Christopher Garber

CHRISTOPHER GARBER.

France, though not so famous as some other countries in the matter of colonization, has contributed some valuable emigration to the new world, included in which is the family to which this biography is devoted. Peter Garber, who was born in France in 181 1, learned the blacksmith's trade and supported himself by this occupation as long as he remained in his native land. In early manhood he married a young French girl, named Barbara Saltzmann, and in 185 1 the young couple concluded that they could better their fortunes in the rising republic across the sea. Accordingly, they came over in that year, made their way to Hancock county, Ohio, and found a location in Big IJck township. Peter Garber was a poor man when he arrived, with no other reliance for success than his brain and muscle, backed by a willingness to work and good sense to guide his operations. He secured possession of one hundred acres of land, which he cultivated in summer, while his blacksmith shop was kept busy during the winter season. By this continued occupation, kept up with unceasing industry and judicious management, our worthy French emigrant succeeded in accumulating a handsome property, which supported the family in comfort during the lifetime of the parents, and eventually made a valuable legacy for the children. Peter and Barbara Garber lived to a venerable age and passed peaceably away within a few years of each other, the former's death occurring January 25, 1892, and that of the latter December 15, 1894. Their three children, Peter, Ellen and Christopher, were all born in the old country before the emigration to America. Christopher G;u"l)cr, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born at his father's humble home in France lbruary 2, 1847, and hence was but four years of age when the long voyage was undertaken across the At'antic. He received all his education in Big Lick township, attending the public schools and assisting his father in his various occupations. Being brought up to habits of industry and economy and taught the practical details of agriculture, he possessed the needed equipment for the success he achieved in after life. It was in 1872 that he made the first business venture on his own account by the purchase of forty acres of land, which he cultivated assiduously and, as prosperity came, increased at different times until his entire estate amounted to one hundred and thirty acres. When it is said th,at all this land, besides some city property in Findlay, was accumulated by Mr. Garber within ten years, it is not necessary to furnish further proof either of his untiring industry or his good management. He has devoted himself exclusively to agricultural pursuits and ranks union" the most progressive and enterprising of Hancock's farmers. That he is popular in his adopted country and that he stands well as a business man, is fully attested by his election as county commissioner in 1891. The manner in which he discharged the duties of this important position during his term left no cause for regret on the part of his friends for the confidence they had reposefl in him. Besides the commissionership ATr. Garber has also filled the offices of justice of the peace and trustee of his township in a manner entirely satisfactory to those most concerned. Both in public and private life Mr. Garber is always found safe and reliable and an advocate of all those things which, in the language of Matthew Arnold, "make for righteousness." Besides his general farming, which he carries on extensively, he deals in stock on a large scale and is one of the large shippers of the C' county. Decemlier 5, 1872, Mr. Garber was married to Miss Elizabeth F., daughter of Samuel and Isabelle (Curry) Leonard, and this union has ])moved in every way a congenial and happy one. Their only child is a son, Leroy E., whose birth occurred November 2i, 1876, and whose character and career has been such as to justify the affection bestowed upon him by his fond parents. He is engaged in the \\oo\ and seed business at Findlay with his father, and has already established a reputation in business circles which gives promise of great futile success. Leroy F. Garber was married some years ago to Miss Ora Enfield, member of an old and respected family, and their household has been brightened by the birth of two children: John W., bom March 7, 1899; and Frances, bom April i, 1901. Mrs. Garber was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for forty years, but for the last few years has been a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Garber, although not a member of any church, lends his inHuence towards morality and all that is good.

A word or two concerning the venerable parents of Mrs. Garber will prove of interest. Samuel Leonard was born in Pennsylvania, but his wife. Isabelle Curry, was a native uf Ohio, where the former became a successful farmer. Both are living, and celebrated their eighty-seventh birthdays in 1902, his occurring in March and hers in November of that year. John Curry, father of Isabelle Leonard, was born in Ireland and came to the United States when fifteen years old. He was a weaver by trade, and also fanned, was a life-long member of the Presbyterian church, and died at a good old age, respected by all who knew him. Robert Leonard, father of Samuel, was born in Pennsylvania, of old Holland Dutch stock, but removed to Hancock county about 1838, where he followed farming. He was a ruler in the Presbyterian church for half a century, and died at the age of seventy-six years.

As printed in A Centennial biographical history of Hancock County, Ohio : embellished with portraits of many well known people of Hancock County, who have been or are prominent in its history and development (1903). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.