Lewis Kreiling
Lewis Kreiling, of the firm of Kreiling & Bedford, proprietors of the Riverside Mills of Lima, was born in 1839 in Wayne County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and acquired an education. His father was the late Henry Kreiling, for many years a wagon-maker of Marshallville, Wayne County.
Mr. Kreiling learned the trade of a plasterer and for many years followed that calling, abandoning it, after 30 years, to engage in farming and dairying in German township, Allen County. He engaged in these occupations for six years, then moved to Lima on the day which saw Benjamin Harrison elected to the presidency. He soon entered the Riverside Mills, and in 1901 formed his present partnership with Mr. Bedford. Messrs, Kreiling , Bedford and others also have four oil-wells in active operation within the city limits of Lima.
Mr. Kreiling was married June 9, 1863, to Mary E. Berkhart, by whom he has three children, namely: Alice, wife of F. M. Mullenhour; Maud, wife of Benjamin Dennis; and Edward, a resident of Findlay, Ohio. Both daughters reside in Lima, where their husbands are engaged in business. Mr. Kreiling was formerly a Republican, but in more recent years has cast an independent vote. He is an active member of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church, and has held the office of treasurer ever since the present edifice was erected. He is also a member of the board of trustees.