James Bachtenkircher, an early settler in the town of Sylvan, was born in Claremont Co., Ohio, April 15, 1835. When he was eleven years old, his parents emigrated to Clinton Co., Ind. His father was born in Germany, but was brought to America by his parents when only a year old. He grew to manhood's estate in the city of Philadelphia, receiving a good education in both English and German, and became a teacher by profession. The people in that part of Clinton county in which he settled were mostly of German descent, and he here engaged at his profession. The subject of this sketch received a liberal education, and remained with his parents until 1855. He then came to Richland county and located in the town of Sylvan. He did not, however, settle permanently, being at that time unmarried, but engaged in hunting and amusing himself generally. He killed many deer and other smaller game. At the end of one year he returned to Indiana and engaged with a carpenter and joiner to learn the trade, with whom he served two years. He then returned to Sylvan and worked at his trade two years. In 1860, in company with Michael Snyder, he started for Pike's Peak, traveling in a wagon drawn by a pair of oxen. At Council Bluffs they purchased a supply of provision for a year. After fifty-two days travel, they reached Central City, Col., where he worked at his trade until November. He then yoked his oxen and started on his return to Sylvan. He was united in marriage in the spring of 1861, with Sarah A, daughter of Hezekiah and Hannah (Sayers) Slaback, early settlers of the town of Sylvan. She was born in Tippecanoe Co., Ind. In 1862 he bought land on section 30, of Sylvan, and was engaged in farming during the summer and in teaching school in the winter. In 1864 he sold his farm and purchased land on section 29, where he lived until 1869. Then becoming excited by the so-called western fever, sold his land and removed to Kansas. He made a claim in Wilson county and engaged in farming, also worked at his trade until 1872, when he returned to Richland county and rented land in the town of Akan, until 1877. He then purchased his present farm, which is located on section 8. Mr. and Mrs. Bachtenkircher have four children living --- Dolphus, Fred, Frank and Nettie. Mr. Bachtenkircher is a man who possesses the confidence and respect of the community. He has been, and is still prominent and influential in public affairs. He served as clerk, assessor and justice of the peace, in Sylvan, and has been justice of the peace in Akan, since his residence here, and is now chairman of the town board.