FREDERICK GERKEN

Frederick Gerken was born in Freedom Township on April 8, 1861. He is the son of Harmon and Mary (Mahnke) Gerken, both of whom were born in Hanover, Germany, in 1828. In 1857 they came to Henry Countywhere they were married. They were the first Low Germans to settle in Freedom Township. Nine years later they purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Section 29, and there spent the rest of their days. Harmon died on Oct. 8, 1894, and Mary died on Feb. 2, 1905. Harmon was a trustee of Freedom Township for fifteen years and they were both members of the Lutheran Church. Their children were: Henry, Mary, (Mrs. Frederick Huner), Frederick, Herman, William, George, and John.

Fred Gerken and Charlie Sworden on the elevator bridge.

In 1887 Frederick married Miss Ida Hogrefe, who was born in Adams Township, Defiance County, on October 7, 1863, the daughter of Henry Hogrefe. To this union the following children were born: August F., Pauline, Hulda, Frederick, Carl, and Ida. The Gerken Family is associated with the Lutheran Church.

In 1894 Frederick was elected to the position of Clerk of Freedom Township. By successive re-elections, he has held this office for many years. Frederick was a carpenter in his early youth, and in 1888 began farming. On Sept. 26, 1898, he began the building of the elevator at Gerald. A partnership was formed with a total capital of $3,000.00. Managers named were Henry Baden, Herman Haase, and Fred Gerken. Officers elected were president, Herman Haase, and secretary and treasurer, Fred Gerken. Partners named for the newly formed Gerald Elevator Company Limited were the following: Henry Baden, Henry Meyer, J. H. Badenhop, Herman Haase, D. H. Gebers, Henry Korte, Fred Meyer, Herman F. Gerken, George Gerken, and Fred Gerken. All are residents of Gerald, Ohio, with the exception of Henry Baden of Hamler, Ohio.

On Feb. 12, 1900, the land (87 square rods) was purchased from Henry Meyer for $55.00. On Feb. 23, 1900, Henry Baden purchased Herman Haase's share, and on April 20, 1900, Fred Gerken bought out D. H. Gebers. On May 9, 1901, for $2080.00 the following people sold to Fred Gerken: George W. Gerken, Henry Korte, J. H. Badenhop, Frederick Meyer, Herman F. Gerken, and Henry Meyer. On Dec. 31, 1902, John Mengerink, an employee of Fred bought a one-third interest. And on Feb. 13, 1903 Fred bought Henry Baden's interest. On Oct. 24, 1908, Fred bought the remaining shares of John Mengerink and became the sole owner of the elevator. He also was a part owner of the Napoleon Elevator.

Fred was a highly respected and industrious man. Only through hard work and determination was he able to attain his goal in life. Fred and Ida were devoted members of St. John's Lutheran Church. Fred died in 1935, and Ida passed away in 1945. Both are buried in the church cemetery.

Submitted by Ida Gerken and Marlene Patterson