E. M. Neff

As printed in 1902

E. M. NEFF.

When determined purpose and unflagging perseverance are lacking effort is rendered futile and resolution unavailing. Well-formulated plans and a close adherence thereto, these are the necessary concomitants of success, and as exemplified in the career of Mr. Xeff, have brought to him a richly merited degree of prosperity. Fie is now in control of one of the leading dry goods stores of Crestline, his native city, and occupies an enviable position in commercial circles.

Mr. Xeff was born November 10, 1863. His father, John Neff, was a native of Germany, and after arriving at years of maturity was there married. He afterward crossed the Atlantic to "the land of the free," and located in Gabon, Ohio, where he followed his chosen occupation of carpentering, being employed in the railroad shops. Some time in the '60s he removed to Crestline and became proprietor of a hotel, which he conducted up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was about fifty-nine years of age. He was a member of the German Lutheran church, lived in harmony with his Christian belief, and his fair name in business was never tarnished by unscrupulous dealings. By his first marriage he had three children. When their mother had passed away he was again married, in this country, to Mrs. Catherine (Burkhardt) Henge, a widow. She, too, is a native of the fatherland, and is still living. She first married Anthony Henge, and by that union had one son. The parents of our subject had five sons and one daughter of the second marriage, of whom three are still living.

E. M. Xeff. their youngest child, was reared in Crestline and acquired his education in the schools of the town, but at the age of fifteen years he started out in life on his own account, securing a clerkship in the employ of the firm of McKean & Thoman, with whom he remained for twelve years, mastering the business in principle and detail and giving the fullest satisfaction to employers and patrons, as shown by his long continuation with the house. For about five years of the time he was chief clerk. In 1891 he embarked in business on his own account, opening a small "Rackett" store with a very limited stock. From that humble beginning, however, has grown his present excellent establishment with its large stock and modern appointments. In

1896 he erected a two-story brick building on Setzer street, and now has one of the largest dry goods establishments in the town. He enjoys a large and constantly increasing patronage and has a very enviable reputation for straightforward dealing. In addition to his store he has other business interests, being a stockholder in the Schill Brothers Manufacturing Company and in the First National Bank.

In 1884 occurred the marriage of Mr. Neff and Miss Emma Lampert, a native of Crestline and a daughter of William and Jamima Lampert. Their marriage has been blessed with eight children: Stella J.. Arthur J., Theador M., Norma E.. Millita, Edward G., Catherine and Marthia. The parents hold membership in the German Lutheran church, in which Mr. Neff has held several offices, including that of treasurer for six years and trustee for two years. He has taken a very active part in its work and is a generous contributor to all measures calculated to prove of general good along lines of reform and progress. In politics he is a Democrat, and, as every true American should do, feels an interest in the success of the principles in which he believes, but has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with very creditable prosperity.

As printed in A centennial biographical history of Crawford County, Ohio .. (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.