COMMEMORATIVE HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF WOOD CO OH 1897
Henry P Meyer is one of the progressive and enterprising business men of Wood CO, and, for some time, has been prominently connected with the development and progress of his locality, and from a humble position has worked his way steadily upward until he now ranks among the substantial citizens of the community. He was born in Soltau, Hanover, Prussia, September 23, 1854, and is a son of Henry and Anna (Bartols) Meyer.
Our subject attended school in his native land until fourteen years of age, and out of school hours engaged in work to provide for his own support. His first occupation was tending geese, afterward working as a cowboy, and, later, as a shepard. After leaving school he was employed as a shepard for $14 per year, his board and a suit of homespun clothes. He learned the trade of knitting when a mere boy, and has always led an industrious life. He determined to save enough money to come to America, but as he was old enough to enter the German army, he did not dare let his plans be known. For eight months prior to sailing he worked on a railroad; then sold the thirteen sheep which he had managed to acquire, and with his earnings had altogether some $84. His brother drew the money for him from the bank, at which time his trunk was packed and all preparations made for the journey. On foot he traveled to Soltau June 8, 1873, and took a train for Bremen. After some delay, he finally sailed on the steamer "City of Breman," which carried 1,700 passengers, and on the 3rd of July, reached New York. Arriving at Findlay, OH, he had remaining capital of $11. From there he went to Van Buren, Hancock County, where for eight years and four months he was employed as a hand on the Huntington farm in Allen township. He worked almost day and night, and within three months saved $100. On January 13, 1875, he made his first purchase of land, comprising forty acres, to which he added another forty acres in 1876. In the winter of 1877 he left his work in Hancock County and came to his farm, where he sawed logs, living in a dilapidated shanty. The winter was one of untold hardships, but he made considerable progress toward clearing his land, on which he made a permanent location in the spring of 1881.
In October, 1882, in North Baltimore, Mr. Meyer married Clara L. Carr, who was born in Hancock County in 1857. Their children are Jennie A., Frank Elmer, Orma Mary, Ivan Emmet and Edwin. At the time of their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Meyer located on the farm where they have since resided. He now owns 160 acres, and his wife eighty acres, and they have considerable property in Findlay. He has developed a stone quarry on his farm, has built a limekiln there, and has become interested in the lumber business. In the fall of 1890 he erected a substantial and commodious residence upon his place. He certainly deserves great credit for his success in life, and his prosperity is justly merited. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served as school director.
Facts about this person:
Event 1 June 08, 1873 began journey to States
Event 2 July 03, 1873 reached New York
Event 3 January 13, 1874/75 Bought 1st land
Event 4 1890 Built homestead
Event 5 1877 Moved to Wood CO
Occupation farmer, stone quarry operator
Residence Prussia, Findlay, Cygnet
Comment 1 Democrat
