Francis Reichelderfer
There are few citizens of Pickaway County who are not personally acquainted with the popular young farmer who resides on section 26, Salt Creek Township. Not only is he familiar with the best methods of agriculture, but he is an intelligent reader upon all subjects of national or world-wide interest, and is particularly well posted upon political events. In his political affiliations, he is proud to enlist his influence and vote in behalf of the principles of Democracy and is an indefatigable worker in party ranks, where his thorough knowledge of the party platform and the issue at stake renders him invaluable in promoting the interests of local politics.
During the early settlement of this county, Jacob Reichelderfer, grandfather of our subject, emigrated from Berks County, Pa., to Ohio and became one of the first settlers of Salt Creek Township, which was at that time covered with dense forests, where wild animals roamed at will. Deer were plentiful and were often seen by the pioneer hunter as they came to the banks of the stream and stooped to drink the clear flowing water. Amid such primitive surroundings, Samuel Reichelderfer, father of our subject, who was born in Salt Creek Township in 1813, grew to a vigorous manhood and became fitted for the hardships incident to a farmer's life. He witnessed the wonderful growth of the community and bore no unimportant part in its progress. When he died in 1875, it was felt that one of the most enterprising citizens was gone from among those with whom his whole life had been parsed. His wife, who was known in maidenhood as Sarah Reichelderfer and who was likewise a native of Berks County, Pa., survived him a number of years, dying in July, 1890. The worthy couple held membership in the German Lutheran Church and were highly esteemed as faithful Christians.
Among tlie family of thirteen children, our subject was the next to the youngest, and five of the number are living at present. He was born in Salt Creek Township, July 20, 1859, and in his boyhood received the advantages of a common-school education. Early in life, he became familiar with farming pursuits and when he arrived at manhood's years decided to follow agriculture for his life pursuit. November 2, 1882, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Dresbach, a native of Ross County. Mrs. Reichelderfer is the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Ranck) Dresbach, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ross County, Ohio. Her father, who was a farmer, died in 1875; her mother is still living and makes her home in Ross County. She is a lady of great nobility of character and purity of life, and is an active member of the United Brethren Church. She became the mother of thirteen children, and Mrs. Reichelderfer is one of ten now surviving, seven of whom are married.
Our subject and his wife are the parents of three children, as follows: Samuel D., born November 11, 1884; Lyman D., December 18, 1886, now deceased, and Vest D., born November 29, 1890. The family are highly esteemed in the community and are attendants at the United Brethren Church, of which Mrs. Reichelderfer is a member. Their home farm comprises one hundred and five acres of land, which is watered by Salt Creek and thus rendered very fertile, while the buildings are conveniently situated and substantial.
Every measure which has in view the promoting of the welfare of the citizens and the interests of the county, finds in Mr. Reichelderfer a hearty and enthusiastic support. He is admirably adapted for public positions of trust and has served his fellow citizens in various capacities, among them filling the office of Township Clerk to the satisfaction of all concerned. He has also been delegate to several conventions and his name is now prominently mentioned for an important and responsible position. As he is still young, undoubtedly the future years will bring to him public honors and successes.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]