John Calvin Koontz

John Calvin Koontz was born on a farm in Sandusky County on May 15, 1868. He moved with his parents, John and Sarah (Kuhn) Koontz to Ottawas Co. They moved to Elery, a small community near Hamler in Henry Co., Ohio adn there, as he grew to manhood, he learned stave cutting ( barrel making),the trade he followed for a number of years. While living in Elery, he met Miss Elizabeth Catherine Overhulse, one of Henry County's effecient teachers whom he married on Oct. 20, 1889 in Napoleon, Ohio by Reverand M.L. Donahey. To this union was born one son, Clyde Carlton Koontz.

John and Elizabeth moved to Mungen, between Portage and Cygnet, and he worked cutting staves for about 10 years. Then they moved to Bowling Green and lived next door west of 309 Pearl St. before moving to that address. After they both passed away, the house at 309 Pearl St. was sold by their son, Clyde, to his daughter, Kathryn J. and Eber L. Finkenbiner in 1956.

For a time John C. worked in the oil fields and then in 1905 he was appointed as night patrolman by Chief of Police, Joe E. Reed, and served in that job for 11 years. In 1914 he was promoted to Chief of Police, succeeding Ruben Ellsworth.

After 12 years he left the service having served on the force for 22 years. He served under the following mayors: T.F. Conley, D.C. VanVoorhie, Frank Wolfe, I.M. Taylor, S.W. Bowman, Frank W. Haskell, A. R. Cmapbell, and Joe Rider.

His retirement came on Feb. 29, 1928 adn then he went into the real estate business for about two years. He drove the school bus and also was Constable of Plain Townshiop. He was 69 years, 21 days old when he passed away. He died on a Sunday morning about eight o'clock. Cause of death was a stroke.

Elizabeth Catherine Overhulse

Elizabeth was the daughter of Jesse and Rebecca (Anspaugh) Overhulse and was born 17 Dec. 1869 in Champaign County, Ohio. She was baptized in the Maumee River in Napoleon, Ohio on Sept. 17, 1904 by Rev. J.G. Beard. She taught school from 1885 to 1889. Son, Clyde C. Koontz, was born Sunday morning, May 3, 1891 in Elry, Henry County, Monroe Twp., Ohio.

She died Feb. 12 1954 in the home she had made with her husband. She is buried in Forest Hill Cemetary in Napoleon, Ohio beside her husband, John Calvin Koontz.

Addie Harriet Koontz

This is Addie Koontz with her sister's Lillian on the left and Ella May on the right.