USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Mercer County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 47
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Joseph Winhoven passed the first nine years of his life on the farm near Egypt and then until he was 22 years old lived on the farm in Granville town- ship which he now owns. After his marriage he lived on his father-in-law's farm one year, then for four years rented his father's farm, after which he rented Henry Staggler's farm for two years. This brings us down to the year 1897 when his father died. His mother then had a public sale of the property on November 29, 1897, at which sale our subject bought the home- stead farm, which lies two miles northwest of Burkettsville in section 33. In 1904 he bought 80 acres more from Gerhardt Hinders adjoining the 80-acre homestead tract, so at the present writing he has a well-improved and up-to- date farm of 160 acres well located and in one piece in section 33. In 1900 he
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erected a large barn and four years later built a commodious nine-room frame house, having up to this time lived in the old log house which his father built when he first located on the farm 27 years before.
On January 13, 1891, Mr. Winhoven was married by Rev. John Van den Broek, C. PP. S., to Margaret Borgerding, a daughter of John G. Bor- gerding, who came to this country from Oldenburg, Germany, in young man- hood and was one of the early settlers of Mercer County. His wife's maiden name was Clara Slotman. She was a widow at the time of her marriage to him. By her first husband, Herman Henry Lang, she had two children : Henry, who lives in Oregon; and Elizabeth, who married Andrew Harman and resides in Granville township. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John G. Borgerding, as follows: John H., who married Anna Notten- brook and lives in Darke County, Ohio; Leo, who died in childhood; Mary, who married Joseph Fink and lives in Darke County, Ohio; Robert, who mar- ried Dinah Westerheider and lives in Granville township; Joseph, who married Catherine Havermeyer and died at the age of 26 years; Catherine, who mar- mied John Rammel and lives in Granville township; and Margaret, the wife of our subject, who was born in Burkettsville, Mercer County, Ohio, June 10, 1871. John M. Borgerding was a well-read man and a faithful member of the Catholic Church. His death occurred on the 25th of December, 1897. His wife died on October 19, 1899.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Winhoven, name- ly : Martin Joseph, born October 8, 1891; Mary Dora, born June 17, 1893; John Herbert, born June 17, 1895; Henry Edward, born April 18, 1897; Frank Ferdinand, born June 19, 1899; Julius Robert, born October 27, 1901 ; and Martha Ellenora, born May 9, 1904. Mr. Winhoven is at present truant officer of the Rammel school district. He is a member of St. Bernard's Cath- olic Church at Burkettsville.
IRA E. CRAMPTON
IRA E. CRAMPTON, who is identified with a number of the business enter- prises of Celina, and is particularly concerned in several large canning factor- ies, was born at Lebanon, Ohio, some 53 years ago, but was mainly reared on a farm near Muncie, Indiana.
Mr. Crampton grew up in the neighborhood of Muncie and was edu- cated there and for a number of years was connected with the business enter- prises of that section. He early became an expert in the canning industry and built a canning factory there, manufacturing also his own cans. This plant he sold in 1898 and then, with his wife, he took a little relaxation, en- joying a summer of travel. Mr. Crampton in the meantime had selected
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Celina as an excellent field for business and came to this village and erected the immense canning factory, which he has successfully operated ever since. In addition to this factory he also operates one at Gaston, Indiana. A great business is done in the canning of peas, corn and tomatoes, the well-known, satisfactory brand of the latter, which is known as "Ohio's Best," coming from the Crampton cannery. During the past season this cannery put up 25,000 cases of peas, 40,000 cases of tomatoes, nearly 2,000,000 cans alto- gether going out from the factory. This industry gives employment to a large number of helpers in the canning season, distributes a large amount of money through this section and is assisting in giving Celina a good reputa- tion as being an important shipping center.
Mr. Crampton is one of the village's most enterprising business men. In addition to his interests already mentioned, he is a stockholder in the Ce- lina Telephone Company, is interested in the Delaware County gas plant and in other successful concerns.
In 1876 Mr. Crampton was married to Lacie Beuoy, who was reared at Wheeling, Indiana, and they have three children, viz .: Lola, wife of Lloyd Sharp, a merchant at Auburn, Indiana; Ruth and Ethel. Mr. Cramp- ton's only son, Carl B., was accidentally killed in 1905, at Celina, by the ex- plosion of a gasoline tank in the cannery. He was a young man of more than usual educational attainments, a graduate of Lebanon College, and was a special chemist employed by the pulp company, of Muncie, Indiana.
Mr. Crampton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and be- longs to the official board. He is also secretary of the Celina Chautauqua Association. In fraternal life he belongs to the Knights of Pythias organiza- tion at Muncie, to the Endowment Rank, and also to the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan.
CHARLES BRUNS
CHARLES BRUNS, whose well-improved and highly cultivated farm of 220 acres is located in section 36, Marion township, was born at St. Johns, Mercer County, Ohio, May 6, 1845, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Bruns.
John Bruns and his wife were natives of Ida, near Fechte, Germany. Upon coming to America, they first located at Cincinnati, Ohio, where Mr. Bruns followed his trade of shoemaking, remaining there for one year. He then came to Mercer County, purchased a farm of 80 acres near St. Johns and engaged in making shoes for the farmers and their families, going from farm to farm. When he wanted flour for bread he had to carry the grain on his back to the mill at Piqua. He also worked on the canal which was
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then being built. He acquired other tracts of land from time to time-IIO acres of farm land in Auglaize County, to which he later added 40 acres, then 100 acres at Sebastian, Mercer County, and still later another tract of 80 acres. This land he later gave to his sons. Mr. Bruns was the father of seven children : Henry, deceased; John; August; Barney, who lives in Auglaize County ; Mary, wife of G. Kiser; Charles; and Herman, who died in Texas. John Bruns and his wife died on the home farm at St. Johns, Mercer County.
Charles Bruns has always lived in Mercer County. He was raised on his father's farm in Marion township, where he remained assisting with the work until the time of his marriage. Of his present farm, 115 acres were inherited by his wife at the time of her father's death; the remainder, 105 acres, Mr. Bruns purchased. The house which Mr. Bruns and his family occupy is a large, 10-room frame house, surrounded by an orchard and is one of the prettiest rural homes in the southern section of the county. Mr. Bruns also owns three town lots in Celina, in what is known as Schunck's Addition, these lots being Nos. 19, 20 and 21.
During the younger days of our subject there were no railroads or good roads in this section of the country and he was many times obliged to travel through the mud to Celina to pay his taxes. He was quite fond of hunting at that time and bagged many wild turkeys and squirrels. He has an old fire-stone musket which came from England. The first time he used this gun, he shot three turkeys at one shot. He has an old violin which his old schoolmaster brought from the old country, which he learned to play, that he might accompany the school in their songs. He also has many other old relics, including an old time piece which is over 100 years old.
Mr. Bruns was married April 6, 1867, to Caroline Bergman, a daughter of Arnold Bergman, who was a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Bruns have had one child: Henry, who married Elizabeth Brackman, a daugh- ter of John Brackman, and has had six children, namely: Caroline, Anna, Lawrence, Clara, and Agnes, and Clarence (deceased).
Mr. Bruns has for a number of years been school director and was township trustee for six years. He and his family are members of St. John's Catholic Church at St. Johns.
HENRY MOORMAN
HENRY MOORMAN, who resides on his valuable farm of 80 acres sit- uated in section 16, Butler township, owns in all 160 acres of fine land. He was born in Hanover, Germany, October 31, 1858, and is a son of William and Engle Moorman, both of whom were born and also died in Germany.
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Henry Moorman was reared in Germany and always worked on a farm. He was married in 1880 to Elizabeth Sager, a native of Germany, and they have had nine children: Lucy, who died at Dayton, Ohio, aged two years; Fred, who works in the Barney & Smith Car Company's shops at Dayton; William, who married Josephine Rabe, lives on a farm in Washington town- ship, but will soon move to his farm of 80 acres in Butler township; Emma, who lives at Dayton; and Annie, Clara, Nora, Charles and Edward.
In 1883 Mr. Moorman, his wife and two oldest sons, William and Fred, came to America and settled at Dayton, Ohio, where for eight years he worked in the Barney & Smith Car Company's shops. In 1891 he moved to Butler township, Mercer County, where he purchased a farm of 40 acres, about one mile from his present location, which he cultivated for six years and then sold and bought 80 acres in section 16, where he now resides. In 1902 he added 80 acres, situated in section 15, Butler township. He carries on general farming. Mr. Moorman is a member of the Lutheran Church.
JOHN JOSEPH LUTHMANN
JOHN JOSEPH LUTHMANN, one of Butler township's prosperous agri- culturists, who resides on a highly-cultivated farm of 80 acres located in section I, was born at Egypt, Auglaize County, Ohio, March 23, 1861, and is a son of John C. and Mary Luthmann.
John C. Luthmann was born in Germany. He was a school-teacher prior to and after coming to America. He located in Auglaize County, Ohio, and taught for some time at Wapakoneta and at Egypt. He died August 16, 1894, near Minster, leaving a farm of 149 acres in Adams County, Indiana.
John J. Luthmann was reared in Auglaize County. In 1884 he went to Adams County, Indiana, to cultivate the land left by his father, and acquired a farm of 69 acres in Adams County, which he sold in 1898, when he pur- chased his present farm in Butler township. In 1901 he built a large frame house and barn; he has made other necessary improvements.
Mr. Luthmann was married (first) in 1884 to Dora Deneka, of Adams County, who died 22 months later. He was married (second) in 1886 to Tracy Robin, who died 13 months after marriage. They had one child, Casper, who died at the age of 10 months. Mr. Luthmann was married (third) in 1889 to Lizzie Bruening, and they had one child, Mary, who died October 16, 1900, aged II years. Mr. Luthmann and his wife are members of the Catholic Church.
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JOHN ALT
JOHN ALT, who is one of the leading citizens of Liberty township, and a representative agriculturist, resides on his excellent farm of 160 acres, which he has occupied since 1864. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, No- vember 29, 1838, and is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Keller) Alt.
Although Mr. Alt was born in Germany, he has lived in his adopted country since he was 15 years of age. When he reached this country, he was almost without resources, but he found farm work, first near Detroit, Michi- gan, and later, in Mercer County, Ohio. He was engaged in farming when the Civil War broke out and in 1862 lie decided to enter the Union Army. On August 12th of that year, he enlisted in Company F, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served in the Army of the Cumberland under those great gen- erals of the war, Buell and Rosecrans. He participated in a number of very heavy engagements, the greatest battle being that at Stone River. He was honorably discharged on account of disability, on November 17, 1863. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Rockford, Ohio.
In the year following his return from the army, Mr. Alt settled on the farm where he now lives. It seemed very far from civilization at that time, woods covering the present fertile fields and no roads leading through the forests. After clearing his land, he gradually put it under cultivation and now has a valuable farm. He was one of the main movers in the project which resulted in the building of the good road which now runs east and west through the township, passing his residence. It has proved a great convenience to him but has also been of equal value to his neighbors. He has served as a trustee of the township for a number of years.
Mr. Alt was married (first) to Louisa Kable, who was born in Prussia and was a daughter of Christian Kable, a resident of Liberty township at the time. There were seven children born to that marriage and three of these still live, as follows: Sophia, wife of Valentine Brehm, of Liberty township; John, of Liberty township; and Phebe, wife of Michael Burger, of Liberty township. Mr. Alt was married ( second) to Rachel Hoenie, who was born near Celina, Ohio, and they have one son, Henry F., who lives at home.
Although Mr. Alt favors the Democratic party, he is a thoughtful man and has opinions of his own and occasionally prefers the man for the office before the party. He has always liberally supported public-spirited enter- prises and has cast his influence in favor of the public schools. He is a worthy member of the German Evangelical Church and is much esteemed in St. Paul's congregation. As one of the old settlers and as a survivor of the Civil War, Mr. Alt is entitled to consideration, but he also commands re-
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GRIFFIN FAMILY GROUP OF FIVE GENERATIONS
THE OLD GRIFFIN HOME
MRS. MARY ORLIDA P. GRIFFIN MRS. ONA G. BOWLAND
MRS. MARTHA F. PARTNER JESTINAH BOWLAND MRS. JESTINAH R. FRAYER
RESIDENCE AND BARN OF GEORGE F. GRIFFIN
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spect for the example of industry and integrity he has set. Dependent entirely upon himself, from boyhood, he has reason to feel some pride in. what he has accomplished.
GEORGE F. GRIFFIN
GEORGE F. GRIFFIN, a representative citizen and leading farmer of Union township, resides on his finely improved farm of 240 acres, which is situated in section 1. Mr. Griffin was born on the old Griffin homestead in Union township, Mercer County, Ohio, March 2, 1851, and is a son of Claudius and Elizabeth (Arnold) Griffin.
Claudius Griffin, father of our subject, was born November 28, 1813, in a little log cabin, on the banks of the Ohio River, in Clermont County, Ohio. He still survives, a remarkable example of the effects of a life of industry, sobriety and of kindly interest in the welfare of those with whom he has come into contact, during almost a century of existence. His parents were Ben- jamin and Experience (Mitchell) Griffin, who were pioneers first in Cler- mont and later in Champaign County. In 1832 the grandfather of our sub- ject sold his farm in Champaign County and removed to Van Wert County, settling on a wild tract of land which later was developed into a good farm. Benjamin Griffin died in 1860, aged 76 years. His widow survived him seven years. They had 10 children, Claudius, the father of our subject, being the eighth in order of birth.
In 1839 Claudius Griffin was married to Elizabeth Arnold, a daughter of John and Rachel Arnold, natives of Kentucky, who were then residing at Venedocia, Van Wert County, Ohio. To Claudius Griffin and wife were born 13 children, as follows: Eunice, deceased, who was the wife of Caleb Kelley ; Mrs. Hannah Fryer, a resident of Union township; Lucinda, deceased, who was the wife of William Lemunyon; John, a soldier in the Civil War, who died in the service; Benjamin, who died young; Nathaniel, who married Ann Dobson, and resides at Celina; George F., the subject of this sketch; Martha Jane, who is the wife of Joseph G. Severns, of Union township; Rachel, de- ceased, who was the wife of William Partner; William, who died young; Priscilla, who is the wife of Calvin Krugh, of Union township; Isabelle, who is the wife of Elroy Hussey, a prominent merchant and also postmaster at Mendon; and Ida, who is the wife of Clement Vallandigham Hood, of Union township.
In the year of his marriage, Claudius Griffin settled as a pioneer in Union township, Mercer County, establishing the home which still remains in the family. Both he and his estimable wife endured many hardships which their isolated condition brought about, but they survived them all and lived to tell
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their great-grandchildren of the days when all this beautiful, fertile, well- cultivated land was covered with a forest in which wild animals still lived and where many Indians yet made their home. Mrs. Griffin died July 26, 1906, aged 85 years, 6 months and 4 days.
George F. Griffin was educated in the school in the neighborhood of his home, which had been built through the personal efforts of his father. He grew up a practical farmer, he and his brother Nathaniel being the father's main helpers after the death of the older brother, John, in the service of his country. After his marriage, our subject settled on a farm located about three-fourths of a mile from where he now lives, but later removed to the old homestead farm. In 1897 he moved to his present farm. For a number of years he resided in the old log house which had sheltered the family for sq long a time, but in October, 1901, he began the erection of the house which the family has occupied since 1902. It is a commodious, comfortable resi- dence, finished in modern style and presents a most attractive appearance, all the surroundings indicating thrift and good taste. In reasonable proximity stands the splendid new barn, one which, for size, convenience and substantial qualities, has scarcely an equal in Mercer County. It is 100 feet long and 46 feet wide and cost over $3,000. Mr. Griffin did considerable work in its con- struction, himself; otherwise its actual cost would probably have reached $4,000. A structure of this kind was almost a necessity to Mr. Griffin on account of the large agricultural operations he carries on. In addition to en- gaging in general farming, he raises large numbers of cattle, swine, sheep and horses, devoting particular attention to swine and horses. He feeds 200 head of the former a year and usually feeds all his corn, on but two occasions hav- ing any for sale. He works along modern lines in his agricultural operations and his success has made him to be considered one of the best farmers of Union township.
On April 12, 1877, Mr. Griffin was married to Mary Orlida Partner, a daughter of Alexander and Martha Jane (Fryer) Partner. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Griffin, John Partner, was born in Juniata County, Penn- sylvania, and died in Ohio, at the home of his son Alexander, in 1875, aged 80 years. His widow died a few years later, aged 82 years. One of their children still survives, Mrs. Sarah Hance, of Spencerville, Ohio. The ma- ternal grandparents were John and Jestinah (Raudabaugh) Fryer, the latter of whom still survives, at the age of 90 years, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Martha Jane Partner, in a pleasant home at Mendon.
Alexander Partner, father of Mrs. Griffin, was born in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, February 21, 1832. He was seven years old when his parents moved to Trumbull County, Ohio, and in 1840 he came to Mercer County, settling on a farm of 120 acres, east of Mendon. He continued to reside there
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until 1890, when he moved to Mendon, where he died January 21, 1904, aged 71 years and II months. Mrs. Partner has passed her 71st birthday. Their three children still survive, namely: Mary Orlida, wife of Mr. Griffin; Will- iam, who lives at Spencerville, Ohio; and Orpha. The last named is the wife of S. H. Strite; they reside at Berkeley, California. William Partner was married (first) to Rachel Griffin, a sister of our subject. His second marriage was to Jennie Lochard, of Middlepoint, Ohio.
The children born to our subject and wife are six in number, as fol- lows: Ona May, who married W. E. Bowland, a worker in the Indiana oil fields, and has two children, Walter and Jestinah; Ray G., a worker in the oil fields; Floyd B., who assists his father on the farm; John A., who also assists on the home farm; Charles J., who is a bright student of 17 years, now in the Mendon High School; and Velma Ruth, who is also attending school.
In political affiliation, Mr. Griffin is a Republican, but only an active one so far as casting his vote is concerned. Both he and his wife are members of the Church of God. Mr. Griffin was reared in this religious body. The home of his parents was always the home of the preachers as far back as he can remember, and it was through the efforts of his father that the first house of worship was built in this locality. Mrs. Griffin's father was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her mother is a member of the Baptist Church at Mendon. She has two brothers, John and Lewis Fryer, and two sisters, Mrs. Barbara Cooper, of Union township, and Mary, wife of Isaac Slentz, who resides in the northeast corner of Mercer County.
Accompanying this sketch are shown views of Mr. Griffin's residence and barn, the old Griffin home and a family group showing five generations; the names and ages of the members of this group are as follows: Mrs. Jes- tinah (Raudabaugh) Fryer, 90; Mrs. Martha (Fryer) Partner, 71; Mrs. Orlida (Partner) Griffin, 51 ; Mrs. Ona (Griffin) Bowland, 28; and Jestinah Bowland, 2.
REV. THEODOSIUS H. BRACKMANN
REV. THEODOSIUS H. BRACKMANN, C. PP. S., pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Recovery township, was born May 18, 1873, in Hanover, Germany, and is a son of Joseph and Katharina (Boewer) Brackmann, who were farming people.
Of the 10 children in the parental family, but six are now living, name- ly: Mrs. Elizabeth Luehrmann, a resident of Germany; Joseph, who lives on the home place in Germany; Mrs. Bernardina Kemme, who lives in Ger- many; Theodosius H .; Didacus A., professor in St. Charles Seminary, at Carthagena; and Anna, who lives with her brother, Theodosius H., as housekeeper.
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Theodosius H. Brackmann was reared and educated in Germany, and after leaving school worked on his father's farm for two years. In 1891 he came to America and entered St. Joseph's College at Rensselaer, Indiana, from which he was graduated in 1898. He then became a student in St. Charles Seminary, at Carthagena, remaining there for five years. He left the seminary as a missionary in 1903, first as chaplain or assistant priest to Rev. George Hindelang, C. PP, S., at Celina. Among other places to which he has been called are: Fulda, Noble County, Ohio; Springfield, Ohio; Ger- mantown, Missouri, and West Jefferson, Madison County, Ohio. He became pastor of St. Joseph's Church, November 1, 1905, this being his first pastorate.
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NOAH COATE
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NOAH COATE, a well-known progressive agriculturist of Butler township, residing on his farm of 72 acres in section 14, owns also 116 acres of farm land in section 23. He was born December 20, 1853, in Butler township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary Magdalene (Yaney) Coate.
Benjamin Coate was born near Ludlow Falls, Miami County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. In boyhood, during the building of the Grand Reservoir, he came to Mercer County, where in time he acquired a great deal of land, at one time owning a section. He died in the fall of 1905.
Noah Coate was reared and educated in his native township, remaining on the farm with his father until 1885, two years after his marriage, when he moved to his present location. He has built a fine, large, brick house, with a basement, and in 1902 he erected a substantial barn on the opposite side of the road. He has one of the best-improved farms in the county.
Mr. Coate was married to Catherine Cordier and they have nine children, all of whom are still living and are at home: Rosetta, Ray, Lily, Vernal, Clifton, Mary Hannah, Pearly Grace, and Melvie and Myrtle (twins). Mr. Coate belongs to the German Baptist Brethren Church, in which he is al. deacon. He is a member of the School Board.
JOHN HENRY ROMER
JOHN HENRY ROMER, president of the St. Henry Bank, belongs to one of the old and prominent families of Mercer County. He was born at St. Henry, Mercer County, Ohio, January 31, 1840, and is a son of John Joseph and Anna Maria (Klinetrimp) Romer.
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John Joseph Romer was a son of Herman Henry Romer, who died in Germany. John Joseph came to America in 1834 and located at Cincinnati, Ohio, where in 1837 he married Anna Maria Klinetrimp, who had come from Germany about the same time as did her husband. They had eight children, as follows: Mary Agnes, who died aged four months; John Henry, of this sketch; John Bernard, born August 1, 1841, who (first) married Elizabeth Bose and (later) Elizabeth Landwehr, and died July 18, 1902; Anna Maria, born May 20, 1843, who married J. Henry Brinkman and died April 24, 1880: Agnes, born January 28, 1845, who is the widow of Wessel Meinerd- ing and lives at Fort Recovery; Elizabeth, born April 20, 1847, who died December 28, 1870, not long after her marriage; Mary Catherine, born Feb- ruary II, 1850, who married M. A. Schlegel and died January 9, 1894; and Adam Joseph, born December 19, 1851, who married Caroline Anthony and lives at Celina.
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