William C. Augsburger
William C. Augsburger, manager and half owner of the Arras Cream Separator Company, of Bluffton, was born at Bluffton, August 23, 1874, and has been a continuous resident of the town. His parents are Frederick and Sophia (Villiard) Augsburger.
The father of our subject was born in Switzerland and came to Bluffton with his parents when a child of six years. He married in Wayne County, Ohio, and both he and his wife reside at Bluffton. Their children are: William C. of this sketch; Lulu, wife of Ross Bogart, of Bluffton; Elfa, wife of Frank Moran, of Mount Cory, Ohio, and Elmer, still at school.
While our subject was still a pupil at school, he assisted in his own maintenance, employing his spare time in selling newspapers. When 21 years of age, his small earnings having been saved by his careful mother, he was able to buy a lot and was prepared to build a house on it. The thrift taught him by his excellent mother has assisted greatly in his success as a business man. When 16 years old he left school and clerked in a hardware store for a year and a half at Beaver Dam and for the same period at Kenton, and then for eight years at Bluffton for John Fett. In 1901, with Mr. Fett, he entered into partnership in the manufacture of cream separators and they formed the company which does such a large business under the name of the Arras Cream Separator Company. Employment is given 15 competent persons at the factory, and it is one of the town's flourishing industries.
In 1895, Mr. Augsburger was married to Belle Lewis, who was born at Bluffton, and is a daughter of W. I. and Eliza Lewis. They have four children, viz.: Hazel, Donald, Howard and Villiard.
In political affiliation, Mr. Augsburger has always been a Democrat. He has taken an active part in local affairs, is a member of the Town Council and is chairman of the finance committee. Fraternally he belongs to two organizations the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is one of the leading businessmen of the community.