JOHN M. EIRICH
John M. Eirich, a farmer, was born in Darby Township, Union County, in 1837, and is the oldest son of his parents born in this county. His father's name was George, and his mother's maiden name was Barbara Rupprecht, and both were natives of Germany. He was born in Bavaria, where he was married, and with his wife and five children embarked to the United States in 1837, and made a temporary location in this township, where he resided through the winter, and in the spring of 1838 purchased the farm now occupied by his son, the subject of our sketch, then consisting of eighty acres. During the latter year he erected a log house, and occupied the premises in the spring of 1839. He resided upon the farm during his life, and raised on the homestead farm two children, our subject and a younger brother, Gottlieb, who resides in Van Wert County, Ohio. His father died in 1847. He was a consistent church member all his life, and a worthy and esteemed citizen. The wife and widow who survives him is residing with her children in the eighty-sixth year of her age. Subsequent additions to the homestead farm has increased a 160 acres. The subject of this sketch was brought up on the homestead farm, and was married in 1866 to Miss Caroline Burger, a native of Marion County, Ohio. To this union three children have been born, all of whom are living, viz.: John V., Mary B. and Emanuel P. Mr. E. has filled the office of Assessor two years, and Township Trustee two years, and prior to his marriage engaged in teaching district school for four consecutive winters, from which time be has been :in invalid, after a severe attack of typhus fever. This has prohibited him from labor, and confined him to his home. He has always been connected with the Lutheran Church, and an officer of the church here for some time.