John Jacob Bollenbacher & Effie B. Strobel
I found some very useful information about the Bollenbacher families of Mercer County, and I thought I'd share it with all of you.
This biography was printed in a book titled "History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative Citizens," which was edited and compiled by Hon. S.S. Scranton of Celina, Ohio.It was published by Biographical Publishing Co. in Chicago in 1907:
"JOHN JACOB BOLLENBACHER, JR., treasurer of Liberty township, is one of the substantial farmers of this locatlity.He owns a fine farm of 80 acres in section 12, on which he resides, and other tracts in the township, his total prssessions aggregating 200 acres.He was born in Liberty townsip, Mercer County, Ohio July 28, 1863 and is a son of Adam and Christina (Koch) Bollenbacher, both natives of Germany."
"Adam Bollenbacher accompanied his parents to America when about 12 years of age and the family has resided in Liberty township ever since, always maintaining its honorable standing.Our subject's grandfather, George Bollenbacher, was one of the best known pioneers of this township.Adam Bollenbacher, the father, was an extensive farmer and stock-raiser.His death occurred in April 24, 1901.The mother of our subject, who is now in her 63rd year, resides in Liberty township.Of a large family of children, nine survive, as follows:John Jacob, of this sketch; George, of Liberty township; Adam, of Van Wert county; Andrew and Charles, of Liberty township; Mary H., wife of Theodore Baker, of Black Creek township; Christina Caroline, wife of John J. Deitsch, of Liberty township; Frederick Joseph, of LIberty township; and Amos B., of Black Creek township."
"John J. Bollenbacher was reared to man's estate in Liberty township and obtained his education in the public schools.His life has been mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits and he is one of the enterprising and representative farmers of the township."
"On March 11, 1888, Mr. Bollenbacher was married to Effie B. Strobel, who was born in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a daughter of the late Peter Strobel.Mrs. Strobel, who is 80 years of age, resides with her daughter, Mrs. Bollenbacher."
"In politics, Mr. Bollenbacher is a stanch [sic] Democrat.He assumed the duties of his present office on January 1, 1906, and has become a very popular official.Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association" (pp. 407-408).