FRANKLIN GREENLER, one of the leading citizens of Pleasant township, was born in the neighboring city of Defiance on May 5, 1865, and is the son of John S. and Hannah (Hoberger) Greenler, the former born in Bierland, Germany, the latter being also of that nationality. Upon his emigration to the United States the father came at once to Defiance county, Ohio, and entered a claim to government land, which is still in the possession of the family. He cleared and developed this into a fine farm, but upon his marriage he left the farm and settled in Defiance. Here three children were born, Fannie, George and Franklin. Franklin was educated in the schools of Defiance and when he was still but a youth his father came to Henry county and bought three hundred and twenty acres of wild land, and to the subject was assigned the task of clearing and developing this land, which he performed in a thorough manner so that in time this became known as one of the best farms in the county. The place has had more than local fame because of the fine Aberdeen cattle bred and raised here, from seventy-five to one hundred and twenty finely bred animals being usually on the place. Recently the farm passed into the possession of Straus Brothers, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, but the subject still retains an active management of the place, in which he enjoys a distinctive success.
On April 28, 1897, Mr. Greenler married Miss Letitia Smith, daughter of John D. and Letitia (Daugherty) Smith, and they have had three children, only one of whom, an infant, is living. Mr. Greenler is considered one of the progressive and practical men of his locality and because of his sterling integrity and ability he enjoys a high standing with all who know him.