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OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS
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Welcome to
PUTNAM COUNTY,
OHIO
History & Genealogy
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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
History of Putnam County, Ohio,
by George D. Kinder,
Publ. B. F. Bowen & Co., Inc.,
Indianapolis, Indiana
1915
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BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX PAGE >
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ASA VARNER.
A great movement cannot be built on one little ship
- the Mayflower. It takes a lot of ships and a
big lot of people to make the commonwealth. A
pyramid cannot be built on its apex, nor a great
nation on one ship. Plymouth and Salem and
Boston; Providence and Hartford New Haven;
Manhattan, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Jamestown,
Raleigh, Charleston and Savannah are the bright and
shining stars of the Pilgrim immigration to America;
and the Brotherhood of Separationists, of Puritan,
of Dutch burgomasters, of Roman Catholic freemen, of
Philadelphia Quakers, of Virginia planters, of
Carolina disciples of Locke and Huguenots of
Georgia, illustrate the fact that one type of motive
makes the world akin. In the very nature of
things, there are in this section of Ohio many
descendants of the old Colonial families, the
progeny after many generations of those who dared
the perils of a new world to obtain the freedom of
conscience which their souls panted for. Among
these there is one, whose descent on both the
maternal and maternal line, is from old Colonial
stock, who merits mention in this biographical work,
not only on account of his long American lineage,
but on account of the character of his labors in
this community, and it is a pleasure for the
biographer here to engage in the reader's attention
to a brief and modest review of the life of the
gentleman whose name appears at the head of this
sketch.
Asa Varner, a well known and progressive farmer
of Greensburg township, Putnam Co., Ohio, was born
on the farm on which he still makes his home and
where his whole life has been spent, on Sept. 15,
1853, the son of Jacob and Eliza (Guyton) Varner,
the former of whom was born in Page county,
Virginia, of a family that for generations
had been prominent in Virginian affairs, and the
latter of whom was born in Maryland, a member of a
family that had been established in that state in
early Colonial days.
Jacob Varner was reared in Paige county,
Virginia, the place of his birth and there grew up
as a practical farmer. In the year 1833, when
about thirty years of age, he migrated to Ohio,
coming to Putnam county, where he entered from the
government a tract of one hundred and
fifty-five acres in Greensburg township; where he
spent the ret of his life, this same farm now being
in the possession of his son. Jacob Varner
entered upon the task of clearing this farm, which
was then covered with a virgin forest. He
erected a log cabin, the floor of which was of split
slabs, and in that humble dwelling-place he lived
and labored alone for several years. Then,
seeing his way clear to the establishment of a
definite and permanent home, he sought a helpmate
and brought to his cabin-home his bride, Eliza
Guyton, the daughter of Vincent and
Anna Guyton, who had settled on a farm in Ottawa
township, this county, having come to this county
from the state of Maryland. With this
additional incentive to labor, Jacob Varner
continued the task of bringing his farm to a proper
state of cultivation and quickly had a profitable
and productive place, soon becoming one of the
best-circumstanced men in that pioneer neighborhood.
As circumstances warranted he built new and better
buildings on his place and later added to his
original holdings and adjoining tract of eighty
acres, bringing it all to an excellent state of
cultivation, having at the time of his death one of
the model farms of Greensburg township. Not
only did he prosper on the material side, but he did
well his part in the moral, social and civic life of
the community and was looked upon as one of the
leaders in that section of the county, both he and
his wife being regarded as among the leaders in the
communal life. Jacob Varner died in
1895, his wife having predeceased him ten years, her
death having occurred in 1885, and both were
sincerely mourned in the community of which they so
long had been such prominent and active factors.
To Jacob and Eliza (Guyton) Varner were born
nine children: Maryann, Ellen, Elizabeth,
Rebecca, Barbara, Isaiah, William J., Asa and
Ruth all of whom are still living, save
Maryann and Barbara. Maryann
married Dr. Hiram Ayres, of Paulding Center,
Ohio, where her death occurred; Elizabeth
married David Cushman and lives in Michigan;
Rebecca married Virgil Bibler and also
lives in Michigan; Isaiah married Fannie
Lantus and resides in Greensburg township, this
county; William J. married Anna Simon
and lives in Ottawa.
Asa Varner was reared on the paternal farm and
received his early education in the schools of
Greensburg township. Upon attaining manhood's
estate he continued to remain at home, assisting his
father in the management of the place, not marrying
until he was thirty-five years of age. After
his marriage he continued to remain on the home
place, which he inherited upon the death of his
father in 1895. Since coming into possession,
Mr. Varner has made many notable improvements
on the place and now has one of the best equipped
farms in Greensburg township, all the appointments
of the same being up-to-date and complete.
On Oct. 2, 1887, Asa Varner was united in
marriage with Arnolda Greene, daughter of
Henry and Mary (Hunter) Greene, the former of
whom was born in Athens, Ohio, and the latter of
whom was born in Franklin county, Ohio. Bereft
of his mother in his early childhood, Henry
Greene was reared by his half-sister, Sarah,
and received his education in the schools of Athens
county. Upon reaching manhood, he went to
Franklin county to work on a farm and there met and
married Mary Hunter and three years later
came to Putnam county, locating on a farm of forty
acres near Fort Jennings. This he later sold
and moved to the town of Kalida, where he bought
property, at the same time buying forty acres of
land in Union township. His wife died during
their residence in Kalida, after which Mr. Greene
made hi home with his daughter, Mrs. Varner,
his death occurring on May 12, 1901, two years after
the death of wife. The Greenes were
most excellent people and were held in the highest
regard by their wide circle of acquaintances.
They were the parents of nine children, three of
whom died in infancy, the others being; Sarah,
William, Silas, Weltha, Mary and Arnolda,
the latter of whom married Mr. Varner.
William Greene was a soldier of the union army
during the Civil War, having served for three years
in Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment,
Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He lived but three
days afters returning home from the service, his
death being due to illness contracted in the army.
To Asa and Arnolda (Greene) Varner have been
born five children, as follows: Floyd Ellis,
who was born on Feb. 12, 1889, and died on Feb. 16,
1889; Ina Victoria, born on Sept. 16, 1894;
Byron Eugene, born on June 9, 1897; Gladys
Merle, born on Dec. 3, 1899, and Alfred
Clarke, born on July 3, 1902.
Gladys and Ina attended the high school
at Continental and the latter was graduated from
that institution with the class of 1915. Byron
assists his father in the management of the farm.
In addition to rearing their own family, Mr. and
Mrs. Varner have reared three orphans to manhood
and womanhood, taking them into their home in their
childhood, educating them and giving them happy
homes until their marriage, rearing them even as
their own children. The three persons thus
happily provided for are Arthur Quick, Burt
Butler and Gertrude Stevens, all well
known in the neighborhood of the Varner home.
The Varner home
is noted for its generous hospitality and Mr. and
Mrs. Varner are considered as among the leaders
in the social life of their community. Kindly
and full of Christian charity, they have the regard
of all who know them and are highly esteemed
throughout that whole section of the country.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 645 |
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CHARLES VARNER.
In every community are to be found individuals who,
by reason of pronounced ability and forceful
personality, rise superior to the majority and
command the homage of their fellows; who, by
revealing to the world true, resplendent virtues,
perseverance in effort and directing purpose, never
fail to attain positions of honor and trust and
become, in the full sense of the term, leaders of
men. In this class is that well-known gentleman,
successful lawyer and real estate dealer, Charles
Varner, of Continental, Putnam county, Ohio.
He is a man who ranks among the leading citizens of
Putnam county, and who, for a number of years, has
borne an influential part in the affairs of Putnam
county, where he resides.
Charles Varner was, born on Jan. 27,
1872, in Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio.
He is the son of Isaiah and Fanny (Landis) Varner,
the former of whom was the son of Jacob and Eliza
(Guyton) Varner. Jacob Varner
was a native of Virginia, as was also his wife.
He left Virginia to come to Ohio in pioneer days and
was among the
early settlers in this county. Isaiah
Varner was born in Greensburg township in
1842. Fanny Landis was born in
the same township in 1843 Isaiah Varner grew
to manhood on the home place, known as the old
Jacob Varner homestead, and was reared as
a farmer. With the exception of a short time
spent outside of the county, Isaiah Varner
has remained on the original one hundred and sixty
acres, where he still lives, although he is retired
at the age of seventy-two. His wife is also
living.
He left Virginia to come to Ohio in pioneer days and
was among the early settlers in this county.
Isaiah Varner was born in Greensburg
township in 1842. Fanny Landis
was born in the same township in 1843 Isaiah
Varner grew to manhood on the home place, known
as the old Jacob Varner homestead, and
was reared as a farmer. With the exception of
a short time spent outside of the county, Isaiah
Varner has remained on the original one
hundred and sixty acres, where he still lives,
although he is retired at the age of seventy-two.
His wife is also living.
Charles Varner grew up on his father's
farm and was educated in the common schools.
He attended the normal school at Angola, Indiana for
three or four terms, after which he returned to
Putnam county and taught school for about eight
years . Subsequently, he attended Ada College and
was graduated in 1894 from the pharmaceutical
course. He then worked m a drug store at
Continental, Ohio, and while here, he read law and
was admitted to the bar in 1902. He began to
practice in that year in Continental and during his
practice, has also handled real estate loans and
insurance. Mr. Varner is still
active in this business.
Charles Varner was married on Sept. 18,
1901, to Mae E Eberly who was born on Jan.
26, 1879, in Lucas county, Ohio, -and who is the
daughter of Benjamin and Jennie (Gorill) Everly.
To this happy union five children have been born:
Harriett, Charles Gorill, Hope,
Theodora and one who died in infancy.
Charles Varner was at one time an- active
member of the Knights of Pythias, but is no longer a
member. He is a member of the Free and
Accepted Masons No. 570, the chapter and council at
Ottawa, and the commandery at Defiance, Ohio.
He is a member of Lodge No. 869, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, at Continental, Ohio. Mr.
Varner is a stanch Republican. He was
an alternate delegate to the Republican national
convention at Chicago, m 1912. He served as
mayor of Continental for one term following 1901,
and was city solicitor for four terms. He has
been an active member of the school board.
Religiously, Mr. Varner and his family
are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
In a personal way Charles Varner is a
congenial young man and well liked in his town and
township. He is a good business man and bears
a high reputation for honesty and integrity in the
community where his professional labors have been
performed.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 629 |
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WILLIAM J. VARNER.
A pioneer settler of Putnam county, Ohio, is
William J. Varner, who was born, reared and has
spent all of his life within its limits. As a
boy, he remembers distinctly of the wolves howling
around their cabin door, and of seeing the deer
roaming through the woods near their house. In
fact, all kinds of wild game were abundant in his
father's woods in his boyhood days. The
Indians were still here when he was a lad and his
father often traded them salt in exchange for
venison. Consequently, Mr. Varner has
been identified with the history of this county from
its very beginning, and well deserves the title of
pioneer.
William J. Varner, the son of Jacob and Eliza
(Guyton) Varner, was born in Greensburg
township, Putnam county, Ohio, December 6, 1848.
His father was born in Luray valley, Page county,
Virginia, of German parentage. Jacob
grew to manhood in Virginia and, when twenty-one
years of age, made the long overland trip from
Virginia to Putnam county, Ohio, and entered
government land in Greensburg township. He
cleared a farm and lived here until he was past
ninety years of age. His wife, Eliza
Guyton, was born in Maryland near Hagerstown,
her father being a native of Ireland. Eliza
Guyton came to Putnam county with her
parents, after she was grown, and her father entered
government land in Ottawa township. Jacob
Varner and wife were the parents of eight
children: Mrs. Mary Ayres; Mrs.
Ellen Benedict; Isaiah; Mrs.
Ruth Shafer; Mrs. Elizabeth
Cushman; William J., of Ottawa; Mrs.
Rebecca Bibler and one who died in
childhood.
William J. Varner was reared on his father's
farm in Greensburg township, and received such
education as was afforded by the rude subscription
schools of his boyhood days. He remained at
home until his marriage and then began farming for
himself on rented land. He rented for several
years, and then bought a small farm, upon which he
began his independent career as a farmer. As
he prospered, from year to year, he added to his
farm, until he now owns three hundred and fifteen
acres, in Greensburg township, and sixty-seven aces,
in Ottawa township, part of his farm being within
the corporate limits of Ottawa. While he spent
most of his time in agricultural pursuits, he has
been actively interested in the buying and shipping
of live stock for about ten years. He retired
from active farm life in 1908 and moved to Ottawa,
where he is now residing, after a long and arduous
career on the farm.
William J. Varner was married on Nov. 21, 1869,
to Anna Simon, who was born in Greensburg
township, in this county, a daughter of John P.
Simon and wife. Her parents were born near
Amsterdam, Holland, and were married in the land of
their birth, one of their children being born in
Holland. They then came to America, and soon
after coming to this country located in Putnam
county, Ohio, where Mr. Simon engaged
in farming. Later, he embarked in the grocery
business at Ottawa and dealt in farm produce of all
kinds, in connection with his regular grocery
business. Mr. Simon was a man of
prominence in his community and became one of the
substantial citizens of Ottawa.
William J. and Anna (Simon) Varner are the
parents of five children - Nettie,
Gertrude, Carl C., Zoe and
Laura. Nettie is the wife of
John T. Matheny and lives in Greensburg township
and has three sons, Nelson, Howard and
John Nelson; Gertrude is the
wife of William Fridley and lives near
Pandora on a farm and has three children, Ethel,
Clarence and Charles; Carl C.
married Lene Wagner and lives in
Ashtabula county, Ohio, on a farm, where he gives
much attention to the dairy business, and has four
children, Irene, Jay, Wilham
Lowell and Carl Gordon; Zoe
is the wife of Eugene R. Hunt, of Ottawa, and
has three sons, Lucius, Theodore and
William; Laura, the youngest child,
died at the age of sixteen.
William J. Varner has always identified himself
with the Republican party, and, although he did not
seek the office, he was elected treasurer of his
township. For about ten years he served on the
Putnam county board of agriculture. He is a
member of the Free and Accepted Masons and also
belongs to the chapter and council. He is a
public-spirited and broad-minded citizen and deeply
interested in the welfare of those around him, and
such a man as lends stability to our commonwealth.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 882 |
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AUGUST G. VERHOFF.
There are individuals in nearly every community who,
by reason of pronounced ability and force of
character, rise above the heads of the masses and
command the unbounded esteem of their fellowmen.
Characterized by perseverance and a directing
spirit, two virtues that never fail, such men always
make their presence felt and the vigor of their
strong personalities serves as a stimulus and
incentive to the young and rising generation.
To this energetic and enterprising class the subject
of this review may properly belong. Having
never been seized with the wanderlust spirit that
has led many of Putnam county's young men to other
fields of endeavor and states, August G. Verhoff
has devoted himself to vocation as a farmer and to
the public duties to which he has been called, and,
because of his personal worth and accomplishments,
he is clearly entitled to representation among the
enterprising and progressive men of his locality.
August G. Verhoff is the descendant of a long
line of sterling German ancestry, the full account
of which is given elsewhere in this volume under the
caption of Theodore Verhoff, his father, and
was born on his fahter's farm in Feb. 5, 1877, being
the seventh son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Egbers)
Verhoff. August Verhoff was educated in
the schools of Greensburg township, Putman county,
Ohio, and until the age of twenty remained under the
parental roof, where he gained practical experience
in agriculture and stock raising. Some time
before his marriage and while still living with his
parents, he managed a virgin farm of eighty acres,
which as part of a large tracthis father had
purchased in section 29 of Greensburg township.
This farm required considerable preparation for the
production of crops and kept him occupied during the
winter months, but in the summer he would put in his
time assisting his father. At the age of
twenty-six, the subject found in necessary to give
his entire time and attention to his eighty acres
and at that time, 1908, the father decided to grant
him a warranty deed of conveyance for his farm.
During the years between 1900 and 1906, August G.
Verhoff lived with his brother, Joseph,
and sister, Mary, who kept house for them.
These young men had but a limited amount of capital
and underwent a great many privations and hardships
before they were able to get this land into the best
condition for profitable production. However,
with the true German industry and self-denial, and
by the introduction of a drainage system, this farm,
formerly not much better than a swamp, was made a
well-paying proposition. In 1909 was begun the
erection of necessary farm buildings, and in 1910,
August G. erected his present commodious and
comfortable home.
In 1907, with two of his brothers, Frank and
Joseph, he bought seventy-six acres near
Dornington, in Greensburg township, to which he
devotes much attention.
On May 3, 1910, August G. Vernoff was married to
Elnora Westbeld, daughter of William and
Mary (Brockman Westbeld, the father having been
born in Glandorf and the mother in Ft. Jennings,
Putnam county, Ohio. The paternal
grandparents, Bernard and Caroline Westbeld,
were born in Germany and came to this country in an
early day, settling in Putnam county, Ohio.
Caroline Westbeld survives her husband and is
now living with her son, Joseph, in Blanchard
township, Putnam county. Besides Joseph,
there were other children born to this union,
as follow: William, Frank, Theresa, Anna,
Catherine and Philomena. The
maternal grandparents, Joseph and Caroline (Landwehr)
Brockman, resided on a farm near Ft. Jennings,
Putnam county, Ohio, where Mrs. Brockman
still lives, making her home with a son, Louis
Brockman. Other children to this union are
Joseph, Henry, Caroline, Mathilda, Elizabeth,
Mary.
William Westbeld, after his marriage to Mary
Brockman, moved to a farm in Ottawa township,
Putnam county, Ohio, and later removed to an
eighty-acre tract of land in Union township, near
the town of Kalida, Ohio. to them were born
seven children, Elnora, the wife of the
subject, Cornelius, Lawrence, Regina, Oscar,
Linus and Marcella. The daughter,
Regina, having decided to make her life's
work one devoted to charity, obedience and poverty,
is now studying for the sisterhood in the order of
the Sisters of Providence, at Newport, Kentucky.
All are devout members of St. Michael's Catholic
church in Kalida, Ohio.
Immediately after his marriage, August G. Verhoff
occupied the residence which he had built on the
original farm and to them were born two children,
Oscar Theodore, on Aug. 16, 1911, and Norbert
William, May 3, 1913.
August G. Verhoff has improved the farm to such
an extent that there are not seven large buildings
on the place and everything is kept up in a
business-like way. Mr. Verhoff, in
spite of his many farm duties, ahs found sufficient
time to interest himself in public affairs for the
good of the community, and, now is serving in a
creditable manner in the office of township trustee,
is president of the Mutual Live Stock Insurance
Company of Kalida, Ohio, secretary of the local
agricultural extension society and is treasurer of
the Mutual Telephone Company of Kalida, Ohio.
In addition to his general farming he has gained for
himself an enviable reputation as a stock raiser,
although not on a large scale. He is taking a
great interest in building up his Shorthorn cattle,
which is all registered stock, in which he is an
undoubted success. In addition to cattle, he
is devoting considerable time and attention to hogs,
particularly the Poland China breeds.
Mr. Verhoff is an ardent supporter of the
Democratic party, and is a regular member of St.
Michael's Catholic church at Kalida, Ohio. In
all his relations of life, he has been found
faithful to every trust confided in him and because
of his genuine worth, courteous manners and genial
disposition, he has won and retained the warm regard
of all with whom he has associated, the latter
including the best people of the county.
Mr. Verhoff formerly attended St. John's
Catholic church at Glendorf, where his father still
belongs and where he has worshipped for many years.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 839 |
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FRANK F. VERHOFF.
Among the men of sterling worth and strength of
character who have made an impression upon the life
of the locality in which they live, none have
received a larger reward of popular respect and
regard than Frank F. Verhoff, whose family
name is well known throughout this section of the
county. Lifelong residence in one locality has
given the people an opportunity to know him in every
phase of his character, and that he has been true to
life in such measure, is manifest in the degree of
confidence and regard in which he is held by those
who know him.
Frank F. Verhoff was born in Glandorf, Putnam
county, Ohio, Mar. 24, 1847, and is the son of
Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff. The
paternal grandparents were born, lived and died in
Germany, and the maternal grandparents, Theodore
and Gertrude (Veraking) Kramer were married in
Germany and resided there many years. Coming
to this country when Mr. Kramer was about
fifty years of age, they settled on a farm in Putnam
county, Ohio, and to them were born six children,
William, Henry, Catherine, Christena, Mary and
Frederick, all of whom are now deceased,
excepting a son, Frederick.
Francis Verhoff, father of Frank F. Verhoff,
was born in Westphalia, Prussia, and came to America
in the year 1836, by himself, and settled on a small
tract consisting of twenty-six acres, near the town
of Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio. He, having
learned the trade of a blacksmith, bore the
reputation of having started the first shop of this
kind in Putnam county, the same having been operated
in connection with the farm for many years.
This shop carried a reputation for doing first-class
workmanship and furnishing high-grade material for
the work at hand.
About the year 1837, Francis Verhoff and Mary
Kramer were joined in wedlock and took up their
residence on the former's farm. To them were
born eleven children, Theodore, Gertrude,
Christena, Catherine, Mary Ann, Frank, Henry,
William, now deceased; Charles, William
and Florentine. The father, prior to
his death in 1863, had acquired a full section,
consisting of six hundred and forty acres of land.
With the assistance of his sons, the greater portion
of this land was cleared and prepared for general
farming and the raising of stock. Mr.
Verhoff was one of the pioneer settlers of this
community, coming here shortly after the founding of
the town of Glandorf, Ohio, from which church they
were buried during the year 1901, leaving behind
them reputations for high-class citizenship and
setting a good example for posterity to imitate.
Frank F. Verhoff, the subject of this review,
received his education in the county schools and
lived under the parental roof until the time of his
marriage on Apr. 30, 1873, and up to which time he
had acquainted himself with the necessary knowledge
for farming by assisting his father around the
place. His wife was Catherine Mersman,
whose parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Recker)
Mersman, were natives of Germany, but who came
to this country separately. By their marriage,
besides Catherine, were born Theresa,
Henry and Mary. Theresa is the wife
of Henry Drerup and lives in Ottawa township,
Putnam county, Ohio; Henry is married to
Anna Hulker, and now lives in the town of
Glandorf, Ohio.
Soon after the marriage of Frank F. Verhoff, he,
with his wife, took up their residence on the one
hundred and forty-four acres which was deeded to him
at the time of the elder Verhoff's death,
being a portion of the six hundred and forty-acres
acquired during his lifetime, all of which was
divided among the sons. The children born to
Frank F. Verhoff and wife are: Elizabeth,
born on Jan. 20, 1875, and deceased on Jan. 4, 1878;
Anna, born on Nov. 19, 1877; Mary,
born on Feb. 24, 1881, and Frank, born on
Mar. 11, 1884. Of these children, Anna
became the wife of Frank Kahle and to them
were born four children, their mother now being
deceased; Mary was married to Lawrence
Hamel and they have three children, reside near
Kalida, Ohio; Frank married Nora Schoeder
and they have three children, the latter family
making their home on his father's farm.
Besides general farming, a specialty is made of
Shorthorn cattle and Duroc hogs. Frank
Verhoff's wife died on Mar. 23, 1884.
Mr. Verhoff is a stanch supporter of the
Democratic party. He is a member of St. John's
Catholic church of Glandorf, Ohio. In farming,
political and social circles, Mr. Verhoff
enjoys a wide acquaintance and is deservedly
popular, possessing, to a marked degree, those
qualities of character which win and retain
friendship. He is quiet, unassuming and very
intelligent. He is retired from active work.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 715 |
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FRANK J. VERHOFF.
Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied,
never fails of success. It carries a man
onward and upward, brings out his individuality and
acts as a powerful stimulus to other. The
greatest results in life are often attained by
simple means and the exercise of the ordinary
qualities of common sense and perseverance.
The every-day life, with its cares, necessities and
duties, affords ample opportunities for acquiring
experience of the best kind, and its most beaten
paths provide a true worker with abundant scope for
self-improvement.
Frank J. Verhoff, who is numbered among the
sterling citizens and progressive farmers of
Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born
on June 22, 1864, on the parental farm in the same
township and county. He is the son of
Theodore and Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff, pioneer
residents of Greensburg township. A full
account of the paternal ancestry will be found
elsewhere in this history of Putnam county, Ohio.
The subject of this review received his education in
the schools of Glandorf, Ohio, and in his youth
worked on his father's farm, and early learned the
secrets of successful agriculture, a vocation to
which he has devoted his entire life. He is
now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of
choice farming land, the original tract of eighty
acres in section 29 was deeded to him by his father,
to which was added, by purchase, forty acres in
section e30, and, later, he purchased eighty acres
just across in section 29, besides another tract of
one hundred and twenty acres, which lies just north
of the original farm, forty acres of which is in
section 19 and eighty in section 29. The
father had erected the original farm buildings, to
which the subject added a number of new buildings,
making a total of eight fine farm and residence
buildings. Mr. Verhoff does not
specialize in the raising of any particular kind of
crop, but gives careful attention to the rotation of
such crops as interest him, keeping his land in the
very best of condition and realizing a harvest that
proves his farming profitable.
Frank J. Verhoff was married on Nov. 6, 1889, to
Elizabeth Hamberg, who was born in Osnabrock,
Province of Hanover, Germany, and is a daughter of
Henry and Mary (Mueller) Hamberg, native of
Germany. Mrs. Verhoff came to this
country when she was but a child of fourteen,
accompanied by a brother, Henry, who settled
on a farm near Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio.
Besides the subject's wife, the maternal parents had
four children who remained in the old country,
Herman, George, Mary and Bernardina.
Soon after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Verhoff
they took up their residence on the portion of the
farm located in section 29, in Greensburg township,
Putnam county, and to them were born nine children,
named as follow: Magdelena, Aug. 17,
1890; Emma Mary, Sept. 18, 1892; Alphonse
T., Oct. 17, 1890; Emma Mary,
Sept. 18, 1892; Alphonse T., Oct. 12, 1895;
Francis K., July 3, 1898; Loretta
Mary, Jan. 17, 1901; Edward W., June 30,
1903; Amos J., Oct. 6, 1906; Urban C.,
Feb. 1, 1909; and Otham A., June 3, 1912.
Of these children, Magdalena became the wife
of Charles Recker, and they live on a farm
near Glandorf, Ohio. To this union one child
was born, Albert U., July 2, 1912.
Emma Mary became the wife of Benjamin Recker,
and are now living on his farm near Glandorf, Ohio.
To this union now children have been born.
Frank J. Verhoff's well-directed efforts n the
practical affairs of life, his capable management of
all his own interests, and his sound judgment have
brought him well-earned prosperity, his life
demonstrating what may be accomplished by the man of
energy and ambition who is not afraid to work, and
who has the perseverance to continue his labors.
He raises thoroughbred and Shorthorn Durham cattle
and Poland China hogs. Good natured,
straightforward, unassuming, he command the respect
of all with whom he comes in contact and his friends
are in number as his acquaintances.
Politically, Mr. Verhoff is a firm believer
in the old-time principles of Democracy;
religiously, he is an active member of St. Michael's
Catholic church, of Kalida, Ohio, and among the
congregation is known to be a liberal donor to all
meritorious movements toward the advancement of
charity and religion.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 637 |
|
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FREDERICK W. VERHOFF.
It was once remarked by a celebrated moralist and
biographer that there has scarcely passed a life of
which a judicious and faithful narrative would not
have been useful. Believing in the truth of
this opinion, expressed by one of the greatest and
best men, the writer of this review takes pleasure
in presenting a few facts in the career of the
gentleman, who, by perseverance, temperance and
integrity, has worked himself form a humble station
to a successful place in life and won an honorable
position among the well-known and highly esteemed
farmers of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio.
Frederick W. Verhoff was born on June 18, 1887,
on his father's farm in Ottawa township, Putnam
county, Ohio. He is the son of William and
Katherine (Kerner) Verhoff. William Verhoff
was born in the house in which he now lives, in
Ottawa township, and he was the son of Francis
and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff, early settlers of
Putnam county. William Vernoff is the
brother of Theodore Verhoff, the life history
of whom may be found in another part of this volume,
gives the facts regarding the Verhoff family.
It is sufficient in this place to say that
Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff were
natives of Wesphalia, Prussia, and the state of
Pennsylvania, respectively. Mr. Verhoff
was a well-known blacksmith in the community where
he lived. He died in 1863 after having
acquired six hundred and forty acres of land in
Putnam county. Mary Kramer was the
daughter of Theodore and Gertrude (Veraking)
Kramer.
Katherine Kerner, the mother of Frederick W.
Verhoff, was the daughter of Mathias and
Elizabeth (Kerner), the former of whom was a
native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania.
Mathias Kerner came to this country early in
life and settled in Putnam county. Prior to
coming here, he spent three years in South Carolina.
His wife came to Putnam county, from Pennsylvania,
after the death of her parents. Here she met
and married Mathias Kerner. They lived
on a farm the entire time of their lives.
William Verhoff spent his early life on his
father's farm and attended the schools at Glandorf,
in Putnam county, and where on Apr. 20, 1880, he was
married to Katherine Kerner, the daughter of
Mathias and Elizabeth Kerner. They
continued to live on the parental farm, which
consisted of one hundred acres and which he, later,
inherited from his father. William Verhoff
and wife were the parents of the following children:
J. Frank, Mathias, Mary, Elizabeth, Frederick,
Cecelia, Leo, Dora, Hieronomous and
Christopher. William Verhoff and
family are all members of the Catholic church at
Glandorf.
Frederick W. Verhoff, the subject of this
sketch, attended school in Glandorf and lived on the
homestead farm until his marriage. He was
married on May 19, 1911, to Elizabeth Ellerbrock,
the daughter of Henry and Theresa (Borgelt)
Ellerbrock, both of whose parents came from
Germany and settled in Putnam county near Glandorf.
After their marriage they lived on a farm near
Glandorf, and eventually purchased ninety-nine acres
in Union township near Kalida, where they now live.
They have had eight children, Henry, Joseph,
William, Mary, Agnes, Theresa, Elizabeth and
William, deceased.
After their marriage, Frederick W. and Elizabeth
(Ellerbrock) Verhoff, lived in Jackson
township for three months on a farm of eighty acres,
which they rented. Then tne moved to a farm of
one hundred and twenty acres in Greensburg township,
which belonged to Mr. Verhoff's father.
It is here that they still live. Mr.
Verhoff is engaged in general farming, but makes
a specially of cattle and hogs.
He and his wife have been the parents of two children.
Cletus, born on Mar. 9, 1912 and Amos
Henry, born on May 26, 1914.
Mr. and Mrs. Verhoff were members of St.
Nicholas' Catholic church at Miller City.
Frederick W. Verhoff is a pleasant young man of
sturdy personal appearance and agreeable manner.
He is ambitious in the better worker. She is
an amiable woman and has in many ways helped her
ambitious young husband.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 692 |
|
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HENRY B. VERHOFF.
The routine of private life, although of vast
importance in the welfare of the community, has not
figured to any extent in history, but the names of
men who have distinguished themselves by the
possession of those qualities which contribute to
the success of private life and to the public
stability, and who have enjoyed the respect and
confidence of those around them, should not be
permitted to perish. Their examples are most
valuable and their lives well worthy of
consideration. Such are the thoughts that
involuntarily , of course, come to mind when taking
under review the career of such an honored
individual as Henry B. Verhoff, a well-known
farmer of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio.
Henry B. Verhoff was born on July 22, 1869, in
Greensburg township, on the banks of the Blanchard
river. He is a son of Theodore and
Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff, the former of whom
was born in Greensburg township, on June 17, 1838,
and was a son of Francis and Mary (Kramer)
Verhoff. Mary (Kramer) Verhoff was
a daughter of Theodore and Gertrude Kramer,
who came to this country when Mr. Kramer was
about fifty years old. Francis Verhoff,
the father of Theodore, was born in
Westphalia, Prussia, and came to America in
1836 alone. He settled near Glandorf and was
married to Mary Kramer in 1837. He was
a blacksmith by trade and followed this occupation
after coming to this country, at Chicago, Toledo,
and on the Maumee river, which occupation he also
followed for some time in Putnam county, where he
bought Putnam county, where he bought ten acres of
land near Glandorf. Here he had a small
blacksmith shop. He added to his original
purchase of land until he owned a large tract and
retired from active life only a few years before his
death.
Theodore Verhoff was married on June 18, 1861,
to Elizabeth Egbers, and to this union twelve
children were born, Frank J., on June 22,
1864; William F., Aug. 22, 1866; Henry B.,
July 22, 1869; John Theodore, Apr. 6, 1870;
Joseph Charles, Mar. 15, 1873; John B.,
Apr. 6, 1875; August George, Feb. 5, 1877;
A. Albert, Feb. 18, 1893; Mary Elizabeth,
Apr. 13, 1862, deceased; Mary Ann, Mar. 4,
1863; Amelia Helena, June 21, 1879; Mary
Regina, Feb. 24, 1891.
Henry B. Verhoff spent his boyhood days on his
father's farm in Greensburg township, and worked for
his father until he was twenty-eight years of age,
when he was married.
On June 2, 1907, Mr. Verhoff was married to
Elizabeth Gerdeman, the daughter of Henry and
Bernadina (Eickholt) Gerdeman, and to this union
have been born two children, Romanus and Matilda,
both of whom are living at home.
After his marriage, Mr. Verhoff settled on his
father's farm of eighty acres, in Greensburg
township, and here he lived until the fall of 1908,
when he sold his farm and purchased one hundred and
fourteen acres of land in Union township, and on
this farm he lived until 1911, when he sold out and
bought his present farm in Pleasant township.
This property is located north of Columbus Grove,
and comprises one hundred and sixty-six acres.
Mr. Verhoff moved to this place in 1913, and
here he carries on a general system of farming and
stock raising, making a specialty of hog raising,
and also gives some attention to milch and dairy
cows.
Henry B. Verhoff and
his family are devout members of the Catholic church
at Columbus Grove and Mr. Verhoff is a member
of the Catholic Knights of Ohio. Although he
is a Democrat in politics, he has never been active
in the councils of his party.
Henry B. Verhoff is a quiet, unassuming man, a
good farmer and a good judge of life stock. He
keeps his farm in excellent condition and is a
believer in progressive farming. He has always
been an industrious man, and has managed to secure a
competence for his efforts. He is highly
respected by a large circle of friends and
acquaintances in Pleasant township, where he
maintains his residence. His buildings are all
of the best and the very substantial.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1368 |
|
Mr. & Mrs. John Barney Verhoff |
JOHN BARNEY VERHOFF.
It cannot be other than interesting to note, in the
series of personal sketches appearing in this work,
the varying conditions that have compassed those
whose careers are here outlined. An effort has
been made in each case to throw a well-focused light
on the individuality and to bring into proper
perspective the scheme of each career. Each
man who strives to fulfill his part, in connection
with human life and human activities, deserves
recognition, whatever his field of endeavor.
And it is the function of works of this nature to
perpetuate for future generations an authentic
record concerning those represented in its pages.
The value of such publications is certain to be
cumulative for all time, and will present for
posterity the individual and specific accomplishment
of each generation.
John Barney Verhoff, a well-known farmer in
Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, was born
on his father's farm, Apr. 15, 1875. He is the
son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff,
the former of whom was born in Greensburg township,
Putnam county, Ohio, June 17, 1838, and the latter
of whom was a daughter of Theodore Egbers,
and a native of Germany. Theodore Verhoff
and Elizabeth Egbers were married on June 18,
1861, and had twelve children. Theodore
Verhoff was the son of Francis and Mary
(Kramer) Verhoff, the former of whose parents
lived and died in Germany, and the latter of whom
was the daughter of Theodore and Gertrude
(Veraking) Kramer.
John Barney Verhoff attended school in Greensburg
township, and worked on his father's farm. He
performed the usual labor which falls to the average
country boy, and was industrious from the time of
his youth.
Mr. Verhoff was married on Nov. 3, 1903, to
Mary Lemper, who was born on Sept. 5, 1872, and
who is the daughter of William and Clara (Drop)
Lampert, natives of Germany, where they were
married. The children of William and Clara
(Drop) Lemper were as follow: Mary,
the wife of J. B. Verhoff; William, Clara,
and Agnes. William married Lena
Wortmann, and lives in Michigan. They have
six children; Clara married William
Edelbrock, and lives in Union township; Agnes
married William Verhoff, and lives near
Owosso, MI. They have seven children.
After his marriage, John Barney Verhoff moved to
his present farm of eighty acres, in Greensburg
township. Mr. Verhoff owns his
farm, upon which he has erected some fine buildings,
and made many substantial and attractive
improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Verhoff have
two children, Margaret, born on Dec. 19,
1907, and Mary, born on Aug. 10, 1910.
John Barney Verhoff believes in having good horses and
live stock. He owns some splendid Belgian
horses and is also contemplating getting into the
full-blood cattle-raising business, at this time
having some splendid Shorthorn cattle on his
place. Taken all in all, his live stock may be
counted as first-class in every respect. He
has a fine substantial barn on his place. He
is very industrious and a hard-worker, which
indicates a successful future. He has
well-grounded opinions on topics of the day, is
devoted to his wife and family and they, with their
children, form a very happy circle.
John Barney Verhoff
makes a specialty of chickens and thoroughbred
Duroc-Jersey hogs. He is township health
officer of Greensburg township, and in politics is a
stanch Democrat. He is a sturdy type of the
young German farmer, ambitious and acquainted with
all the problems touching not only his vocation, but
the political affairs of his state and the country
at large. Temperamentally, Mr. Verhoff
is pleasant and agreeable. He is popular in
the township where he lives, and is a man who has
never been known to violate a spoken or written
promise. Mr. and Mrs. Verhoff and
family belong to the St. Nicholas Catholic church at
Kalida. His wife was co-operated faithfully
with Mr. Verhoff of his ultimate success.
They have a charming family.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 928 |
|
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JOHN T. VERHOFF.
The names Verhoff and Brinkman for several
generations have been familiar and respected among
the people of Putnam county, the progenitors of
these two families having been among the earlier
settlers of the county - pioneers who left their
impress upon the community in which they lived and
labored, in which they wrested from the wilderness,
homes for themselves, which have come down to their
descendants to the fourth and fifth generations, in
all of which time the two names above noted have
stood for thrift, energy and directness of purpose.
When, in 1899, these two names were linked and
united by the marriage of John T. Verhoff and
Catherine Brinkman there was much rejoicing
among the friends of this worthy couple, for this
insured and establishment of another family which
should be marked by the same sterling traits as ever
had characterized the families of the two thus
united. It is eminently fitting, therefore,
that in a work of this kind, containing the
histories of the leading families of Putnam county,
some reference should be made to the life of the
gentleman whose name appears above.
John T. Verhoff was born on his father's farm
near Glandorf, Greensburg township, Putnam county,
Ohio, on Apr. 6, 1871, the some of Theodore and
Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff, prominent in the
life of that part of the county. For further
details of the genealogy of the Verhoff family,
the reader is referred to the sketch of Theodore
Verhoff, father of the subject of this sketch,
presented elsewhere in this volume.
John T. Verhoff was reared on the paternal farm
and received his education in the common schools of
Greensburg township and attended for three years the
graded school at Glandorf. Until he was
twenty-four years of age he lived on his father's
farm, after which he moved to a farm owned by his
father in section 29, Greensburg township, where he
lived with his brothers, Joseph and August,
and his sister, Mary, the latter of whom kept
house for them. Here he remained, assisting in
the work of the farm, for three years or until his
marriage in 1899, after which he moved to the farm,
for three years, or until his marriage in 1899,
after which he moved to the farm in Union township
on which he still resides and which he now owns, but
which at that time belonged to his father.
Thought there were comfortable buildings on this
farm at the time he took possessions, Mr. Verhoff
has greatly improved the place, by reconstructing
the house and barn better to conform to the modern
standard and has put up a number of substantial
outbuildings necessary to the proper operation of
the farm. On this farm of one hundred and
twenty acres, eighty acres of which he bought from
his father, the additional forty having been bought
later, Mr. Verhoff engages quite successfully
in general farming and pays some attention to the
raising of full-blooded Jersey cattle. he is
industrious and energetic and, with the
characteristic Verhoff thrift, has
accumulated a fine property.
On Aug. 23, 1899, John T. Verhoff was united in
marriage with Catherine Brinkman, the
daughter of Henry and Sophia (Ricker) Brinkman,
both of whom were born near Glandorf, in this
county, the parents of both having come from Germany
in the early days of this county's settlement and
located in the Glandorf neighborhood, where they
joined the other German pioneer in clearing the land
for the future generations. Henry and
Sophia (Ricker) Brinkman were the parents of
nine children, the others, besides Mrs. Verhoff,
being: Joseph, Mary, Frank, Barney, Theresa,
Bernardina, Anna and Josephine, of whom
the first four named are now married, secondly,
Caroline Foppe, to which union there were born
five children: Henry, Veronica, Helen, Amos (deceased)
and Caroline.
To John T. and
Catherine (Brinkman) Verhoff have been born the
following children: Verona, born on Dec. 30,
1900, died a few days later; Leona, born on
Oct. 18, 1906, and Raymond, born on June 10,
1908, the first named of whom are in school and
making diligent use of their excellent scholastic
opportunities.
John T. Verhoff and wife are members of St.
Michael's Catholic Church at Kalida, and are active
in the affairs of that parish, being well known for
their kindliness and benevolence. Mr.
Verhoff is connected with the Catholic Knights
of Ohio and takes an active part in the affairs of
that organization. He is one of the
substantial men of his section of the county and
wields a good influence therein.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 642 |
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JOSEPH C. VERHOFF.
Among the families of Putnam county, whose members
have worthily discharged their duties to their
fellows and their community, no family takes higher
rank than the Verhoffs, of whom several
representatives are, today, prominently identified
with the farming and rural social life of Greensburg
township. . For many years, members of this large
family have stood for all that is bet in business,
moral and social life, and have wielded an influence
that has been potential in the development and
welfare of their community, being numbered among the
enterprising and progressive citizens of the county.
Because of the prominence which the family has
enjoyed the close relations they have sustained to
the welfare and prosperity of the locality which has
been honored by their citizenship, they are
eminently entitled to representation in a work of
the character of the one in hand.
Joseph C. Verhoff was born on his father's farm,
Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio, on Mar.
15, 1873, and is the son of Theodore and
Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff, pioneer settlers of
Putnam county, and whose history of early life is to
be found elsewhere in this volume. The subject
of this sketch was one of the twelve children of
Theodore Verhoff and his early days were spent
on his father's farm, where he assisted in the large
amount of clearing necessary to make the farm
productive and profitable. He received his
education in the township schools and remained with
his parents until he became twenty-two years of age.
While on the original farm, the father purchased an
eighty-acre tract for Joseph V. Verhoff in
Union township, also another eighty acres for the
use of his brothers. Owing to the distance
between farms, the subject of this review, at the
age of twenty-two, moved to the farm operated by his
brother, August G. Verhoff, where he made his
home, until the time of his marriage, on Oct. 25,
1910, when Amelia Schroeder became his wife.
They are the parents of one child, Mary, born
on Feb. 24, 1914. Mrs. Verhoff was the
daughter of John and Mary (Kahle) Schroeder,
natives of Putnam county, Ohio. John
Schroeder was the son of Henry and Katrina
Schroeder, natives of Germany, who came
and settled in Greensburg township, Putnam county,
in an early day. To them were born: Frank,
Charles, William, John, Ignatius, Mathias, Katrina,
Dora, Mary (deceased), Anna, Theresa, Clara (deceased)
and Philomena (deceased), the latter two
having died very young. Mrs. Mary (Kahle)
Schroeder's parents were John F. and
Bernadina Kahle, natives of Hanover, Germany,
and who came to this country, settling in Putnam
county at about the time the town of Glandorf, Ohio,
was founded by the well-known Professor Horstman.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kahle were born:
Frank, Ignatius, Paulina, Bertha, Bernadina,
Theresa, Amalia and Mary. To Mr.
and Mrs. John Schroeder, the subject's wife's
parents, were born: Katrina, Bernadina, Vernonica,
Amalia, Mary, Bertha, Philomena, Hilda, August,
Frank, Herman, John and George.
Soon after the marriage of Mr. Verhoff to
Amelia Schroeder, they moved to the farm in
section 29, Greensburg township, which was purchased
from his brother, Henry. This consisted
of eighty acres of undeveloped land, but which was
put in first-class condition by the installation of
a system of drainage. On this place they
erected the number of buildings absolutely
necessary; being handicapped financially, but with
true German industry and thrift, they were able to
overcome the many obstacles to progress, and today
they can point to their place with no small degree
of pride, the profitable results of their farm being
due to their untiring energy and endeavor to succeed
in spite of discouraging conditions. Besides
carrying on the business of general farming, Mr.
Verhoff is giving considerable attention to the
raising of Short-horn cattle.
Politically, Mr. Verhoff gives his support to
the Democratic ticket, but does not take active part
in politics. Religiously, the family belongs
to St. Michael's Catholic church, Kalida, Ohio.
In conclusion, it is quite opportune to mention that
the subject is a man of keen observation and mental
ability, is genial and unassuming and makes friends
easily. His circle of acquaintances through
the county is large. He is a man of good
habits, ambitious, of kindly impulses and deservedly
popular in the community.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 658 |
|
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MATHIAS
THEODORE VERHOFF. There is no calling,
however humble, in which enterprise and industry,
coupled with well-directed purpose, will not produce
some measure of success. In the pursuit of
agriculture, the qualities mentioned are quite
essential. Among the well-known and highly
respected farmers of Union township, Putnam county,
Ohio, who have attained a definite degree of success
in their special vocations and who, at the same
time, have greatly benefited the community in which
they live, is Mathias Theodore Verhoff, the
gentleman to a review of whose career, the attention
of the reader is now directed.
Mathias Theodore Verhoff was born on Aug. 14,
1887, near Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, on his
father's farm. He is the on of William and
Catherine (Kerner) Verhoff. William Verhoff
is the son of Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff.
Francis Verhoff was born in Westphalia, Prussia
and came to America in 1836, alone, settling near
Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio, on a farm.
He was a blacksmith by trade, and proprietor of the
first blacksmith shop in this county. He was
well known for his high workmanship.
Francis Verhoff was married to Mary Kramer
in 1837. They had ten children, Theodore,
Gertrude, Christina, Catherine, Mary, Ann, Frank,
Henry, William, (deceased; Charles and
William. The father of these children,
before his death, acquired a full section of land in
Putnam county. Mary Kramer, who was the
wife of Francis Verhoff, was the daughter of
Theodore and Gertrude (Veraking) Kramer, who
were married in Germany and resided there many
years, having come to this country when the elder
Kramer was about fifty years of age. They
settled in Putnam county, Ohio, and were the parents
of six children, William, Henry, Catherine,
Christina and Mary, all of whom are now
deceased; and, Frederick, who is still
living. Katherine Kerner was the
daughter of Mathias and Elizabeth Kerner, the
former of whom was born in Germany and the latter a
native of Pennsylvania. Mathias Kerner
came to this country and settled in Putnam county.
Prior to coming to Putnam county, he spent three
years in South Carolina. His wife came to
Putnam county from Pennsylvania after the death of
her parents.
Mathias T. Verhoff attended school at Glandorf
until he was fourteen years of age. Until he
was nineteen years of age, he worked on his father's
farm and then removed with his brother, J. Frank,
to a farm in Union township, which belonged to
his father, where they worked for some years.
Mathias T. Verhoff was married on June 5, 1907,
to Philomena Uphaus, the daughter of
Gerhard and Margaret (Wehrie) Uphaus.
Gerhard Uphaus and wife were born in Glandorf,
Putnam county, Ohio. He was the son of John
and Catherine Uphaus, who came from Germany to
this country after they were married. He was a
farmer and settled near Glandorf on a farm, where he
continued to live until the death of his wife, and
where he afterward died. He and his wife were
members of St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf.
Margaret Wehrie was the daughter of Clement
and Anna Wehrie, who were born in Germany and
who, at an early date, came to America, settling on
a farm at Glandorf. They were well known among
the early settlers and lived on their farm until
their death. They were also members of
St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf.
After the marriage of Gerhard and Margaret (Wehrie)
Uphaus, they located on a farm in Jackson
township, Putnam county. He died on Nov. 5,
1912. Their children were John, Anna,
Josephine, William, Philomena and Mathida.
Mathias T. and Philomena (Uphaus) Verhoff came to
their present farm after their marriage, which farm
consisted of seventy-seven acres and which Mr.
Verhoff bought from his father. He is
engaged in general farming and raises a high grade
of stock. He and his wife have been the
parents of four children, Ambrose William,
born on Aug. 18,1908; Gerhard Mathias, born
on Oct. 22, 1910; Victor Francis, born on
Feb. 22, 1913, and Mathias John, born on Apr.
2, 1915.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page |
|
 |
THEODORE
VERHOFF. Descended from honored
ancestry and himself numbered among the leading
residents of Putnam county, Ohio the subject of this
review is worthy of specific recognition in a work
of this character. Residing in this county for
so many years has but strengthened his hold on
public opinion, and today none in this community
enjoys a larger circle of warm friends and
acquaintances, who esteem him because of his
sterling qualities of character and business
ability.
Theodore Verhoff was born in Ottawa township,
Putnam county, Ohio, June 17, 1838, and is the son
of Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff.
The subject's grandparents, on the father's side,
where born, lived and died in Germany, but on the
mother's side, Theodore and Gertrude (Veraking)
Kramer, who were married in Germany, and resided
there many years, came to this country when the
elder Kramer was about fifty years of age.
They settled on a farm in Putnam county, Ohio, and
to them were born six children, William, Henry,
Catherine, Christina and Mary, all of
whom are now deceased, except Frederick, who
is the surviving one.
Francis Verhoff,
father of Theodore Verhoff, was born in
Westphalia, Prussia, and came to America in 1836 by
himself and settled near Glandorf, Putnam county,
Ohio, on a small farm, the original tract consisting
of twenty six acres. Having learned the
blacksmithing trade, and realizing the necessity for
such a business in his community, it is interesting
to record that he was the proprietor of the first
blacksmith shop in this county. This was
operated in connection with his farm for many years
and bore a reputation for first-class workmanship.
About the year 1837, Francis Verhoff and Mary
Kramer were joined in matrimony, and resided on
the farm belonging to the former. To them were
born eleven children, Theodore, Gertrude,
Christina, Catherine, Mary Ann, Frank, Henry,
William (now deceased), Charles, William
and Florentine. The father of these
children, prior to his death in 1863, had acquired a
full section of land. With the assistance of
the sons, the greater portion of this tract was
cleared and properly prepared for miscellaneous
farming and the raising of stock. This farm is
pointed to with great pride by the descendants.
Mr. Verhoff, being one of the pioneer
settlers of Putnam county, came here shortly after
the founding of the town of Glandorf by Professor
Horstman, a native of Germany. The wife
and mother lived until the year 1901, during which
year she was called by the Master of Destiny and was
laid away with the father. It may be well said
that they were loyal and practical members of the
Roman Catholic church, attending St. John's church,
at Glandorf. They left behind them enviable
reputations for good citizenship and set their
children a good example of true christian life.
Theodore Verhoff, the subject of this review, received
a good common school education. He was a man
of keen observation and devoted himself to farming
and stock-raising with a decided degree of success.
He was married on June 18, 1861, to Elizabeth
Egbers, who, at that time, was just twenty years
of age, and who was the daughter of Theodore
Egbers and wife. Having decided to reside
on a portion of the large farm bequeathed to the
children of Francis Verhoff, they located on
seventy-eight acres in sections 9 and 16, Greensburg
township, and which was put to use in the usual
course of farming. To Theodore Verhoff
and wife were born twelve children, and they are
enumerated, in order of their birth dates, as
follows: Frank J., June 22, 1864;
William F., Aug. 22, 1866; Barney Henry,
July 22, 1869; John Theodore, Apr. 6, 1870;
Joseph Charles, Mar. 15, 1873; John Barney,
Apr. 15, 1875; August George, Feb. 5, 1877;
Alloisa Albert, Feb. 18, 1883; Mary
Elizabeth, Apr. 13, 1862, (now deceased);
Mary Ann, Mar. 4, 1863; Amelia Helena,
June 21, 1879; Mary Regina, Feb. 24,
1881. Marriages of these children have taken
place as follow: John Frank to Elizabeth
Hamberg, who have a family of eight children:
William F. to Agnes Lemper, to whom there
have been born seven children: Barney Henry
to Elizabeth Gerdeman, who have two children;
John Theodore to Catherine Brinkman,
who have four living children and one deceased;
Charles Joseph to Amelia Schroeder, with
one child: John Barney to Mary Lemper,
who have two children; August George to
Nora Westbeld, who have two children; Amelia
Helena to Barney Siefker who have six
children; Alloisa Albert to
Veronica Schmiedebusch, who have two
children. Mary Ann, up to this
writing, is recorded as single, as is also Mary
Regina. All are residents of Putnam
county.
Mr. Verhoff, observing that his youngest
son, Alloisa, took such a keen interest in
the farm and in the raising of blooded stock, he
appointed him to the management of his farm, son
after his marriage to Veronica
Schmiedebusch. This marriage occurred on
June 6, 1911, and the wife was one of the large
family of Frank and Gertrude
Schmiedebusch, natives of Putnam county, and who
are engaged in farming. Besides the daughter
named, they are blessed with eight other children,
Emma, Gertrude, Sylvester, Laura, Clara, Edward,
Charles and Frank. Alloisa and Veronica
are now the proud possessors of two children,
Gertrude Elizabeth, born on May 8, 1912, and
Cornelius Frank Theodore, born on Sept. 30,
1913.
In the management of the farm, and practically the
entire responsibility for its success ultimately
resting upon the son, Alloisa, it should be
recorded that it is one of the best-managed stock
and general-purpose farms in this section of the
country. Particular attention is given to the
breeding of Holstein cattle, Poland-China hogs,
Belgian horses, etc. The farm building,
commodious and comfortable, are kept in first-class
condition and everything clearly indicated an
industrious and business-like management.
Great credit is due Alloisa and in
appreciation of his efforts in behalf of the place,
a short time before his marriage, his father
bequeathed the farm to him, reserving a life
interest in it.
Theodore Verhoff,
whose wife died on Mar. 20, 1905, is, despite his
age, a remarkably bright and active man mentally.
It is indeed interesting to hear this pioneer
settler's anecdotes of early days, besides observing
his keen interest in public affairs. Mr.
Verhoff served on the local school board for
many years, taking an active and aggressive part in
everything looking toward the advancement of the
young folks. He was a firm believer in the
principles of Democracy. He is a member of St.
John's Catholic church, of Glendorf, Ohio, to which
he contributes liberally, according to his means.
Mr. Verhoff enjoys a large circle of friends
and companions, and, because of his high personal
standing, is popular throughout the community, being
numbered among Putnam's county's most enterprising
and progressive citizens.
Alloisa bought
fifty acres of land in section 9, adjoining the home
place, a year before his marriage, and devotes a
part of his time to its cultivation and improvement.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 584 |
| |
WILLIAM F. VERHOFF.
The record of the gentleman whose name introduces
this article, contains no exciting chapter of tragic
events, but is replete with well-defined purposes,
which, carried to successful issue, have won for him
an influential place in business circles and high
personal standing among his fellow citizens.
His life work ahs been of unceasing industry and
perseverance and the systematic and honorable
methods which he has ever followed have resulted not
only in gaining the confidence of those with whom he
has had dealings, but also in the building up of a
farming estate of fair proportions.
William F. Verhoff is the son of Theodore and
Elizabeth (Egbers) Verhoff and was born on Aug.
22, 1866, in Greensburg township, Putnam county,
Ohio. The father was born on June 17, 1838,
and is the son of
Francis and Mary (Kramer) Verhoff, early
settlers in Putnam county, Ohio, a complete sketch
of whom is given elsewhere in this biographical
work.
The subject of this review was reared under the
parental roof and secured his education in the
schools of Greensburg township, Putnam county, Ohio.
Upon attaining mature years he decided to continue
farming, and, on Apr. 22, 1891, was married to
Agnes Lemper, born on Nov. 19, 1866, daughter of
William J. Lemper and wife. Mrs.
Verhoff's parents were natives of Germany,
leaving there in 1867, emigrating to this country
and settling on a farm four miles west of the town
of Glandorf, Putnam county, Ohio. To them were
born five children, Theresia, Clara, William,
Agnes and Mary. Clara was married
to William H. Edelbrook and now resides on
the farm one and one-half miles south of the town of
Kalida, Ohio; William was married to
Helena Wortman, who is now living in Saginaw,
Michigan; Mary Leper was married to Barney
Verhoff and resides in Greensburg township,
Putnam county, Ohio.
After the marriage of Agnes Lemper to William
F. Verhoff, they removed to the farm which
formerly belonged to her father, William Lemper,
and to them were born seven children, names and
birth dates as follow: Ben, On Mar. 9, 1892;
Joseph, on Dec. 29, 1893; Adela, on Oct.
18, 1895; Martha, on Apr. 12, 1899; George,
on June 23, 1903; Amanda, on July 7, 1907;
Agnes, on Sept. 27, 1914. Of these
children, Ben was married on Oct. 29, 1913,
to Theresa Rahrig, daughter of Frank
Rahrig and wife, who reside six miles south of
the town of Grafton, Lorain county, Ohio.
William F. Verhoff is the owner of one hundred
sixty acres of good farm land, in Greensburg
township, Putnam county, Ohio, and, with his wife,
ahs made this place their home fro the past eight
years. Desiring to gain a little more farming
land for special purposes he recently acquired a
tract consisting of eighty acres near the town of
Owosso, Michigan. The son, Ben, and
wife make their home on a farm near Owosso, and are
following out the example of thrift and industry set
for them. Thus far, the life of Ben Verhoff
has been one of strenuous activity and by reason of
his ambition it is predicted by his many friends
that he will occupy a place of great usefulness and
distinction at no late date in the future. The
entire family are devout and practical members of
St. John's Catholic church in Glandorf, Ohio, and
socially move in the very best circles of this
region.
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 898 |
|
Joseph Vogel
Joseph Vogel Residence |
JOSEPH VOGEL *
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 656 |
| |
LOUIS VON LEHMDEN
Source: History of Putnam County, Ohio, by
George D. Kinder, Publ. 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Co.,
Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana - Page 1416 |
|
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