John Michelfelder

There is no element which has entered into our composite national fabric that has been of more practical strength, value and utility than that furnished by the sturdy, persevering and honorable sons of Germany; and in the progress of our Union this element has played an important part. Intensely practical and ever having a clear comprehension of the ethics of life, the German contingent has wielded a powerful influence, and this service cannot be held in light estimation by those who appreciate true civilization and true advancement.

The subject of this review comes from stanch German stock. He was born, however, in New Washington, September 6, 1847, anc s a son °f Jonn and Frederica ( Utz) Michelfelder. His father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany. October 5, 1818, and there spent his youth, during which period he learned the trade of a shoemaker. In the spring of 1846 he came to the United States, landing in New York, whence he proceeded by boat to Albany, thence by canal to Buffalo and on to Sandusky by way of lake Erie. At the last named place he worked at his trade as a. journeyman until the spring of 1847, when he came to New Washington, Crawford county, and soon afterward opened a shop of his own. In 1863 he put in a general line of manufactured shoes, and in 1870 admitted Ins son John to a partnership in the business. In 1873 the father withdrew, being succeeded by his son Jacob, and in 1 88 1 the father retired altogether from active business life, enjoying a quiet rest up to the time of his death, which occurred September 14, 1891. He was a stanch Democrat, but never an office seeker. He held membership in the Lutheran church, and his upright Christian life commended him to the high regard of all with whom he was associated. His wife was also a native of Wurtemberg, born January 23, 1823. She came to America with the party of which her future husband was a member. After remaining in Sandusky for a time she came to New Washington, where she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Michelfelder. Her death occurred May 18, 1898. This worthy couple were the parents of Ave children, namely: John, of this review; Frederica, wife of George Hildebrand, of New Washington; Jacob, who is with his brother in business; Catherine, of New Washington; and Frederick, also of New Washington.

John Michel felder, whose name forms the caption of this review, has spent his entire life in the locality of his birth. His educational privileges were limited, for at the age of fourteen he was taken from school by his father and placed on the shoemaker's bench to assist in providing for the family. When he had attained his majority his father paid him a salary and he remained as an employe in the shop and the store until 1870, when he purchased a half interest in the business. In 1873, however, he withdrew from the firm and established a store of his own. In 1880 his brother Jacob purchased the father's business and the two stores were then merged into one, and the store has since been conducted under the firm style of J. Michelfelder & Brother. They carry a large and well-selected stock of goods manufactured by reliable houses, and their trade is extensive and profitable. Their business methods commend them tothe confidence and support of the public, for they are energetic, persevering and trustworthy.

On the ist of December, 1873, Mr. Michelfelder was united in marriage to Miss Matilda C. High, a native of Cranberry township and a daughter of Michael High. Her paternal grandfather, Valentine A. High, was one of the first settlers of Cranberry township, coming to this county from Germany. Mr. Michelfelder exercises his right of franchise in support of the measures of Democracy, and in the '80s he was elected a member of the board of councilmen of New Washington, in which capacity he served for eight years. During the four succeeding years he was township trustee, and for ten years was a member of the school board, while for three years during that period he served as its chairman and for six years as its treasurer. He has also been justice of the peace for three years; for four years was treasurer of Cranberry township, and for fourteen years was deputy county collector, collecting the taxes for Cranberry township, and for two years served as a member of the Democratic central committee. Thus again and again called to public office, his long retention in official service indicates his strict fidelity to> duty and his unquestioned probity in public affairs. He is a zealous advocate and consistent member of the Lutheran church, and in that organization has been honored with various offices, having acted as deacon for ten years, as church treasurer for seventeen years and was chairman of the building committee at the time the present house O'f worship was erected. This is one of the finest church buildings in the country in a town of its size, the church and grounds costing twenty-two thousand dollars. Our subject is a representative citizen of New Washington.

His is a well-rounded character, in which he has given due attention to physical, mental and moral development. He is justly regarded as one of the leading business men of the community, and as a financier his ability is widely recognized and his integrity is above question. Pubic spirited and progressive, he withhold not his support from any movement calculated to prove of benefit to the community.

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.