Johann Drexler Sr.

Our German Pioneers

There is no group (class) that has done more for the development of Northwest Ohio, and has given this part of the state better citizens, than the German pioneers. Their ranks are thinning from year to year, and one after another these trailblazers of civilization go to their well-earned rest. Beginning with this edition, the "Herold" will from time to time carry pictures and short biographies of such pioneers for the remembrance of future times.

This week we bring [the reader] a well-taken picture of Mr. Johann Drexler Sr. of North Richland, who for more than a quarter century has belonged to the "Herold" family. His cradle stood in the beautiful regions of the kingdom of Wuerttemberg; where he first saw the light of day in Dettingen on 24th December 1823. As a youth (apprentice?) he learned weaving, which he practiced for five years. Up until his 30th year he practiced various lines of work, when he was seized by the irresistible force of the wanderlust for the much promised occident over the Atlantic ocean, and he has had no regrets from following that impulse, even though his life's path in the united States has not been without thorns. On the 12th of April 1854 he landed in the city of New York. A week later the brand-new immigrant started work for a farmer in the vicinity of the suspension Bridge, N.Y., as hired hand and worked for nine years for the same man at a salary of just eight dollars per month. In Niagara county, New York, on the 13th of April 1861 he married Miss Barbara Hochberger, who on the 6th of July 1905 preceded him to that better Place. Since 1864 Mr. Drexler has resided in North Richland on the farm, and also in the same area live his three children: John Drexler, Jr., Georg Drexler and Mrs. Maria Thieroff -- as respected and dear as he [himself]. At the first he bought 80 acres in this area, where at that time one truthfully could not drive comfortable coaches and grand automobiles, and in 1887 he enlarged his holdings another 40 acres. on this homestead both his sons live with him.

Despite his almost 84 years, Grandfather Drexler is physically and spiritually hale, and carries his grey hair in honor. In truth an example of an stalwart citizen, whom we all ought strive [to imitate].

Johann E. Tröger

Our German Pioneers

Of human life, it is said in the Book of Books, it shall be considered as precious, when rich in effort and labor. Of the German pioneer Johann E. Tröger of Highland Township, whose portrait we present today, is proof of the saying; his life is rich in effort and labor, but also precious, in that he can enjoy the fruits of such effort and labor with his descendants.

Johann E. Tröger first saw the light of day on the 9th of November 1824 in Neuendorf, Lower Franconia, Kingdom of Bavaria, and therefore on Saturday of this week will be 83 years old. As a 23 year old youth he came to America and settled at once on the south Ridge. As it then looked in that area, is difficult to describe to the younger generation. It reguired an unbending ?determination to wring (?wrest) an existence from the wilderness and the swamp, and to fashion a paradise, as the south Ridge now is known (?regarded) far and wide. Mr. Tröger possessed that determination. Despite many deprivations and despite all the hard labor, he was ?true to the furrow, and victoriously pressed on to success. If he had not borne the cross of rheumatism, his life would have been ideal in every aspect.

Father Tröger married in 1850 Miss Katharine Schall, who died four years later, after presenting him with two children. Of these two children remains only the widow Barbara Baumann in East Defiance. In 1856 the widower married Miss Maria Ottilia Garman, who preceded him into Eternity in January of this year. From this marriage five children survive, namely Johann in Kansas, Adam in Buffalo, N.Y., Heinrich in Highland Township, Georg E. and Miss Anna, who reside in the same house with their elderly father. Additionally Father Tröger can boast of having 16 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. And -- therein also is the value of his life -- his descendants are honorable and respected, wherever they are known, and they never lack for respect for their elder.