REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

MARION COUNTY, OHIO

1907 HISTORY

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DANIEL WEBSTER KAELBER, a prosperous farmer of Waldo township, residing on his well-improved farm of 95 1/2 acres, situated in section 19, was born December 25, 1861, on the old home place in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Caroline (Wechter) Kaelber.

Jacob Kaelber, who was born in (born Nov 10, 1823 in Eutingen, Pforzheim, Baden the son of Friedrich and Anna Sophia Diess Kaelber) Germany, came to this country in 1853 with his wife (Caroline born Feb 20, 1828 in Kieselbronn, Baden) and three children, in company with his wife's parents and other members of the family. They lived for a short time in New York City and then located on a farm in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio. The country was new and undeveloped and the family for some time occupied a log house, which was standing on the place. Six more children were born after coming to this country, making a family of nine children: Caroline, who died at the age of 14 years; Catharine, who married John Klingel, of Richland township; Christina, who is the widow of Lucas Klingel; Josephine, who married Hiram King, Jacob; Christopher; Daniel Webster; William, who died aged four years; and an infant deceased. Shortly after the death of the youngest child, Mrs. Kaelber died. Jacob Kaelber subsequently returned to Germany and married Frederica (Henricka) Wechter, (born in Kieselbronn, Pforzheim, Baden Dec 13, 1843, the daughter of Matthias and Caroline Zeigler Wechter) a sister of his first wife. They at once came to America and located on the home place in Richland township, where they continued to reside until just a short time before Jacob's death, when he moved to George Wick's farm, where, on August 9, 1903, he passed away at the advanced age of 81 years. He was a Democrat, but supported William McKinley for President. Five children were born to Jacob Kaelber and his second wife, namely: Emma, deceased at the age of nine years; Lydia, who married George Wick ; Pauline, deceased at the age of 19 years; William, deceased at the age of four years; and Charles.

Daniel W. Kaelber was reared on his father's farm in Richland township and at a very early age went into the fields to work and filled a man's place. As not much of the land was cleared and there were no fences the work of finding the cattle each night was no light task. Game was very plentiful, but he could not take advantage of the excellent hunting as he had no gun and his time each day was fully taken up with farm work. Occasionally, however, he managed to hunt raccoons at night. His schooling was confined to what he could secure by a short attendance in the winter months, when farm work was chiefly confined to the care of the live-stock on the place. Experience has been his best teacher. For about three years after his marriage, he rented a farm from his father-in-law, starting in to keep house in the old log house where his wife was born. He then moved to Sarpy County, Nebraska, where he rented an uncle's farm for one year, after which he moved to a farm of 160 acres where he remained for two years. He then packed up his belongings and moved his family to Cass County, Missouri. a distance of about 350 miles. He made the trip by wagon, driving a span of mules and camped out every night on the way. He bought a farm of 80 acres in Cass County, which he operated for 10 years. In the meantime he and a party of three men made a trip to the Indian territory when the "Cherokee Strip" was opened for settlement in 1893. They were successful in the race, but Mr. Kaelber decided not to locate, because of the hot winds. So he returned to his family in Missouri, where he continued to live until 1900. He then sold his farm and returned to Marion County, Ohio, where he bought a farm of 62 1/2 acres in Waldo township, resided there for three years, then sold the land to his brother and bought his present farm of 95 1/2 acres from Jacob Reeley, the house, barn and other buildings being on the place at the time of the purchase. Here he has since been engaged in general farming and stock-raising.

On February 22, 1884, Mr. Kaelber was married to Myrtle Denman, who was born April 24, 1867, on the old Denman home place in Waldo township, Marion County. Ohio, and is a daughter of Isaac and Rachel (Crawford) Denman. Isaac Denman was born May 3l, 1828, in Orange County, New York, and is a son of Andrew and Eleanor ( Stillwell ) Denman, both natives of Orange County, New York. When a boy of nine years, Isaac came to Marion County, Ohio, witli his father, who bought a farm of 80 acres in Richland township. Andrew Denman sold the farm after a year's time and moved to Waldo township, where he purchased a tract of 100 acres in the northwestern part of the township. This he cleared and placed in a state of cultivation and in 1853 moved to Marshall County, Indiana, where he died in 1870. Andrew Denman served for eight months on Long Island during the War of 1812. His father, Isaac Denman, was a drummer in the Revolutionary War and died in Orange County, New York, at the age of 80 years. Isaac Denman, the father of Mrs. Kaelber, was one of a family of nine children. He was reared and educated in Marion County and was married (first), February 16,1856, to Mary Crawford, a daughter of Jacob and Julian Crawford. They had a family of seven chilclren, namely: Lydia, who married H. Luellen: Rosalinda, who married George Stiffler; George; John; Emma, deceased, who was the wife of George Millhouse; and two that died in infancy. Mrs. Denman died February 14, 1864, and he married her sister, Rachel Crawford, in 1866. Four children were born of this second union, as follows: Myrtle, the wife of our subject; Jacob; Mary (Rentschler); and an infant that died February 27, 1902 His widow is still living and resides with her daughter Mary Rentschler. Isaac Denman enlisted for service in the Civil War September 21, 1864,in Company K, 174^th Reg, Ohio Vol. Inf., and was in the Army of Tennessee. He fought in a number of battles and was discharged March 14, 1865. He was a Democrat in politics and served as township trustee four tem and as assessor of the township two years.

Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel W. Kaelber, namely: Frank; Gertrude; Lottie, deceased in infancy; LeRoy, who died in 1891 aged two years; Wesley; Maud; Nora; Ray; and Florence. Mr. Kaelber attends the Methodist Church. of which his wife has been a member since 1893.

DANIEL KAUFMAN, (PICTURE) deceased, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was formerly one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Marion township and one of its most substantial farmers, owning at the time of death 272.acres of valuable land in Marion County. He was born in Claridon township, Marion County, Ohio, December 14, 1840, and was a son of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Schaffner) Kaufman, both of whom were born in Germany..

Daniel Kaufman remained in his native township until nine years after his marriage, and was occupied in assisting on the large farm owned by his father. In 1877 he bought 90 acres of land in Marion township, to which he moved in the following year and this has been a part of the home farm until the present time. He was not only a capable farmer but was also an excellent manager and added to the value of his property by constantly improving it. A few years after his father's death, Daniel came into possession of 134 acres of finely cultivated land and later he purchased 48 acres of equally good land from Thomas Graham. His large estate thus consisted of 272 acres, in three tracts. In addition to being a successful agriculturist, Mr. Kaufman ran a threshing machine for about 30 years and was a most worthy man in every relation of life. He was a kind father and affectionate husband, a good neighbor and a consistent member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. His death occurred on March 1, 1903.

On April 8, 1869, Mr. Kaufman was married to Catharine Schrote, who is a daughter of Frederick and Lydia ( Reeley) Schrote. The parents of Mrs. Kaufman were early pioneers in Marion County. Frederick Schrote was a boy of 10 years when he accompanied his mother and brother Jacob to America, his father and one sister dying on shipboard, during the voyage, from cholera. The family lived in Pleasant township, Marion County, where Mrs. Kaufman was reared, and was the second born in a family of 11 children. Her mother died in December. 1887, and her father on January 3, 1894.

Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman had five children born to them and all survive, viz.: Hannah Margaret; Sarah Caroline, married Henry Mautz, of Richland township, and has two children--Harley Kaufman and Jay Henry; Lydia Elizabeth, married Albert Click of Marion township, and has two children--Howard Sylvester and Hilda Catharine; John Elmer and Alfred Daniel. With the assistance of the last named two sons, Mrs. Kaufman continues to carry on large agricultural operations. The young men have gone extensively into stock raising and at present own 100 head of sheep, 25 head of cattle and 11 head of horses. They enjoy the reputation of having the best managed farm in Marion township. Mrs. Kaufman and family are well known in the community and are held in high esteem. They all are members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church.

DAVID KAUFMAN, proprietor of a well-improved farm of 90 acres, located in section 1, Pleasant township, was born on his father's farm in Claridon township, Marion County, Ohio and is a son of John Jacob and Elizabeth (Schaffner) Kaufman.

John Jacob Kaufman was born in Germany and at the age of 17 years came to America, locating first in Pennsylvania, but later moving to Marion County, Ohio, where he purchased land in Claridon township. He was married (first) to Elizabeth Schaffner, a native of Germany, and they had the following children: Lydia, who married Gottlieb Segler; John, who died in the army during the Civil War, and was buried at Chattanooga, Tennessee; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of William Meiley; Elizabeth, who married William Cull; Daniel, deceased; Catherine, deceased, who was the wife of Lewis Sachman; and David. Mr. Kaufman was married (second) to Margaret (Keil) Cull, a widow who had four children by her first marriage: John, Jacob, Margaret and Caroline. Six children were born to Mr. Kaufman by the second marriage, namely: Sarah, William, Emma, Christina, Sabine and Louise, of whom the first four named are now deceased. Mr. Kaufman died in 1894, at the age of 84 years; and his widow died four later.

David Kaufman was reared on his father's farm in Claridon township, where he remained until he was about 23 years old, when he went to live with his oldest sister. He was married five years later to Christina F. Schrote, who was born June 4, 1853, in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Frederick and Lydia ( Reeley) Schrote, the latter of whom was a native of Pennsylvania. Frederick Schrote came to America from Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany with his parents when 10 years of age. His father and sister died on the ocean but he, his mother and his brother Jacob reached Marion County, where his mother purchased a tract of timberland in Pleasant township. Upon reaching manhood, Frederick Schrote married Lydia Reeley and they had 11 children, as follows: Caroline, who is the widow of George Dietsch; Catharine, who is the widow of Daniel Kaufman, a brother of David; Hannah, who is the widow of John Dietsch, a brother of George Dietsch; Jacob, who is farming in Richland township; Christina F.; Charles Frederick, of Pleasant township; Lydia Henry, deceased in infancy; John; an infant, deceased; and Clara. Mrs. Schrote died in December, 1887, and Mr. Schrote, on January 3, 1894.

Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman have had 10 children, the survivors being: Jacob, Anna, Callie, David, Martha and Ina. Those deceased are Clara, Delma and two unnamed infants. After his marriage, Mr. Kaufman rented a farm for six years and then bought his present farm of 80 acres of Michael Click, and later added 10 acres. He has always been a general farmer, raising grain, horses, cattle, etc. Politically, he is a Democrat and has served several terms as school director. He is a member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church.

SIMON P. KEENER, who is the owner of 120 acres of productive farm land on which he resides, is one of the substantial and leading citizens of Marion township. He was born September 7, 1833, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Henry and Susan (Huber) Keener, both of whom were born reared and spent their entire lives in Pennsylvania.

Simon P. Keener was reared and educated in Westmoreland County, where he continued to reside until after his marriage, when he moved to Salem township and remained there until 186l, when he came to Marion County Ohio. and rented a farm in Grand township for 16 years. In 1875 he bought his present farm on which he located two years later. In 1876 he erected a large frame house, anal since then has made many other improvements. Mr. Keener has always followed farming and raises considerable stock of all kinds.

Mr. Keener was married in 1856, to Caroline Bush, who died October 12, 1901. They had a family of 10 children, of whom seven are living. The record is as follows: Mary, who married Thomas Storer, lives in Marion township and has two children: Emory, who lives in Marion, is married and has two children: Susanna Caroline, died in infancy; Alice, who married Edward Sweeney, of Oklahoma, and had nine children; Jane, residing at Loraine, Ohio, who is the widow of Jacob Berry and the mother of four children; Henry, deceased, aged 24 years; Jacob, who was accidentally killed on the railroad; Minnie who married William Fetter, lives in Marion and has one child: Eva, who married John Reckley, resides at Marion, and has three children; and Simon Peter, who married Mary Sider, lives at home and has two children-- Grace May and Francis Edward. Mr. Keener has 23 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Politically, Mr. Keener is a Democrat and was elected by that party a trustee of Marion township, in which capacity he served one term. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

FRANK S. KEILER, (PICTURE) president of the Marion Ice & Cold Storage Company, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is also connected with a number of the other important business organizations of the city of Marion. He was born in this city in 1869, and is a son of the late Jacob Keiler, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.

Frank S. Keiler was reared at Marion and educated in her excellent public schools. After two years' association with his father in a manufacturing business, he entered the employ of The Marion Steam Shovel Company, continuing with that concern until 1893, when The Marion Ice & Cold Storage Company was organized. It was incorporated with J. L. Elliott as president and F. S. Keiler as secretary and treasurer. When Mr. Elliott retired from the business in 1898, Mr. Keiler became president and has been the head and front of this successful enterprise ever since. He is a stockholder in The Marion Steam Shovel Company, Marion's leading manufacturing plant, and is also interested in other industries.

In 1895, Mr. Keiler was married to Carrie Turner, a daughter of the late Edmund P. Turner. They have one son, Edmund Harder.

Fraternally, Mr. Keiler belongs to the various Masonic bodies at Marion--blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery. He is a member of the Marion Commercial Club, the Tally Wag Club and is a trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association. He is also a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of Marion.

JACOB KEILER, formerly one of Marion's enterprising, successful and esteemed citizens, was born January 1, 1832, in Berlin County, Pennsylvania, and died at his beautiful home, on Center street, Marion, February 15, 1890. He was reared and educated in Pennsylvania, where he remained until the age of 25 years, when he removed to Marshall County, Iowa. He remained there from 1857 until 1861, when the call for volunteers caused his enlistment in Company H. 12th Reg., Iowa Vol. Inf. As a member of the Lath Iowa Regiment, he served in the Army of the Tennessee and participated in the notable battles of Shiloh, Corinth, siege of Vicksburg and all the engagements of the Atlanta campaign. At: Atlanta he was unfortunate enough to be captured and was incarcerated at Andersonville Prison, where he was kept a prisoner for two dreadful months, being then sent to Florence, South Carolina, where he was kept two months longer before he was paroled. He was honorably discharged after four years of faithful service, the effects of which were never overcome and which probably had much to do with the several years of invalid life which preceded: his death, at the comparatively early age of 58 years.

Upon returning from the army, Mr. Keilef came to Ohio and purchased an interest in the Delaware flouring mills, but one year later established his home-at Marion. Here he em gaged in a lumber business and! subsequently erected a planing-mill, which he operated for some years. He was one of the early stockholders in The Marion Steam Shovel Company, one of the first directors and the first treasurer; he never disposed of his interest.

In October, 1868 Mr. Keller was married (first) to Sarah C. Harder, who died in October, 1877, leaving two children. He was married (second) in June, 1881, to Mrs. Martha P. Elliott, who survives. He was a man of sterling qualities, of large heart and cheerful disposition. He was as loyal to his friends as he had been to his country and by them he is remembered with sentiments of the highest esteem.

CHARLES F. KELLER. (PICTURE) whose valuable farm of 222 acres is located in Waldo township, resides on a tract of 152 acres of the same, which is situated in section 35, near the Marion and Delaware turnpike. Mr. Keller was born on his father's farm in Zaisersweiher, Wuerttemberg. Germany, November 10, 1843, and is the youngest son of John Ulrich and Christina (Cull) Keller.

The parents of Mr. Keller were born in Gundelbach, Wuerttemberg, the father in November 7, 1799, and the mother in Mar 24, 1804 in Zaiserweiher, Wuerttemberg, Germany. Nine children were born to them in Germany, and three of these died there. The six that accompanied their parents to America, in 1847, were as follows: Caroline, deceased, who was the wife of John Kibbler; Caleb. who died in Allen County, Ohio; Christian David, who is a farmer in Allen County; Gottlieb, living near Green Camp, Marion County, who owns almost 1000 acres of land; John Ulrich, of Spencerville; and Charles F. The mother of the above named children was ill of consumption when the family left Germany and she survived the fatigue of the long journey to Central Ohio only 12 days, dying in 1847. In 1853 the father married Frederica Sanders, who was also a native of Germany. Two children were born to this second marriage, but neither survived infancy, dying in 1860. Their mother died in April, 1887, and John Ulrich Keller died in October, 1875, aged 76 years.

When John Ulrich Keller and wife landed on the shores of the United State's, this country was then at war with Mexico. They directed their steps to Marion County, Ohio, and after a long and tiresome journey, John U. Keller, with his six children and sick wife finally reached Sandusky. There were no roads cut through to what is now Waldo township and no public means of transportation, but Mr. Keller secured the help of a teamster who was hauling wheat between Marion and Sandusky, and in this way was able to have his dying wife and children carried to Marion, reaching that place on May 11, 1847. The present busy city, with its varied industries, its beautiful buildings and fine avenues, was then but a collection of log houses, built mostly alike and each sheltering a large family.

The father of our subject bought 80 acres of land from Ephraim Gross and Charles Ermer, 10 acres of had been cleared and on which stood a little log cabin. To Bethlehem, Waldo township, Mr. Keller immediately brought his family, no doubt experiencing much kindness at Marion, for those were days when hearts were open and friendly hands were extended on every side, this being particularly the case in times of sickness and it was truly typical of the pioneer. As stated above, the mother died here a few days later and was laid to rest far from her native land, too soon for her to have learned to love her adopted one.

For a long time thereafter pioneer conditions prevailed in Waldo township. Mr. Keller, like many other residents of this county at present, can recall the great abundance of game. The squirrels were so numerous that, without fear, they ran up and down the forest trees so near the human beings who had invaded their forest, that a man would hardly need a gun in order to secure plenty of them, and with a gun could easily at any time have killed a wagon load. Wild turkeys and deer also abounded. Thus, while the family had to endure many hardships, there was never any difficulty about securing food.

Charles F. Keller, or Carl as he was christened in his native land, was only three and a half years old when he was brought to Waldo township and can scarcely remember the journey or the death of his mother, so soon afterward. His boyhood was given over to very hard work as there was plenty for all hands to do and there was no evading it, as the father was a stern disciplinarian, being always ready to work hard himself and expecting his sons to do likewise. In the winter time, when boys on farms expect to go to school, there was generally corn to husk, so that Mr. Keller had but few advantages in this direction. He remained on the farm until September, 1864, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering the 180th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., 23rd Army Corps, and served under General Sherman until the close of hostilities, without being wounded. Mr. Keller had many adventures and experiences in the army, and can recall them in an interesting way. He participated in the battle of Beaufort, North Carolina, where the regiment was exposed for four days and four nights. An unpleasant experience was when they were encamped on the banks of the Potomac after the river froze and when the weather was bitterly cold. From January 31 to February 22, 1865, the regiment endured many hardships for want of warm clothing and sufficient fuel. After the battle of Beaufort, the regiment was sent to Goldsboro, North Carolina, and then as a part of an army of 150,000 men, they marched on Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina. The Governor surrendered the State without fighting, and the army then marched to Greensboro and then to Charlotte, a distance of 110 miles, where Mr. Keller fell sick and was sent to a hospital at New Bern, where he was discharged after the close of the war. During his term of service, he traveled 4,300 miles, was in seven States and was absent from his regiment but three weeks.

Mr. Keller came back to the home farm after his army experience and on February 9, 1869, was married to Mary Hecker, who died in June, 1874, leaving two children, namely: John, engaged in a life insurance business at Detroit, Michigan, who married Minnie Snyder and has one child, Margaret; and Rudolph Daniel, residing on the home farm, who married Bertha Zachman and has one child, Viola. On January 28, 1875, Mr. Keller was married (second) to Barbara Gattner, who was born Christmas Day, 1849, in Bloomfield township, Morrow County, Ohio. Four children have been born to this union, namely: Charles Harrison, residing on the home farm, who married Clara Bender; Mary Rose, who married Adam Goyer and has had three children Charles F., Henry and Marie (deceased) ; Emma Elizabeth, who married Jeremiah Slack; and Bertha Christina, deceased in February, 1905, who was the wife of Ora Collins, and left at death one child, Gladys Lenore.

Mr. Keller has always carried on general farming. Part of his land, where he lives, he bought of Daniel S. Drake and the other part was his portion of the old homestead. In 1893 he erected the present comfortable eight-room house, having built his, substantial barn in 1889. In political sentiment he is now a Republican; although he has never sought office, he has been willing to serve at various times on the School Board. With his family he belongs to the German Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he united in 1860. and in which he has held official position. He can recall the days when services were held in the old log church. He is a valued member of Cooper Post, No. 117, G. A. R., at Marion.

Mrs. Keller belongs to an old German family which has lived in Ohio for many years, settling in Morrow County in 1848. The father was born in Wiesloch, Baden, Germany, and was married there for the first time and had three children. His second marriage was to Elizabeth Sulser, and they had four children, namely: Rudolph, Barbara, George and a babe that died in infancy. The mother of Mrs. Keller died in Morrow County, in 1870, after which Mr. Keller advised Mr. Gattner to sell his land and come to Waldo township and take up his residence with him. Mr. Keller proved a good business adviser and the land brought. under his management, $60 an acre, although other sellers still later were only able to get $35 an acre. For the last five years of his life Mr. Gattner lived at the home of Mr. Keller. He died in May, 1881, having been deaf from the age of 20 years.

Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Keller accompany this sketch.

IRA C. KELLER, proprietor of the "Brookside Stock Farm," one of the largest poultry and stock farms in the State of Ohio, located one mile east of the village of Prospect, has been a resident of Prospect township since October 7, 1889. He was born November 12, 1863, on his father's farm near Newark, Ohio, and is a son of Eli and Fidelia (Holler) Keller.

Eli Keller for many years operated a large stock farm, near Newark, Ohio, and died when our subject was three years old, leaving a family of eight children, namely: Martha, who married W. F. Shaffner; Lorena, who married Rev. B. H. Neibel; Ida, who married Eben T. Williams; Etta, deceased, who was the wife of G. D. Scott; Philo J.; Willis; Ira C.; and Eber A. After Eli Keller's death, his widow continued living on the home farm until 1876, when she removed to Tiffin, Ohio, and conducted a thorough-bred stock farm. She subsequently became the wife of William F. Gibbs. She still resides at Tiffin.

Ira C. Keller was reared on his mother's farm at Tiffin, where she located when he was 13 years old. He was educated in the public schools and at the Ohio Normal University at Ada. After leaving school, he engaged in conducting a poultry and stock farm at Tiffin until 1889. He then purchased from J. H. Thomas 70 acres of land in Prospect township, Marion County, known as the old Grigsby place, which is his present farm. He removed his stock to this farm and has since been engaged in raising thorough-bred stock, making a specialty of Wyandot poultry, of which strain he is one of the originators. Wyandot poultry is in great demand all over the world, as is shown by the poultry journals. He is the most extensive breeder of Wyandot poultry in America and ships to more than 15 foreign countries-in Europe, Africa, Australia and North and South America. He exhibited his Wyandot poultry at the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago, the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo and the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, winning 100 premiums at these fairs. Nearly every year since 1891 he has exhibited his Wyandot poultry at the poultry shows held at the Madison Square Garden, New York City, and has won more than 300 prizes there, including silver cups, medals, etc. He has one of the largest poultry farms in the State of Ohio. He is also a breeder of draft horses, English Berkshire hogs and imported collie dogs. Mr. Keller has spent a great deal of time and money in improving his farm with modern buildings, which are fitted up with the latest and best appliance for the business. He grinds his grain on the place, having installed milling machinery.

Mr. Keller is a member of the executive board of the American Poultry Association, the largest live-stock association in the world, and is also an officer in about eight different clubs pertaining to his business. He has been a: judge at poultry Shows since he was about 20 years of age, serving in that capacity at the expositions at Chicago, Buffalo and St. Louis, at the Marison Square Garden poultry shows and at many State fairs. His business causes him to travel about 4,000 miles each year. He was a member of the Marion County Fair Board for four years.

Mr. Keller married Cora Gibson, a daughter of Capt. B. H. and Martha (Corbet) Gibson, the former a brother of Gen. W. H. Gibson, of Tiffin, Ohio. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Keller: Tracy; Hildred; Lucile; and Coriene. Mr. Keller and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Republican, but has never cared to enter actively into politics.

PATRICK KELLY, president of the Board of Review of Marion, and exsheriff of Marion County, was born at Galion, Ohio, in 1851, and is a son of Patrick Kelley, a native of County Mayo, Ireland, who died about 1889 in Marion County, where he had been engaged in contracting.

Patrick Kelly, our subject, was brought to Marion County by his parents when an infant and here was reared and educated. Early in life he entered the business world beginning in the warehouse of Simon E. DeWolfe, after which he was clerk in a wholesale house for some time. He then engaged in the contracting business with his brother David, building turnpikes and wagon bridges, also operating stone quarries. Since establishing the contracting business, be has continued in the same with the exception of four years.

Mr. Kelly has been very prominently identified with the political affairs of Marion County, and in the fall of 1887 was elected sheriff, to which office he was reelected in 1889, serving two terms in that capacity. He is. now serving his fourth year as a member of the Board of Review of Marion, of which he has been president for two years.

Mr. Kelly was united in marriage, in 1880, with Margaret Connors, of Marion, and they have four daughters: Mary P., Nora, Grace and Marguerite. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and of the Knights of Columbus.

JAMES WILLIAM KENNEDY, (PICTURE) a leading agriculturist of Big Island township, residing on his well-improved farm of 350 acres, was born November 8, 1853, In Tully township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of William K. and Margaret (Shank) Kennedy, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania.

William Kennedy was born July 16, 1818, in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, and in 1832 came to Ohio with his parents, who, settled in Crawford County, where he grew to manhood and married, after his marriage removing to Tully township, Marion County, where he died February 2. 1897. His wife died May 28, 1860, at the age of 37 years. William K. Kennedy was the father of nine children, of whom our subject was the sixth.

James W. Kennedy was reared on his father's farm in Tully township and lived at home until three years after his marriage, when he moved to his present place in Big Island township, first purchasing 215 acres of land to which he added until he now owns a tract of 350 acres. Altogether he, owns 470 1/2 acres in Marion County. Mr. Kennedy has always been engaged in general farming and stock-raising and is recognized as one of the township's most successful and enterprising citizens.

Mr. Kennedy was married September 21, 1880, to Emma M. B. Holverstott, who was born May 18, 1862, in Claridon township, Marion County, and is a daughter of Peter W. and Adelia. (Kilbourn) Holverstott, both, of Marion County. Mrs. Kennedy was reared in this county and was the second oldest of a family of five children. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have had five children, as follows: Mabel Edna, born July 29, 1881, who married Corey W. Pangborn, son of Thomas W. Pangborn, of Big Island township, and has had three children-Leslie Leroy (deceased at the age of two years), Lola Grace and Kenneth Raymond; Ethel Grace, born March 24, 1885, who married Hayes Holland, son of J. J. Holland, of Claridon township, and has one child, Mildred Juanita; Clarence Merle, born December 21, 1886, who is a student at the Ohio Wesleyan College at Delaware; Fred L., born October 17, 1888, who died September 25, 1889; and Lois Elberta, born March 7, 1892. Politically, Mr. Kennedy is independent, giving his support to the best man for the office. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are active members of the Baptist Church. A group picture of the Kennedy family accompanies this sketch.

ROBERT KERR was one of the most widely known and successful pioneers of Marion County. He was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, October 27, 1807, of Irish parentage. His father came to Knox County, Ohio, with his family, when Robert was 11 years old, where he settled on a farm of 160 acres. As usual in those early days, Robert's edycation was slight and at the age of 19 he left the parental roof and began to learn the tanner's trade at Martinsburg, Ohio. Comleteing his apprenticeship in two and a half years, he hired out to drive hogs through to Baltimore, Maryland, at three shillings a day and board. Upon his return to Ohio, he worked in a sawmill and then took contracts for clearing up land at from: $2.50 to $3 per acre at the same time cutting cord wood at 20 cents per cord and splitting rails at 50 cents per hundred. With the money thus earned, he began, about 1830, to invest in land in Scott township, paying for the first 80 acres $100. Afte r purchasing over 500 acres of land, he stocked his land with sheep, making enough money to pay for the farm in five years. After this Mr. Kerr began buying and raising sheep on a large scale and during one season his receipts from the sale of wool and sheep amounted to $33,000. About 1876 he disposed of his sheep and confined his attention .to raising cattle. In 1883 he owned over 1,000 head of cattle, and his landed estate in Marion, Crawford and Wyandot counties aggregated more than 4,000 acres, of which 2,573 acres where in Marion County. At the same time he owned large blocks of stock in the Farmers' Bank of Marion and the Nevada Deposit Bank, of Nevada, Ohio. He built the Kerr House (now the Pilgrim Inn) in Marion at a cost of $60,000 and the Kerr House at Nevada, Ohio, at a cost of $18,000.

Besides being one of the county's most wealthy men, Mr. Kerr was also one of its most liberal citizens. He gave to Hiram College $53,000 and to Bethany College of Virginia $23,000, and various smaller amounts to r institutions.

Mr. Kerr was twice married. His first wife was Matilda Swaggert, whom he married August 29, 1833. By this marriage there were 11 children. This wife dying in 1859, Mr. Kerr in July, 1861, married Martha Williams. By this marriage there was one child.

Mr. Kerr was seriously injured on New Year's Day, 1883, while walking on the icy street in Caledonia. From this injury he never fully recovered. He died July 13, 1888.

Thomas J. Anderson, in his book, says of him: "He was tall and ungainly. "He was. an honest and uneducated man of ability and great industry, but was neither handsome nor wholesome in appearance. He relished his stirrup-cup, but his raiment was evidently neither cut nor made in Paris."

JOHN A. KEY, recorder of Marion County, was born at Marion, Ohio, December 30, 1871, and is a son of George and Margaret (Davidson) Key

The late George Key was a well-known citizen of Marion, who was born December 30, 1838, in Scotland, and died at Marion, Ohio, in December, 1897. Mr. Key remained in his own country until he was 27 years of age, acquiring there a fair education and a thorough knowledge of the blacksmith's trade. In 1866 he came to America, in search of better business opportunities, and after four years at Akron, Ohio, settled permanently at Marion. Here he continued in the blacksmith business during the whole of his active life.

On August 4, 1869, George Key was married to Margaret Davidson, who was also of Scotch extraction. They had six children, of whom three sons are residents of Marion, namely: John A., and George F. and William H., who make up the firm of Key Brothers, prominent business men of this city. Mr. Key was identified with the Presbyterian Church at Marion from its early days. He was active in the Knights of Pythias, and also in the Elks, being a charter member of the latter organization Politically he was a Democrat. Through his industry he acquired considerable property, his investments being made with caution and good judgment. He was a man noted for the faithful and conscientious performance of every duty.

John A. Key was reared at Marion. After completing his education in the city's best schools, he became engaged in a number of reputable business enterprises. He served as letter carrier for six years and was also in the newspaper business. He has always been an active member of the Democratic party and in the fall of 1903 was elected county recorder, one of two Democratic candidates elected on the ticket in that campaign. He was reelected in November, 1906, by a handsome majority, being the only Democrat elected on the local ticket.

On July 11, 1906, Mr. Key was united in marriage with Cora M. Edwards, a daughter of the late William Edwards. They reside at No 238 Cummins avenue, Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Key belong to the First Presbyterian Church.

Fraternally, Mr. Key is a member of Marion Lodge, No. 32, B. P. O. E.; Canby Lodge, No. 51, K. of P.; Company No. 15, Uniform Rank, K. of P.; Wayside Lodge, No. 864, I. O. O. F.; and Buckeye Aerie, No. 337, F. O. E:

FELIX KIGER, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising operations on his farm of 92 1/2 acres located on section 11. Pleasant township, was born November 10, 1846, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Bollenbaugh) Kiger.

Henry Kiger, grandfather of Felix Kiger, was one of the earliest pioneers of Fairfield County, locating there when the country was a complete wilderness, when there were no roads and it was necessary to blaze the way in going from one community to another. He was a soldier in the War of 1812S, and lived to be more than 100 years old. His wife was one of the last pensioners of the war, and lived to the advanced age of 104 years.

John Kiger, father of Felix, was born and reared in Fairfield County, where he lived his entire life, engaged in farming. His death occurred in October, 1893. He married Elizabeth Bollenbaugh, a native of Fairfield Count ty, whose parents came. from Pennsylvania. Her death occurred in September, 1894. They were the parents of 11 children, namely: Mary, Sarah, William, Jacob, Henry ( deceased ), Rebecca ( deceased ), Jacob, Felix, Philena, Evan (deceased), and Amanda.

Felix Kiger grew to manhood in Fairfield County on his father's farm. He was married at the age of 21 years to Anna E. Shoff, who is also a native of Fairfield County, being a daughter of John and Catherine (Allspauch) Shoff, both of Fairfield County. Mr. Shoff died in 1893, and his wife in 1902. They were the parents of six children, as follows: A child who died unnamed; Anna E.; Samantha, deceased; Wesley; Minna, deceased; and Elmer.

Two children were born to Felix Kiger and his wife, namely: Ella Viola and Nora Emma, both living at home and interested in raising poultry. They make a specialty of Buff Plymouth Rock chickens, having more than 400 at a time, and ship eggs and chickens t o all parts of the country, including Canada and Mexico.

After his marriage, Mr. Kiger bought a farm in Fairfield County, which he sold when he moved to Marion County, in August, 1895, and located on his present farm. He has since been engaged in general farming and stockraising, making a specialty of Poland China hogs. Mr. Kiger is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Methodist Church.

GEORGE J. KING, a representative general farmer and stock-raiser of Marion County, whose well-improved homestead farm of 120 acres is situated in section 33, Salt Rock township, also owns another valuable of 80 acres, which lies one mile north and west of the home place. Mr. King, was born in Salt Rock township. Marion Cuunty, Ohio March 31, 1852, and is a son of James and Jane ( McElvy) King

James King was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Ohio, in 1819, ind was a son of George and Hessey (Hopkins) King. In 1823 the grandparents subject came to Marlon County. the grandfather having previously entered 160 acres of government land in Salt Rock township. To this he subsequently added until his possessions amounted to 448 acres. He died in Salt Rock township January 10, 1857. His widow survived until 1874. Grandfather King served in the War of 1812, and was a soldier under General Hull when the city of Detroit was surrendered. James King was tour years old when he was brought to Marion County, where he grew to manhood, assisting his father in clearing up the pioneer farm. He married Jane McElvy, daughter of John McElvy, also a soldier of the War of 1812 and a pioneer of Salt Rock township. The mother of our subject was born in this township on December 10, 1823, and had the distinction of being the first white babe born in Salt Rock township She still survives, at the age of 83 years, remarkably preserved both physically and mentally. Her recollections of the early days in this section are most interesting.

James and Jane King became the parents of five children is follows: Lawrence, who died in childhood; Mary Olive. deceased who was the wife of John A. Sappington; George J., of this sketch; Hessy Ann, who died aged 14 years; and Jennie R. who is the wife of Samuel Morral.

George J. King was reared in Salt Rock township, where he attended the district schools during boyhood and subsequently taught school. Since his marriage he has devoted his time, entirely to agricultural pursuits and is numbered with the successful farmers and stock-raisers of the township. In other ways he is also a prominent citizen of this locality, for many years serving most efficiently on the School Board, of which he is now president, a Justice of the peace for two terms. Although elected for a third term as justice of the peace he declined to accept, preferring to devote all his attention to his personal interests. During a year of residence in Big Island township, he served there as township clerk, an office he has also held in Salt Rock township.

Mr. King, married Anna M. Alkire, who was born in Wyandot County and is a daughter of Mahlon and Mary C. Alkire, who were natives of Pickaway County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs.

King have had four children, namely: Clara E., who married Rice Moberly and resides on the 80-acre farm of her father; Earl,. who married Lulu Grace Rhoads, daughter of John and Jane Rhoads, and lives in Grand township; and James M. and Florence Marie, who live at home. Mr. King and all his family are members of the Presbyterian Church in which he is an elder. In politics he is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

GEORGE W. KING, president and general manager of the Marion Steam Shovel Company, was born February 19, 1854, on a Farm in, Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of George T. and Margaret (Barnhart) King.

The King family came to Ohio from the Green Mountain State, the paternal grandfather, Titus King, being a native of Rutland, Vermont, where he was reared and where he engaged in business as a cloth manufacturer. Later he established a woolen-mill at Lancaster, Ohio, still later engaged in manufacturing at Delaware, where he operated grist, saw and woolen mills, and finally settled in Marion County, where he continued in the manufacturing business until his death in 1868. His son, George T. King, succeeded his father in the manufacturing business. George T. King was born On the same farm on which his son, George W. was born

George W. King was reared on his father's farm in Richland township. After completing his education in the local district school, he began to pay a great deal attention to the mechanical operation of his father's mill and displayed, very early, a comprehension of practical mechanics. and demonstrated where improvements could be made in various parts of the mill. From this it was easy to begin designing and many of his drawings were really remarkable for one whose skill was natural instead of acquired. The first article of acknowledged utility which Mr. King invented was a hay carrier and this was soon recognized by the farmers as a very desirable piece of machinery and proved a remunerative invention. Edward Huber, with advice and counsel, assisted and encouraged Mr. King in perfecting and obtaining patents for his first invention. This article was patented in 1882, and in November, 1883, Mr. King came to Marion and rented a room in the old Huber shops, on North Main street, where he manufactured hay carriers. The late H. M. Barnhart, the inventor of the steam shovel, was a double cousin of our subject; he took an interest in young King's experiments, and subsequently took him into his confidence and, through Mr. King's ability and fidelity, perfected the steam shovel. Mr. King made the patterns for the engines used on the first steam shovel, and in 1884 invented "King's" ditcher which was tested just east of the Fair Grounds. In 1884 a company was formed to manufacture steam shovels and dredges, of which Mr. King was a charter member. He became a salesman and expert and also one of the directors of the company. Since that time Mr. King has invented and patented a great number of very desirable improvements in shovels and dredging machinery and his name is one that carries a great deal of weight in the mechanical world. The Marion Steam Shovel Company is one of the most important industrial concerns of Marion, giving employment to many skilled workmen and distributing an immense amount of money which naturally runs into other business channels and hence assists in the city's prosperity.

In addition to this large concern, Mr. King has been identified with a number of other large business enterprises here, among these being The Huber Manufacturing Company, The Ohio Sanatorium Company, City National Bank, Marion National Bank, Prendergast Lumber & Coal Company and Marion County Telephone Company. He is a keen, astute business man who has made his own way in the world and is an example of commercial integrity, enjoying the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens.

On October 27, 1888, Mr. King was united in marriage with Sarah Reber, who was reared in Marion County, Ohio, a member of a prominent family, her parents being Felix and Harriet (Bropst) Reber, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. King have one son, Ray Reber, and one daughter, Ava Marie. The pleasant family home has been at No. 419 West Center street for a number of years, but Mr. King is now constructing a new residence on Mount Vernon avenue, one of the finest in this section. Mr. King is a member of the Masonic order, and of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is affiliated with the Republican party.

H. C. KING, of H. C. King & Company, lumber manufacturers and dealers, at Marion, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, April 25, 1867, and is a son of Henry King, who was a house contractor for a number of years.

After completing a common-school education, Mr. King was engaged in a planing-mill business at Peebles, Adams County. In 1893, with his brother, Mr. King bought out the Peebles Lumber Company and established the H. C. King & Company business in its place, subsequently buying the Davis Lumber Company and merging the two. The firm also conducts a retail lumber business at Sardinia, Brown County, and another at West Union, Adams County. The plant at Marion is an extensive one and the company manufactures lumber and also cement building blocks, Quite recently the plant has been equipped with modern machinery, which will add to the efficiency in taking care of their constantly increasing business.

In 1891 Mr. King was married to Mertie A. Perrv, of Scioto County, Ohio, and they have the following children: Grace E., Edna, Ruth, Mary and John Paul.

Mr. King is a member of the Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he takes a deep interest, teaching in the Sunday-school. He stands very high at Marion both as a citizen and as an able man of business.

JOHN B. KING, (PICTURE) a well-known, highly respected retired farmer of Marion and Hardin counties, residing at No. 405 West Center street, Marion, is also an honored veteran of the great Civil War, to which he gave four years of his young manhood. Mr. King was born in Salt Rock township, Marion County, Ohio, January 28, 1839, and is a son of George and Hessy ( Hopkins) King

George it. Kmg was born May 9, 1791, in Delaware and served in a Delaware regiment in the War of 1812. Removing to Pickaway County, Ohio, soon after his military service. was concluded, he there married Hessy Hopkins, who was born in Delaware in 1797 and was taken by her parents to Pickaway County in childhood, the family settling there in 1801 among the very earliest pioneers of that section of the State. After his marriage, George F. King came to Marion County in 1823 and settled in Salt Rock township.

Until the outbreak of the Civil War, John B. King remained on his father's farm. When the call came for soldiers, he enlisted in April, 1861, in Company H. Fourth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., which regiment was stationed at Camp Dennison during the entire three months of its term of enlistment. After a short visit home, Mr. King reenlisted, entering Company D, 64th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and remained with his regiment, participating in its dangers and hardships, until he was honorably discharged and was mustered out of the service, at Nashville, Tennessee, December 11, 1864. To merely name the long list of great battles and less serious engagements in which Mr. King took part, first as a private and later as an orderly sergeant, recalls a deeply important period of our country's history. He fought at Shiloh, Corinth, Stone River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Adairsville. Dallas , Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Lovejov Station, Springhill, Franklin and Nashville. By great good fortune he escaped serious injury, although at all times he was a brave and valiant defender of the flag and has a record which reflects credit on every day of his service.

After Mr. King returned from the army, he resumed farming in Salt Rock township, where he lived until 1877, when he purchased a farm on the edge of Hardin County, which he operated for 10 years. In the fall of 1886 Mr. King removed to Marion and this city has been his chosen home ever since. For 12 years Mr. King was a justice of the peace in Salt Rock township, Marion County, and Dudley township, Hardin County, and always took an interest in all that concerned his neighborhood in a public way. He is a stockholder in the Marion Manufacturing Company and has never disposed of his farming interests.

On January 1, 1868, Mr. King was married to Annie E. Mouser, who died in 1899. Two children were born to them: Clyde W., of Seattle, Washington; and Zoe M., who is the wife of W. J. Fies, who is associated with the Marion Steam Shovel Company.

Mr. King is past commander of Cooper Post, No. 117, G. A. R., of Marion. He belongs to the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally, he is a Knight of Pythias. Mr. King recalls many incidents of early days in Marion County. He relates how his father came here, entered land, built a log cabin and raised a small crop and then returned to Pickaway County for his family. When he returned, the occupancy of the cabin was disputed by a raccoon, which had selected it as a warm, safe place in which to rear her own family. A portrait of John B. King accompanies this sketch.

MARTIN KOCH, who is now living retirement at Caledonia, has been one of the best known residents of this community for many years. He was born in Germany, April 11, 1829, and is a son of Conrad and Johanna (Rod) Koch. His father was a tailor by trade and died before the son came to America.

Martin Koch has had to make his own way in the world since eight years of age and has never received a penny from any one except for work performed. By honest methods and close application to business, he rose to comfortable circumstances. When eight years old he began discharging duties as sexton of the church, herding the minister's cows and doing, errands. He continued at that until he was 17 years old. Having been taught the trade of a tailor by his father, he followed his trade as a journeyman for three years, going from place to place, according to the trades regulations of the country. At the end of that time, it was, necessary for him to return home and report for military duty, but he was excused on account of defective eyes. He was wholly without means when he determined to come to the United States. He borrowed $20 to pay his passage and after a voyage of 63 days landed in New York City, May 13, 1850, without one cent. He obtained work the next day at $9 per month and board, and at the end of three, months returned the $20 borrowed and thereafter twice a year sent money home for the support of his widowed mother. After remaining eight years in New York, he came to Ohio, arriving, October 4, 1858, at Caledonia, where for 21 years he followed merchant tailoring. He was very successful from the start and during this time made 42 trips to New York to buy goods, His credit there was good for any amount. He is a firm believer that an honest countenance will establish a man's credit anywhere. He went to New York on his first trip without backing of any kind and bought a large bill of goods. The credit man took a look at him and never questioned him about the payment of the bill. On subsequent trips they told him he needn't bother the salesmen, but look over the stock and select what he wanted. His business grew to large proportions. In 1879 he retired from the business and located on a farm in Scott township, where he remained for 21 years. His friends told him he would lose at farming all he had made at tailoring, as he had had no experience with agriculture, but he demonstrated his ability and greatly enlarged his property. He became the owner of 400 acres of land in Marion and Delaware counties, but at the present time has only 210 acres, having helped his children to secure farms of their own. In 1900 he retired from active work, returning to Caledonia, where he has a nice comfortable home.

Mr. Koch was married March 17, 1853, in New York, to Conetunde Icorn, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, and came to this country with her father, Christopher Icorn. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Koch: Hannah, who married Gustavus Markoff, of Caledonia; John, who resides in Delaware County; Amelia, who married Russell Roberts, of South Bend, Indiana; Christopher C., of Claridon township; Charles, a resident of Marion; William, who resides on a part of the old home place in Scott township; Retta, who married Henry Soll, of Shelby, Ohio; Edward, residing on the home place; and two children, a boy and a girl, deceased in infancy Politically, Mr. Koch is a Democrat. Although not a member, he is an attendant and a liberal supporter of the Universalist Church.

SAMUEL HOPKINS KING, a representative citizen of Marion County, residing on his finely cultivated farm of 147 acres, situated in section 33, Salt Rock township, was born on this farm June 5, 1827, and is a son of George and Hessy (Hopkins) King.

King is of Scotch-Irish extraction and of distinguished military ancestry. His grandfather fought in the Patriot Army, in the Revolutionary War, while his father was a brave and effective soldier during the War of 1812. James King, the grandfather, was a member of the military detail which saw the act of execution performed on Major Andre, the British spy. His honorable record of service entitles his grandson to membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. After the close of the war, he settled in Delaware, where he died in 1817.

George King, father of our esteemed subject, was born in Sussex County, Delaware, May 7, 1791, one of the sons of James and Nancy (Farquhar) King. The outbreak of the War of 1812 found him a brave, loyal and adventurous young man of 21 years, and he entered the army to resist British invasion, as his father had done before him. He served with credit and after the close of hostilities returned to Delaware, from whence he came, in 1821, to Marion County, Ohio, taking up, land in Salt Rock township, and in 1823 moving here with his family. This land he cleared and improved and here his death took place January 10 1857, at the age of 65 years.

On February 29, 1816, George King married to Hessy Hopkins, who was born in

Delaware, October 31, 1797, and was a daughter of Samuel and Jane Hopkins. In 1801 her parents moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, where she was married as above stated. For 50 years she lived in Marion County. For 30 years she was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, one of its early and interested workers. Her death occurred at the age of 76 years, in 1874. The children of George and Hessy King were the following: Mary Ann, who died aged 20 years; James, who died in 1862; Jane, who died in girlhood; a babe that died in infancy: Samuel Hopkins, our subject, who is the oldest survivor of the family; Nancy, wife of James P. Gray, deceased at the age of 20 years; Cornelius, who died in infancy; Harriet, widow of A. Brady,

now residing in Marion; Alexander L. D., a farmer of Salt Rock township; John B., a retired farmer of Marion; and Lydia C., deceased at the age of 42 years, who was the wife of R. G. DeLong.

Samuel Hopkins King ,vas reared among his present surroundings, and his earliest recollections are connected with scenes, incidents and hardships of pioneer life. In his childhood his companions were often Indian boys belonging to the wandering tribes still trying to retain a foothold in this section of Ohio, and from them he learned many games and became expert in some of their sports. They taught him the use of the how and arrow and with them he often pursued wolves, deer and even bears, which still roamed through the dense forests. He became skillful also with the rifle and often filled the family larder with the results of his sport.

When George King first came to this locality he left his family in Pickaway County. After entering his land, he went back to Pickaway County and two years later brought his wife and children to the new home in a roughly made wagon. There were no roads at that time and little clearing had been done along the route. It required brave hearts to face the dangers they did, pushing far ahead of civilization and settling almost unprotected in the midst of savages and wild beasts. However, no record has been made of any domestic calamity that ever visited the family from either their savage neighbors or savage animals. On the other hand our subject still survives, in good health, to testify to the value of work and out-door life, and to speak only with kindness of the Indians whom his childhood knew. There were but few schools and these were far apart and of the most primitive character, but Mr. King attended whenever opportunity offered and thus secured a good foundation on which to build, when later in life he mingled with men and took part in public affairs.

When he reached the age of .21 years, as his father's family was large, he concluded to start out for himself and began to put his knowledge of farming to a practical test, renting a portion of the old homestead. This he operated for a time and then, went farther afield, even to Champaign County, Illinois, where he invested his money in the purchase of 300 acres of land. Results did not come up to his expectations and he disposed of his property there and returned to Ohio. Soon afterward he bought a portion of the old homestead farm, later acquiring what he now owns. Here he has followed farming and stock-raising for a long period of years, meeting with success and developing his property into one of the finest in Salt Rock township.

On November 7, 1850, Mr. King was united in marriage with Jane F. Thompson, who was born in Clark County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Edward and Ellen (Foos) Thompson.

Mrs. King also belongs to old and honorable families of Ohio. Her maternal great-grandfather, Benjamin Foos, came from Holland as a young man and settled in Clark County, Ohio where the family has lived, in some of its branches, ever since. On the paternal side, her grandparents were Thomas and Jane (McClung) Thompson. They were natives of Virginia and were very early settlers in Clark County, residing until death in the vicinity of Springfield.When Mrs. King was two years old, her parents, moved to, Marion County and settled in Salt Rock township and she and Mr. King grew up neighbors and attended the same schools. The children of Edward Thompson and wife were the following: William, Robert, Thomas and Mrs. Isabel Sharpless, all deceased; Mrs. Sallie Sharpless; Mrs. Ann Duffy; Edward; Charles; and Mrs. King, who was the eldest of the family.

Mr. and Mrs. King have had four children, two of whom are deceased and two are living, namely: Julia J., who died aged two years; Annie, who married Louis Alkire, lives on a part of the home farm and has two children Orlie and Howard; David, who died aged two and a half years; and Henrietta, who married James Clixby, lives in Wyandot County, Ohio, and has three children living, Millie, Charlotte and Samuel. Four of the children died in infancy.

Mr. King is affiliated with the Republican party, although his father was a strong Democrat. He is liberal in his views, however, and frequently votes for the man rather than to uphold the principles of his party. He has, held almost all of the township offices and at all times has proved himself a good citizen of the community in which he has his home. For some nine consecutive years he served as justice of the peace and many cases of threatened litigation were adjusted by his advice and friendly management.

Mr. and Mrs. King are valued members of the Presbyterian Church and they have a wide circle of attached friends. Six years ago they celebrated their "Golden Wedding," which was an occasion long to be remembered by all who were permitted the pleasure of participating

JOHN H. K1NSLER (KUNZLER), who is engaged in a real estate and general contracting business is one of Marion's prosperous and substantial. business men. He was born February 17, 1853, in Singen, Baden, Germany, and is a son of John and Margaret (Armbruster) Kinsler. The name was originally spelled Kunzler.

John H. Kinsler was a babe when his parents came to America. They located for one year in Dunkirk, New York, from which point they came to Marion, where they lived until 1865, when they moved on a farm in Marion township upon which they resided until 1869, when they returned to Marion. John H. Kinsler completed his education at Marion, and in 1871 began to learn the trade of a mason He served a three-years' apprenticeship under William Trone, with whom he was subsequently in partnership for two years, and two years later became associated with Leffler & Bland. He then engaged in the general contracting business for himself until 1895 when he was elected street commissioner of Marion, to which office he was reelected in 1897, and again in 1899, serving three terms. At the expiration of his third term, he took charge of the C. C. Stoltz-Scofield Land Company and was superintendent of the work of that firm for three years. Since that tune he has been engaged in contracting and is also interested in Marion real estate, with J. C. Martin, with whom he bought and platted the Martin & Kinsler Addition. He is also a stockholder in The Marion Manufacturing Company. Politically he is identified with the Republican party. Religiously he is a mernber of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, and is president of its board of trustees. Mr. Kinsler is an Odd Fellow. He is a member and treasurer of the Municipal League.

Mr. Kinsler was married in 1878 to Mary Leonhart, who died September 22, 1900. She was born in Waldo township, Marion County, and was a daughter of Mathias Leonhart, one of the pioneers of Marion County. Mr. and Mrs. Kinsler had, five children, namely: Arthur, Florence, Edna, Walter and Emma.

CHARLES EDWARD KIRTS, owner of 452 acres of valuable farm land in Marion County, is one of the most prosperous agriculturists of Prospect township. He resides on his farm of 132 acres situated on the banks of the Scioto River, two miles north of Prospect village. He was born February 9, 1863, on the home farm in. Green Camp township, and is a son of Daniel and Maria (Canouse) Kirts, both natives of Marion County.

The grandparents of our subject, Michael and Elizabeth (Simpson) Kirts, came from Pennsylvania to Marion County in 1826 and bought and located on the farm in Prospect township, subsequently owned by the late William P. Thomas. Here they resided the rest of their lives engaged in farming, both passing away at an advanced age, after experiencing many of the trials and hardships common to pioneer life. They were the parents of 10 children as follows: George, deceased; David; William, deceased; Daniel, deceased; Isaac: and Henry, Mary Ann, Julian, Jane and Matilda, all deceased. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Joseph and Anna (Frederick) Canouse, who came from Tuscarawas County, Ohio, at a very early period and settled near La Rue. They were the parents of six children, namely: Harvey, John and Joseph, deceased; Martha, wife of Edward Winn; Sarah, wife of Charles Winn; and Maria, mother of our subject, who was born in Marion County.

Daniel Kirts, father of our subject, was reared on the home farm in Prospect township and attended school in the old log school house of the neighborhood. He became a farmer, which occupation he followed all his life. At the time of his marriage, he had the choice between 40 acres of land and $600-- same choice enjoyed by the other children of the family. He took the 40 acres of land in preference to the money. He married Maria Canouse and they had four children,

as follows: John W.; Charles Edward; David E.: and Emma F., who married L. R. Hopkins. Daniel Kirts died April 1, 1871, at the age of 39 years. His widow, who subsequently married William Coffey (now deceased). resides with her daughter at Marion. She had two children by the second marriage, namely Elizabeth Ann, wife of James L. Price. OF Marion: and Jennie May, widow of ,Ira Stout. residing at Marion.

Charles Edward Kirts, was one year old when his parents moved to Green Camp township and located on a farm, where he was reared with the exception of two years subsequent to his father's death, when he lived with his grandfather. After the death of his step-father. William Coffey, he and his brother, David E. Kirts, took charge of the farm, which

they operated together until 1893, when they divided the property. Upon attaining their majority, each received $500 from the grandfather's estate, which they invested in real estate. Mr. Kirts has always been very successful as a farmer and stock-raiser, and has been especially successful in raising sheep. He bought his present farm from John I. Court on April 1, 1905; his land in Green Camp township, which he bought at various times, includes the old home place.

Mr. Kirts was married November 15, 1891, to Ida Levina Fryman, a daughter of Jonathan and Levina (Browning) Fryman. Jonathan Fryman was born in Pennsylvania and was one of the early pioneers of Delaware County, Ohio. His death occurred September 20, 1893, at the age of 75 years. His widow, a native of Delaware County, still survives him and resides on the home farm in Delaware County. They were the parents of nine children: Thomas; Jonathan: Jennie, who, married Dr. Winn, of Forest, Ohio; Polly, deceased, who was the wife of Joseph Russell; James; Lottie, who married John Redman; Charles and his twin Ida Levina, who were born November 9, 1867, in Delaware County, Ohio; and Frank.

Politically, Mr. Kirts is an ardent Republican. He is a member of Durward Lodge, No. 155, K. of P., of Prospect, Ohio. He and his wife attend the Baptist Church of Green Camp

ALOIS KLERX, superintendent of the Susquehanna Silk Mills at Marion, was born in Rheinland, Germany, in 1875. Mr. Klerx was reared and educated in Germany arid all his life has been connected with the manufacturing of silk goods. Upon coming to America, in April, 1901, he became connected with the Susquehanna Silk Mills, of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, and since December 8, 1902, has been acting in the capacity of superintendent of the Susquehanna Silk Mills, of Marion, Ohio, which were started in operation at that, time. The company, which is one of the largest concerns of its kind in the world, has six large factories in operation in the old country, and two silk mills and one large dye and finishing works in America. Mr. Klerx has in his employ about 275 employees. The main building of the factory is 200 by 300 feet; the engine room, a detached building, is 170 by 50 feet in dimensions.

In 1902, in Germany, Mr. Klerx was united in marriage with Anna Viemann. Three children have been born to them: Karl Herman, Maria Katherine and Paula Sybilla. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Marion.

WILLIAM W. KLINEFELTER, clerk of Marion County, belongs to one of the old and substantial families of this section of the State. He was born June 3, 1867, in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Barbara (Cook) Klinefelter.

Mr. Klinefelter was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the public schools of this county. Prior to his election as county clerk, on the Republican ticket, in the fall of 1905, he was engaged in the railroad business, serving for 16 years with the Erie Railroad Company, beginning as a truckman at the old transfer house in Marion and was gradually promoted until he became bill clerk. He has always been more or less interested in politics, has been faithful to his party and has made many friends. He has shown himself well qualified for his present position and is one of the most popular officials in the county.

Mr. Klinefelter is a 32nd degree Mason and is a member of Marion Lodge, No. 70, F. & A. M.; Marion Chapter, No. 62, R. A. M.; Marion Council, No. z2, R. & S. M.; Marion Commandery, No. 36, K. T.; Lydia Chapter, O. E. S.; and Aladdin Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Columbus. He is also a prominent Odd Fellow, belonging to the subordinate lodge, the Encampment and the Rebekahs.

AMOS H. KLING, who for years, has been one of the leading business men at Marion, deeply interested also in the city's development in education, general culture and commercial prominence, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, June 15, 1833, and is a son of Michael and Elizabeth Kling,

The parents of Mr. Kling were natives of Pennsylvania and of German extraction. Upon coming to Ohio they settled first in Richland County, but later removed to Lucas County where they died. They had nine children. Amos H. Kling completed his early education in the district schools of his native locality and took a commercial course at Mansfield, Ohio, in 1854. In his native State he had learned the tailoring business, but after completing his commercial course he secured employment with a hardware merchant, of whom he learned the business and with whom he remained some years. he then entered into the same line himself, following it for nine years, when he turned his attention to negotiating commercial paper and real estate. Possessed of capital. he has made good use of it to his own material advancement and to the advancement of his city. His enterprise has been unbounded and it has been largely due to his efforts that Marion has become so great a railroad center and the home of so many flourishing industries. He has many business connections, including interests in railroads, hotels and business enterprises, and has shown himself one of the most public-spirited men of this city.

In 1859 Mr. Kling was married to Louisa M. Bouton, and they reared three children. Mrs. Kling having died some years ago, Mr. Kling on June 25, 1906, married Mrs. Caroline (Beatty) Denman. The beautiful family home is located at No. 326 South Center street, Marion.

Since its organization, in 1888, Mr. Kling has been president of the Marion Building, Savings and Loan Company, one of the leading business organizations of this city. Its original scope has been greatly enlarged through his energy and enterprise and its officers are numbered with the leading capitalists of Marion. In politics he has always per formed the duties of a good citizen, but public life has held no special attractions for him. On a number of occasions, as a representative man, he has filled positions of responsibility, faithfully fulfilling the tasks entrusted to him. Mr. Kling has made three trips to Europe, going first in 1867, in the interest of the firm of Wallace, Watkins & Kling, importers of Norman French horses, and again in 1868 and 1870, these trips made for the same purpose, in the interest of the Marion County Importing Company of which Mr. Kling was a member. He has always taken a deep interest in the improvement of agricultural conditions and has been the medium of introducing some of the finest horses into this section that Marion County has ever seen.

JOHN KLINGEL, a representative farmer and prominent citizen of Rich land township, who owns a fine farm of 95 acres, situated in section 19, belongs to one of the old pioneer families of this section of Ohio. He was born January 19, 1846, in Richland. township, and is a son of John Lucas and Dorothy (Hirsch) Klingel (born in Illingen, Wuerttemberg, name originally spelled Hirsch).

John Lucas Klingel, father of our subject, was born in Ersingen, Baden, Germany in 1814, and was a lad of 14 years when he came to America with his parents, George and Elizabeth Klingel, who had two other children, Joseph and Margaret, both now deceased. Margaret was the wife of Daniel Saiter. Securing a wagon, the family drove as far through Pennsylvania as their money permitted and then settled down in a village where George Klingel followed his trade of tailoring for one year, assisted by his son. They lived in a valley near the Blue Mountains and frequently went to the mountains to pick huckleberries, although they ran considerable danger in these excursions, on account of the presence of many rattlesnakes in the crevices of the great rocks.

The grandparents of our subject had left Germany with the hope of acquiring farming land in Ohio, and as soon as their finances permitted they again set out for this State, traveling over the country in a farm wagon until they reached Lancaster, Ohio, where they stopped for a long enough season to enable George Klingel to purchase a farm of 30 acres of timberland, in Richland township, Marion County. He and. his sons worked hard but it was the end of June before they cleared a plot of ground sufficiently large to make possible the planting of corn. Thus an early frost destroyed a large part of their first crop, but they managed to live through the winter on what they were able to save. Being absolutely without money, it was impossible to procure wheat or other necessaries of life. Plenty of wild game still abounded, however, so that they were in no danger of starvation, but their lives were full of hardship and doubtless daily they lived through situations which would try the courage and endurance of many of their descendants almost to the breaking point. The grandparents of our subject lived to a good, old age and died in the old, round-log house where they had lived and worked hard through a number of years.

John Lucas Klingel continued to live on the farm, extending the clearing and continually adding to its improvements as also to its acreage. He was a man of practical ideas and a good' farmer and as he possessed the thrift and industry of his German ancestry, his children inherited from him a large estate. He owned at his death a valuable farm of 200 acres, well cultivated and moderately improved. After his marriage, he secured a part of the family estate, by purchase, and to this he addled until he had acquired the amount of property above mentioned.

When he attained manhood, John Lucas Klingel was married to Dorothy Harsch, a daughter of Adam Harsch. She was also born in Germany and in 1830 had come from her native land with her parents, who settled in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio. Ten children were born to John Lucas and Dorothy Klingel, as follows: Christian, who died young; Adam; John; Lucas, deceased, whose wife was Christina Kaelber; Charles, who died young; William, residing on the old home farm in Richland township; Lydia Catherine, who married Samuel Swadderer; and three children that died in infancy. The father of this family died in April, 1874, aged 59 years, and the mother, on September 20, 1900, aged 84 years.

John Klingel was born in the small house his father built after his marriage on a pleasant little knoll on the old homestead farm. As he remarks, his life interests have never called him far from his birthplace, and very naturally he entertains a deep affection for all the old landmarks. He grew up under the home roof and, as occasion offered, attended the district schools. From boyhood his life has been associated with farming in all its phases and few are more thoroughly competent than he to manage a large farm. He carries on a general line of agriculture, including the growing of grain and the raising of some excellent stock.

On October 2, 1870, John Klingel was married to Catherine Kaelber, daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Wechter) Kaelber. Mrs. Klingel was born in Germany, May 19, 1849, and was four years old when she accompanied her parents and two sisters to America. Of these sisters, Caroline died at the age of 14 years and Christina married Lucas Klingel. The mother of Mrs. Klingel died when the latter was 17 years of age and the father then went back to Germany, where he subsequently married his sister-in-law, Frederica Wechter, and then returned with his bride to Richland township. Five children were born to this second marriage, three of whom are deceased, the survivors being: Lydia, who is the wife of George Wick, and Charles. The father of Mrs. Klingel died August 9, 1903, aged 81 years. He was a well known and highly respected citizen of Richland township.

Mr. and Mrs. Klingel have had five children, namely: George, who married Amelia Heimlich, resides at Bellefontaine, Ohio, and has five children--Lloyd, Ada, Marion (named after the county in which she was born), Paul and Mildred; Clara, who married William Ringert and has one daughter, Velma; Joseph, who married Irene Ringert and has one daughter, Lucille; Frank, who married Elma Bolk, lives in Iowa, and has two children--Harold and an infant; and Albert, who married Maggie Beckel and has one son, Milton. All the children of our subject and wife have married! and have established comfortable homes of their own and in their various communities enjoy the respect and esteem of those who know them. The parents still continue to reside in the comfortable eight-room house on the farm, which Mr. Klingel built in 1885. Here the children and grandchildren often gather in happy reunion and give respect and affection to parents and grandparents.

In political sentiment, Mr. Klingel has been a Democrat all his life, but he has always claimed and made use of the right to cast his vote for the man he deems best fitted for office. even outside of his own party. At various times he has been called on to serve in local offices; some years since served through a period of four years as constable and has also been supervisor. He has always taken a deep interest in this section where his family has so long been well and favorably known and has given a liberal support to many public-spirited movements. He is one of the leading members of the German Reformed Churcll in Richland township.

WILLIAM KLINGEL, a substantial citizen and successful farmer of Richland township, resides on his fine farm of 320 acres, which is situated in section 30. He was born in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, March 1, 1853, and is a son of John Lucas and Dorothy (Harsch) Klingel (born in Illingen, Wuerttemberg, named originally spelled Hirsch).

John Lucas Klingel, father of our subject, came from Ersingen, Baden, Germany with his parents and with them lived in Pennsylvania for a time before coming on to Ohio. His father then bought a farm of 30 acres in Richland township, Marion County, and the family lived in a round log house on that farm for a number of years. At a later date the father bought the farm our subject now owns. John Lucas Klingel had a brother and a sister, Joseph and Margaret, both now deceased; the latter was the wife of Daniel Saiter.

The grandparents of our subject, George and Elizabeth Klingel, died on this farm where John Lucas Klingel grew to manhood. He helped to clear off the native timber and place the land under cultivation. When the family first came here, deer and other wild game were very plentiful, in fact more so than the early settlers desired. In the spring deer came right to the cabin door to eat the buds off the maple trees that Mr. Klingel cut down, often trampling down his fields to escape his ready gun. Mr. Klingel married Dorothy Harsch, who was also a native of Germany, and they had 10 children, as follows: Christian, who died young; Adam; John, a resident of Richland township; Lucas, deceased; Charles, who died young; William; Lydia Catherine, who married Samuel Swadderer, and three that died in infancy.

After his marriage, John Lucas Klingel left home and lived in a round-log house not far from his father's home, but later moved west three miles into Pleasant township, where he resided for three years. He then returned to Richland township and settled down on the old homestead, the farm our subject now owns. His death occurred on this farm in April, 1874. His widow survived until September 20, 1900.

William Klingel was born during the family's residence in Pleasant township, but the greater part of his life has been spent in Richland township. He continued to live on the home place, and after the death of his parents bought the property from the other heirs. His education was obtained in the district schools of Richland township and Mr. Klingel is a very well informed man. He carries on general farming and raises all kinds of farm produce and much fine stock. He has the reputation of being one of the best farmers in the township.

On November 4, 1876, Mr. Klingel was married to Anna Mary Firstenberger, who belongs to a very prominent family of this part of Marion County, extended mention of which will be found elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Klingel have had nine children, as follows: Daniel, who married Bertha Stark and has three children--Ellen, Margaret and Raymond; Irene, who married Jacob Wick and has one son, Harry; Benjamin, who married Bessie Osborn and has one child, Hazel; Edward, who married Grace Hensel, of Richland township; Alice; Walter, who married Elizabeth Schorr, of Morrow County; and Minnie, Ethel and Anna Marie. The large family residence was built by our subject's father in 1868 and contains 11 rooms. Mr. Klingel's land is on both sides of the road; 103 acres were secured from his father's estate and the rest purchased elsewhere.

Politically, Mr. Klingel is a Democrat. He has served as township clerk for nine years and as supervisor for a long time. He has always been active in educational affairs and has served as a member of the School Board. Mr. Klingel is a man of social instincts and in 1905 he became a member of the Knights of Pythias, an organization which claims a large membership among the representative men in his locality. With his family, Mr. Klingel is identified with the German Reformed Church, of which he has long been a trustee and is one of the deacons. The family of which he is: a member has been held in very high esteem for many years in Richland township

CHRISTIAN KNICKEL, for many years a general farmer and stockbuyer of Waldo township residing on a fine farm of 151 acres, located in section 19, is one of the representative citizens of this locality. He was born August 22, 1834, on his father's farm near Frankfort, Germany, and is a son of Henry and Anna Marie (Bender) Knickel.

Henry Knickel, who was a well-to-do farmer in Huttengesass, Hessen-Nassau, Germany, came to America with his wife and family in 1853, and located in Prospect township, Marion County, Ohio, where he bought a farm of 100 acres. Here he lived until the time of is death at the age of 60 years. His wife continued to live on the farm until about 70 years of age, when she went to live with her son Henry, with whom she passed the remainder of her days. Henry Knickel and wife were the parents of four children : Henry: Christian : Mary, who married Isaac Baukman .and Margaret, who married Christian Zieg.

Christian Knickel was reared on the home farm and obtained a very good education, attending school every day for 14 years, according to the laws of his country. He ranked second out of a class of over 200, and was especially proficient in arithmetic. He also studied Latin, which was of great assistance to him in learning to write English. He assisted his father with the farm work and also learned weaving. He was about 19 years of age when he accompanied his parents to America. The vessel on which the Knickel family sailed required 55 days to make the voyage, during which time there was a storm which tore a mast from the ship and drove all the frightened passengers below. with the exception of Christian Knickel, who remained on deck where he was thrown from .side to side and became drenched. He often assisted the cook of the vessel for pastime, and was allowed many privileges which were not accorded to others, often cooking the meals for his own family. His parents came to America in company with some friends who were returning to their homes in Marion County, Ohio, after a visit to their native country, Germany. Mr. Knickel's father accompanied them to Marion County and, having brought $1400 in gold with him, at once invested in 100 acres of land in Prospect township, a part of which was in dead timber. The family erected a round-log cabin which was covered with clapboards and in this they lived until a house of hewn timber was erected, after which the log hut was used as a stable.

Christian Knickel assisted his father in, clearing and placing the land in a state of cultivation, and continued to live at home until after his marriage, when he rented the land on shares for a short time, and then rented a farm from his mother-in-law, at Bethlehem, for six years, farming the home place at the time. Mr. Knickel then bought his present farm of 100 acres from Jacob Shaw for $4500. There were no improvements on the place and only a small house, which Mr. Kinckel has remodeled into his present commodious, nine-room frame residence, which is one of the largest in his section of the township. He now has the land well tiled, having been the first man in his section of the county to put in tile. He later purchased 51 acres across the road and here built a large frame house. Mr. Knickel has always been a general farmer Immediately after the Civil War he engaged in stock buying, shipping stock to Cleveland, Buffalo and New York City. He bought, fed and sold cattle, sheep and hogs making a specialty of the latter. During one winter he handled over $80,000 worth of live stock, according to the banker's report. Mr. Knickel has now retired from business activity and the farm is operated by his son. He is well known throughout the county, as an upright, industrious farmer and is recognized as a shrewd and honest stock-dealer.

Mr. Knickel was united in marriage with Theresa Klingel, who died in March, 1905, aged 67 years. Five children were born to them, namely Emma, who died in 1897, aged 35 years; Laura, who married James McWilliams both are now deceased, leaving two children, who live with their paternal grandfather, James McWilliams, and attend the Marion High School, Mr. Knickel having charge of their education; Christian Henry; and Wesley, who died aged 12 years.

Mr. Knickel is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has served in all the chairs in the subordinate lodge. He is a Democrat in politics and served two terms as township trustee and as judge of election. He is a member of the Reformed Church.

Christian Henry Knickel, who operates his father's farm in connection with a tract of 50 acres in Waldo township, that he owns, was born January 5, 1857, in Prospect township, Marion County, Ohio. He was married September 24, 1891, to Emma Stickel, who is a daughter of Edward and Mary Stickel. Two children were born to them: Vivian Theresa and Irvin Christian.

WILLIAM F. KNIFFIN, a leading citizen and prominent business man of La Rue, was born August 28, 1873, at East Liberty, Ohio, and is a son of Stephen V. and Helen (Downing) Kniffin.

Stephen V. Kniffin was born in the State of New York and died at Green Camp, Marion County, Ohio, aged 46 years. In young manhood he located in Logan County, Ohio, and was for many years a merchant and druggist at East Liberty. He married Helen Downing, a daughter of Nehemiah and Elizabeth Downing, of Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kniffin, Cora, who died at the age of five years at Green Camp, and William F., the subject of this sketch. The mother of our subject, who is still living at the age of 56 years, is now the wife of Rev. Jeremiah Augustus Sutton, who for 12 years bad charge of the Free Baptist Church at La Rue. and at present has charge of the Free Baptist Church at West Mansfield, Logan County, Ohio.

William F. Kniffin received his primary education in the public schools of Green Camp, afterwards attending the Columbus High School for three years, and then taking a course in electrical engineering in the Scranton International School of Correspondence. In 1894 he left school and taught for two years, after which he clerked in the store of Milton Bain, at La Rue, retaining this position for four years. In 1890 he established the "Racket Store" at La Rue and after a time engaged in the general mercantile business, in which he continued until the latter part of November, 1905.

On June 1, 1901, Mr. Kniffin started the La Rue Telephone Company, which was organized July 1, 1903, as a stock company, with a capital stock of $50,000, and the following board of directors: J. H. Leonard, M. J. Gottschall, C. F. Stahl, W. L. Morral, W. H. Johnston. John Barrett, R. M. Imbody, E. E. Mason and William F. Kniffin. Since forming a partnership in 1901 with M. J. Gottschall, H. T. Bibb and J. H. Leonard, Mr. Kniffin has been manager of the telephone company and now the business has grown to the extent where Mr. Kniffin devotes his entire time to it, employing about 20 people in all. Starting with 50 subscribers, the system has grown until now there are about 750 subscribers, which shows a growth of about 300 per cent. per annum since its establishment. The company furnishes a splendid service, with free county connection. Outside points are reached by means of the Bell long distance system.

On March 22, 1895 Mr. Kniffin was united in marriage with Maud N. Mouser, a daughter of Dr. J. A. and Nellie E. Mouser, of La Rue, and a sister of Hon. Grant E. Mouser, Congressman from the 13^th Congressional District of Ohio. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kniffin: Nina Helen, aged 10 years, and Karl, aged four years.

Mr. Kniffn is a Democrat politically. He served as town clerk for four years, was a member of the School Board for four years and served for two years as clerk of the School Board. He is now serving his second term as treasurer of Montgomery township. Religiously, he is a member of the Free Baptist, Church. Mr. Kniffin has always taken in active interest in the development of the town of La Rue and in the promotion of all matters that would prove of interest to the citizens of the village. He is a man of pleasing address and agreeable business methods.

KRAMER BROTHERS, proprietors the "Hickory Corner Stock Farm," are the leading sheep breeders in Richland township. This farm and its products bring traders in stock, particularly sheep, from all parts of the State. It is made up of two bodies of land, separated by the Cardington turnpike, and is situated five miles northwest of the "Big Four" Railroad station at Cardington. The main industry of the farm is the growing of sheep, the improved Delaine Merino being the approved breed. The "Hickory Corner Stock Farm" contains 213 acres, of which Henry Albert Kramer owns the 113acre tract on one side of the turnpike, and John Christian Kramer owns the 101 acre tract opposite, the last named tract having originally belonged to the paternal grandfather, Christian Kramer.

JOHN CHRISTIAN KRAMER (KAEMER), one of the proprietors of the above mentioned farm, was born on the old Kramer homestead in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, November 17, 1874, and is a son of William Christian and Elizabeth (Lanius) Kramer.

Christian Kramer, the grandfather, was born in Prussia, Germany, and when the youngest son, William Christian, was 12 years old, brought his family to America and settled in Ohio. For a short time he worked at Upper Sandusky, but later came to Marion County and purchased 40 acres of land in Richland township, a part of the present farm. At that period all this land was covered with a heavy growth of timber and much of it was swampy. On the farm stood some giant sycamore trees, the largest produced in this section. Small game abounded, fox, wild turkey and deer being found, and it was a long time before comfortable homes took the place of rude log cabins, and substantial roads made travel easy. Both Christian Kramer and wife died on their farm, to which they had added more land through continued thrift and industry. When Christian Kramer died he left 101 acres to his widow. She died in 1903, without ever transferring the land, to her only son, William, who died in September of the same year. Christian Kramer and wife had two children, Charles and William Christian. The former was accidentally killed on the railroad.

William Christian Kramer, father of the Kramer brothers, remained at home and assisted his father in clearing the land and placing it under cultivation. He learned the carpenter's trade, with John Stose, and worked at that in the neighborhood until 1861, when he went to Nashville, Tennessee. There he worked as a builder under the United States government, erecting hospitals and other buildings. He was regularly drilled with the soldiers and held himself in readiness for fighting in case his services should be needed, and he was with his regiment when Hood and Thomas engaged in battle at Nashville. When the war closed he accepted a position, probably as carpenter, on a boat going to Panama. After his return from this trip, he settled down on the farm in Marion County, which he continued to operate until his death, in 1903. William Christian Kramer acquired 295 acres of land,.which, with the old estate, came into the possession of his children. He married Elizabeth Lanius, who was born in Germany and accompanied her Parents

to America. Her death occurred prior to that of her husband. They had seven children, namely: William; Ida and Charles (twins), the former of whom married Charles Roszman, and the latter of whom died aged three years; John Christian; Mary, deceased; Henry Albert and David.

On March 21, 1901, John Christian Kramer was married to Nettie Gay Klingel, who was born in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, December 4, 1874, and is a daughter of Jacob Klingel. They had two children, namely: Emo May, born July 7, 1904, and Emmerson J. born October 4, 1906

HENRY ALBERT KRAMER, part owner of the "Hickory Corner Stock Farm," was born on his present farm, in a small house still standing, February 14, 1880, and is a son of William Christian and Elizabeth (Lanius) Kramer. He was reared on the home farm and with the other children of the family attended the district schools. Like his brothers, John Christian and David, he carries on general farming, but gives a large part of his attention to the breeding of Delaine Merino sheep, this breed being noted for size and heaviness of fleece.

On April 28, 1904, Henry A. Kramer was married to Minnie Witzel, a daughter of Jacob and Rose (Huebner) Witzel. They have one child, Raymond Edward, who was born March 18, 1905. The Kramer family belong to the Lutheran Church.

CHRISTIAN KRANER (KROENER), one of the best known and highly respected general farmers and stock-raisers of Marion County, resides on his well-improved farm of 123 acres, which is situated in section 22, Richland township. Mr. Kraner was born in Nottingen, Baden, Germany, January 12, 1845, and is a son of Johann Wilhelm and Margaret Barbara (Keist) Kraner.

The parents of Mr. Kraner were born and married in Germany, where they continued to live until 1853, when they took passage with their children for America, landing at the port of New York after a voyage of 21 days. Christian was then a child of eight years, but he can recall many of the strange events which marked this unusual journey, being an intelligent youth who had already attended school to advantage in his own land.

Arrangement, had been made before they left Germany, to come to Marion County, Ohio, and the family was first settled on a rented farm in Richland township, on the present site of Richland Park. The father soon found what he considered a better opportunity, and moved to the Baseler farm, located where the Canaan Church now stands, which farm was operated on shares. From there the family moved, in the next year, to the property now known as the Firstenberger farm, for which Mr. Kraner paid money rent for three years. In the meantime, through industry and frugality, he accumulated enough capital to buy a farm of 110 acres, in Claridon township, the same now being owned by his son George.

All this section of Marlon County was a wild, unsettled tract in those days, with the exception of here and there a clearing that had been made by some adventurous pioneer, who had dared hardships and faced many discouragements. All records of those years tell of game abounding where now are fertile fields. The woods were inhabited by deer and small animals, and for a number of years after Mr. Kraner located here a trusty gun could easily keep the larder filled with wild turkeys. In the year following the settlement in this county, the wife of William J. Kraner died, leaving her husband with a family of eight children, who were as follows: William, who died in 1906; Frederick, deceased; Christiana, Samuel, of Marlon; Christian; John ; George; and Barbara, deceased, who was the wife of John Titus. The father also died in Marion County.

The boyhood and youth of Christian Kraner was one of hard work. He assisted first in clearing off the brush and later as he gained strength in clearing out the trees. When about 17, as his services were not necessary on the home place any longer, he hired out to neighboring farmers, and his training had been .so practical and thorough that, although but a boy in years, he had a man's strength and judgement and was able to do a man's work. In looking back and comparing the advantages which his own children have had, with those afforded him, he can see that his opportunities were very limited, but he can never remember when he failed to perform a piece of work given him. Thus, by industry and persevernce, he progressed, year by year, and before he married he had provided a good home to which to take his wife. In 1871 he bought a sawmill in Richland township, and this he has operated ever since, manufacturing the lumber for many of the buildings erected in Cardington and Marion, and has sawed thousands of dollars worth of timber

Mr. Kraner's first purchase of land for farming purposes was a tract of 20 acres, in Richland township: in 1894, he bought 80 acres from the George Gompf estate, but the family still resided on a three-acre tract adjoining the sawmill, until October 2, 1906, when removal was made to the present farm. He has carried on general farming and stock-raising ever since he acquired the land, but has not done a great deal of the labor himself, his time being taken up with his mill and other enterprises; he has become much interested in the growing of Cotswold sheep. Mr. Kraner has always been a man of progressive ideas and some years ago, in association with Jacob and Joseph Kreis, he bought a threshing machine outfit. Business was good in this line and Mr. Kraner subsequently purchased his partners' interest and then went into partnership with his brother John. They carried on a threshing business all over this section up to 1902.

In 1872 Mr. Kraner was united in marriage with Paulina Magdalena Axthelm, who was born in Richland township, Marion County Ohio, February 18, 1854, and is a daughter of Charles and Renalto (Rhurmand) Axthelm. Charles Axthelm, father of Mrs. Kraner, was born in Germany in 1818, and was a son of Gottfried and Fredericka Axthelm. The family came to America when Charles was 18 years of age, and settled in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, where the latter was married a few years later. He and his wife had six children, as follows: Frederick William, Amelia, who died at the age of four years; Robert J., deceased, Paulina Magdalena; Anna Augusta; and Charles. Mrs. Kraner's father died in Richland township in 1894, at the age of 76 years, and her mother in 1901, at the age of 92 years. They had lived in this township since 1838 and were widely known and highly respected. They were among the prominent old settlers.

Mr. and Mrs. Kraner have had four children, namely: Anna Matilda, who died aged three months; Sophia Magdalena, who, married George Machel, has had four children Milton (deceased), Harry, Minnie and Theodore; Minnie Caroline, who married Henry Heimlich and has had four children-Ida, Edward. Franklin and one deceased; and Harvey Phillip, who remains at home and assists in the management of the farm. Mr and Mrs. Kraner have reared a very creditable family, to whom they have given educational and social advantages.

Mr. Kraner has lived in Marion County since boyhood but he has not altogether forgotten his old home and in 1885 he went back to Germany, and during a most enjoyable sojourn of to weeks visited the scenes of his boyhood and his kindred who still remained in the fatherland. Many changes had taken place and Mr. Kraner returned, well satisfied. to the home in America which he had acquired through long years of effort. He is one of the leading men of his township and his various business interests have made him acquainted all over the county and in every section his name is mentioned with respect and esteem.

Mr. Kraner has always been identified. with the Democratic party and has held township offices at various times; for 14 years he has been township treasurer. With his family he belongs to the Lutheran Church and gives liberally in support of its many charitable and benevolent objects.

MRS MARY ANN KREIS, widow of Joseph Kreis, and owner of 211 1/2 acres of farm land situate in section 6, Richland township was born March 18, 1839, in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Frederick and Sarah (Gamby) Kreitzer

Frederick Kreitzer and his wife were both born in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, where they lived for some time after their marriage and then moved to Ohio and resided for a short time in Seneca County. They subsequently returned to Snyder County, where they both died, Mrs. Kreitzer at the age of 66 years, and Mr. Kreitzer two years later, when in his 77th year. They were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, deceased, who married Edward Homel; Catherine, deceased; John Hannah, who married P. Rine; Susan, who is the widow of H. Strow; Sarah Ann, who is the widow of P. Harrold; Mary Ann; and Fred.

Mary Ann Kreitzer was reared on her father's farm in Snyder County, Pennsylvania assisting with the work and attending school at intervals. When about 18 years old, she came to Ohio to visit her uncle George Gamby who was one of the early settlers of Richland township Marion County, and shortly afterward she was married to Joseph Kreis, who was a son of Jacob and Helena (Smith) Kreis.

On January 7, 1886, Mr. Kreis died, at the age of 50 years and 16 days. He had always been engaged in farming and for some year ran a threshing machine. He made his start in life as a poor boy; by much hard work and honest business dealings, he managed to acquire some land and at his death was in easy circumstances. He was a Democrat politically, but never sought office, although be always took an interest in the political affairs of the township and county.

After marriage, Mrs. Kreis made her home in Marion County, only returning to her native county twice on a visit. Mr. and Mrs. Kreis first rented a house in Richland township and afterwards bought 9 1/2 acres of land, to which they later added 88 acres purchased from Mr. Kreis' father. They continued to live on this place for 22 years and 9 days. In 1885, they bought the present farm of 97 1/2 acres from Albrecht Mack.

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Kreis continued to live on the farm, which she ably manages. She and her husband experienced many hardships and she has always done her share of the work, often spending the day in the woods sawing timber and rails., or working in the field planting or husking corn. During the four years following the death of Mr. Kreis, she and her son John did all of the farm work, but now she is able to spend the remainder of her life in comfort.

Children as follows were born to Joseph and Mary Ann. Kreis, namely: Sarah and Helen (twins), who died, aged one year; Gottlieb, who married Elizabeth Pfirsh, has had four children--Harvey, Edward (deceased), Mary and Caroline: Julia, deceased in infancy; John, who married Caroline Dietsch and has two children-Benjamin and Victor; Elizabeth, who married Jacob Mayer and has had four children-William (deceased), Emma (deceased), an unnamed infant deceased and Alice Estelle; William, who died at the age of seven years; Clara, who married Charles H. Whitnack and has two sons-Paul and Cleo; Helen, deceased; and Clara and Helen (twins). Mrs. Kreis has living with her, her widowed daughter, Mrs. Jacob Mayer, and her granddaughter, Alice Estelle Mayer.

JOSEPH KUEHNER, representative citizen and retired farmer, living on his valuable farm of 167 acres of finely improved land, in section 16, Richland township, bounded on the west by the Whetstone River, was born in Germany, March 23, 1834, and is a son of Lucas and Elizabeth (Summer) Kuehner.

The parents of Mr. Kuehner passed their whole lives in Germany, where the father conducted a bakery business. They had seven children-Jacob, George, Lucas, Christiana, Barbara, Catherine and Joseph-all of whom, except Joseph, are deceased. But two of the family came to America-Joseph and Christiana. Jacob and George served in the Germany Army.

Joseph Kuehner was 13 years old when he was left an orphan He attended school through his boyhood and then learned the butcher business, which he followed for seven years. In the fall of 1854, With his sister Christiana and her husband, August Steckel, he took passage on a sailing vessel for America. During the voyage of 40 days, Mr. Steckel died of cholera and was burled at sea. Mr. Kuehner and his widowed sister landed at the port of New York, December 22, 1854, and at that time his sole capital consisted of his ticket for Ohio and 50 cents. They passed Christmas at Buffalo, then went on to Cincinnati, and the following week reached their destination in Marion County, where Mrs. Steckel subsequently married Ferdinand Joh.

Mr. Kuehner found farm work with Jacob Retter, with whom he remained for about six years. In 1862 he bought 41 acres of his present farm, the home place, from the heirs of George Gimbe. A small house, one of the very few frame ones in the neighborhood, stood on the place, and this was remodeled and added to, in 1879, and remains a comfortable resideuce. A part of this land had been cleared. Shortly afterward he bought Mrs. George Gimbe's dower land, consisting of 30 acres, and still later purchased 42 1/2 acres from Fred Dutt and in 1894 the George Gompf place, of 54 1/2 acres. Game was plentiful in this locality at the time Mr. Kuehner settled here and occasionally a wolf would be seen. Mr. Kuehner labored hard through many years, clearing his land and improving it, and carrying on general agricultural operations after he had made it one of the best farms in the township. A second residence and large barns have been built on the place.

On November 14, 1862, Mr. Kuehner was married (first) to Magdalena Heimlich, (born October 30, 1837 in Hatten, Alsace-Lorraine, France) daughter of Jacob and Dorothy (Heimlich) Heimlich. She came to America from Germany in girlhood. Five children were born to this marriage, as follows: Catherine, who married Christian Lehner; George, who married Amelia Baltz; Mary, who married Philip De Greif Sarah, who married Robert Lebnow; and Sophia, who married John Kreis. Mrs. Kuehner died in 1871.

In 1875 Mr. Kuehner was married (second) to Magdalena Mochel, who was born at Buffalo, New York, and who died April 24, 1904, on the present farm. They had five children, as follows: William and Emma (twins), the former of whom married Lydia Rhurman, and the latter, Frank Augenstein--Mr. and Mrs. Augenstein live on the Kuehner farm and have four children, Edith, Leroy, Mildred and Alice; Eleanor, who married William Lust; Flora, who married George Miller; and Minnie, who, married Fred Stose.

In politics Mr. Kuehner has always been identified with the Democratic party. He has taken a good citizen's interest in local affairs and has served as township supervisor. He is a worthy member of the Lutheran Church in which he has been an elder and steward for more than a quarter of a century. His son George, who graduated from the Ohio State University, Columbus, is a minister of the Lutheran Church, being stationed at Liverpool, near Cleveland.