My Genealogy Hound

AUGUST WENDT. The German-born element of Clark County recognizes a worthy representative in Mr. Wendt, who is the owner of a little over twenty-three acres of land in German Township besides property in the city of Springfield. His land is devoted to gardening in which he is very successful, finding a good demand for his products in the city and among the people of his community. He is at this writing still on the sunny side of forty, having been born July 22, 1851, in Germany, and is the eldest son of William and Amelia Wendt who were both natives of Germany. Their family consisted of five children, only three of whom are living, viz; August, George and Caroline, the latter being the wife of Adam Pifer. George and Caroline are residents of Springfield. The deceased children, Charles and William, died when about thirty-five and twenty-two years old respectively.

Mr. Wendt left his native country when three years old, his parents having decided upon seeking their fortunes in America. Soon after reaching their destination they came to Ohio and for a number of years resided in Clark County. Not being quite satisfied with their condition, they then removed to Indiana, but about four years later the family returned to Clark County where the widowed mother with her children has since resided. The father died in Indiana about 1870.

Mr. Wendt enjoyed only the advantage of a limited education but he improved every opportunity for reading and obtaining information, and keeps himself posted upon events of general interest. He commenced working at an early age and was employed mostly upon a farm until a youth of sixteen years. From that time until the summer of 1887 he worked in a machine shop, manufacturing agricultural implements at Springfield, for a number of years being in the employ of the William Whitely shops.

When a man of twenty-eight years Mr. Wendt took unto himself a wife and helpmate, being married August 7, 1879, to Miss Kate Fetter. The young people commenced housekeeping in Springfield and in due time there were born to them four children — Maggie, Lizzie, Katie and August, Jr. In 1883 Mr. Wendt purchased his land and started in business for himself. He possesses the qualities of industry and economy which are peculiar to his nationality and while surrounding himself and his family with all the comforts of life, he has the prospect of a competence for his declining years.

Mr. Wendt was reared in the doctrines of the German-Lutheran Church of which he remains a faithful adherent, and politically he is independent, aiming to support the men whom he considers best qualified to serve the people. He enjoys in a marked degree the confidence of his neighbors and fellow citizens and bears the reputation of being honest in his dealings and one whose word can always be relied upon.