Schultheis Brothers
Schultheis Brothers, who own and operate the large tannery at Lima, are among the best known and esteemed citizens of the city, where they have lived since childhood. The firm is composed of John and Charles Schultheis, successors of their father, Wolfgang Schultheis, who came to this city in 1863 and established the business.
The elder Schultheis was born in Bavaria, Germany, where he learned the trade of tannery with his father, John Schultheis. Coming to America, he made his first stop in Columbiana County, going from there to Cincinnati, thence to Wayne and Pickaway counties, Ohio, and finally conducted a tannery for a short time in Shelby County, Ohio. His next move was to New Bremen, Auglaize County, where he formed a partnership with John Kunzel in 1855, which was continued until 1863 when he disposed of his interests in the tannery and came to Lima. When the tannery was first started in Lima, Mr. Schultheis was associated in the business with his brother, but in 1867 he purchased his brother's interests and from that date until 1891 he carried on the works alone. Since 1891 the business has been managed by the present firm. Charles Schultheis is a native of New Bremen but has been a resident of Lima since his fourth year. He has worked in a tannery from boyhood and his practical knowledge of the business enables him to conduct it in a profitable manner.
In 1895 Mr. Schultheis was married to Matilda T. Eckert, daughter of the late Frederick Eckert, who was widely known during his lifetime as owner of a large pork packing plant at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Charles Schultheis is a prominent Elk and a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.