William Kettler
William Kettler was born in Prussia in 1828. In 1845 he came to the United States and located in New Bremen. Two years later he sent for his parents, who came over. His first employment was laboring on a farm, at five dollars per month, which he followed some three years. He then clerked in a store four years, at the end of which time he bought a stock of goods for himself and sold goods about thirteen years. In connection with his store he bought and packed pork; also bought and shipped grain. In 1851 he married Minnie Donnerberg. By this marriage there were three children, viz., Julius, Sophia, and Matilda. In 1865 he sold his store in New Bremen, and bought 400 acres of wild land in Van Buren Township, where Kettlerville is now located. This land he has improved and made one of the fine farms of the township. Having acquired a competence, he has retired from active life, and is enjoying the fruits of his past hard labor.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883