Henry B. Printz is a prominent and representative farmer of Newberry township, and is descended from sterling German ancestry, the strong characteristics of the Teutonic race being at many times manifest in his career. His paternal grandfather was born in Germany, and emigrating to America took up his abode in Berks county, Pennsylvania, participating in the Revolutionary war when the colonies attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression. His remaining days were spent in the Keystone state. Daniel Printz, the father of our subject, was born in Berks county, about 1798. He was a stocking weaver by trade, and followed that pursuit for some time after his removal to Ohio. He was married in the county of his nativity to Elizabeth Hayden, a native of Berks county. Her father, however, was born in England, and coming to the United States in colonial days, he, too, strongly sympathized with the spirit of independence manifested in the colonies, and participated in the Revolutionary war as a member of Washington's army. About 1819 Daniel Printz and his wife, with their three children, removed to Clark county, Ohio, making the journey with a one-horse wagon. His elder brother had preceded him to that county, and for several years the father resided on his farm near Springfield. He then removed to Moorefield township, Clark county, where he remained for more than twenty-six years, during which time he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. He finally purchased a small tract of land which is now in the heart of the city of Springfield. For six years after his arrival in Ohio he followed his trade, and then turned his attention entirely to farm work, becoming one of the most extensive agriculturists of Clark county. He was progressive, and was the first man to bring a reaper into this state. The following year he purchased another reaper, and at all times he was ready and willing to promote any improvement that would advance agricultural interests or facilitate his work. His reapers were considered such oddities that at times a hundred people would gather to watch the operation of the machine. They did not believe it could satisfactorily do the work, and scoffed at the idea of such a machine taking the place of the cradle in the harvest field. Mr. Printz died on his little farm in Springfield, May 19, 1864. In the early days he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but afterward united with the Universalist church. In politics he was a stalwart Democrat, recognized as one of the leaders of his party in Ohio. For many years he served as justice of the peace, and on one occasion he was a candidate for state senator. Although he was not elected, it was a defeat that amounted almost to a victory, for in a strongly Republican district he lost the election by only four votes. His wife died about 1861, at the age of sixty years. When she was married she weighed only ninety pounds, but at the time of her death she weighed three hundred and eighty-four pounds. In the family of this worthy couple were twelve children: Angeline, who became the wife of Lewis Petre, and died near Springfield, Ohio; Franklin, of Champaign county, who wedded Catherine Gordon, and after her death married Emma Bressman; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Absolom Kepner, and died near Clayton, Miami county; Sarah, wife of Samuel Short, of Shelby county, Ohio; Daniel, who married Mary J. Coulter, and died in 1855, in Clark county; Susan, who married Leonard Seibert, and afterward E. R. Ganson, and is now a widow, living in Columbus, Ohio; Mollie C., wife of Jacob Seibert, a resident of Logan county Illinois; John, who wedded Jane Thatcher, and resides in Clark county; Rebecca, who became the wife of Daniel Teach, and died in Covington, Ohio; Catherine, who died at the age of three years; Henry B.; and James K. Polk, who married Lavina Babylon, and resides in Shelby county. For forty years there was not a death in this family of children.

Henry B. Printz was born in Springfield township, Clark county, Ohio, February 28, 1840, and was reared to manhood in that and Moorefield township. He acquired his education in the country schools of the neighborhood, and was reared upon the home farm, his time being passed in the usual manner of farmer boys of that period. On attaining his majority he left the parental roof and started out to make his own way in the world. Going to Columbus, he was employed as a brakeman for two years on the Little Miami Railroad, and on the expiration of that period he returned to his home in Clark county. On the 26th of November, 1863, Mr. Printz was united in marriage to Miss Deborah Morgan Lynn, who was born in Moorefield township, Clark county, June 4, 1839, a daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Suver) Lynn. Her paternal ancestors came from Ireland, her grandfather being a native of that country, whence he emigrated to the new world, taking up his residence in Virginia. Her maternal grandfather, John Suver, was born in Germany, and was married in Pennsylvania to Catherine Haines. About 1830 he removed to Clark county, Ohio, where his death occurred. Her grandfather Lynn died in the state of Virginia. His wife was Deborah Morgan. Joseph Lynn, the father of Mrs. Printz, removed from the Old Dominion to the Buckeye state and located in Clark county, where he died about 1868. His wife died in 1882, at the age of seventy-four years, and he was about sixty years of age when called to his final rest.

After their marriage Mr. Printz located on his father-in-law's farm, where he remained for three years, and then removed to another farm in the same township, upon which he resided for a similar period. In the fall of 1868 he took up his abode south of Springfield, where he lived for twelve years. His next home was northeast of Springfield, and after passing three years at that place he became a resident of Miami county, on the 5th of March, 1884, locating on his present farm, then known as the James Patterson property. It comprises one hundred and two acres of rich land, and he carries on general farming, his principal crops being wheat and corn. He has made many substantial improvements upon the place, building fences, laying tile, remodeling the house and barn and doing other such work as contributed to its improvement and development, and it is now considered one of the model properties of the community. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Printz have been born two children, Joseph L. and Kittie, both living at home. The former married Orpha Minnich, and unto them have been born five children- - Fannie, Margie, Gladys, Joseph H. and Reuben M. Mr. Printz is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and in his political views is a stanch Democrat. He is well versed, both politically and otherwise. He has read extensively, is a deep thinker, and is independent in thought and action. His broad, general information makes him an entertaining conversationalist, and he is a genial and hospitable gentleman. He has good business judgment, is reliable and trustworthy in all his dealings, and through his well-directed efforts he has acquired a comfortable competence. His methods of farming are progressive, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his careful supervision.