USA > Ohio > Putnam County > History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions > Part 53
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Clement C. Rimer was born on December 12, 1874, about one mile southwest of Columbus Grove, Pleasant township. He is a son of James and Lucinda (Nichols) Rimer. James Rimer was born on April 13, 1845, about three-quarters of a mile northwest of Kalida, in Union township. He, in turn, is the son of Jeremiah R. and Lucinda (Sarber) Rimer.
It is an interesting fact that the first court held in Putnam county was held at the home of Abram Sarber, a great uncle of Clement C. Rimer. Here the organization was perfected for erecting the first Putnam county court house, at Kalida. Abram Sarber was also the first township clerk in Putnam county. A brother, Adam Sarber, was one of the three first township trustees in this county.
Jeremiah Rimer, the grandfather of Clement C. Rimer, was a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, born on January 23, 1820. He was the son of Daniel and Catherine (Vandemarke) Rimer, the former of whom was born on September II, 1789, in Pennsylvania, and the latter of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, born there on September 13, 1785. Jeremiah Rimer came to Putnam county, Ohio, in 1832, with his parents, who settled on a farm in Union township. He was a life-long farmer. Jeremiah was twice mar- ried, first to Lucinda Sarber, September 19, 1841. She was a native of Franklin county, Ohio, born there on November 25, 1819, and a daughter of Adam and Catherine (Ensden) Sarber. Her parents settled in Putnam county in 1834. Two children were born by this marriage, Catherine and James. His wife died on April 26, 1845, when her son James was only
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thirteen days old. Jeremiah Rimer was again married on November 5, 1846, to Eliza Jane, the daughter of James and Millison (Watson) Cunningham. Seven children were born by this marriage, Albert was born on May 10, 1848, and served five months in the Civil War, in the One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; William was born on December 2, 1850; John M. was born on October 9, 1852; Minor D. was born on August 6, 1855; Lucinda J. was born on August 31, 1857; Thomas C. was born on May 8, 1860, and Mary M. was born in January, 1867.
Shortly after his second marriage, Jeremiah came to Columbus Grove, Ohio, and lived here two years when he again moved to a farm in Sugar Creek township. He farmed this until 1876, when he sold it and purchased a forty-acre tract in Pleasant township, where he farmed for some time. Subsequently, he sold out and moved back to Columbus Grove, where he spent his remaining days. Jeremiah was a Democrat and, although not active, was called upon to serve as trustee of Sugar Creek township for two terms. He was also infirmary director for several years and a member of the school board. In his earlier days, he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Ottawa, Ohio. He was a deacon and active at the time of his death in the New School Baptist church. He died on February 2, 1894.
James Rimer, the father of Clement C., spent his boyhood days on the homestead farm in Sugar Creek township. He left home in 1864 to learn the carpenter trade at Columbus Grove. Aside from one year spent at his trade at Bellefontaine, Ohio, he has been actively engaged in his trade at Columbus Grove since that time. He was married on November 23, 1865, to Lucinda Nichols, daughter of Edward and Margaret (Erwin) Nichols. Edward Nichols was born in Licking County, Ohio, July 4, 1824, and was a life-long farmer. He came to Union township, Putnam county, Ohio, with his parents, when he was twelve years old. He died on May 3, 1863, at the age of thirty-nine. His wife, Margaret (Erwin) Nichols, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, February 17, 1818, and died on the home- stead farm in Union township on October 2, 1893, at the age of seventy- five. Edward Nichols and wife had ten children: Mrs. Martha Holt, of Columbus Grove; Lucinda, who was born in Pleasant township, October 8, 1846, and who spent her childhood days in Union township; Joseph lives in Paulding county ; Mrs. Anna Best lives in Union township; Amos also lives in Union township; Mrs. Hetty Martin lives at Dundee, Michigan; the sev- enth child died in infancy; Mrs. Jane Anderson lives at Marion, Indiana;
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Mrs. Hannah Spratt lives in Wood county, Ohio; Edward died at the age of four years.
To Mr. and Mrs. James Rimer five children have been born. One died in infancy; Mrs. Louis Miller lives in Columbus Grove; Mrs. John Davis lives at Lima, Ohio; Clement C. is the subject of this sketch; Emory lives at Whitehouse, Ohio.
James Rimer is considered a master mechanic at his trade. He has erected many edifices in Putnam county which are still standing as an evi- dence of his good work. Previous to his coming to Columbus Grove in 1895, he farmed a small tract in Union township, but followed his present trade, likewise. He owns property in Columbus Grove and is still active as a carpenter. He is a member of Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 464, at Columbus Grove. He served six years as trustee of Union town- ship, from 1889 to 1895. For several years he was a school director and was for one term a member of the town council. He is not active in politics at this time. He is a member of the Presbyterian church where he is an active elder. For many years he was a trustee of the church, but he has not been active for the past six years. All the family are Presbyterians.
Clement C. Rimer spent his boyhood days in Columbus Grove and on the homestead farm. He was educated in the township schools and in the Colum- bus Grove high school. He spent one year, 1892-1893, at Ada College and taught school in the township for three years after leaving Ada, attending the summer terms there while teaching. He began reading law under W. C. Tingle and completed the study in the law offices of S. Sanders, of Colum- bus Grove. Mr. Rimer was admitted to the bar in June, 1902, and immedi- ately opened a law office at Columbus Grove, where he is now active and where he is one of the leading attorneys of the town. He became solicitor of the village, after passing the bar examination, and holds this, office at the present time. He was elected justice of the peace, at the age of twenty-one, and served six yars. He was also township clerk for about eight years and filled both offices with credit to himself and to the township and the town. He is now legal adviser to the school board and holds other important posi- tions of responsibility.
Mr. Rimer was married on June 24, 1897, to Miss Ida Swanger, daugh- ter of John and Leah (Kissell) Swanger. To this union three children have been born, Gladys, Helen and Ruth, who are all at home.
Mr. Rimer has always been an active Democrat. He took a strenuous part during Bryan's first campaign, having been called upon to take the stump for that distinguished politician at the age of twenty-one years. He has
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been a vital factor in all the campaigns since that time and has always responded to his party's call, working hard for victory. He has stumped Putnam and other counties, having been sent out by the state committee.
Mr. Rimer is a member of the Knights of Pythias, though not active at the present time. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church. Clement C. Rimer is a pleasing young man with a quiet, unassuming manner, frank in all his business dealings and a man well liked in the community for his tenacity of purpose and high ideals.
JOHN DONALDSON.
Among the prosperous farmers of Putnam county who have built up comfortable homes and surrounded themselves with the comforts of life, none has attained a higher degree of success than John Donaldson, of Mon- roe township, Putnam county. With few opportunities, except what his own efforts and those of his wife were capable of mastering, and with many difficulties to overcome, he has made a success of life, and in so doing has earned the universal respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. He is a man of tireless energy and strong courage, and a man whose career shows that he is an able and conscientious worker. As a citizen, he has been public-spirited and enterprising to an exceptional degree; as a friend and neighbor, he has combined those qualities of head and heart which have won confidence and commanded respect. His life is a splendid example of what an American youth, plentifully endowed with common sense and determination, can accomplish.
John Donaldson was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, August 20, 1850, the son of Aaron and Sarah A. (Swayze) Donaldson, the former of whom was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1810, and the latter born in the same county, December 20, 1827. Aaron Donaldson was the son of John Donald- son, who was born in Maryland, in 1784, and who came with his father to Ohio, about 1805. John Donaldson married Mary Grubb, in 1809. He was a captain in the War of 1812, a Democrat in politics, and, for twenty- one years, a justice of the peace in his township. He died at the age of sixty-four years. His wife was born in 1790, and died at the age of eighty- two.
The children of John and Mary Donaldson were as follow: Aaron, Elizabeth, Letta, Sarah, Mary, Serena, John, Thirza, Cantha, Malinda,
MR. AND MRS. JOHN DONALDSON.
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Lavina, Jacob, William and Henry. The children of Aaron and Sarah A. Donaldson were Owen, born on June 22, 1849, who lives at Dupont, Ohio ;. John, the subject of this sketch; Rosalie, born on October 4, 1852, married a Mr. Shiver and lives in Monroe township; Aaron, born on December 13, 1854, died in 1910; Jacob S., born on January 31, 1857, lives in Michigan ; Hester Ann, born on June 17, 1859, deceased; Ira, born on May 30, 1861, who is a farmer in Monroe township; Asa, born on September 26, 1863, who lives in Continental, where he is a rural mail carrier and owns a farm in Monroe township; William, born on March 14, 1866, who lives on a. farm in Greensburg township.
John Donaldson was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools of Ohio. Early in life, he learned the carpenter's trade, although he never devoted much time or attention to his skill in this direction, except to- erect his own buildings and what assistance he gave the neighbors when needed.
Mr. Donaldson was married on October 27, 1872, to Mary A. Wood, born on July 1, 1850, in Perry county, Ohio, and the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Yarger) Wood. The parents of Mrs. Donaldson were married in Perry county, where Joseph Wood was a farmer. The Wood family removed to Putnam county in 1862, and became prominently identified with the agricultural interests of this section of the state of Ohio. Joseph Wood was a Jacksonian Democrat.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. John Donaldson, Chester H., a rural mail carrier, of Continental, Ohio, who married Belle Mckibbens, and has three children, Madge, Beatrice and Ruth; Cora M., who married William Moorehead, a farmer of Monroe township, and has two children, Paul and Erma; Alma L., who married Delbert Rockey, a farmer of Monroe township, and has one child, Ray; Harvey C., a farmer of Monroe township, who married Gertrude Hall and has four children, Zola, deceased; Dathia, Walter and Gale; Lillie B., deceased ; Mary A., who married Mallie Daub and has one daughter, Maxine; and Lester, who is. deceased.
Mr. Donaldson's father, Aaron Donaldson, died on September 24, 1880, and his mother, who was born on December 20, 1827, died in the spring of 19II, at the age of eighty-four years.
John Donaldson has been identified with the agricultural interests of Monroe township for many years. He has lived upon the farm, which he now occupies, practically the entire time since his marriage. The farm originally comprised eighty acres, but Mr. Donaldson has added forty acres-
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more to this farm, four acres being consumed in railroad property. His son, Harvy C., now lives upon the farm of eighty acres, went in partnership with his father, and has built a new home, which is one of the finest in the township. Much of Mr. Donaldson's land has been cleared, drained and improved by his own efforts. He is a good farmer and bears an exceptional reputation throughout Monroe township, where he is so well known.
Mr. Donaldson was formerly a Democrat of the Jacksonian type, and has always taken an active interest in political matters. He has been a stanch member of the Socialist party since 1900. Mr. Donaldson has attended the Christian church and contributes to the support of this church. He was formerly a member of the Grange, but this organization is no longer in existence. Not only is John Donaldson a good farmer, but he is a man esteemed for his upright character. He is a lover of his home, a kind father, frugal and saving in his habits, yet, progressive in all of his ideas.
WILLIAM N. CURTIS.
It is a well-recognized fact that the most powerful influence in shaping and controlling public life is the press. It reaches a greater number of peo- ple than any other agency, and thus has always been, and, in the hands of persons competent to direct it, always will be a most important factor in molding public opinion and in shaping the destiny of the nation. The gentle- man, to a brief review of whose life these lines are devoted, is commonly con- nected with the journalism of Putnam county, and at this time is the editor and publisher of the Kalida Record, at Kalida, Ohio, one of the most popu- lar papers of Putnam county, comparing favorably with the best local news- papers in this section of the state in news, editorial ability and mechanical execution.
William N. Curtis, the editor of the Kalida Record, was born on May II, 1872, in Le Roy, New York. He is the son of Horace and Catherine (Taafe) Curtis, both of whom are natives of New York state.
Horace Curtis was engaged in the lumber business at Le Roy with his brother Stephen, and established one of the first packing houses in New York state, in conjunction with the lumber industry. They also dealt exten- sively in hides. Horace Curtis lived in Le Roy until his death. His widow still lives there with two daughters, Mildred and Beatrice.
William N. Curtis was educated in the public schools of Le Roy. At
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the age of fifteen he was apprenticed as a printer. After learning this trade, he worked at various places. He came to Kalida in 1910, and purchased the Kalida Record, which he has developed into one of the most substantial and authoritative weeklies in Putnam county. It is independent in politics and stands fearlessly for the best interests of the community. Its circulation has grown very much under the management of Mr. Curtis.
William W. Curtis was married in December, 1892, to Daisy M. Tomp- kins, of Pavilion, New York. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Tompkins, of that place. W. H. Tompkins is a prominent farmer and mer- chant of Pavilion. To this happy marriage one child, Carl, has been born, in 1895. He has also learned the printer's trade and works for his father. He confines his attention to the reportorial end of the newspaper.
Mr. Curtis does a big job printing business and also does printing for many theatrical and show companies, which has earned for him the title of "Curtis, the Show Printer." Likewise Mr. Curtis is referred to as "Curtis, the Square Deal Printer."
Since coming to Putnam county, and establishing himself in business at Kalida, Mr. Curtis has built up an enviable reputation in this community. He is honored and respected by all of the citizens and thoroughly merits their esteem.
HARRY L. HOFFMAN.
Among the younger business men of Leipsic, is Harry L. Hoffman, the popular proprietor of a model drug store, who has a well-established repu- tation for integrity and square dealing, and who displays business acumen to a marked degree. He has already made a success of life, and the future promises to be very bright for this young man.
Mr. Hoffman was born on October 25, 1886, in Bluffton, Allen county, Ohio, and is the son of Thomas J. and Emma (Ludwig) Hoffman, who are the parents of the following seven children: Harry L., Mrs. Callie Crawfis, of Leipsic; Clara, at home; May, at home; Frank teaches school at Bradner, Ohio; Clarence is a clerk in the Leipsic postoffice, and Charles lives at home.
A native of Burwick, Seneca county, Ohio, Thomas J. Hoffman was born on January 26, 1852, the son of George W. and Lydia ( Anderson) Hoffman, the former of whom was born in Fredericktown, Maryland, in 1820, and died in 1894. The latter was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, and died in 1860. George W. Hoffman came with his parents to Seneca
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county, Ohio, when he was eight years of age, and settled in Putnam county on January 1, 1864. He was a farmer and fruit grower, who found suc- cess, as a result of hard work. His son, Thomas, was educated in the com- mon schools of Leipsic and, in 1871, began clerking for S. Young, continu- ing so for nine years. Two more years he clerked and then entered the gen- eral insurance business, which he followed for about three years, at the same time selling sewing machines. At the end of this period he entered the poultry business and became manager of the West Leipsic Poultry Com- pany, which position he retained for twelve years. During the last few years he has been engaged in the buying, selling, and shipping of poultry.
Thomas Hoffman is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and, in politics, he is an active Democrat, having been appointed a justice of the peace, a member of the school board, and presiding judge on the election board. He is a progressive, enterprising man who holds an enviable posi- tion in his community.
The mother of Harry L. Hoffman is a native of Bloomsburg, Pennsyl- vania, and was born on September 12, 1857, the daughter of John Ludwig, a native of Bluffton, Ohio. Emma Ludwig came to Bluffton when she was one year old. Her father was a successful farmer, and he died at the ripe age of eighty years at the home of his son-in-law, Thomas Hoffman.
The boyhood days of Harry Hoffman were spent in Putnam county. He graduated from the Leipsic high school in 1904, and in 1909 he gradu- ated from the Ada College of Pharmacy. Mr. Hoffman passed the exami- nation of the Ohio state board of pharmacy in 1910, and became a regis- tered pharmacist, after which time he traveled as salesman for one year, for the Toledo Pharmacal Company. Then he came to Leipsic and bought of the Hickman brothers the drug store known as the D. S. Schweister stand. Mr. Hoffman carries a full line of drugs, stationery and sundries, and well deserves the liberal patronage which is accorded him.
Mr. Hoffman married Ethel Johnson, of Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, on October 4, 191I, and to the union one child has been born, Ellenore.
In his fraternal life. Mr. Hoffman is a member of the Knights of Pythias, affiliating with the Leipsic lodge. His college fraternity was Theta Nu Epsilon, and he belonged to the Omicon-Omicon chapter of Ada, Ohio. As do the others of his family, Mr. Hoffman belongs to the Methodist Evangelical church. With splendid ideals, an active and receptive mind, and with a full understanding of his business, Mr. Hoffman stands as a very creditable representative of the newer element in American business. Mr. Hoffman's winning personality has won him a host of friends, who fully appreciate the sterling virtues which are embodied in him.
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WILLIAM BORGELT.
The gentleman of whom the biographer now writes is widely known and one of the honored citizens of Pleasant township, Putnam county, Ohio. For more than half a century he has lived in this county and has been a valued factor in the development of the same, and prominently identified with the various interests of his community. His well-directed energies, in the prac- tical affairs of life, his capable management of his own business interests, and his sound judgment, have demonstrated what may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition, who, persevering often in the face of seem- ingly insurmountable obstacles, proves that he is the possessor of those quali- ties which never fail to bring success, if properly directed. Mr. Borgelt is, in every respect, a representative citizen of Pleasant township.
William Borgelt was born on March 4, 1861, in Ottawa township, Put- nam county, Ohio. He is the son of William and Tracy (Slater) Borgelt. A complete parental history of Mr. Borgelt appears elsewhere in this volume in the life history of Herman Borgelt, a brother of William.
William Borgelt spent his boyhood days on the home farm in Ottawa township, Putnam county, just north of his present farm. He was educated in the public schools of this township and assisted his father on the farm until his marriage.
Mr. Borgelt was married in November, 1887, to Mary Nartker, the daughter of Ferdinand and Mary (Feltman) Nartker. To this happy union, two children, Fred and Albert, have been born, both of whom are at home.
Two years after Mr. Borgelt's marriage, he removed to his present farm. He first purchased twenty acres, all green and brush land. This land was cleared and ditched and many improvements were made upon it. Mr. Borgelt built his present residence and barn in 1905. He has a fine large barn and a modern home, all of which makes an ideal country place. Mr. Borgelt has added one hundred and eighty-five acres to his original twenty acres and is now farming two hundred and five acres, one hundred and twenty-five acres of which lies across the road in Union township. Eighty acres are in Pleasant township and here the buildings are situated.
Mr. Borgelt is a member of the Knights of Columbus, at Ottawa, Ohio. He is a member of the Glandorf Catholic church as is also his fam- ily. They are devout members of this church and contribute liberally to its support. Mr. Borgelt is a stanch Democrat, although he has never been active in the councils of his party and has never held office. He is a plain, good-natured man, a lover of his home and family and a hard worker.
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He takes a great interest in his farm and stands high in the community as a progressive and enterprising citizen. He belongs to the great Germanic race which has given so many substantial citizens to this country, and especially to Putnam county, Ohio. Mr. Borgelt is possessed of all the good traits of this great race.
HIRAM M. SUMMERS.
Among those men of high personal attainment and exalted character who have reflected honor on Putnam county, and at the same time have attained a commendable position among their fellow men is Hiram M. Summers, a well-known lawyer and abstracter of Ottawa, Ohio. Hiram M. Summers is a man, who, in every walk of life, has performed his full part. He has given his unreserved support to every movement in behalf of the welfare of the public and his daily life has been such as to earn the confi- dence and goodwill of his neighbors and fellow-townsmen. Mr. Summers has filled a large place in the ranks of active, energetic and public-spirited citizens of his day and generation.
Hiram M. Summers was born on April 26, 1865, at Kalida. He is the son of William Patrick and Mary ( Martin) Summers, referred to later in this sketch.
Hiram M. Summers grew up at Kalida, where he attended the normal school and where he received a splendid education. Subsequently, he taught school for nine years, eight years in Union township and one year at Con- tinental, where he had charge of the schools. He next came to Ottawa, the county seat of Putnam county, and was for a time employed as a sales- man in a clothing store. During this period he read law in the office of Krauss & Eastman and, on June 13, 1901, Mr. Summers was admitted to the Putnam county bar. Before that time, however, he made an abstract of titles of the real estate of Putnam county and engaged in this business in connection with the law. He has been in the real estate and loss business and now practices law. He makes abstracts of title and has built up a large and lucrative business in Putnam county especially. He has been for seven years a member of the school board of Ottawa and at the present time is vice-president of the same.
On August 25, 1889, Mr. Summers was married to Clara Matheney, who was born at Kalida, and who is the daughter of Samuel and Adelia (Rogers) Matheney. Mrs. Summers' parents became pioneer settlers at
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Kalida in an early day. Her father was a farmer and stock dealer at Kalida for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Summers have five children, Verner is at Akron where he is a bookkeeper. He married a Miss Austegen; Gladys. was married on August 25, 1914, to Stewart S. Robinalt, a druggist of Ottawa; William lives at Ottawa. He graduated from Ottawa high school. and, subsequently, attended business college. He is employed in the drug store with his brother-in-law, Stewart S. Robinalt. Clara and Helen are. at home.
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