SANDUSKY COUNTY OHIO *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in the Ohio Biographies project by Joyce Godfrey JoyGod@aol.com 12 October 1999 *********************************************************************** * SANDUSKY & OTTAWA COUNTIES OF OHIO COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, J.H. Beers & Co.: Chicago, 1896, pages 265-266. HERMAN H. GERWIN, one of the oldest pioneers, and a prominent agriculturist of Madison township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, was born in the town of Bohmte, Hanover, Germany, July 3, 1844, and is the son of Ludwig and Sophia (HUNTE) GERWIN, whose family numbered seven children, of whom four are yet living. The father was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1799, and was a contractor and builder by occupation, also, engaged in the manufacture of carriages, and in the undertaking business. He followed these pursuits in his native town, and at the same time owned and superintended a farm. In 1826 he was married, the lady of his choice being also a native of Hanover. A brief record of their seven children is as follows: Dora, born in Hanover, is the widow of Casper ERNSTHAUSEN. John Henry, a carpenter and joiner, of Toledo, Ohio, died June 8, 1892; his wife died June 8, 1895, leaving a family of three children. Sophia, wife of Henry SCHOMBURG, died in Toledo leaving one son, Lewis, who is treasurer of the Merchants Savings Bank of Toledo. Frederick is engaged in repairing cars in the employ of the Ann Arbor Railroad Company at Toledo. William, who died October 9, 1895, was a farmer of Woodville township, Sandusky county. Christopher died in Germany. The father of this family emigrated to America in 1853, and located in Woodville township, Sandusky county, where he engaged in farming for seven years. His death occurred in 1861, at the age of sixty-one. His wife survived him some sixteen years, and departed this life in 1877. They were worthy people, highly esteemed by all who knew them. Mr. GERWIN, the subject of our sketch, attended school in his native country for a year and a half, and then removed with his parents in 1853, from his old home to the New World. They came direct to Ohio, and located on a farm in Woodville township, Sandusky county. Our subject pursued his studies in the schools of Toledo for a period of eighteen months, after which he returned to his father's home, and assisted in the labors of the farm; also attended school in the neighborhood for two winters. He continued to aid in the cultivation of the fields on the old homestead until 1863, when he went to Toledo, and served an apprenticeship to the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he followed until 1872, removing then to Gibsonburg, where he embarked in contracting and building. He did successful business there, employing a number of men, erecting many fine structures both in that place and in Madison township, Sandusky county. While thus engaged, through economy and thrift, he managed to save enough to purchase some real estate in the city of Toledo, which he afterward sold, and bought property in the town of Gibsonburg. In 1877 he abandoned his trade, and returned to agricultural pursuits, trading his real estate in Gibsonburg for a farm of forty acres in Madison township, a small portion of which was under cultivation. He soon cleared the remainder, erected theron a substantial dwelling, good barns and other necessary outbuildings, set out a fine orchard, and made general improvements, all within the short space of six years. He then sold and purchased sixty acres of land, forty of which was improved. It was not long until the remainder was under cultivation, and enclosed with fences. Three years later he again sold, and removed to Washington township, where he purchased fifty-six acres of improved land. He spent three years on that farm, remodeling the dwelling and barn, digging ditches, laying tiles, and continuing the work of improvement until he sold in 1889. In that year he became the owner of seventy-five acres of improved land, and on selling half of this bought seventy-two acres of an adjoining farm, making a total of 101 acres, which he is to-day cultivating. He is progressive in a high degree, and has carried forward the work of improvement along various lines until he is now the owner of one of the finest farms in Madison township. He also carries on stock raising. On November 4, 1869, Mr. GERWIN was married in Pemberville, Wood Co., Ohio, to Miss Christina BERLEKAMP, and this happy union has been blessed with six children: John, was born February 16, 1871, and died December 25, 1872; Cora S., born June 29, 1874; Mary K., February 3, 1878; Carl W., February 12, 1881; Herman H., January 22, 1887; and Lewis William, August 13, 1889. John BERLEKAMP, father of Mrs. GERWIN, was born in Germany, and in 1851 crossed the Atlantic, locating in Seneca county, Ohio, where he farmed for two years. He afterward removed to Wood county, and purchased 120 acres of land, continuing its cultivation up to the time of his death. He was married in Germany to Mary BEIMDICK, and their children were: Katarina, wife of Henry KOHRIG, a farmer of Wood county, Ohio; Mary, wife of David HUMMELL, also a farmer, living on the old homestead in Wood county; Christina, who was born in Germany, December 18, 1847, and is the wife of our subject; Henry, who died in Germany; Louisa, wife of William HAGEMIZER, a farmer of Wood county, Ohio; Emma, who married Henry BUDEMYRE of Wood county, and is deceased; and Frank, who died in that county in October, 1878. John BERLEKAMP passed away February 6, 1893; his wife died eighteen years previous, in 1875. Mr. GERWIN is a sel-made man. Through industry and strict attention to business he managed to acquire a start in life, and through his perseverance and energy he has won success, assisted by his wife, who has indeed been to him a faithful companion and helpmeet, sharing with him in joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity; which have checkered his pathway. He is a member of Gibsonburg Lodge, No. 687, I.O.O.F., and in religious belief is a Lutheran. On questions of national importance he votes with the Republican party; but at local elections supports the man whom he thinks best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliations. Submitted by Joyce Godfrey October 13, 1999 ______________________________