Lewis Kah
It is proper and fitting at this point to speak of one of the founders of Anna—-a man who has at all times looked and labored towards the growth of the village, and the improvement of the entire township. This man is Lewis Kah, a type of that German Protestant stock which seeks the elevation of the people through the channels of education and art. It is a stock which once entertaining an opinion, dares stand by that conviction single handed, irrespective of mercenary considerations. Mr. Kah was born in Lichtenau, a village of Baden, September 29, 1819. In the spring of 1845 he came to the United States, and, being a musician, readily secured a position with the band of a travelling show. He was thus engaged during the summer, or show season, of seven years, while the winter seasons were passed in teaching cornet bands in different sections of Ohio. In this way he instructed about twenty-five bands in Eastern Ohio alone. During this period, or in 1849, he came to Dinsmore Township, and purchased a piece of land, which he looked upon as a promising investment, as land was then looking upward in value in this section at that time. He did not locate here at this time, but continued his profession of music until 1862, when he entered the 20th Ohio Regiment as a musician. He remained in this capacity about two years, when he withdrew from the army, and in 1865 settled on his farm in Dinsmore Township. The next year, in company with Therkield Brothers, be erected the first building in the newly laid out town of Anna. This building was a store-room, in which the proprietors conducted the drygoods trade about one year.
Mr. Kah then formed a partnership with Messrs. Elliott & Finkenbein, under the firm style of Kah & Elliott, for the purpose of conducting the drygoods and grain business. For this enterprise buildings were erected, as the town was yet new. Late in 1866 William Flesher erected and opened a hotel in Anna, known still as the Anna Hotel, which was purchased hy Mr. Kah in 1867. He then, and from time to time afterward, remodelled the building, and managed the hotel business from the year the building was purchased until August, 1882, when he leased the property to Clemens Stuve. The house has ever enjoyed the reputation of being one of the very best village hotels in Western Ohio. Mr. Kah continued in business with Mr. Elliott until 1875, when he sold his interest and withdrew from the firm. In 1873 he had entered into partnership with John Winter, under the style of Kah & Winter; the purpose of the firm being the erection of a factory which should comprise a saw and planing mill. In 1876 Winters withdrew, and left the whole concern in the hands of Kah. He then changed the nature of the enterprise, which became a saw-mill and steam flour mill; this being the first and only flouring mill in the village. The mill is still owned by Mr. Kah, and operated by his son-in-law, Albert Markland.
Such are some of the interests with which Mr. Kah has been identified. More than this, it must be added that he was largely instrumental in securing the location of the D. & M. Railroad station at Anna. In this interest he collected $98, and contributed $55 toward the erection of the little station. Again, he was chiefly instrumental in securing the location of the German Lutheran church at this village, as he, in a few days, collected the sum of $2500 for building purposes. The village and township owe him a debt of gratitude for his labors in behalf of the community. Since his location here he has contributed in every possible way to the advancement of the best interests of the town. As a musician he has freely taught the youth of the community, for he is a staunch believer in education and art. Since the Columbus convention of 1854, which organized a new state party in Ohio, Mr. Kah has been an ardent Republiean. To-day lie still believes it the party of popular liberty, civil rights, and living principles. In religious affairs he is devoted to the doctrines and teachings ol' the Lutheran denomination. Of his family relations it may be said he was married November 18, 1846, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Miss Sarah Ludwig, who was a native of Germany. Their children were named Caroline, who became Mrs. Fletcher, now of Dinsmore Township; Louisa, now Mrs. George Fogt, of Dinsmore Township; Sarah, who married Wm. Stark, but is now dead; Julia, now Mrs. Albert Markland, of Anna; Mary, now Mrs. Moses Ailes, of Botkins; and Lena, who is still with her parents. Since Mr. Kah leased his hotel he has lived in a somewhat retired way in the village of Anna, his farm, hotel, and mills being all managed by responsible parties.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883