Posted on: Madison Co. Oh Queries Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Oh/Madison/752 Surname: Ackerman, Ackermann ------------------------- Madison County Ohio The following is a reprint. The Biographical Record of Clark County Year 1902 Page - 761 Johanna Christian Ackermann "Johanna Christian Ackermann, who resides in Pleasant Township, Clark County, where he is successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits, was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, on July 28, 1841. His father, Henry Ackermann, was also a native of that locality and was there united in marriage to Miss Catherine Kock, who was born in the same neighborhood. Mr.. Ackermann engaged in teaching school, following that profession for many years. The subject of this review on leaving his native land went to South America and for three years he remained in Buenos Ayres and Montevideo. He was in Geneva, Italy on his way home from South America in 1864. At that time he enlisted as a member of the crew of the United States steamship "Kearsarge", with which he was connected for fourteen months. Then he came to the United States, landing at Boston. In the meantime, the ship had made a voyage to Africa, where many of the crew suffered from yellow fever and because of this they were quarantined at Lisbon for six weeks, after which they proceeded on their way to the American port. Mr.. Ackermann was employed in caring for the sick on board the ship. After reaching the United States the more rigorous climate of New England caused him to contract a fever and he was sent to a hospital in Boston. While lying sick there, his ship left port and he was forced to remain behind. On this account he could never receive a discharge or pension. He was left penniless and as soon as he regained his health he began to work on a farm. Later he went to Philadelphia. He was robbed, both in that city and in Boston, of what little he possessed. On leaving Philadelphia he walked thirty six miles in three days. It was cold winter weather in the month of December and the snow lay upon the ground to the height of the fences. He did not know the language of the people and he slept outside in the cold and was without food for three days. At length, however, he secured work upon a farm, were he remained until he had saved thirty dollars. He was a miller by trade and followed that pursuit in South American country. When he had earned the sum mentioned he went to work in a mill in Redingen and afterwards removed to Lancaster, Penn., where he was paid eight dollars per month for his work. Later he again went to Philadelphia, and proceeding to the emigrant office, he made known his wish to get a ticket to the west. He obtained a ticket taking him to Springfield, Ohio. this he became a resident of Clark County. For three years, he worked in a mill, receiving ten dollars per week, for his services. Later he was employed in the Poos Oil Mills for six months and subsequently in the paint mill, later turning his attention to agricultural pursuits. He is now engaged in general farming and stock raising. He also does a threshing business and is engaged in the business of clover hulling in addition to his other interest. He also manufactures "Hog Chick" which is a hog and chicken cholera cure. He invented this famous cure himself and through this means has assisted many of his neighbors in saving their stock. He is now carrying on a good and prosperous business and has become one of the prosperous and substantial agriculturists of his community and Clark County, Ohio. On the 10th of December 1868, Mr. Ackermann was united in marriage to Mrs., Catherine Hartman. She died in 1874 and later he went to his old home in Germany and brought back to this country Miss Magdelena Gemmell, to whom he was married in Springfield, Ohio on December 10th, 1874. They became the parents of nine children namely: Henry Katie Willie John Gertie Charles Louis Harry Frederick Mr.. Ackermann cast his first presidential vote for Grant. Later he became a democrat supporting the party until Grover Cleveland became its candidate for the presidency. He now votes the Republican Party. Mr.. Ackermann has led a busy, interesting and useful life and certainly is to be commended for what he has accomplished for starting out in life without a dollar, he has steadily prospered in his work and in raising a good family with his earnest toil has brought to him a most comfortable living."