J. F. Gerwin, a substantial farmer of Woodville township, Sandusky county, was born in Hanover, Germany, May 1, 1842, son of Christian and Julia (Linnerbrink) Gerwin, who were born August 14, 1811, and September 17, 1816, respectively.
Christian Gerwin came to America in 1835, and after a short sojourn returned to Germany. In 1842 he again came to this country, and the same year located in Ohio. He married Julia Linnerbrink, and they had seven children, as follows: J.F. is the subject of this sketch. William married Mary Kleily, and they had two children; they live in Woodville township. Angeline married Frank Hursall, a tailor by trade, she died in 1881, the mother of six children. Caroline married Peter Knaup, a farmer in Michigan, and they have had three children. Louis married Carrie Bronckseker. Eliza died young. Mary died at the age of twenty-one years. The father, Christian Gerwin, has traveled a great deal, and is known far and near; the mother died June 16, 1892, at the age of seventy-six years and two months.
J.F. Gerwinwas united in marriage March 28, 1878, with Eliza Blausey, who was born in Woodville township, Sandusky county, March 31, 1857, and they have four children, namely: Ella, born March 9, 1881; Lillie and Millie (twins), born November 7, 1885; and Julia, born November 7, 1889. Mrs. Gerwin is one of six children of Henry and Mary (Yeastings) Blausey. Mr. Gerwin leased his land to the Standard Oil Company in 1891, and has seven wells on his farm. He has held several township offices, is a member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church in Woodville township, and is well and favorably known.
Sandusky & Ottawa Counties of Ohio Commemorative Biographical Record, J.H. Beers & Co.: Chicago, 1896