John W. Bartel, one of the dependable citizens and successful agriculturists of Washington township, was born near Salina, Auglaize county, Ohio, in 1865, a son of Joseph Bartel. His father was a shoe merchant of Piqua for a number of years, but also carried on farming in Auglaize county, where John W. Bartel acquired his educational training in the public schools. He was reared to habits of industry and honesty and as a young man adopted for his life work the vocation of farming, to which he has applied his activities uninterruptedly throughout his career. From a small beginning he has worked his way to the possession of a fine farm of one hundred and fifteen acres, located in Washington township, Miami county, on which he has made his home for many years. He has placed this property under a high state of cultivation and has improved it by the erection of a splendid set of substantial buildings as well as the installment of a number of up-to-date machines and implements, and in every way is looked upon as one of the progressive members of his calling in his locality. As a citizen he has answered every worthy call, and during the World war period contributed liberally to the movements formulated to insure the success of the American Army. He has several connections of a civic and social nature, but does not seek preferment and is not a politician. Mr. Bartel was united in marriage with Miss Mary B. Morrin, whose sad death in May, 1918, was mourned by a wide circle of friends. Five children were born to this union, namely: Ruth E., Paul E., Grace R., Mary B., and Bertha Olive. Mr. Bartel is a Baptist while his children attend the Christian church.