My Genealogy Hound

JACOB BALDNER. The Buckeye State is fortunately situated for the development of its commercial and manufacturing interests, having along almost its entire northern border Lake Erie, which, through its connection with the other Great Lakes, and finally with the St. Lawrence and the ocean itself, brings within the reach of the State vast tracts of land with which exchange of products may be made. On the other hand, the Ohio on the south enables the people to carry on an interchange of commerce with large areas as far distant as the Gulf of Mexico, and even to the Southern Hemisphere. Countless thousands have taken advantage of this happy location, and have sought a home within the borders of Ohio. If they have brought with them a fair degree of health, perseverance and business ability, they have met with invariable success in their particular avocations.

The gentleman of whom this biographical sketch is written, is yet in his early manhood; nevertheless, he has exhibited unusual business ability, and has met with almost uniform success. At present and since the year 1886 he has had in his charge the important interests of the Field Cordage Company’s works, being superintendent of the same. He has built up the works, and to him in a large degree may the prosperity of the company be attributed. Since early childhood he has been associated with the twine and cordage business, his father being a rope-maker, who was skilled in the practice of his trade.

John George Baldner, the father of our subject, was a native of Baden-Baden, Germany, whence he emigrated to America at an early age. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Howe, who was a native of the same place with himself, and to them was born a family of seven children, five brothers and two sisters, of whom, Jacob, our subject was the fourth in order of birth. All are now living, two in Boston, one in St. Louis, another in the West, and two here. J. G. Baldner was engaged in the rope business fora period of more than forty years, and only ceased his work at death. He survived his wife many years, she passing away in 1868, and he in 1885, in Boston.

Our subject was born in Boston, November 16, 1860, and received a good practical education in the schools of that city, lie early began to assist his father at his trade, becoming familiar with its details. At the age of twenty-three years he came to Xenia take charge of the Xenia Twine Factory. This position he filled acceptably for more than a year, then left it to go to Cincinnati. In the latter city he operated for George H. Bonte & Company. A few months later he went to Akron, where he superintended the building of the Akron Twine and Cordage Company’s Works. As above mentioned, he accepted his present position in 1886, and has since been connected with the Field Company’s works.

The wife of Mr. Baldner is a lady of varied accomplishments, refined, and well educated. She was formerly Miss Sallie M. Fleming, and is the daughter of Joseph B. and Margaret (Bosserman) Fleming, natives of Pennsylvania. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Fleming located in Ohio, and became the parents of five children, who now live mostly in that State. The union of our subject and his wife occurred September 4, 1885, in Xenia, and they are the parents of one child, a bright little girl, Margueretta May, by name. Religiously, they are in sympathy with the belief of the Presbyterian Church, while politically, Mr. Baldner is a Republican. The family merit the high esteem in which they are held, and are prominent in the social circles of Xenia.