July-August 2008

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Henry County Genealogical Society Newsletter
Volume 22, Number 4, July – August 2008

MEETINGS

July 21. 2008 Monday 6:00 p.m.

More cemetery work. Call Jim Rebar or Karen (John) Sunderman (numbers in the phone book) to see which one we will be working on.

August 2008 – No Meeting

See you at the fair!

September 16, 2008 Monday 6:00 p.m.

More cemetery work. Call Jim Rebar or Karen (John) Sunderman (numbers in the phone book) to see which one we will be working on.

It’s time to work on your first families. Send applications to Kathy Bishop, 10-292 Rd. E, Hamler, OH 43524. Final deadline is September 1st.

NEW MEMBERS

465 Jim Lather, Normangee, TX 77871

Membership is $10 a per year. Dues are paid the first of each year. Mid-year memberships receive newsletters from the beginning of the calendar year.

OUR NEWEST PUBLICATIONS …

Northwest Signal Obituaries 2007 sold in a 2-vol. set (Jan.-June and July-Dec.) -2 vols. $18. + $2 postage.

Also — Henry County Death Records Vol. II 1877-1890 and Vol. III 1891-1908 – $18+ $2 postage.

ANOTHER PROJECT…

We’ll be working to update our cemetery books this summer. We need plenty of help, so pack your bug spray, a bottle of water, a pencil and paper and join us. We are starting at 6 p.m., but you may come later if necessary. We’ll work until it gets too dark to read the stones.

We’ll be working on the larger cemeteries as a group. If you are willing to read and update a smaller cemetery near you, just contact Jim Rebar at jamesrebar@adelphia.net. He’ll give you details. Work on your own time.

RECORDS PRESERVED…

The CAC (Center for Archival Collections) at Bowling Green University has microfilmed our First Families records. They will be available in the Deshler Edwin Wood Memorial Library in a privatized form.

DOLLARHIDE’S GENEALOGY RULES

In spite of MTV, computer games, or skate boards, there is always the chance that your grandchildren will learn how to read someday. [And become interested in their ancestors!]

Work from the known to the unknown. In other words, just because your name is Washington doesn’t mean you are related to George.

QUERIES

We print all queries pertaining to Henry County for free, regardless of membership. But, many of the queries I receive do not contain all required information: name of person being searched, approx. location/time period, writer’s name, e-mail address, and regular mailing address. Many of you now block “spam” e-mail, which means I am unable to write back for more information. Please, either follow the rules and give us all necessary information, or unblock your e-mail for our return responses! After two attempts your queries are simply thrown away. If you are serious about getting help from us, it is to your benefit to follow the guidelines.

HEMRY HEMINGER
Looking for info on Floyd Hemry m. Edith Heminger 1910 had 4 ch. b. in Deshler: Raymond Albert Hemry 1910, Katherine Ellen Hemry 1913. Floyd b. 1914 and William 1916 may also have been b. in Deshler. Need more info on them and looking for other family of that name. Edith b. in Deshler ca. 1893, but no other info on her. Any help appreciated.
–Christine Hemry, Hudson, MI 49247

WALKER BRIGHAM
Looking for information on James R. Walker, who was living in Washington Twp., Henry Co. in 1900 with his wife Emma and their daughter Thelma b. 1899 as well as a step-daughter Eva M. Brigham b. 1895. James was a physician and later lived in Walbridge, OR. Any information would be helpful.
–Elieen Morrison, Moorefield, Ontario, Canada NOG 2KO

MULLER MILLER HASTEDT
Seeking information on (August) Fredrick MullerlMiller b. 8 Oct 1843 d. 22 July 1935 in Elery. Emigrated with 2 ch: August and Emma in 1890/93. Lived with son-in-law __ Hastedt after 1930. Have some info, but would be happy to receIve more.
–Martina Muller, 27308 Kirchlinteln, Germany

VOIGT VOGEL
Researching the family of F. R. & Mary (Vogel) Voight. They were active in Holgate at the tum of the century. Their children were: Fredrick, Gust, Eugene, Winnie Zachrich, Tillie Richholt, Dorothy Rakestraw, Anna Mann, Madline Porter and Emma Voigt. Fred and Mary owned Girty’ s Island late 1800’s – early 1900’s when it was an amusement park. More info appreciated.
–Joan-Voigt-Bowers, Defiance, OR 43512

Interesting Stuff

If there is a statue in the park of a person on a horse and it has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

From The Henry County Signal, 26 January 1882

DEATHS

WARD-Died, at his home in Liberty Twp., Feb. 17, 1882, Ira J. WARD, aged 80 years, 4 months and 29 days. The deceased was a victim of Consumption, which for some time has threatened his life, and finally took him away. He was greatly respected by all who knew him as the large attendance upon his funeral indicated on Sunday the 19th . Funeral services in the Reformed Church, of Liberty Center, conducted by the undersigned. He leaves to mourn his early departure, a young wife, an infant son and many dear friends who sorrow not as those who have no hope.
–Rev. A E. BAICHLY

BULLEN-Near Bellville, Kansas, Feb. 18, 1882, in the 58th year of her age, lvIrs. Savila A, wife of Truman BULLEN and sister of A 1. and Jas. E. SCOFIELD, of this place [Napoleon?]. Mrs. BULLEN was formerly a resident of this village. Her parents were among the earliest pioneers ofthe Maumee valley, having settled here about the year 1832, she being then a child about 8 years of age.

Ten years ago last Oct. with her family she moved to Kansas, since then she has been a resident of that state. She may therefore be said to have undergone the trials, hardships and discomforts of pioneer life of two states.

A husband, five sons and two daughters mourn the taking away of a faithful beloved wife and a tender loving mother and two brothers grieve over the loss of an only sister. She was long and favorably known to all the older residents of our community and many friends are saddened to learn of her death. She’s been an extreme sufferer for more than two years from rheumatism from which disease she died.
-Florida, OH, Feb. 31, 1882

NEW DRUG STORE

Napoleon is to have another Drug Store, Mr. 1. L. LEIST, who has been so long with Dr. D. J. HUMPHREY, has formed a co-partnership with Mr. Isa LEIST, who are making preparations to continue the drug business in the room now occupied by Dr. HUMPHREY. They have already bought a fine stock of pure drugs and medicines, and such goods as are generally kept in a Drug Store, and will open out just as soon as the present stock is removed to Dr. H’s new store on the corner, which will be some time next week. Dr. LEIST understands all about the drug business, and has many wann friends in this county who will wish the new firm success.

The Signal

Dec. 19, 1894 the Henry County Signal published biographical sketches of local businessmen by Guy C. DITTENHA VER. These sketches will be reprinted in this issue and future issues.

JOHN C. GROLL

Last September Treasurer GROLL laid down the portfolio of the Henry County treasury and closed a worthy public career of two terms in charge of as important a trust as exists. Mr. GROLL is a native ofWurtemburg, Germany, emigrating to this country in 1852. Settling at once in Henry County, by energy and economy he soon became classed among our prosperous ili . farmers. In 1861 he enlisted in the 107 ,O.v.r., and served four years. He was elected two terms treasurer of Henry County, and let it be said that the county never had a better one.

JOHN H. FREASE

Napoleon’s leading jeweler is John H. FREASE, Perry Street. His elegant store is an index of his prosperity and proficiency. His rise from a jeweler’s apprentice to his present proprietorship speaks in no unpronounced language the possibilities of every American boy who has ability, grit and push for his stock in trade. As a citizen Mr. FREASE is generous and public-spirited, always keeping apace, if not a little in lead of the times, and is in for any deal that will benefit the town. He is one whose worth to a community is never over-estimated.

WM. SPENGLER

In the grocery business Mr. SPENGLER has made a most phenomenal success. He owns an elegant block, his storeroom being 146 feet, divided by a driveway. His store is as large as any in the state. He is a native ofVerbeIin, Prussia, born in 1856, and came to Defiance when 8 years old; from there to Florida, and in 8 years to Napoleon. He entered the grocery business and gradually worked up to where he now is, having been clerk and partner with Gustav KOHLER before going into business for himself. In his climb up the ladder of success he met many obstacles, but good business tact and an iron will surmounted these, and we now see him on the topmost round commercially. A few months since he has retired from active business, selling out to Ernest and Harmon SPENGLER, his brothers, and Charles WALTERS. Whatever calling Mr. SPENGLER may pursue in the future, he will readily command the respect and esteem of all with whom he may transact business.

W. H. KERMAN & CO.

Among one of mankind’s benefactors is the firm ofW. H. KERMAN & Co., of the South Side. This is rather a broad assertion, but when we consider that this firm gives employment to nearly 1,000 men and pays them from $500 to $1,500 a year, it can certainly be termed a public benefactor. The “company” is J. M. HOFFMAN, while Mr. KERMAN is manager. Mr. KERMAN is a native of Henry County, having been born in Damascus Township July 15, 1864. With the exception of a few years in the grocery business, he has dealt with agents nearly all his life, until now we see him the proprietor of a general supply agency in Napoleon, whose goods are shipped to every state in the Union, with a large branch house in St. Louis.

The secret of his success is simply: Knowing a good thing when he sees it, he buys up patents and sets his 1,000 agents to work. Some of the patents which he now owns are: Denison carpet stretcher and tacker, Little Giant tack puller, Perfection shear sharpener, Marvelous Duplex forks, Columbia rim fastener, Lenox atomizer and sprinkler, Safety kettle cover holder, and dozens of others. He and his brother, C. E. KERMAN, are proprietors of the Napoleon potash works, whose output is consumed in foreign countries.

JOHN L. HALTER

If there is one man more than another who is responsible for the healthful state of affairs of the County fair, it is John L. HALTER, secretary. He was born in Start county, January 21, 1843; came to Napoleon with his parents when 5 years old, and has since resided here. He was educated in the common schools, and enlisted in Co. B., One Hundredth O.v. I., under Col. SLEVIN, when but 19 years old. He returned a veteran, having served until the close of the war, and in most active service. With SHEFFIED & NORTON he engaged in the produce business until ’76, when he purchased the marble works, which he now operates. From 1881 to 1886 he was government storekeeper and in ’86 was elected secretary of the fair company. He has been re-elected eight consecutive times, and the success of the fair proves the wisdom of the directors in so doing. When Mr. HALTER took the reins the fair was $6,700 in debt, and with but few improvements. Now it is practically out of debt, while improvements are all made.

GEO.W.GARDNER

The artist who has furnished views for this notice is George W. GARDNER, the veteran photographer of Northwestern Ohio. He hails from Cayuga County, New York, born there Nov. 23, 1829. Up to 1865 he lived in Seneca County. Kentucky, Wyandot County, back to Seneca County, then Napoleon, where he has since lived. Mr. GARDNER is no common photographer. He is an artist as well, possessing that talent which we all know “is born, not made.” His experience in the business dates back nearly half a century, having passed through all the stages of the photographic business from its first crude process. In his gallery can now be seen daguerreotypes in good state of preservation, taken in 1854. His gallery is one of the finest, and with his large coterie of assistants, he is doing an immense business. To. see work labeled his is sufficient to rank it first class in every particular.

SAUR & BALSLEY

Hardly a household in Henry, Defiance and Fulton cOlinties exist wherein the firm of SAUR & BALSLEY is not a familiar sound; and there is no household with whom this firm has done business where it has not established a reputation for square and liberal dealing. Engaging extensively in drugs, paints, wallpaper and books, they are necessarily brought in contact with all classes, yet have shown a remarkable capacity for meeting the situation. The senior partner, Dr. J. C. SAUR, identified his interests with that of the town when it was a mere hamlet and since then has been a prominent figure in all projects where the town’s interests were at stake. He is proprietor of the banking firm of J. C. SAUR & Co., which engages most of his time. This leaves the sole management of the drug store to the junior partner, W. F. BALSLEY, who has long since gained a reputation for courtesy and affability, while his skill as a pharmacist is generally acknowledged. As president three years and member of the Union Scholl board nine years, he managed public affairs with painstaking methods equal to that displayed in his private affairs.

ISA LEIST, DRUGGIST

One of the most careful, competent and prosperous druggists in northern Ohio was born nd in Liberty Township, Henry County, Mary 22 1849. He was raised on a farm and educated himself with the help of the district school. He studied pharmacy and after some time in the employ of D. J. HUMPHREY, registered and later on went into partnership with his brother, who retired, leaving Isa sole proprietor. He owns his own building and the fixtures therein are very fine. He has the respect and confidence of the people, and is now serving his fourth term as Township treasurer.

CAPT. R. B. HELLER

Capt. HELLER has long been identified with the interests of Napoleon in capacities of civilian, soldier and public officer. He was born in Fostoria June 15, 1844; raised in Van Buren and educated at Findlay high school, enlisted in One Hundred and Thirty-third O.v.I. when 19 years old and saw active service. After the war he came to Napoleon and engaged in dry goods, later hardware, having at present a very fine store on Washington Street. He has held many honors, among which are: First Lieutenant Co. F, Sixteenth Regiment, five years; captain same company three years; for seven terms and at present commander of Choate (?) post, president and treasurer of the Fair company, being treasurer now. In politics Capt. HELLER has more than a local reputation, standing high in Republican state counsels. In recognition of his good services Gov. McKINLEY, April 4, ‘9, appointed him trustee of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum for five years.

In local politics the Captain is everything that represents hustle, vigor and push, at the same time observing rules of honesty and courtesy, towards the enemy. He was chairman ofthe Republican County central committee during the memorable fight and signal victory that so reversed political affairs afew months since. But still the other side have made no complaint of Captain HELLER’S methods.

Dr. BINZLEY

One of the best practitioners in dentistry in the state is Dr. W. T. BINZLEY. He was born in New Brighton, P A, May 10, 1853, where he passed his youth, receiving a rudimentary education from the high school. He attended college at Ann Arbor and graduated I dentistry, at once locating in Napoleon. Being a good student and having a great liking for his profession, his success has been pronounced. He is prominent in society, and is one of the trustees of the Presbyterian Church.

 

LAND SALES IN HENRY COUNTY, OHIO 1847 (cont.)

The following is taken from an old book discovered in the attic of the Henry County Courthouse. R=range, T=town, S=section, A=acres, VPA=value per acre. Townships are designated by Range and Town munbers (note: Liberty & Wash. changed 1850):

BARTLOW R 3 N – T 8 E DAMASCUS R 5 N – T 8 E
FLATROCK R 4 N – T 6 E FREEDOM R 6 N – T 6 E
HARRISON R 5 N – T 7 E LIBERTY R 5 & 6 N – T 7 E
MARION R 4 N – T 7 E MONROE R 4 N – T 7 E
NAPOLEON R 5 N – T 6 E PLEASANT R 3 N – T 6 E
RICHFIELD R 4 N – T 8 E RIDGEVILLE R 6 N – T 5 E
WASHINGTON R 5 & 6 N-T 8 E

Note: R 8 N, T 6 E later became Dover Twp. Fulton Co.

Dist. #3 R T S Description A VPA Total Value
Bodle, Abraham 8 6 32 NW NE 40 2.00 80
Bull, Friduia ? 8 6 28 E 1/2 SE 80 2.25 180
Cory, Elnathan 8 6 31 W 1/2 SW 82 9.75 780
Culberson, William 8 6 33 W 1/2 NE 80 2.50 200
Culberson, William 8 6 33 E 1/2 NE 80 2.50 200
Culberson, William 8 6 33 E 1/2 SE 80 2.50 200
Conly, Michael 8 6 32 W 1/2 NW 80 3.00 240
Conly, Michael 8 6 32 E 1/2 NW 80 3.00 240
Durbin & Bucklin 8 6 34 SW 1/4 160 2.75 400
Durbin, James 8 6 28 E 1/2 NE 80 3.50 280
Durbin, James 8 6 27 S 1/2 211 2.00 422
Donalson, John 8 6 34 SW NW 40 2.50 100
Edwards, David 8 6 32 SE SE 40 2.00 80
Evans, Mark 8 6 32 SE SW 40 2.00 80
Emerson, John 8 6 33 SW SE 40 2.50 100
Edwards, David 8 6 32 NW SE 40 2.00 80
Grumling, John 8 6 21 SW 1/4 160 2.50 400
Grines, Alexander 8 6 27 S 1/2 N 1/2 + N 1/3 S 1/3 211 2.00 422
Galloway, John 8 6 6 W 1/2 NW 73? 3.31 168
Geusey, David 8 6 28 W 1/2 SE 80 5.50 440
Geoff?, Augustus? 8 6 33 NW 1/4 160 4.75 760
Hutchinson, Jas. 8 6 2 SW + E 1/2 NW 234 1.50 351
Hutchinson, Jas. 8 6 1 W 1/2 SW 80 1.50 120
Hutchinson, Jas. 8 6 11 NW 1/4 160 1.50 240
Hackett & Smith 8 6 6 E 1/2 + SW + E fr. NW 542 1.50 813
Hyter, Ephriam 8 6 28 NW NW 40 2.00 80
Hyter, Ephriam 8 6 28 NW NE 40 2.00 80
Hyter, Ephriam 8 6 28 SW NE 40 2.00 80
Hesiman, E. O. 8 6 34 SE NW 40 2.00 80
Jackson, Lorentz 8 6 28 SW SW 87 1.05 388
Ketring, John 8 6 21 W 1/2 SE 80 2.00 160
Lamphin?, Samuel 8 6 30 W 1/2 NW 1/4 80 2.75 220
Lamphin?, Samuel 8 6 30 SE NW 1/4 40 1.50 60
Morse, Benjamin 8 6 33 NW SE 40 2.50 100
Murphey, E. 8 6 32 E 1/2 NE 80 1.50 120
Mohler, John 8 6 19 W 1/2 NE + SE NE 120 1.83 220
Ohio, State of 8 6 35 W 1/2 SE 80 2.50 200
Pease, Perry 8 6 13 SW 1/4 160 1.50 240
Pease, Perry 8 6 29 NW 1/4 160 2.00 320
Pray, John 8 6 5 NW 1/4 150 2.25 337
Pray, John 8 6 5 NE 1/4 149 2.25 223
Pray, Isaac 8 6 2 NE 149 2.25 223
Pray, Isaac 8 6 1 W 1/2 NW 75 2.25 112
Philips, H. G. & G. S. 8 6 29 E 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Philips, H. G. & G. S. 8 6 29 W 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Pease, Perry 8 6 29 W 1/2 SE 80 2.00 160
Pease, Perry 8 6 29 E 1/2 SE 80 2.00 160
Rowson, Abell 8 6 30 E 1/2 SE 80 2.00 160
Rowson, Abell 8 6 30 W 1/2 SE 80 2.00 160
Rowson, Abell 8 6 30 E 1/2 SW 80 2.00 160
Rowson, Abell 8 6 30 S 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Rowson, Abell 8 6 31 N 1/2 NE 80 2.50 200
Rowson, Abell 8 6 31 NE NW 40 2.50 100
Stafford, Saml. E. 8 6 28 NE fr. SW SW 3 10.00 30
Sturgess, Edward 8 6 17 W 1/2 SE 80 2.00 160
Sturgess, Edward 8 6 17 E 1/2 SE 80 2.00 160
Sturgess, Edward 8 6 31 W 1/2 SE 80 2.50 200
Sturgess, Edward 8 6 31 E 1/2 SE 80 2.50 200
Scubun?, Edwin 8 6 31 E 1/2 SW 80 6.50 520
Sprague, S. S. 8 6 28 E 1/2 SW + NW SW 120 2.65 338
Schenck, R. C. 8 6 27 N 1/3 I. [sic] 211 1.75 369
Wederhill, Walter 8 6 21 E 1/2 NW 80 1.50 120
Wederhill, Walter 8 6 33 E 1/2 SW 80 4.50 360
Wederhill, Walter 8 6 21 E 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Wederhill, Walter 8 6 33 W 1/2 SW 80 2.50 200
Wederhill, Walter 8 6 21 W 1/2 NE 80 1.50 120
Wederhill, Walter 8 6 21 E 1/2 SE 80 1.50 120
Wederhill, Walter 8 6 21 W 1/2 NW 80 1.50 120
Vancleve, H. 8 6 29 W 1/2 SW 80 2.00 160
Vancleve, H. 8 6 29 E 1/2 SW 80 2.00 160

Note: R 8 N, T 5 E later became Franklin Twp., Fulton County

Dict. #4 R T S Description A VPA Total
Value
Brown, A. H. 8 5 25 E 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Brown, A. H. 8 5 25 W 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Brown, Heirs of 8 5 5 W pt NE pt 1/4 66 3.00 268
Beldin, Soloman 8 5 5 W pt NE pt 1/4 [sic] 75 3.00 362
Bucklin, David 8 5 7 W fr. E 1/2 47 5.00 685
Bucklin, Charles 8 5 4 W fr. E 1/2 SW fr. 33 3.50 115.50
Berry, Henry 8 5 27 W 1/2 NW 80 2.00 160
Berry, William 8 5 27 E 1/2 NW 80 2.00 160
Buskin? & Taylor 8 5 5 SW NW 40 3.00 120
Burnes, John 8 5 8 E 1/2 NE 80 3.50 280
Burnes, John 8 5 8 W 1/2 NE 80 3.50 280
Baird, Samuel 8 5 13 W 1/2 NE 80 2.50 200
Baird, Samuel 8 5 13 E 1/2 NE 80 3.75 300
Beaver, Jacob 8 5 13 SE 1/4 160 2.50 300
Cory, Elnathan 8 5 5 SW fr. 97 5.00 635
Cory, Elnathan 8 5 8 NW pt. NW 1/4 8 4.00 90
Cory, David J. 8 5 7 NW fr. 131 4.00 306.50?
Culbertson, Hugh 8 5 11 NW 1/4 172 4.00 758
Cook, Daniel F. 8 5 3 N fr. W 1/4 104 4.00 416
Cook, Daniel F. 8 5 3 W fr. e 1/2 110 2.00 440
Cook, Daniel F. 8 5 3 E fr. E 1/4 112 4.00 848
Collett, William 8 5 10 E 1/2 NW 80 4.00 320
Campbell, Min? 8 5 10 W 1/2 SW 80 2.50 200
Curtiss, S. R. 8 5 6 SW NE 40 3.00 120
Durbin, James 8 5 4 NE fr. NE 1/4 79 4.00 1,905 ??
Durbin, James 8 5 4 W fr. NE fr. 69 4.00 2,146 ??
Dodd, E. S. 8 5 6 SE NE 40 3.00 120
Dodd, E. S. 8 5 6 SE SW 40 4.00 160
Dodd, E. S. 8 5 7 NW fr. W 1/4 87 5.00 2,625 ??
Dodd, E. S. 8 5 7 N fr. W 1/4 47 5.00 705
Decker, Henry 8 5 12 E pt. NW fr. 76 3.50 366 [sic]
Doemer, Samuel 8 5 21 E 1/2 NE 80 2.35 200 [sic]
Campbell, William 8 5 9 E fr. SE 80 2.25 200 [sic]
Fowler, John 8 5 3 SE 1/4 160 2.00 480
Fowler, John 8 5 15 SW 1/4 160 2.00 480
Forsyth & Smith 8 5 19 W 1/2 NW 79 2.00 158
Forsyth & Smith 8 5 18 SW SW 40 2.25 90
Forsyth & Smith 8 5 7 E 1/2 SW fr. 31 3.50 108.50
Forsyth, R. A. 8 5 7 W 1/2 SW fr. 29 3.50 101.50
Forsyth & White 8 5 8 W 1/2 SW 80 3.00 240
Gee, Nicholas 8 5 11 E 1/2 SE 80 2.00 160
Gee, Nicholas 8 5 23 E 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Gilmore, S. 8 5 17 E 1/2 NE 80 4.00 320
Gunn & Miller 8 5 4 Und. 1/4 NW fr. 116 4.00 464
Gunn, Mary 8 5 4 E pt. SW fr. 33 3.50 115
Gilmore, Stephen 8 5 17 SW NE 8 yr. ? tax 120 3.00 360
Guyer, Joseph 8 5 23 W 1/2 NW 1/4 80 2.00 160
Hedges, Wm. C. 8 5 1 S 1/2 NW NE NE NE
Hedges, Wm. C. 8 5 1 W fr. SE 1/4 NE NE NE
Hedges, Wm. C. 8 5 1 SE fr. NE 1/4 NE NE NE

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