Miami County, Ohio Genealogical Researchers -- Sponsored by the Computerized Heritage Association


    H. I. KELCH

    H. I. KELCH, a substantial citizen and prosperous farmer of Newberry Township, who owns what was formerly the old Henry Finfrock farm, a valuable tract of eighty acres, located just south of Bloomer, Miami County, was born on a farm in Shelby County, Ohio, June 14, 1861, and is a son of Frederick and Susanna (Sweigart) Kelch.

    John Nicholas Kelch, the grandfather, came to Ohio from Germany when his son Frederick was about three years of age, settling on a farm adjoining the one now owned by the subject of this sketch, Harman Isaiah Kelch. He remained on that farm for only three weeks, moving then to Darke County, where he made his home until his son Frederick was a young man, when he purchased the farm on which Frederick resided at the time of Harman I. Kelch's birth. Frederick Kelch was a farmer during his earlier years. He was born in Germany, and now lives in Mercer County, Ohio. He married Susanna Sweigart, who died in September, 1892.

    Harman I. Kelch grew to manhood in Shelby County, and obtained his education in the township schools. When he started out for himself he purchased his father's farm, which had originally contained 14O acres, but then was 100 acres, and after operating the farm for some years he sold it to advantage, then spent one year in Darke County, and in 1906 bought his present farm in Newberry Township, on which he has since carried on general farming and tobacco raising. He is a hardworking man, and his industry and good management have brought him a large measure of success in his undertakings.

    Mr. Kelch married Miss Caroline Cromes, who was born in Pennsylvania but reared in Shelby County, Ohio, where her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Neiswonger) Cromes, were substantial farming people. They both died in Shelby County. Mr. and Mrs. Kelch have had the following children born to them,: Walter, Virgil, William, Elmer, Clara, Bertha, Pearl, Grace and Cora. With his family, Mr. Kelch belongs to the Lutheran Church.

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