John C. Kuenzel
John C. Kuenzel was born at Marklenthen, Bavaria, September 5, 1823, where he spent the first fifteen years of his life, attending school, and receiving therefrom a thorough knowledge of those branches of study necessary in the laying of a sure foundation, upon which to build a permanent structure in after-life. When not at school, was kept busily engaged in honest, useful labor, thus, in early youth becoming possessed of two predominent characteristics, which were plainly observant by all with whom he came in contact throughout the whole of a successful business career, viz., an absorbing love of reading, often until far into the wee small hours of night, and an untiring, unwearied industry, which never fagged or faltered, until the summons came to "rest from his labors." He emigrated to America in 1838, landing with his father and family at New Orleans, from whence they came direct to New Bremen, Auglaize Co., O. Here those sterling qualities of love of learning and labor, which he had acquired at home, proved of value in the wilderness. Learning the tanner's trade of his father, he engaged in the business with a will which never said go but come. Afterwards purchasing the business in 1847, commencing with a capital of only fifty dollars, John C. Kuenzel, by strict attention to business, honest integrity of character, square uprightness in dealing, was, when he sold the tannery to the present owner, Mr. August Boesel, in 1870, one of the wealthiest men in town, attained by unwavering integrity and untiring industry. Mr. Kuenzel was married in the same year he commenced business for himself to Miss Maria Wunderlich, by whom he had thirteen children, six of whom survive, and reproducing in themselves, thus far in life, the example of honest industry, which was ever before them in the person of their father, leading, guiding, and directing to success and affluence. He was ever closely allied with all interests for public improvements in town, having for their real object the general good. He was for many years a member of the Board of Education of the town, and with a zeal which knew no abatement he, with a few others, so directed effort, and overcame obstacles as to succeed in paving the way for a liberal education to be given to every child in the township. At the time of his death, Sept. 1879, he was engaged in the manufacture of flour and woollen goods, in which business he is succeeded by his son. We close this short and very imperfect sketch of the life of John C. Kuenzel by remarking that the esteem in which he was held by his neighbors, his masterly activity, his predominant integrity, his love of education, and advancement, his willingness, zeal, in offering and lending a helping hand have endeared him to the people to such an extent, that the memory of his virtues will be cherished until the last who knew him shall be summoned to pass over the river.
From History of Auglaize County, Ohio, with the Indian History of Wapakoneta, and the First Settlement of the County, Robert Sutton, Publishers, Wapakoneta, 1880