There are few inhabitants of Adams Township who are not known to this old father, whose cheerfulness and good nature can be read in his features. This is Mr. Franz Mikus, who at least in count of years must be reckoned among the German pioneers of Defiance County.
In Sandebeck in Westphalia on the 3rd of August 1822 he first saw the light of day. The first half century of his life he spent in the old Fatherland. There he married on the 6th of November 1861 Miss Maria Eilert, and eleven years later the family, which at that time already consisted of eight persons, immigrated to this country and settled in Adams Township. Eighty acres of land were bought immediately. Often the cupboard was bare as old Mother Hubbard's, since the Family Mikus had few earthly treasures. But of industriousness, righteousness and trust in God there was never a lack, and they were seldom unrewarded. Now may Grandfather Mikus in his old age live without worry and rejoice in his good children, who honor his age, make good progress, and enjoy with him the respect of their fellow citizens.
The faithful wife, who presented Mr. Mikus with eleven children, was separated from them on the 14th of March 1902; the eleven children are all alive. They are: Christian, John, Frank, Andreas and Henry Mikus, Mrs. Minnie Coressel and Miss Josephine Mikus in Adams Township; Ferdinand Mikus in Jewell; sister Fabiola of St. Francis Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana; Mrs. Mary Voerne in Toledo and Mrs. Kathy Clemens in Defiance. And grandchildren there are many, as the family grows like the sand by the sea.
Is Franz Mikus still hale? Ask the neighbors, how he can march; either how he takes his place for corn shocking, or if he dozes, when he plays trumps so hard the table shakes. Yes, he is hale, both in mind and body, and will hopefully remain so for many years.
[Find A Grave Memorial# 37118590]
George Goller
Our German Pioneers
In Washington Township, one of the best townships in Defiance County, still live many of the old German settlers who came to this area over a half a century ago and helped to bring this area to it's current wonderful development. Among these Mr. George Goller, whose likeness we bring you today, occupies a distinguished position.
George Goller was born on the 25th of October 1827 in the Kingdom of Wuerttemberg, Germany, as the son Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Eva Goller and came in the year 1831 with his parents to this country, where after a short stop in Cleveland [they] took over the reclamation of 27 acres of forest in Medina county. There in the year 1850 Mr. Goller married Miss Maria Strahle and about five years later they settled on their own farm in Washington Township, which through untiring industry they have converted into a splendiferous country estate. On the 28th of November of the past year the wife, after she had suffered for two monthes from the effects of a stroke, passed from believing into seeing. Of the eight children who resulted from this very happy marriage, two have died, namely a daughter in infancy and Mrs. Helene Burgbacker about three years ago. Four sons and two daughters are still alive. Besides these, Mr. Goller's descendants include 21 grandchildren and, as far as is known, 6 great-grandchildren.
Wherever George Goller is known, he is respected and honored. A carefree old age, which he has well earned through the work of his hands, is his happy lot. May he for many more years enjoy the fruits of his labors with good health!