John Rauch

As printed in 1902

John Rauch, a baker and grocer of Springfield, whose successful conduct of his business interests is alike gratifying and creditable, was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 19, 1858. He is a son of John Rauch, whose birth occurred in the fatherland in 1824, and who followed farming in that country until 1892, when he came to

America. He now lives with his son John and assists in the bakery. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Barbara Strehl and was born in 1823; is also living. They have seven children: Amarin, a farmer of Germany; Margaret, the wife of George Ratcer, a locksmith and master of. Bavaria;

Barbara, the wire of Michael Mantl, of Gern many; John, of this review; Annie is maı- ried and lives in Germany; aa 1s the wife of Joseph Foster, of Buffalo, New York;

and Wencil, who is a professor in a as school of Bavaria. The father had one hundred and seventy-three acres of land in his native country and conducted a tavern there. After his children had attained mature years, however, he sold his business interests and divided the profits among his children, giving each one thousand dollars.

Like the other members of the family, John Rauch attended school until about thirteen years of age and then learned the baker’s apprenticeship. He was afterward in the

. Pleasant street.

trade at Munich, serving two years”.

employ of bakers until twenty years of age, when he entered the army, being connected with military service for two years. On receiving a furlough he came to this country, landing at New York on the ist of January, 1881. He was a stranger with little knowledge of America, its people or its customs. Making his way to Philadelphia he there secured work at his trade, remaining in that city for two months, after which he came direct to Springfield and obtained a position on Clifton street. Subsequently he entered the employ of Charles Renssaler, with whom he continued until June, 1881. He then opened up business on his own account at No. 541 East Main street, but remained only a short time, when he built the oven at his present place of business, No. 300 East He succeeded in securing a large and growing patronage, but after a time he sold out and went to Washington Court House, where he remained until 1885. He then returned to this city and again began business here at No. 341 East Main street, the property belonging to his wife's mother. In 1890 he purchased his present property and enlarged the plant, put in modern machinery and now does a general wholesale business, selling principally to retail dealers in this city and in adjoining towns. From a small beginning he has built up an extensive trade, to which he has given his personal attention. He employs four men and he has one son who assists him in the business, attending to the wants of customers.

In June, 1881, Mr. Rauch was married to Philopena Barth, who was born in Springfield in 1860. Their son, John A., graduate of the public schools of Spine field, was graduated in Nelson’s Business. College in 1897, and since that time has

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