USA > Ohio > Preble County > A Biographical history of Preble County, Ohio : compendium of national biography > Part 43
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74
To our subject and his wife were born seven children, two sons and five daughters, namely: Mary, now the wife of Henry Klusman, of Kansas, by whom she has one child living, Nellie; Katie, who married Henry Sollers, now of Kansas, and has two daughters-Edra and Elsa; Clara, the wife of Homer Brown, of Darke county, Ohio, by whom she has two sons-Victor and Ralph; Hannah, the wife of Frank Ramsey, of Lewisburg, this county, by whom she
has one son-Robert; and Jacob, who as- sists in the operation of the home farm; and a son and daughter died in childhood.
On reaching Preble county Mr. Pundt had but twenty-five dollars with which to begin life in the new world, but being in- dustrious, economical and ambitious, he, steadily prospered in his undertakings and was able to leave his family in comfortable circumstances. His widow still owns the home farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres of land on section 22, Harrison town- ship, and has displayed good business and executive ability in its management. Mr. Pundt died March 4, 1884, honored and re- spected by all who knew him, and the com- munity realized that it had lost one of its valued and useful citizens. In politics he was a Democrat and in religious belief a Lutheran. He held office in his church and took quite a prominent part in religious work. His family is one of prominence in the community where they reside.
JAMES SAYLER.
One of the prominent residents of Eaton is James Sayler, who is now engaged in the real estate and loan business. He is a na- tive of Preble county, his birth having oc- curred in Winchester, on the 15th of April, 1830. His father, Christian Sayler, was born in Franklin county, Virginia, on the 4th of January, 1804, and was a son of Martin Sayler, who was born in Maryland, November 6, 1775. The ancestry of the family can be traced still farther back through several generations to Daniel Say- ler, who was the founder of the family in America. A native of Switzerland, he was born January 15, 1708, and leaving the land of the Alps he crossed the Atlantic to
339
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the new world in 1725. For some time he was a resident of Lancaster county, Penn- sylvania, but his last days were passed in Frederick county, Maryland, where he died in 1778. His son, Christian Sayler, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and in Frederick county, Maryland, he died, in 1797. He was the great-grandfather of our subject and the father of Martin Sayler, who established the family in Preble county. He removed from Maryland to Ohio in 1809 and was one of the three who laid out the town of Winchester, in 1817. Very prom- inent in public affairs, he left the impress of his individuality upon the county and was an active factor in advancing its inter- ests along many lines. He enjoyed a most enviable reputation in his community as a millwright and was somewhat skilled as a surgeon. He was frequently solicited to be- come a candidate for office on account of his recognized ability and worth, but always declined the honors thus proffered him. He was a man of broad mind, well versed in the Bible, and was well known as a humorist- a quality which rendered him an entertain- ing companion.
Christian Sayler came to Preble county with his parents in the early part of the century and as a life work he chose the practice of medicine, beginning preparation for that calling under the direction of Dr. Samuel Nixon. Later he attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, and when thorough and comprehensive study had well qualified him for the profes- sion, he opened an office in Winchester, where he remained during his life. He won distinctive preferment as a leading physi- cian, and had a very large practice, which brought to him a handsome competence. He was a man of fine appearance, rather
quiet and reserved in manner, possessing a strong intellect. He was a deep thinker, and justly ranked among the most prominent citizens of his community.
James Sayler, whose name introduces this review, acquired his literary education in the common schools, and afterward filled the position of superintendent of the public schools of Winchester. Political questions awakening hisdeep interest, he has given close and earnest thought to the issues before the public, and was early recognized as one of the leading members of the Republican party in his community. In 1867 he was elected to represent Preble county in the state legis- lature, and was re-elected in 1869. In 1872 he was elected state senator for Preble and Montgomery counties, and while in the upper house ho served on the finance com- mittee and was the chairman of the com- mittee on common schools and school lands in the lower house. He championed sev- eral measures which time has proved to be of value. In 1881 he removed to Eaton, where he has since engaged in the real estate and loan business. In all matters of public trust his reputation is unassailable, and his integrity above question.
On the 15th of March, 1855, Mr. Sayler was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Kesling, a daughter of William Kesling, of Springboro, Ohio. Her great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, en- listing from Rockingham county, Virginia. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sayler were born four children : Marcus, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Socorro, New Mexi- co; Walter, an ex-member of the legislature and a practicing attorney of Chicago; Carl E., who is engaged in the real estate business in Chicago, and James L., who is practicing law in Eaton.
-
340
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Sayler and his family attend the Christian church and take a very active part in the work of the church. His public and private career are alike above reproach, and in all life's relations he has been truo and faithful to the trust reposed in him.
JOHN E. ANDERSON.
John Elliott Anderson is a well known farmer of Somors township, Preble county. He was born in Bethany, Butler county, Ohio, on the 27th of June, 1845. His father, William Anderson, was born in Liberty township, Butler county, on the Ioth of February, 1816, and was a son of John An- derson, whose birth occurred in Kent county, Delaware. The grandfather was married in Butler county, Ohio, about the year 1811, to Miss Maria Hagerman of New Jersey, and they became the parents of ten children, one of whom died in infancy, while two oth- ers died at the age of seven and nine years respectively. Four sons and a daughter reached years of maturity. The grand- father came to Ohio in 1809 and since that time the representatives of the family have been identified with the interests of the Buckeye state. He was an able farmer but a modest and unassuming man who was con- tent to perform his duty to the best of his ability. He died about 1856, at the age of seventy years, and his widow passed away some four years later. Two of the sons of this family are still living-Aaron -and Simon-both residents of Piqua, Ohio.
William Anderson, the father of our subject, was reared in the county of his na- tivity and married Maria Elliott, who was born in Liberty township, Butler county, in October, 1817. Their wedding was cel- ebrated February 6, 1839, and they spent
their lives there. The father was a pioneer carpenter and builder, working at the trade at the time when he hewed his own timber and made his own doors and sash. In his later years he owned and resided on a farm. In his political views he was a Democrat and held a number of local offices, including that of township trustee, in which he served for many years in a very creditable manner. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were five children, four of whom are yet living, Elmore T., a farmer of Butler county, Ohio, who is married and has one son; John Elliott, of this review ; William E., a farmer who also lives in Butler county, Ohio, and is married and has a daughter, and Caroline, the widow of Lewis McLean, of Warren county, Ohio.
Upon the home farm John Elliott An- derson spent the days of his boyhood and youth and in the district schools of the neigh- borhood he acquired his education. At the age of seventeen he secured a clorkship in the village store at Bethany, remaining there for four years as a mosttrusted employe. He afterward engaged in clerking for one year
in Middletown and subsequently engaged in merchandising on his own account in
Bethany and later in Hamilton, being thus engaged for eight years. About a quarter of a century ago, however, in September, 1875, he came to his present farm in Somers township, Preble county. It is known as the old Richard Pottinger farm. It com- prises one hundred and thirty-four acres of rich and arable land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation, yielding to the owner a golden tribute in return for the care and cultivation he bestows upon it. He follows progressive methods in his farming operations and in his business transactions is strictly reliable and upright.
341
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
On the 22d of April, 1868, Mr. Ander- son was married to Miss Sally Maria Murphy, a daughter of Peter and Cyrena (Van Gordon) Murphy. Her parents are now deceased. They were native farming people of Liberty township, Butler county, Ohio, and the father was a prominent and in- fluential citizen who owned considerable property there. He served as a sheriff for four years and was also a state senator for two terms. A recognized leader of public thought and movement, he exercised a strong influence over affairs of public moment and left the impress of his individuality upon the movements and measures which affected the general good. His last years were spent in Hamilton, where he served as the presi- dent of the Miami Valley Bank, of which he was one of the founders. His wife died August 2, 1893, at the age of seventy-one years, and he was called to his final rest on the Ist of April, 1896, at the age of seventy- five. They reared four sons and two daughters and also lost two children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born four children: Charles M., the secretary and treasurer of the Columbia Carriage Com- pany, at Hamilton, Ohio, and is a progres- sive and entorprising business man, and married Miss Ada Marsh; Edgar Percy, who died in infancy; Carrie Cyrena, who is the wife of George H. Harkrader, an artist, and Nellie May, who is at home. She is employed as a stenographer in the office of her uncle, who was an ex-probate judge of Hamilton.
Mr. Anderson is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Camden, has filled all of its offices and has served as one of its trustees. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat and has served for two terms as town- ship trustee, at which time he gained a large
Republican following, else he could not have been elected, for his party is in the minority in this locality. He proved a very capable official and is always true to every trust re- posed in him. He has been a member of the County Agricultural Society for four- teen years, was its president for three years, and in 1895 became a member of the Wayne Farmers' Club, of which he was the president from 1896 until 1898. He was also one of the organizers and the first president of the Farmers' Institute of South Preble county. His wife is a member of the Prosbyterian church. For the past ten years Mr. Ander- son has made a specialty of dairy farming, shipping his products to Cincinnati. He has prosecuted his business affairs with dili- gence and energy and his labors have beon crowned with a merited degree of success. He has overcome all the obstacles in his path by determined effort and perseverance and has steadily worked his way upward until he now occupies a leading position as a rep- resentative of the agricultural interests of Preble county.
JOHN W. AMMERMAN.
The gentleman named above, now the postmaster at Eaton, was born on a farm in Dixon township, Preble county, Ohio, July 15, 1849. His parents were David and Anna (O'Neal) Ammerman. His father also was a native of Dixon township, and his mother of Cincinnati, Ohio. His paternal grandfather was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, of Gorman lineage, and came to Preble county in an early day, settling in Dixon township and remaining on the same farm throughout the remainder of his life, and was buried in the private burying grounds on the farm. He had two sons-
342
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Philip and David; and three daughters- Nancy, Eliza and Margaret. David was the youngest of the children, and was the last to answer the summons of death. Farming was his occupation. During his active years in business affairs he resided in Preble county, but toward the close of his career he removed to Richmond, Indiana, where he died, in 1890, aged seventy-three years. About one year later his wife passed to her last reward. At the time of her death her home was with a daughter in New Paris, Ohio. She was a daughter of John O'Neal, a native of Ireland, who came from the Em- erald Isle to the United States when a boy. On coming to this country Philadelphia be- came his home. Here he married and later he became a pioneer settler of Dixon town- ship, already referred to, where he lived many years. At the time of his death he was making his home with a daughter in Muncie, Indiana. Unto the marriage of David and Anna Ammerman were born nine children, namely: Mary J., who died in early womanhood; Emma, who died in her youth ; William M., of Eaton, who served as a private in the civil war as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry and who for years has been an invalid from rheumatism; James P., of Indianapolis, Indiana; Simon E. and Albert, residents of Richmond, Indiana; Mrs. Margaret Harr, of Indianapolis; Mrs. Eliza Barnette, of New Paris, Ohio, and John W. Ammerman. The last named is familiarly known to the people of Preblo county as Jack Ammerman, and of his career we now make brief mention.
Mr. Ammerman was reared on the farm on which he was born. He gained but a very limited education in his youth, for his educational privileges were not encour- aging. His school days were few, but
lessons of industry and perseverance were well taught him in the duties and labors that fell to his lot as a farmer's son. He re- mained on the farm until he was twenty- one years of age. At that age he left the farm and took up the carpenter's trade, which was followed for about ten years. From 1872 to 1879 his home was in Muncie, Indiana, where he was engaged as a contrac- tor and builder. In 1879 he was ill from typhoid fever, which was followed by a long and severe illness from rheumatism, dis- abling him from manual labors.
Returning to Preble county, he was re- siding at New Paris when in 1880 he was elected land appraiser for Jefferson town -. ship. This was the first public office held by Mr. Ammerman, and was the beginning; of his public services and what has been an interesting and successful political career. In 1881 he was nominated and elected, by the Republican party, to the office of re- corder for Preble county, and in that office his services were very satisfactory both to his political party and to the general public- so much so that in 1884 he was renominated by his party without opposition, and re- elected without opposition from the Dem- ocratic party. He held the office two terms of three years each, and gained for himself an excellent reputation as a public official.
Going to Chicago, Mr. Ammerman was for a brief period in the employ of the Pull- man company, as a Pullman conductor. Later he went to western Kansas, where however, he remained but a short time, be- ing compelled to leave the west on account of failing health. Returning to Eaton, his services were again called into public requi- sition by his election to the office of assessor for the west precinct of Washington town- ship, an office to which no other Republican
313
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL 'RECORD.
had ever before been elected, such was the large Democratic majority in the precinct. To this office he was thrice elected. In the presidential campaign of 1896, Mr. Am- merman, as secretary of the Preble county Republican executive committee, boro an ac- tive part in the support of the Republican party, which party being successful, he be- came an applicant for the position of post- master of Eaton. There were thirteen other applicants for the same position and the con- test waxed warm. However, Mr. Ammer- man was the successful applicant, and was given charge of the office as postmaster, August 1, 1898, and is its present incumbent.
Limited space forbids giving anything like a detailed account of Mr. Ammerman's political career, in which he never met with defeat. His faithfulness to duty, fidelity to political party and to friends always made sure his election. A man in politics is never without his political enemies. This has been true of Mr. Ammerman; but his friends have always been so numerous and faithful as to place victory within his reach.
MICHAEL COTTERMAN.
After a long and honorable career as a business man, Michael Cotterman is now living retired at his pleasant home in Lewis- burg, surrounded by his family and a large circle of friends, who hold him in highest re- gard. He is a native of Ohio, hoin near Miamisburg, Montgomery county, February 13, 1821, and in both ancestral lines is of Pennsylvania Dutch extraction. His father, Michael Cotterman, Sr., was born September 2, 1782, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, of which state his father was also a native. The former removed to Mongomery county, Ohio, in 1805, and located upon a farm and
later in life lived some six or seven years in Preble county. He was living in German- town, where he died September 1I, 1877. In that county he married Eva Schupert, who also was born and reared in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and died at the age of fifty-six years. They were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom reached years of maturity, namely : Catherine, born April 22, 1807; Elizabeth, December 21, 1808; Margaret, February 11, 1810; John January 16, 1812; Sarah, December 19, 1813; Mary, October 7, 1815; Jonathan, September II, 1817; Michael, February 13, 1821; Daniel, March 20, 1823; and Sidney, October 23, 1826. Mary and our subject are now the only survivors.
In the county of his nativity Michael Cotterman spent the first fifteen years of his life, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to this county, his education being obtained in the old-time subscription schools of both counties. When about nine- teen years of age he started out in life for himself, and a year later commenced learn- ing the carpenter's trade, serving a regular apprenticeship. Subsequently he engaged in contracting and building, and successfully followed that occupation for about forty years. In 1885 he started a saw mill, and practically retired from carpenter work. He has now laid aside all business cares, and ex- pects to spend the remainder of his life in ease and quiet.
On the 19th of February, 1846, Mr. Cot- terman was united in marriage with Miss Mary Elizabeth Hapner, who was born in Harrison township, this county, March 19, 1818, a daughter of Henry and Mary Eliza- beth (Ott) Hapner, and granddaughter of Gasper and Mary Hapner. The grand- father was a native of Germany and one of
341
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the early settlers of Virginia. His wife lived to the advanced age of one hundred and eight years, and died in Twin township, Preble county, Ohio. Mrs. Cotterman's father was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, September 17, 1771, and died April I, 1855, while her mother was born Novem- ber I, 1778, and died November 2, 1861, both being over eighty-three years of age at the time of their deaths. They wore pio- neers of Preble county and highly respected
by all who knew them. In their family were twelve children, all of whom grew to manhood or womanhood, and all married with one exception; but Mrs. Cotterman is the only one now living. In order of birth they were as follows: Polly, Abraham, William, Jacob, Katharine, George, Rebecca, Sarah, Mary Elizabeth, Henry, and Daniel and Michael, twins. Mrs. Cotterman was reared in this county, being educated in a neighboring school taught by her father at home.
Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cotterman. The eldest, a daughter, born January 5, 1847, died in infancy. Randolph, born December 3, 1847, died Oc- tober 30, 1859. Almyra, born January 6, 1850, was married December 29, 1868, to Daniel Wikel, Jr. Mary Melissa, born April 19, 1852, and Isadora, born March 16, 1855, are at home. Oliver, born May 20, 1857, married Sarah E. Horne, and they now reside in Chicago. Ella Frances, born Oc- tober 19, 1861, is deceased, and Caroline, born June 27, 1864, is the wife of Rev. Sam- uel S. Aikman, a Presbyterian minister of Cincinnati.
Politically Mr. Cotterman is a Democrat, and he has been called upon to serve his fellow citizens as township trustee and treas- urer, also the treasurer of Lewisburg, and a
member of the city council. Fraternally he is a member of Libanus Lodge, No. 80, F. & A. M., of Lewisburg, and roligiously he and his family are members of the Lutheran church, taking an active and prominent part in its work. He is a worthy representative of that class of citizens who lead quiet, in- dustrious, honest and useful lives and con- stitute the best portion of a community. Wherever known he is held in high regard, and is certainly deserving of honorable men- tion in the history of the county where al- most his entire life has been passed.
FRANK HOMAN.
Frank Homan is one of the represent- active merchants of Eaton, where he has suc- cessfully conducted a furniture store. His business qualifications have won him a place among the leading representatives of the mercantile interests of this city and his hon- orable career has gained him uniform con- fidence and regard.
Mr. Homan was born near Eaton on the 17th of September, 1847. His father, Ben- jamin Homan, was a native of Pennsylvania and a son of Keeder Homan, whose birth oc- curred in New Jersey. In 18II Keeder Homan came with his family to Ohio, tak- ing up his abode in Warren county, where he followed his trade of blacksmithing. Benjamin Homan, the father of our subject, came with his father to the Buckeye state in 18II, and to Preble county in 1828, lo- cating at Lewisburg. He was a farmer and miller in early life, but afterward became identified with the mercantile interests of Eaton, where he located in 1856. For seven years he successfully conducted a grocery store and then, on the capital which he had acquired through his own well directed and
345
GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
honorable efforts, he retired to private life, his remaining days being passed in the en- joyment of the fruits of his former toil. Throughout his entire life he was a con- sistent Christian and at one time was a trus- tee of the Methodist church, at the time its house of worship was erected in Eaton. He married Miss Margaret E. Grissom, a daughter of Frederick Grissom, of Virginia, who belonged to one of the prominent fam- ilies of the Old Dominion. Mrs. Homan died in 1899, leaving two children-Frank, of this review, and Keturah, the wife of J. C. Hoover.
Frank Homan, the well known merchant of Eaton, pursued his education in the local schools and at an early age began to earn his own livelihood working on a farm. Sub- sequently, when thirteen years of age, he entered his father's store and was there em- ployed until May, 1864, when, at the age of sixteen years, he responded to his coun- try's call for troops. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio In- fantry and was discharged in the following autumn. After his return he again entered his father's store, but subsequently was em- ployed as a salesman in a dry-goods house in Mexico, Indiana, for nearly six years. Returning to Preble county in 1878, he took charge of the home farm, which he operated for ten years, when, in 1888, he embarked in the furniture business in Eaton. He car- ries a large and well selected stock and en- joys a liberal patronage. He is now as- sociated in business with J. F. Randall, the partnership having been formed in February, 1899. He is known as a very enterprising and reliable business man and occupies a leading position in the commercial circles of Eaton.
On the 19th of May, 1880, was cele-
brated the marriage of Mr. Homan and Miss Louisa Crist, a daughter of George Crist, of Indiana. They are widely known and have many warm friends in Preble county. Mr. Homan is a Republican in his political affiliations and for eight years served as a township trustee, proving a most competent officer. He has devoted his at- tention and concentrated his energies to- ward improving the details of his business, and with a mind to resolve, an understand- ing to direct and a hand to execute he has steadily carried forward his work, gaining for himself a gratifying competence. His reliability is above question and his place among the substantial and trustworthy mer- chants of Eaton is assured.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.