanesville, Ohio; Charles, who married Nellie Peek and resides at Pickrelltown, Ohio; Jennie, who married Addison Clarridge and lives in Logan County near her brother Charles; Effie, who lives on the Watkins home place in Logan County; and Howard, who married Alice Loughridge and lives at Lewisburg, Ohio— both he and his wife are preachers in the Society of Friends.
     Mr. and Mrs.. Sheeley have two children, namely:  Beulah Elizabeth, born October 18, 1895; and Lysle Lee, born April 7, 1899.  Mr. Sheeley and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. The subject of this sketch has given efficient service on the township School Board, but has held no other office, devoting his time to his business. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 749
  ANDREW J. SMITH, a highly respected citizen and representative agriculturist of Hopewell township, residing on his well cultivated farm in section 29, was born February 13, 1862, in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of Andrew and Margaret (Karch) Smith.
     The parents of Mr. Smith were natives of Germany. His father was an early settler in Liberty township. When the Civil War broke out, he went into the service and died, from hardships endured, shortly after its close. The survivors of his family are: Andrew J., of this sketch; George, of Jefferson township; Matilda J., wife of John J. Hole, of Paulding County, Ohio; and Mary, wife of Levi Lincoln, of Lima. A half-sister of our subject is Sophia, wife of Stephen Garman, of Hopewell township.
     Andrew J. Smith has lived in Hopewell township since his youth and has been on his present farm since 1879. His education .was obtained in the district schools where, his children are now receiving instruction, but under much more advantageous conditions.
In early manhood he was married to Mary Kanorr, who was born in Mercer County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Richard Kanorr, who gave up his life for his country as a soldier in the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had seven children, namely; Leroy (deceased), Myra, Stephen, Edith, Cleteth, Alonzo and Sevilla.
     Mr. Smith has always been identified with the Democratic party but he has not desired political office, the affairs of his business requiring his time and attention.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 742
 

GEORGE SMITH.  In the subject of this sketch is found one of Hopewell township's most highly esteemed citizens.  He is the owner of 100 acres of valuable land, situated in section 30, and has long been accounted a representative agriculturist of this part of Mercer County.  Mr. Smith was born in Germany, Dec. 23, 1839, and is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Garlag) Smith.
     Frederick Smith brought his family to America in 1847, and came directly to Mercer County, Ohio.  He was one of the early pioneers and found a still undeveloped country where are now fertile fields and every indication of a high state of civilization.  He cleared up a large farm in Hopewell township, where the rest of a long and useful life was spent, which extended into his 100th year, his death taking place on June 30, 1906.  Of his children, these survive:  Henry, of Hopewell township; George, of this sketch; Andrew, of Hopewell township; Frederick, of Hanover, Michigan; Caroline, wife of George J. Smith, of Hopewell township; and Susan, wife of Jasper Cole, of Celina.
     George Smith was reared among pioneer surroundings and can recall many interesting circumstances relative to early days in this township.  His life has been one devoted to agriculture and he has done his part in developing farming interests and in raising the standard of agricultural achievement.  He formerly owned 180 acres but has retained but 100, which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising.  While his life has been a successful one, he has had much to contend with and his prosperity is but the reward of his own unassisted efforts.
     In September, 1864, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, becoming a member of Company K, 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inv., which was attached to General Sherman’s command.  Mr. Smith took part in the famous “March to the Sea” and was concerned in the siege and subsequent capture of Atlanta.  With the victorious army, Mr. Smith took part in the Grand Review at Washington and was mustered out of the service in June, 1865.
     Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Magdalena Myers¸ who was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied her parents to Hopewell township in girlhood.  The children born to our subject and wife were the following:  Mary A., wife of Frederick Hasis, of Center township; Lydia C.¸ wife of George W. Smith, of Liberty township; Callie, wife of Joseph Stedcke¸ of Hopewell township; Amanda, wife of Frank Stedcke, of Hopewell township; Frank D., of Hopewell township; Lulu L., wife of Richard Stedcke, of Hopewell township; John F., of Jefferson Township; Fannie, wife of William Eichenaur¸ of Hopewell township; and Pearl A.¸ wife of James Highley¸ of Hopewell township.
     Mr. Smith has always been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party but has never aspired to office.  He is a valued member of the Evangelical Association.  Through a long and useful life he has maintained a reputation for strict fairness and integrity in his dealings with his fellow-citizens and consequently enjoys their respect and esteem.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  514
  GEORGE W. SMITH, a representative agriculturist of Liberty township, whose excellent farm of 120 acres is situated in section 13, was born Jan. 14, 1863, in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Gertrude Wappas Smith.
     The parents of Mr. Smith were natives of Germany.  The father was a boy of 12 years when he accompanied his parents to America.  The family lived for a time in Pennsylvania and then came to Mercer County, Ohio, and settled on a wild tract of land in section 24, Liberty township.  They were compelled to endure many hardships for the first few years, as were all the pioneers, but in spite of them the family flourished, increased in numbers and substance and now the Smith Family of Liberty township, founded by our subject's grandfather, John Smith, is one of the representative ones of this locality.  George Smith died June 3, 1901.  He was one of the leading members of the Evangelical Association.  His wife passed away Nov. 16, 1890.  Both were widely known and highly esteemed.
     George W. Smith was reared in Liberty township and was educated in the district schools.  A long and intimate familiarity with all kinds of farm work has made of Mr. Smith a very competent farmer and his well-tilled land and the evidences of its productiveness seen on every hand mark him as a thoroughgoing agriculturist.  Of his present farm, 40 acres were formerly included in the old homestead.
     Mr. Smith was married to Lydia C. Smith, daughter of George Smith, of Hopewell township, and they have two children - Mervin and Ruth M.
     Although Mr. Smith  is identified with the Republican party, he has his own ideas and claims the right sometimes to vote independently.  He has always been a man of prominence in his township and has served at various times as school director of Dist. No. 6.  He belongs to the Evangelical Association.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  516
  WILLIAM N. SMITH, a well known agriculturist and reliable citizen of Hopewell township, owns a farm of 60 acres, 40 of which are in section 29, where he resides.  He was born July 19, 1853, in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Gertrude (Wappas) Smith.
     The Smith family is of German extraction and was founded in Liberty township by our subject's grandfather, John Smith.  The latter brought his family here from Germany in pioneer times, his son George being about 12 years of age when they came to the United States and located in Pennsylvania, soon after removing to Mercer County, Ohio.  George Smith became identified with the leading interests of Liberty township, where he lived a long and useful life, dying June 3, 1901, in his 74th year.  He married Gertrude Wappas, also a native of Germany, who died in Liberty  township, Nov. 16, 1890, in her 59th year.  They had 10 children and the survivors of the family are as follows:  William N., of this sketch; Margaret, wife of F. P. Miller, of Hopewell township; George W., of Liberty township; Louisa, wife of William Roberts, of Jefferson township; Emma, wife of Henry Smith, of Hopewell township; and Dulcina, wife of Edward Roettger, of Liberty township.
     William N. Smith grew to manhood in Liberty township and has always followed agricultural pursuits.  His educational chances were the same as other youths in his locality, and while they were neither so abundant nor so complete as  at the present day they served to turn out well-informed men and women.  Mr. Smith has always been a friend of the public schools and has testified to his interest by consenting to serve as school director in his district and also as clerk of the school district.  Although he is independent in politics, he has been elected to a number of local offices, a pretty good proof of the confidence felt in him by his fellow-citizens.  For four years he served as constable and for the past 10 years has been road supervisor of Road District No. 3, Hopewell township.  His constant attention to the duties of this position has resulted in the excellent highways enjoyed in this locality.
     On Dec. 1, 1874, Mr. Smith was married to Caroline Myers, who was born in Hopewell township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jacob Myers, who died when she was a child of four years.  Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had seven children, as follows:  Jacob W., Nora B. (deceased), Matilda J., Ruby D., George E., Gertrude E. and Alfred W.  Religiously Mr. Smith and family belong to the Evangelical Association.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  543

Hon. A. P. J. Snyder		   HON. A. P. J. SNYDER.  In the death of Hon. A. P. J. Snyder, which occurred Nov. 15, 1901, at Celina, Mercer County lost one of her most devoted and efficient citizens and justly honored men.  For 50 years he was at the head of the Mercer County Standard, and for a half century the hundreds of readers of this journal were influenced through his facile pen and imbued with ideas which led to the highest type of citizenship.
     A. P. J. Snyder was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, June 24, 1828, and was a son of Henry and Sarah (Smith) Snyder.  The father was a native of Hagerstown, Maryland, and was a soldier in the army which defended St. Marys, and Fort Defiance, in the War of 1812.
     Until he was 17 years of age, Mr. Snyder attended the common schools at Bellefontaine, excellent ones for their time, and then became an apprentice to the printing business in the office of the Ohio Censor, at Bellefontaine.  After three years there he worked on the Champaign Democrat at Urbana, the Banner at West Liberty and the Gazette of his native city.  On March 17, 1851, Mr. Snyder came to Celina and at once entered the office of the Western Standard, which was then owned by Judge William L. Blocher, in connection with S. S. Snyder, brother of A. P. J. Snyder.  Three years later the subject of this sketch bought Judge Blocher's interest and the two brothers continued the business together until 1865, when they sold out to D. J. Callen.
     Mr. Snyder, however, had been a newspaper man too long to take any absorbing interest in anything else and within 18 months he purchased the Mercer County Standard, with which his name and personality were identified for a half century.  He belonged heart and soul to the Democratic party and in supporting its principles his voice and pen left no uncertainty.  Although not a seeker for office, when he felt it his duty to accept political responsibilities he did so, and with fidelity and honor represented his constituents.  In 1859 he was elected by the Democratic party to the Legislature and was returned for a second Term.  He also served as a member of the Celina Village Council.
     Mr. Snyder was married on Feb. 22, 1859 to Susan E. Slicer, of Bellefontaine, Ohio.  Seven children were born to this marriage, the survivors being: Elizabeth, wife of Charles A. McKim, postmaster of Celina; Mrs. A. W. Fishbaught, Cora, and Frank A., who is the busies manager of the Standard.  To his family the death of the beloved father who had also been friend, counselor and guide, was an almost insupportable blow and his memory will always be tenderly cherished by those who knew him best.
     Mr. Snyder, while devoted to his journalistic work, took a deep interest in all that promised to develop and help Celina and this section.  He invested money in a number of its enterprises and, through faithful representation in his columns of the advantages of this section, brought thousands of dollars of capital to this part of Ohio.
    Mr. Snyder was a charter member of the Masonic lodge and chapter at Celina and in 1887 he was made a Knight Templar in Shawnee Commandery at Lima.  In was according to his expressed wish, made at this time, that his funeral obsequies were in charge of his beloved fraternity of which he was so honored a member.  A portrait of Mr. Snyder accompanies this sketch.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  323
  JAMES C. SNYDER, a very well known citizen and leading stockman of Mercer County, in association with his son, LeRoy Snyder, owns 230 acres of the best farming land in Washington township, consisting of 150 acres in the home farm in section 13, and 80 acres in section 23.  He was born at Lewisburg, Preble County, Ohio, March 9, 1846, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Homan) Snyder.
     The father of our subject was born in Hunterdon County, New Jersey and was a son of Peter Snyder, who came to West Baltimore, Montgomery County, Ohio, when his son Joseph was 10 years of age and settled on land, which is now the site of the thriving town of West Baltimore.  When he was 12 years old, Joseph Snyder was apprenticed to a blacksmith who had a shop and forge at Lewisburg, and married in that place and continued to work there at his trade, until his son James was four years old and then moved to West Baltimore, Ohio, where he opened a shop and worked four years.  He then sold his shop and worked as a journeyman blacksmith for several years.  About 1858, he bought a farm of 220 acres in Wells County, Indiana, which was still in its virgin state and heavily timbered.  This farm was mainly cleared through his own exertions as in a few years he was deprived of the assistance of James, who was the eldest son, the military spirit having carried the boy away from the farm and into the army.
     During the absence of James C. Snyder in the army, his father sold the farm in Indiana, and returned to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he subsequently bought two pieces of land near West Baltimore.  He was the owner of this land, however, but a short time, selling it and moving to Palestine, Darke County, Ohio, where he bought a saw mill and engaged in sawing lumber for many years.  Finally he purchased a farm adjoining the corporate limits of Palestine, where he spent some years farming and dealing in horses.  His death occurred while he was living near Lynn, Indiana.
     Joseph Snyder was married (first) to Elizabeth Homan, a daughter of Peter Homan, who was a shoemaker by trade.  Mrs. Snyder died in 1874, the mother of seven children.  Mr. Snyder was married (second to Rebecca Howard, of Greenville, Ohio, and they had two children.  His death took place on March 14, 1899, at the age of 74 years, 3 months and 8 days.
     Before our subject's years had extended over boyhood, he had won permission to become a soldier and was wearing the army blue.  In appearance he was a well-developed youth, but his age was between 15 and 16 years and his weight was but 94 pounds, when he succeeded, on August 6, 1863, in securing the enrollment of his name as a soldier in the Union ranks.  To the credit of the colonel of the Seventh Regiment, Indiana Vol. Cav., be it stated that he opposed the admission of the youthful recruit, but the latter's fine horsemanship finally won his consent.  A difficulty arose about a uniform as none could be found small enough, but young Snyder devised expediments such as filling his hat partly with paper and turning up his sleeves and making a few rolls in his pants, so that he was presentable at roll-call.  In looking over the records of the Seventh Indiana of that period, there seems to be no mention of the failure of his determined young soldier in any part of his hard duty; on the other hand there is proof that he gallantly bore a part in the battles of Okolona, Guntown, Port Gibson, Grand Gulf, Verona, Egypt, Natchez River, Hurricane Creek and Oxford, Mississippi; Independence, Big Blue and Little Osage, Missouri; Raleigh and Bolivar, Tennessee; Mine Creek, Kansas; and Bastrop, Louisiana.  He came through this particularly hard campaign without injury, and, with the exception of about 30 days of illness when he was kept in a hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, he was never absent from his regiment.  His work was also of a dangerous character, as he was frequently employed in the carrying of special messages.  On several occasions, when he had to pass right through the enemy's lines, only his excellent horsemanship and his tact and ingenuity saved him from capture and the army disaster, which would have resulted had his dispatches fallen into the wrong hands.  On one occasion, with two comrades, he carried dispatches 100 miles.  That his services were not unappreciated may be proved by the presentation of a document which speaks for itself.  It is as follows:
                             HEADQUARTERS 7TH IND. CAV., LA GRANGE, TENN., May 23, 1865.
     Issued to Corporal James C. Snyder, as a tribute of respect to his qualities as a soldier, whose bravery, courage and dash won for him the respect of the officers and his comrades at arms in the engagements at Okolona, Tishomingo and Hurricane Creek.
                             (Signed) LEROY woods, 1st lieutenant, Company E.
     Corporal Snyder was honorably discharged, by special order No. 4, on September 19, 1865, at Hempstead, Texas.
     Upon his return from army service, Mr. Snyder went to his father's home in Darke County, where he lived until his marriage in 1866, when he settled for several years near Palestine and then moved to Washington township, Mercer County.  Here Mr. Snyder bought a mill property and operated a sawmill for several years, doing a large amount of business.  He then decided to resume farming and returned to Darke County, where he lived some five years, after which he went back to Washington township, repurchased the sawmill and continued to operate it for some five years.  During this interval he had purchased 160 acres of farm land, this being his present home property.  A hamlet was forming in the neighborhood at this time, and Mr. Snyder sold 10 acres of his farm, on which tract the town of Erastus now stands.  The purchase of this land was consummated by Mr. Snyder on August 21, 1880.  On account of a noble grove of walnut trees, he gave his property the name of "Walnut Grove Farm"; since he has entered so largely into the stock business, it is known as the "Walnut Grove Stock Farm."  It is situated just north and adjoining the village of Erastus.  In partnership with his son, who is also a very capable business man, Mr. Snyder is largely interested in raising fine trotting horses.  At present the firm owns 40 head of magnificent animals.  They have a half-mile race track on the farm on which the horses are tried from colts.  Mr. Snyder has one of the best equipped modern barns in this part of the State, having erected it especially with the training and care of his horses in view.  In dimensions it is 100 feet east and west and 80 feet north south, built with an ell.  There are 20 box stalls and accommodations for 50 head of horses.  Other necessary buildings and sheds are kept in fine sanitary condition, it being Mr. Snyder's policy to treat his horses in a way most beneficial in order to reap the best results.  An office with clerk in attendance is also on the place.
     The comfortable farm home, also erected by Mr. Snyder, stands some 100 yards back from the highway in the beautiful walnut grove mentioned.
     On August 7, 1866, Mr. Snyder was married to Signorette Wilcox, a daughter of James Wilcox, and they have three children, namely: Flora, who is the wife of Orville S. Ashcraft,  a trustee of Washington township, who operates our subject's 80 acre farm; Vernie, who is the wife of LeRoy Kester, and resides on the home farm of Mr. Snyder; and LeRoy, who is associated with his father in the stock business.
     Formerly Mr. Snyder was interested in some of the business enterprises, outside of his own, in his vicinity, and for some five hears was part owner of the time mill at Erastus.  With his family, Mr. Snyder belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  324
  TRUSSTEN BRUCE SNYDER, who resides on his fine farm of 120 acres located in Section 18, is one of Union Township's most progressive and representative citizens.  He was born on Aug. 23, 1876, and is a son of George and Mary Ann (Lytle) Snyder.
     George Snyder was born in Union township, Mercer County, Ohio, about 60 years ago, and lives about a mile and a half from the subject of this sketch.  George Snyder's father was born in Hocking County, Ohio, and was one of the pioneers of Mercer County; he first located in Van Wert County and afterwards moved to Mercer County, settling in Union township, where he still resides.  The mother of our subject was born in Wayne County, Ohio, and is still living.  Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. George Snyder; Clarence Fideles, who married Cora Groupe and resides on a farm west of his father's place; Etta, who married John yeoman and lives in Indiana seven miles south of Decatur; Winnie, who married o. H. Krugh of Union township; and Trussten Bruce.
     Trussten B. Snyder was reared on his father's farm in Union township and received his education in the township schools, attending during the winter months and working on the farm during the summer. For the past 10 years Mr. Snyder has been located on his present farm, where he has been engaged in general farming.  He is also interested to a considerable extent in raising stock.  He has 50 acres of land in corn, 30 acres in wheat and the remainder in hay and pasture; the farm is one of the best improved in the township.
     On May 20, 1895, Mr. Snyder was married to Effie Hays, a daughter of L. P. and Cleopatra (Webb) Hays, both of whom were natives of Mercer County.  Mr. Hays died in 1904 at the age of 64 years.  Mrs. Hays is still living at the age of 66 years.  They were the parents of the following children:  Dora; deceased; Effie, wife of our subject; Icy, deceased; and Oscar, deceased. Mr. Hays and her daughter are the only members of the family living.
     Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Leland, born Jan. 20, 1897; Bernice, born Sept. 21, 1899; and Victor, born Nov. 12, 1902.  Mr. Snyder is a Democrat in politics and is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  300

Mr. & Mrs. Washington
Snyder & Family		  WASHINGTON SNYDER, a substantial farmer of Gibson township, residing on his highly cultivated and well developed farm of 147 acres located in sections No. 15 and 22, was born Jan. 31, 1853, in Gibson township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of James Riley and Lydia (Gilbert) Snyder.
     James R. Snyder was born in Virginia, but when quite small was brought to Darke County, Ohio, by his parents, and was reared on the farm near Greenville.  About one year after his marriage, he moved to Mercer County, and bought a farm of 130 acres, on which he lived until his death, in March, 1855, being killed by the falling of a beam at a barn raising.  His widow survived him until Oct. 2, 1902, being 80 years of age at the time of her death. Mr. and Mrs. James R. Snyder were the parents of five children, as follows:  John F.; James R.; William M.; Susannah (Bender); and Washington, our subject.
     Washington Snyder was two years old at the time of his father's death.  He was reared and educated in Gibson township, and has always been engaged in farming.  He lived on the home farm for six years after his marriage until 1882, when he bought and moved upon a 40-acre farm in Gibson township - a part of his present estate.  The large frame house which the family occupies was built in the fall of 1882.
     Mr. Snyder was married June 20, 1876, to Lucretia A. Clark, a daughter of William Clark.  Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have had 12 children:  Ellen Isaphene, who married Joseph E. Van Kirk and has had five children, three of whom are now living - Kittie May, Bessie Glenn and Fannie Elizabeth; William Riley, who married Sarah Runkle, lives in Gibson township and has one daughter - Sarah Elizabeth; Wellington Wiley, who is married and lives in Darke County, Ohio; and John Marshall, Charlie Glenn, Fannie E., Washington Roscoe, Don Clark, Louden, Lucretia May, Arlie (deceased at the age of 10 months) and Verne.  Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are members of the Church of Christ at Fort Recovery.  A group picture of the Snyder family accompanies this sketch.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  333
 

FRANK J. SONDERMAN, a member of the firm of Frank J. Sonderman & Company, leading dealers in dry goods, clothing, shoes and carpets, at Fort Recovery, Ohio. He was born on January 7, 1870 in Fort Recovery. He is the son of Anthony and Agnes (Harter) Sonderman.
     He was reared in Fort Recovery and at the age of 13 left school and went to work in a hardware store, where he remained for three years. He then went to work as a clerk for Krenning & Son in November, 1885, which position he held until 1891. His next position was that of clerk in a large dry goods store in Toledo, Ohio, where he worked for 1 ½ , when he was obliged to return to Fort Recovery on account of his father's ill health. In 1893 he established the firm of Frank J. Sonderman & Company, consisting of his sister, Mrs. S. N. Seifert, his brother William and himself. The store was opened in a small way in a building owned by Charles Schneider, and the same lines were carried which they now handle, viz., dry goods, men's clothing, shoes, carpets, etc. They were in the Schneider Building until 1903, when they moved to Fetter Block, occupying the entire ground floor of two store-rooms, half of the second floor and the basement. The firm increased the volume of its business each year.
     Frank was married November 12, 1895, to Mary A. Schunck, a daughter of Jacob Schunck, of Celina. He was a member of the Catholic Church and also of the Catholic Knights of Ohio.
 Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  500-501 
(Contributed by Tracy Clark )
   
  SETH SPRIGGS, a well-known turnpike contractor and prosperous farmer of Washington township, who resides on a finely developed and well-improved farm of 185 acres, of which the home farm of 65 acres is situated in sections 3 and 4, and the remaining 120 acres in section 33, Liberty township, was born May 23, 1861, on the farm in section 3 and is a son of Thornton and Janer (Wilson) Spriggs.
     Thornton Spriggs was born in Jackson County, Ohio, in 1837, and in 1841 came to Mercer County with his father, William Spriggs, who settled on the farm in, Washington township, which our subject now owns. William Spriggs was one of the early pioneers of Mercer County and entered a section of land in Washington township, which lay along the Wabash River. The hewed-log house and barn which he built are still standing on our subject's place. Thornton Spriggs was reared in Washington township, and with the exception of four years spent in Celina, when he was sheriff of the county, has always lived in Washington township. He was one of the largest land­owners in the township, and for a period of 12 years operated a general store at Wabash; under the firm name of T. Spriggs & Sons. His death occurred January 19, 1903, at the age of 67 years. His wife is still living in Wabash with her son, James Spriggs. There were eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Spriggs.: William; Seth; Daniel; John; James; Charles; Lucretia, wife of John Wills, deceased in 1897; and Henrietta, who died aged one year.
     Seth Spriggs was reared on his father's farm in Washington township. For over 20 years past he has been engaged as a turnpike contractor, having been interested in the construction of most of the turnpikes of Mercer County, as well as many in Paulding County, Ohio, and Adams and Jay counties, Indiana. In this business, lie is associated with his brothers, under the firm style of Spriggs Brothers. In addition to this, he has also been interested in agricultural work. At one time the family was in rather reduced circum­stances owing to some poor investments which the father made; now, however, all the sons of Thornton Spriggs own large farms.
     Mr. Spriggs was united in marriage, April 12, 1885, to Mary Wilson, a daughter of Dr. S. R. Wilson, of West Virginia, who is now a resident of Celina. Mr. and Mrs. Spriggs have seven children, namely: Clyde, who was graduated with the highest class honors at the Celina High School in the spring of 1906 and is now teaching in the Prospect school, District No. 2, Washington township; Maud; Frank; Nellie J.; Hazel; William; Carl and Opal, all at home. Frank is attending the Celina High School.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 722
  WILLIAM SPRIGGS, a prosperous farmer and a leading citizen of Washington township, whose well developed farm of 83 acres is situated both in Washington and Liberty townships, 23 acres being in section 3, Washington township and 60 acres in section 34, Liberty township, is also a turnpike contractor. He was born on the old Spriggs homestead, which was entered by his grandfather, William Spriggs, in 1840, and is a son of Thornton and Jane (Wilson) Spriggs, both of whom were born in Jackson County, Ohio. The family history may be found in the sketch of Seth Spriggs, appearing elsewhere in this work.   
     William Spriggs is the oldest of a family of eight children, and was reared and educated in Washington township. After leaving school, he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and was also associated with his father in the grocery business at Wabash for many years. He .also operated a saw­mill at Wabash for some years. In 1884 he formed a partnership with his father, Thornton Spriggs, and his brothers, under the firm name of Spriggs & Sons; after the father's death, the firm became Spriggs Brothers. The firm was formed to contract for turnpike and street work. They have built a large share of the turnpikes of Mercer County, and many in Jay and Adams counties, Indiana, and Paulding County, Ohio. The firm also built the track in the Fair Grounds at Celina.
     William Spriggs was married April 14, 1900, to Martha Karr, a daughter of Lorenzo Karr.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 734
   
  FRANK C. STARK, one of Celina's active and enterprising business men, leading in the line of gentlemen's furnishings, was born in Celina in 1874 and is a son of John Stark.
     John Stark was born in Germany, but was a citizen of Ohio for many years and during a large number of theses was engaged in business at Celina, where he died in 1884, respected by all who knew him.
     Frank C. Stark attended school until he was 13 years old and then became a clerk for H. F. Juneman & Company, dealers in gentleman's furnishings.  He learned the business pretty thoroughly before entering the employ of Betz & Meyer, at Celina, with whom he remained for a little over 10 years.  In 1900 the firm of Dysert, Howick & Stark was formed, which continued for three and a half years, when Dysert & Stark succeeded and this style continued until June, 1905, when Mr. Stark bought out Mr. Dysert's interest and since then the business has been conducted under the firm name of Frank C. Stark.
     In 1904 Mr. Stark was married to Julia Rentzsch, who is the daughter of Otto Rentzsch, Sr., who was a well known merchant of Celina, residing at New Castle, Indiana.  Mr. Stark is a member of the Catholic Church.  He belongs to St. Joseph's Society and to the German Independent Aid Society.  Mr. Stark stands very high in the estimation of his fellow citizens, both as a business man and as a citizen.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  581
  EDGAR E. STEPHENSON, of the firm of Estry & Stephenson, dealers in hard and soft lumber, planing mill supplies and building materials of all kinds, at Celina, is one of the representative business men of the village. He was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1855.
     After completing his education, Mr. Stephenson taught school for a short time and then went into the 'sewing machine business at Bluffton, Indiana, where he remained for two years and then became interested there in the stave and heading business. He continued to be concerned in business of this kind at Bluffton and Montpelier, Indiana, for six years. In 1880 he located at Celina, and was at the head of the Nimmons heading plant for 12 years. In 1892 he bought out Mr. Timmonds' interest in the lumber firm of Estry & Timmonds, becoming the junior partner, and the business has continued, expanded and prospered under the management of the present firm of Estry & Stephenson. Mr. Stephenson is a careful, able business man and enjoys the confidence of the public.
     In 1877 Mr. Stephenson was married to Sarah J. McCleery of Bluffton, Indiana, and they have two children, viz.: Mary, wife of N. W. Monroe, of Celina; and Hugh, living at home.
     Mr. Stephenson is a prominent member of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church at Celina and is a member of the board of trustees.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 732
  A. G. STEWART is a member of the Mercer County bar.  He is a resident of Rockford, moving to that place from Lima, Ohio, and engaging in the practice.  He has been honored by the citizens of the village by being elected mayor of the town, and enjoys a good practice.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  252
  ANTON STREACKER, one of the substantial farmers of Butler township, residing on a farm of 80 acres located in section34, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, near Egypt, Auglaize County, May 19, 1872, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Brandvine) Streacker.
     Henry Streacker, who is a native of Germany, came to America with his father, Gerke Streacker, when four years old.  The latter settled in Auglaize County, where Henry was reared.  Henry was married at the Streacker home place, where he lived for 50 years and reared nine children, six of whom are living.  He now resides at Berlin, Shelby County.
     Anton Streacker was reared in Shelby County, where he continued to live until Mar. 6, 1906, when he moved to his present farm, which he had purchased Dec. 23, 1905, of Henry Hoyng.  He has made a great many changes on the place, an important one being the erection of a large barn and other necessary outbuildings in 1906.  In the spring of 1896 Mr. Streacker was married to Sophia Zacaarias, a daughter of Christian Zacaarias, and they have five children: Martha, Annie, Bernard, Bertha and Leonard.  Mr. Streacker is a member of the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  581
  JOHN STUKENBORG, an enterprising and successful farmer of Butler township, who resides on his farm of 80 acres in section 32, was born at Egypt, Auglaize County, Ohio, May 1, 1852, being a son of Henry and Agnes Stukenborg.
     The parents of Mr. Stukenborg were both born in- Germany and when about 21 years of age both came to America.  They were passengers on the same vessel crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and were married shortly after getting settled. Eight children were born to this marriage, the two survivors being our subject and his sister, Mrs. Caroline Rahe, of Minster, Ohio.  The father married a second time and had seven more children.  His death occurred in 1882.
     John Stukenborg was reared in the village of Egypt and obtained his education there. When he was 21 years of age, he started to learn the blacksmith's trade but could not continue on account of a weakness of the eyes. He then hired out as a farm hand, going to St. Johns when about 22 years old, and farming has been his main occupation ever since.  Immediately after his marriage, he moved upon his present farm, a property he had purchased in 1877.  At this time it was covered with timber and Mr. Stukenborg put in some years of very hard work clearing it and making the many improvements, which mark it now as one of the best farms in the township. In addition to carrying on a general line of agriculture, Mr. Stukenborg raises sugar cane and has installed a modern cane presser which enables him to turn out excellent molasses.  In all things he is one of the progressive men of his locality and one of the most prosperous.
Mr. Stukenborg was married at St. Johns, Marion township, in 1878, to Maggie Elking, a daughter of Fred and Elizabeth Elking, natives of Germany. Eight children were born to this marriage, as follows: Henry, a resident of Indian Territory; Frank, who operates a threshing machine owned by his father; Caroline, who is the wife of Charles Cumbarg, of Jefferson township; Charles, who died aged 14 months; and Benjamin, Charles, Edward and John, living at home.
     Mr. Stukenborg is one of the leading members of Holy Trinity Catholic Church at Coldwater and was a member of the building committee when the church edifice was erected. He is also a member of St. Joseph's Society. He is a man of sterling character and, is very highly esteemed throughout Butler township.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  729
  J. A. SWARTS, a substantial and well-known farmer of Recovery township, owns 376 acres of land in Mercer County, located as follows - 153 acres in Recovery township (constituting the home place), 160 acres in Butler township (on which his son-in-law lives).. Mr. Swarts was born Jan. 24, 1843, in Falls township, Muskingum County, Ohio, about six miles west of Zanesville, and is a son of Asbury and Sarah (Elder) Swarts.
     Asbury Swarts, who was a native of Pennsylvania, became a resident of Muskingum County when a boy, in which county he later worked as a plasterer.  Subsequently he moved with his family to Mercer County.  He was married in Muskingum County to Sarah Elder and they had eight children, all of whom are deceased but J. A. Swarts, the subject of this sketch, which was the oldest and LeRoy Swarts, the youngest child, who resides in Darke County, Ohio.
     J. A. Swarts, was six years old when his parents moved to Mercer County, the trip being made in a one-horse wagon that contained all the furniture, besides carrying the family, consisting of the farther and mother and three children; the father was often compelled to cut his way through the woods.
     Before removing from Muskingum County, Asbury Swarts sold his 5-acre tract of land; after settling in Mercer County, he bought 40 acres of land in Washington township from the government, for which he paid $1.25 per acre. He built a log cabin and after living on this land for several years he entered 80 acres more and sold the original 40 acres. He built a new cabin on this land and as there were no roads at that time he was obliged to follow blazed trails when going any distance from home.  The deer were almost as plentiful as sparrows are now, and there were many wild hogs, wolves and other wild animals, as well as wild turkeys. The family experienced many of the hardships incidental to pioneer life.
     The subject of this sketch had received some schooling while in Muskingum County, the schoolhouse adjoining his father's farm; but after settling in Mercer County it was several years before he again attended school, there being no schools in the neighborhood, and when he again returned he found he had forgotten all that had been previously -learned.  His father kept in­creasing his land and at the time of his death owned 240 acres. Mr. Swarts assisted his father in clearing land and remained on the home farm until after his marriage.
     Mr. Swarts enlisted in the 193rd Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., in January, 1865, and served until the close of the war. His father and one brother were also soldiers in the Civil War, his father being fife major, but was discharged on account of disability. The brother died of lung fever at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio.
After the war Mr. Swarts returned to his home in Recovery township, and engaged in farming, in which occupation he has continued to the present time.  He was married in the spring of 1864 to Mary Noland, a daughter of Thomas Noland, who was one of the pioneers of Mercer County. To Mr. and Mrs. Swarts were born six children: Catherine, who married Joseph Showalter, of Hardin County, and has four children; Ellen, who married James Frank, lives on her father's farm in Butler township and has six children; William H., who married Lida Patton and resides in Washington township ; Rachel; Myrtle, who married Theodore Huber, has one child and lives in Marion, Indiana; and Clarence, who is a street car conductor in Cleveland, Ohio.  Mr. Swarts is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Fort Recovery.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page  720

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