John Bixel
John Bixel, cashier of the First National Bank of Bluffton, has been a lifelong resident of the town, having been born here June 11, 1869. His father is Peter Bixel Sr., a farmer residing near Bluffton. Mr. Bixel acquired a good, practical business education, attending the Bluffton High School, from which he was graduated in the class of 1889. The following eight years were spent in teaching in district schools, during which time he took the work of the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio. His first venture in the commercial world was in the grocery business with his brother David. Bixel Brothers conducted their store for three years, and then our subject disposed of his interest in the concern to his brother and became a partner of B. C. Mann, who was engaged in the shoe and clothing business. Two years later the firm of Bixel & Mann was dissolved by Mr. Bixel's withdrawal from the company.
About this time the First National Bank was organized, Mr. Bixel being one of the promoters of the enterprise, and he was chosen as cashier, a position which he has since retained to the perfect satisfaction of all concerned. The first officers of the bank were: Simon Herr, president; Lewis S. Duper, vice-president; John Bixel, cashier, the foregoing with Amas A. Geiger and A. J. Solomon constituting the board of directors. The only change make since in this list of officers was occasioned by the withdrawal of Mr. Solomon, who sold his stock to Henry Gratz, who was later elected a director. Mr. Bixel was one of the chief promoters of the Beaver Dam Bank, which was organized in 1902. This is a private bank, of which Mr. Herr is president and our subject, one of the directors.
Mr. Bixel married Halla Russell, who is a native of Bluffton and a daughter of Orin and Ella (Halla) Russell. Her grandfather was Daniel Russell, one of the first residents here. He was president of the first bank established, the People's Bank, and also conducted a general merchandise store and grain depot, his son Orin being a partner under the firm name of Russell & Son. Both are deceased. Mr. Bixel has one child, a son, Russell L., born April 19, 1899. Our subject is a member of the Mennonite Church and one of Bluffton's most forceful and enterprising men.