History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions, Part 133

Author: Kinder, George D., 1836-
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1744

USA > Ohio > Putnam County > History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions > Part 133

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BERNARD ANTHONY RUHE.

Among the strong and influential citizens of Putnam county, Ohio, the record of whose lives have become an essential part of the history of this region, the gentleman whose name forms the caption for this sketch occupies a prominent place and for years has exerted a beneficial influence in the local- ity in which he resides. His chief characteristics are keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of purpose and motive and every-day common sense, which has enabled him not only to advance his own interests, but also largely contribute to the moral and material advancement of the community.

Bernard Anthony Ruhe was born in Ottawa township, Putnam county, Ohio, on February 28, 1857, and is the son of Joseph and Mary Anna (Whitkamp) Ruhe. His parents were both natives of Germany and were born in about the same locality in that country, where they grew up to matur- ity and were married. They immigrated to the United States in an early day and first settled on a forty-acre tract of land situated about three miles south of the town of Glandorf, and which land they purchased. The father was a life-long and successful farmer and kept adding to the original forty acres until he accumulated a total of one hundred and sixty acres. His first year

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in this county was occupied, in addition to farming, in assisting in building the Miami & Erie canal which was being constructed through this section, and he probably paid for his farm with his earnings from the labor expended on the canal. He died on December 28, 1879, at the age of sixty-seven years, after having lived a most useful and highly industrious life. He was highly regarded by every one who knew him and was particularly noted for his genial disposition and kindliness toward his fellow men. His life was one of true devotion to correct principles and his home. He was a liberal contribu- tor, personally and financially, to worthy enterprises, and particularly to the church to which he belonged. Being one of the earliest settlers in this region, he was busy early and late clearing the land, suffered all the hardships of pioneer life and did everything in his power to make a good home for himself and family. In this he was successful in every sense of the word. His death occurred suddenly, while he was attending divine service and while in his seat in the Catholic church at Glandorf, of which he was a member. His funeral was the first to be held in the Catholic church at Glandorf. His wife sur- vived him and died on the homestead farm during the month of September, 1896. To them were born the following named children: Barney, of Liberty township; Theresa (Mrs. Hinken), of Covington, Kentucky; Josephine, who was Mrs. Knueve, now deceased; Henry, who lives on the homestead farm; Catherine (Mrs. Wuort Koetter), who lives in Williams county, Ohio; Ber- nard, the subject of this review; Joseph and Theodore, both of whom died in infancy. Further information covering the parental history of the subject of this review may be found elsewhere in this work under the caption, Henry Ruhe.

Bernard A. Ruhe spent his early youth on his father's farm, attended the Glandorf schools, remaining with his parents until the age of twenty-three years, when, on November 24, 1881, he was married to Sophia Henke, of Van Wert county, who was a daughter of Christopher and Mary Angeline (Aubke) Henke, both of whom were natives of Germany.

Christopher Henke was born in the town of Osnabruck and came alone to the United States and first settled on a forty-acre farm west of Delphos, which place he purchased while in the employ of the company constructing the Miami & Erie canal, being built through this section at that time. At a later date he removed to Ottoville, this county, where he bought eighty acres and then continued to farm until the time of his death. He was always a supporter of the Democratic ticket, but did not take an active interest in politics. He was a member of the Catholic church in Ottoville. His wife and Mary Angeline Aubke came to this country from Germany with her father,

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Frederick Aubke, whose wife died when Mary Angeline Aubke was about twenty years of age. The father and daughter first settled in this country in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was engaged in teaching school in Luckland, near Cincinnati, in which profession he continued for about five years. Mary Angeline remained with her father for about two years and until the time of her marriage to Christopher Henke, when she went to Delphos to live on his farm. To their union were born the following children: Frederick, who died in infancy; Sophia, subject's wife; Henry, who lived near Chardon, Ohio, and died in 1913 ; Elizabeth, died in 1880; Christian, died about the year 1872; Benjamin, and Philomenia (Mrs. Clayforn), now deceased.

After the marriage of Anthony Ruhe he came directly to his present farm, which then contained eighty acres and belonged to his father, but which Anthony subsequently bought. This place was then described as a heavily-timbered and swampy piece of land, with the exception of seven or eight acres, but Mr. Ruhe began work on it in a most systematic manner and finally, after a complete method of drainage had been installed, the entire place fenced in, the necessary buildings erected, this farm is regarded as a leader in production for general farming and, in addition to tilling the soil, the owner makes a specialty of feeding large numbers of hogs and cattle. He is considered a splendid judge of live stock and takes pride in his possessions. The residence, which was constructed at considerable expense, is modern, commodious and comfortable. To B. Anthony and Sophia (Henke) Ruhe have been born five children, as follows: Frank, who married Elizabeth Kleman, of Liberty township, and who have three children, Alfred, Esther, Dorothy. They are engaged in farming; George, who married Frances Hovest and conducts a farm across the road from his father's place. They have two children, Edna and Amos Joseph; Theodore, who married Lucy Meyers, and farms in Palmer township, near Miller City. They have three children, Frank Elvin, Henry Irving and Elizabeth; Otto Frederick and Philo- mena, both living with their parents, the former a graduate of the Ottawa (Ohio) Business College, where he received his diploma on March 31, 1907, having taken the general insurance course of instructions. Anthony Ruhe has been active all his life and is a stanch Democrat. He can always he relied upon to be on hand at the call of his party and lends his influence whenever needed. He held office as county commissioner from 1906 to 1911, and has served as a member of the school board for many years, his interest being keen in educational affairs. During his service of two terms as commissioner he, at all times, insisted upon an economical expenditure of public funds. At no time in the history of Putnam county did the taxpayers ever more nearly

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get value received for their money than they did while Mr. Ruhe was com- missioner. His colleagues, while in this office, were David F. Owens, J. H. Rower, Jacob Bright and Jacob Best. He was a member of the building committee, and chairman of the committee on finance which raised the funds for the erection of the present beautiful and imposing court house in Ottawa, this county. Mr. Ruhe was secretary of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company for two years and assisted in its organization throughout the county and is still an active member of that association. He also served this com- munity as township assessor for two terms, which office he filled with credit to himself and to the advancement of the material welfare of the community. He is a member of the St. John's Catholic church at Glandorf, to which his family are members also. He firmly believes in the articles of faith taught by his church and is a devout and regular attendant.

FERDINAND HEISING.

It is generally considered by those in the habit of superficial thinking that the history of so-called great men only is worthy of preservation and that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praises of the historian or the cheers of appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was never made. No man is great in all things. Many, by a lucky stroke, achieve lasting fame, who before that, had no reputation beyond their immediate neighborhood. It is not the history of the lucky stroke which benefits humanity most, but the long, steady efforts which made the lucky stroke possible. It is the pre- liminary work, the methods which serve as a guide for the success of others. Among those men of Putnam county who have achieved success by a steady, persistent effort, is Ferdinand Heising, of Fort Jennings, in Jennings town- ship, who is now living retired.

On January 21, 1853, Ferdinand Heising was born in Hanover, Ger- many. He is the son of Joseph and Agnes (Kleekamp) Heising, who came to the United States and to Putnam county in 1872, where they settled in Jennings township. Two children were born to them, both of whom are living, Ferdinand, the subject of this sketch, and Henry, who is a farmer of Jennings township. Joseph Heising was a laborer. He and his wife are both deceased.

Ferdinand Heising received a good education in Germany, which has- helped him greatly since coming to this county. He has always been called upon to serve his township and his community in many ways. He has been

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clerk of the village of Ft. Jennings for the past twenty years and is also- township clerk, a position which he has held for fifteen years. He came to the United States and Putnam county in 1870 ,and engaged in the saw-mill business. He was in this business for thirty-four consecutive years, retiring about seven years ago.

On October 13, 1875, Mr. Heising was married to Margaret Kramer, a daughter of Lawrence and Magdalena Kramer, both natives of Germany, who came to the United States and Putnam county in an early day. Law- rence Kramer was a farmer and both he and his wife are now dcceased.

Eight children have been born to Ferdinand and Margaret (Kramer) Heising, seven of whom are still living, Mary, the wife of Joseph Runser, of Kingsley, Michigan; Frank, who lives at Grand Rapids, Ohio; Agnes, the wife of George Brenner, of Ft. Jennings; Christina, the wife of Alfred Best, of Delphos; Clara, who is at home; Mathias, who lives at Ft. Jennings; Joseph, who is a mechanic of Toledo; and Helen, who died at the age of thirteen.

Mrs. Ferdinand Heising passed away on April 15, 1911. She was a. devoted wife and loving mother and her death is keenly mourned by her husband and children.

Mr. Heising is a Democrat. He and his family are members of the. Catholic church at Ft. Jennings and are prominent in the affairs of this church, contributing liberally to its support. Because of his splendid training for public service, Ferdinand Heising is a man who is very well known in Jennings township and he has always been regarded as a leader in this com- munity. He has won a satisfactory measure of success by steady and per- sistent efforts and fairly merits the esteem and confidence imposed upon him by his fellow citizens.

WILLIAM TANNER MAPEL.

It is an axiom demonstrated by all human experience that industry is the key to prosperity. Success comes not to him who idly waits for fortune's favors, but to the faithful toilcr, whose persistent industry and sleepless vigi- lance takes advantage of every circumstance calculated to promote his inter- est. Such a man is the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this biographical review, a man well known and a highly esteemed citizen of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. William Tanner Mapel is a young farmer who has made a splendid success in a comparatively short period and

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this success he owes to faithfulness to duty and a strict adherence to a fixed purpose. These always do more to advance a man's interests than wealth or advantageous position. He is known as a young man of strictly honest busi- ness principles, industrious, pleasant and agreeable.

William Tanner Mapel was born on May 13, 1887, at Columbus Grove, Putnam county, Ohio. He is the son of William Thrapp and Margaret (Tanner) Mapel. William Thrapp Mapel was born at Gilboa, Ohio, on August 1, 1846, the son of Simon and Rachel (Thrapp) Mapel. William Mapel received his education during his early years at Gilboa, and, at the age of fourteen, was taken out of school and put to work in his father's store. Here he began the acquisition of that practical business education of which he made such good use all of his life. He continued to be thus employed until after the Civil War. William Mapel enlisted at the outbreak of the war, in the Seventy-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the famous Sherman's march from Atlanta to the sea. After his discharge, he returned home and again engaged in business with his father, coming with him and other members of the family, to Columbus Grove, March 10, 1868. He married Margaret Tanner, the daughter of William T. and Phoebe (Stump) Tanner. William T. Tanner was born near Coshocton, Ohio, on March 16, 1812, and came to Muskingum county, in 1835, at the age of twenty-three years. He married Phoebe Stump, the daughter of his em- ployer, February 18, 1836. She was born on September 11, 1814, and died February 18, 1881. Her parents were Leonard and Phoebe Stump, who im- migrated from Virginia in 1805, to Muskingum county, Ohio, settling near Irville. To William T. Tanner and wife were born eight children, James E., Mrs. Mary A. Springer, Martha, William, Oscar W., Mrs. Rachel A. Mar- shall, Mrs. Margaret Mapel and Mrs. Malinda Drake. William T. Tanner was a Democrat and cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren in 1836. He was county commissioner for seven years, infirmary director for six years and held various other township offices. He was a member of the board of direc- tors at the time the new infirmary and court house were built. He was a member of Lafayette Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, for over forty years. After his wife's death, he was married, a second time, on April II, 1882, to Mrs. Mary E. Tanner.

William Mapel and wife were the parents of three children, Frank, who died at the age of two years; Mrs. Leona Tanner Busch, of Columbus Grove, and William Tanner, the subject of this sketch. William Mapel was an ener- getic business man and successful in acquiring property. He was systematic

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in all that he did and far-seeing in all of his plans. He pushed vigorously and insistently those interests in which he was engaged and success always crowned his efforts. He was a man of somewhat nervous temperament and quick of speech, but kind of heart and loyal to his friends. Many sought his counsels and all found a friend. He was fond of children and devoted to those of his own household. He was a member of Columbus Grove Grand Army of the Republic Post, and of Rufus Lodge No. 364, Free and Accepted Masons. After the death of his father, Simon Mapel, in 1891, he became in- terested in the present Exchange Bank and was, for years, a leading figure in the business affairs of his home town. He will long be remembered by the people of this vicinity among whom he had many friends. He was a Demo- crat and held many minor offices. Although he was active in party affairs locally, he did not care to leave his business for higher offices. While making no pretensions of philanthrophy, he aided many, especially in the circle of his immediate relatives and friends, who turned to him spontaneously for counsel, sympathy and assistance. He died September 3, 1912.

Simon Mapel, the father of William Thrapp Mapel and the grandfather of William Tanner Mapel, was born on June 9, 1814, in Greene county, Pennsylvania, and died November 3, 1891, at the age of seventy-seven years, four months and twenty-four days. He moved from Greene county in 1839, to Maysville, Kentucky, and remained there until 1842, when he moved to Bluffton, Ohio, where he remained for one year. In the next year he came to Putnam county and settled at Gilboa. He engaged in the mercantile busi- ness with William Hughes and, in 1855, he formed a co-partnership with the late Stansberry Sutton, which continued until 1868, when he moved to Columbus Grove, where he engaged in the mercantile business and continued until 1874, when he went into the banking business. He continued in the banking business until his death, in 1891. He was thrice married, first to Johanna G. McGuire, July 9, 1836; second to Rachel Thrapp, May 27, 1845, and third to Catherine McClure, March 5, 1861. He was the father of thir- teen children by the three marriages. At the age of nineteen years he united with the Methodist Protestant church and was a member until 1873, when he united with the Methodist Episcopal church. He remained a member of this church until his death and was an earnest and faithful worker in the affairs of the church. His highest ambitions were to see the church grow and prosper. He held the office of county commissioner for six years, from 1866 to 1872, and was an earnest and upright official. He did much to de- velop the county and was active at the time when energy and push were re-

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quired to develop the various industries which were then in their infancy. He was an active Democrat. His third wife, Catherine McClure, was the daughter of Andrew and Mary McClure, and was born on February 3, 1834, in Putnam county. She was the second child in a family of ten children, com- prising six daughters and four sons. Her father, Andrew McClure, was one of the early settlers of Putnam county and entered a farm close to Gilboa in 1833, when there was only one white woman in the neighborhood, Grandma. Hall. Their associates were mostly Indians. Catherine McClure had taught school from the time she was fifteen years of age. By this third marriage there was one daughter, Zoe, who still lives at Columbus Grove.

William Tanner Mapel was married, January 14, 1913, to Anna Furnas, the daughter of Linas T. and Anna (Tinker) Furnas. Linas T. Furnas, a manufacturer of lingerie, at Lima, was born on February 20, 1852, at Pleas- ant Hill, the son of William Furnas, born in December, 1806, in Miami county, and who died, December 24, 1866. William Furnas married Sarah Terry, of Greenville, Ohio, who was born there July 26, 1816. Anna Tinker was born at Middlefield, Massachusetts, and was the daughter of Samuel and Nancy Tinker. Linas T. Furnas was married to Anna Tinker at Belle Plaine, Iowa. They have three children, Earle Stevens, born on June 28, 1874, died on September 4, 1886; Everett Cable, February 27, 1882, and. Anna, the wife of Mr. Mapel, December 10, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. William Tanner Mapel have two children, Marjorie and James Furnas.

Mr. Mapel spent his boyhood days in Columbus Grove and left home after his marriage, coming to the present farm bequeathed to him by his father. He owns one hundred and fifty-seven acres of well-improved land, which is in excellent condition. He follows general farming. The buildings were in splendid repair when Mr. Mapel received it from his father's estate, in the spring of 1913. However, he has made some improvements since that time.

Receiving his early education in Columbus Grove, Mr. Mapel was grad- uated from the high school and spent one year at Ohio State University in the engineering department. He is a progressive young man, well liked and has one of the best farms in Putnam county. He is quiet and unassuming in manner and possessed of an open and frank disposition. He is loyal to his friends and a booster in behalf of civic improvements, a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Mapel is a mem- ber of the Free and Accepted Masons at Columbus Grove and a member of the chapter at Ottawa.

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HARRY B. MAPEL.

Harry B. Mapel, postmaster at Columbus Grove, Putnam county, Ohio, is one of the well-known younger citizens of this county. In his veins flows a notable mixture of the best blood which the countries of Europe have con- tributed to American manhood and American citizenship. Scotch and English on his paternal side, on his maternal side he is pure German. Educated in the school of business, he was for a decade or more, before his election as post- master, one of the leading young business men of the county, of genteel habits and kindly expression, so keen intellectually and progressive in spirit.

Born on June 22, 1874, at Columbus Grove, Harry B. Mapel has resided here all of his life. His parents, Louis and Sarah Mapel, are old-time resi- dents of Pleasant township, the father having been born a few miles north of Columbus Grove, at Gilboa, in Blanchard township, the son of a father who was Scotch by nativity and a mother of English extraction. Simon and Rachel Mapel, the grandparents of Harry B., were people of exceptional in- telligence for the time in which they lived.

The youth of Harry B. Mapel did not differ perhaps from the youth of scores of other boys of Putnam county, except that he was a young man of extraordinary studious habits. After finishing the common schools of Put- nam county, and attending the Columbus Grove high school for some time, he left school to enter his father's clothing store and here he obtained a good mercantile education and apprenticeship for a business career. Subsequently, an arrangement was effected by his father in which he and his two sons shared the profits of the enterprise equally, although Harry B. was never an active owner or partner

It was during his connection with his father's business that Mr. Mapel became interested in collecting historic Indian relics of all kinds. By purchase and otherwise, he has collected one of the most extensive and valuable group of arrow heads, tomahawks and other Indian utensils of warfare and agri- culture, to be found in this part of the state. A part of the collection is on display in the Louis Mapel store and a part of it the owner keeps in his own home. Naturally, he is very proud of this collection, having spent great effort and considerable money in getting it together. From time to time, as it is possible, he is adding to the collection. There is no doubt that this group of historical and primitive curios will become one of the most priceless heritages he might leave to his children.

Mr. Mapel has been closely identified, not only with his father's business,

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but the business life of Columbus Grove, and this part of Putnam county for many years. Upon his election as postmaster, on November 1, 1913, he abandoned the active pursuit of business and is giving to the people of Colum- bus Grove and vicinity an efficient administration in that responsible posi- tion.

On October II, 1901, Mr. Mapel was married, in Columbus Grove, to Cora Belle Cupp, who was born on November 30, 1874, in Allen county, Ohio, and who is the daughter of Henry and Mary Cupp. Mrs. Mapel was one of seven children born to her parents, the others being Lena, May, Orrin, Clay, Lulu and Walter. To Harry B. and Cora Belle (Cupp) Mapel have been born three children, Lawrence, Louis and Frank.

Harry B. Mapel is a Democrat and one who has been active in the coun- cils of his party in Pleasant township ever since attaining his majority. To some extent his election as postmaster is a fair reward for past services in behalf of the success of his party. Although he is a natural leader of men, his manners are modest and his disposition kindly and tender. He leads, as a result of his alert and active mind, his capacity for logical and consistent rea- soning. Mr. and Mrs. Mapel and their delightful family reside at Columbus Grove, where the family is well known and popular. Mrs. Mapel is a woman of refined and sensitive impulses, well educated and possessed of those charm- ing graces which go to make the home both simple and beautiful.

JOHN BOGART.

John Bogart, a well-known farmer of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio, living on route I out of Columbus Grove, is a man who has performed his share of hard and laborious work. His fidelity to duty has won for hin the respect and confidence of his neighbors and fellow citizens. By patient continuance in well doing he has gradually risen from an humble station to his present high standing as a progressive farmer of Putnam county. Mr. Bogart has worked his way up from a modest beginning to a position of con- siderable prominence. He is in every respect worthy of the confidence and esteem of his neighbors.

John Bogart was born in Allen county, Monroe township, on June 4, 1875. He is the son of E. Abraham and Anna Elizabeth (Jones) Bogart, both of whom were natives of Ohio, she in Paulding county and he in Put- nam county. Three children were born to them, as follow: Ida, Thomas

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History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions, Part 133

Author: Kinder, George D., 1836- Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen Number of Pages: 1744

Author: Kinder, George D., 1836-
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1744