Ulysses Reichenbach
Ulysses Reichenbach, a prominent agriculturist of Allen County, is a native of Canton Neuchatel, Switzerland, where he was born on August 15, 1845. When he came to this country he was a poor man and his present property represents years of patient toil. In addition to the 146-acre homestead in section 34, Richland township, Mr. Reichenbach owns 80 acres in Putnam County. His parents were John and Margaret (Guntner) Reichenbach, who came to America in 1873 and made their home here for the rest of their lives.
Ulysses Reichenbach was one of 10 children, seven boys and three girls. At the age of 19 he left the parental roof to try his fortune in a new country, landing in New York in 1866. He first stopped in Wayne County, Ohio, where he worked on a farm by the month for one year, and then came to Allen County and for four years worked by the month in Richland Township. By dint of saving every penny, he managed to get sufficient together to buy 80 acres of woodland in Putnam County. Renting a farm there he cultivated it for a year. He cleared off the timber on the 80 acre tract and erected a dwelling. Later he bought 106 acres in Allen County which, with the 40 acres received from his father-in-law, comprise his present homestead. He has two good dwellings on this farm, one of which is occupied by his son-in-law.
Mr. Reichenbach was married in November 30, 1869 to Fannie Basinger, who was born September 14, 1841, on the farm where she now lives, her parents being Sevmour and Barbara (Steiner) Basinger. Eight children have blessed their union, namely: John, Leah, Henry, Lydia, Maggie, Emma, Lena, and Amos. John, who resides on the 80 acre farm in Putnam County, married Barbara Leichty and has three children Lillie, William and Titlam. Leah resides at home with her parents. Henry, who is engaged in farming in Richland township, married Emma Batcher and has one child, Mildred. Lydia died at the age of nine years. Maggie married William Steiner and has two children, Mabel and Odula. They live in Putnam County. Emma, who was the wife of Fred Beiderman, left at death one child, Sylvia, who lives with her grandparents. Lena married Samuel Augsburger and had one child, Hazel, who died in infancy. They live on Mr. Reichenbach's farm in Richland township. Amos married Mary Welty, a daughter of Christ Welty, a farmer of Putnam County. They have one child, Stella, and reside on the home farm. Mr. Reichenbach has always supported the Democratic ticket. In religion he is a conscientious and consistent member of the Mennonite Church.