Henry Rettig, a contractor and millwright of Troy, was born in Concord township, November 29, 1860, his parents being John and Kate (Schaufner) Rettig, the latter a native of Germany. The father was born in Pennsylvania and came to Concord township, Miami county, with his father, John Rettig, Sr., who settled on a farm near Troy. He attended the public schools of Troy and learned the millwright's trade under the direction of his father. He also mastered carpentering and as the years have passed has become a leading contractor of the city in which he makes his home. He has erected many of its best residences and public buildings, including the First National Bank, McKnight's block, Pearson's block and the German Lutheran church, all of which stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He has also remodeled and built stills and mills and was one of the leading contractors of Troy, but is now living retired in this city at the age of sixty-nine years. Since 1888 Mr. Rettig, of this review has carried on business in connection with his brother, George Rettig, of Troy. In the family there were also two sisters, Mrs. George Bowers, of Clark county, Ohio, and Mrs. Riley Crommer, of Lost Creek township, Miami county.

Henry Rettig was married to Miss Mary Ellricker, of Troy, who was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The lady is a member of the Baptist church and is highly esteemed for her many excellencies of character. Mr. Rettig is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Odd Fellows lodge. In politics he is independent, voting for the man whom he believes best fitted for the office, regardless of party affiliations. For the past five years he and his wife have occupied their pleasant and comfortable residence on East Franklin street and their household is noted for their hospitality, which is greatly enjoyed by their many friends, for Mr. and Mrs. Rettig are both widely and favorably known in this community. His success in life is not the outcome of propitious circumstances, but is the output of his labor, good management and ambition, without which no man can gain success.