Henry Van Gunten
Henry Van Gunten, who was elected sheriff of Allen County in November, 1905, is the proprietor of the large piano and organ house which is located at the southwest corner of the Public Square in Lima. Here he carries a complete line of instruments of the best and most approved makes, and does a volume of business which not only embraces Lima, but extends far out into the surrounding country. He was born July 29, 1864, in Richland township, Allen County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Anna (Snitter) Van Gunten. His father has been a resident of this county since 1834 and is a prosperous farmer of Richland Township.
Henry Van Gunten was one of eight children and his early life was spent on his father's farm. In winter he attended school and assisted with the farming in summer. He learned harness- making and worked at this trade of about four years, until 1889, when he came to Lima and engaged in the sale of musical instruments, in which business he has been eminently successful. Determined to conduct a business to satisfy the most critical taste, he has stocked his store with only the most desirable instruments and those that he feels assured will meet the requirements of his patron. He has the satisfaction of knowing that when a really superior article is wanted it is pretty sure to be Van Gunten who makes the sale. Assisting him in his work is C. F. Woolery, who has charge of the piano tuning.
Mr. Van Gunten married Amelia Beeler daughter of the late David Beeler, of this county, and they are the parents of three bright boys Avery L., Verrel D. and Loen F. The family are members of the German Reformed Church. Mr. Van Gunten was elected sheriff of Allen County of the Demcratic ticket on November, 1905. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, Knights of the Maccabees, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Eagles.