Now living a retired life in Covington, John M. Popp is enjoying the fruits of a well earned rest, for his competence has been acquired as the direct result of his own efforts. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 30, 1823, and is a representative of one of the old families of that country. The grandfather, Andrew Popp, was a well-to-do farmer of Bavaria, and his son, Andrew Popp, Jr., the father of our subject, carried on agricultural pursuits in Bavaria throughout his entire life, his death occurring about 1866, at the age of eighty-five years. His wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Hebner, and died at the age of thirty-five years. In their family were eight children, namely: Henry, who died in Michigan, in 1896: John M.; Barbara, who died in childhood; Eveline, wife of John Mader, of New Bremen, Ohio; John, who is living on the old home farm in Bavaria; George, who died on the old home place; Mrs. Eve Lansendurfer, of Bavaria; and Mrs. Margaret Helmuth, of Bavaria.

Upon the home farm John M. Popp spent his childhood days. He attended school until fourteen years of age, and was then confirmed. When a young man of twenty-five he determined to seek a home in the new world, thinking to better his financial conditions in a land where opportunities were greater than in the more thickly settled countries of Europe. Accordingly, in the spring of 1848, he took passage at Bremen on a sailing vessel bound for Baltimore. After a voyage of six weeks they reached that port, and Mr. Popp proceeded on his way to Pittsburg by rail, and thence by boat to Cincinnati, where he arrived July 4, 1848. Immediately, however, he removed to Piqua, Miami county, where he learned the potter's trade, at which he worked for three years. He then built a shop of his own and continued the business at Piqua until 1869, when he sold out and came to Covington, where, in connection with his brother-in-law, Richard Schilling, he engaged in the cigar business for five years. He then opened a saloon with Mr. Schilling, their partnership continuing for five years, when Mr. Popp purchased Mr. Schilling's interest and thus became the sole proprietor. Success attended the venture, and he has also been fortunate in other business speculations. While at Piqua he purchased a house for six hundred dollars, and sold it for twelve hundred and fifty dollars. He owns the business block in which his saloon is situated, and it is one of the largest and finest buildings in the town. His home is a commodious red brick residence which was erected in 1886, and in addition to this he owns seventy-four acres of farming land, the returns from which add materially to his income.

Mr. Popp was married June 10, 1856, to Miss Mary Catherine Neth, who was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, May 3, 1837, a daughter of George and Rosie (Neth) Neth. His parents, though of the same name, were not relatives. Her paternal grandparents were John and Angeline Neth and the former conducted a hotel in Wurttemberg, Germany. Her father, George Neth, was a saddler of Wurttemberg and in 1854 he emigrated with his family to America. They sailed from Havre, France, for New York on the sailing vessel Bavaria, and reached the latter harbor after a voyage of twenty-seven days. He had only money enough to pay the transportation of his family as far as Albany, New York. There his funds gave out and he had to leave five of his children at that place, while he with the other members of the family proceeded to Covington, Ohio, where six months later the father died. Mrs. Popp secured employment as housekeeper in the home of William Scott, and there remained until her marriage. Her mother died in Covington, in 1871, at the age of sixty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Neth became the parents of the following children: Angeline, who was married in Albany, New York, to Henry Eskey, but died in Covington, Ohio; Mary, wife of John Reif, of Newberry township, Miami county; John, who died in Covington in 1899; Agnes, wife of Henry Drees, of Covington; Catherine, wife of Martin Steinhelfer, of Covington; Mrs. Popp; Lewis, who wedded Margaret Brann, and makes his home in Piqua; Jacob, who wedded Barbara Flammer and is living in Covington; Mary Ann, who became Mrs. Steinhelfer, and died in Covington; George, who wedded Christina Meyer, and lives in Covington; Christina, wife of Richard Schilling of Covington; and Conrad, of the same city. There were also four others of the family, who died in childhood. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Popp have been born six children: Mary Elizabeth, deceased wife of Samuel Hoelflich, of Covington; Henry, a farmer of Newberry township, who married Mary McBride; Rosie, who died in infancy; George, of Jackson, Michigan; William, who wedded Elizabeth Fetters and died in Covington; and Rosie, who married Henry Ehlen. The father of this family is a stanch Democrat in his political views, and is a member of the Lutheran church. He came to this country empty-handed, and has worked his way steadily upward, overcoming all obstacles in his path by determined purpose and resolute will. Such qualities when guided by sound judgment always ensure success, and have gained for him his present prosperity.