May-June 2008

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Henry County Genealogical Society Newsletter
Volume 22, Number 3, May – June 2008

MEETINGS

May 19. 2008 Monday 6:00 p.m.

Meet at St. John Lutheran Cemetery at the corner of Rt. 65 and Rd. G for a work night to update our cemetery books. Bring bug spray! We’ll be working on this project most of the summer. Rain date May 20th

June 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, but probably Peace Lutheran.

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

NEW MEMBERS

458 Linda Smith, Walnut Creek, CA 9459
459 Robert Watson, Wandotte, MI 48192
460 Patricia Rogers Napoleon, OH,43545
461 Sally Greenham, Napoleon, OH 43545
462 Betty Ory, Mercer, PA 16137
463 Sandra A Drabik, Toledo, OH 43614
464 Steven Lauer, Watervilie, OH 43566

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.

AN APOLOGY…

The last newsletter was headed Jan.-Feb. No.1 due to the fact that the editor is getting old and forgetful and didn’t change the heading. It should have said “Vol. 22 No.2 March-April 2008.” Sorry!

QUERIES

When sending a query to the editor, please include your membership number, your full name and e-mail address, and your regular mailing address. That saves the editor from e-mailing you at the last minute, begging for information before deadline. We make it easy for you to include your membership number on all correspondence. Just check the label on your newsletter. Please send us only sumames and queries relating to Henry Co. There is no charge to place a query

Member #380, Ronda Wickham, Midland, MI 48640 has renewed her membership. She is searching JOHNSON, BONNER; COMELL and FRANKFATHER.

WAHLERS
Seeking info on Diedrich Wahlers, came to Henry Co. from Germany ca. 1871/2 with wife Catharina and ch. Johann-Hein, Friedr., Joh-Heinrich; Georg, and Harmann. Probably died in Henry Co. before 1880 census when Catharina is found as wife of Richard SPANGE in Flatrock Twp. Any clues greatly appreciated.
–David Bumisky, Southfield, MI 48033

CLUNK, SNYDER
Looking for info on Mary Jane Clunk b 18 June 1833 d 4 Aug 1906 m. Thomas Snyder b. 14 Mar 1827 d 23 Mar 1896. They lived Henry Co. 1870, both buried Laremore Cern., Richfield Twp. She was a midwife. Their son was Carey. Mary Jane’s brother, Martin Clunk m. Mary Ann Gilson in Columbiana Co., OH. Any info on her life in Henry Co. greatly appreciated.
–Ruth Bartley, Trotwood, OH 45426

WELLS, MONROE
Looking for info on William Gobel Wells b. 25 Oct 1898 Trimble Co, KY, d.early 1980s. Parents James Wells & Alice Monroe. Lived Cincinnati 1980s.
–Mary Royalty, Hanover, IN 47243
[Ed. Note: This is a “Hail Mary” query printed because Mary Royalty cannot find any trace of this relative. Nonnally, we do not print queries that aren’t related to Henry County. We happened to have room in this issue because so many of the other queries did not contain required information: name of person searched, approx. location/time period, writer’s name, e-mail address, and regular mailing address. So 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! If you are serious about getting help from us, it is to your benefit to follow the guidelines.]

The Signal

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

GEO. C. SHOEMAKER

We have industries in Napoleon whose output and rank among similar institutions if investigated would be the cause of a large “surprise party” among most of our people. Veryprominent among these is the cigar manufactory No. 44, 10th Ohio District of which Geo. C. SHOEMAKER is sole proprietor. The concern occupies the second floor of the BRENNAN block, Perry Street It is a scene of activity 12 months in the year giving employment to six hands all of whom receive good wages. It is a Union shop and of course eight hour labor goes. The proprietor is thoroughly conversant with every detail of the business, having worked through every step up to his present position.

He is a native of Wood County, was born in Perrysburg July 19, 1864. After receiving a good common school education he learned the cigar trade with Messrs. WETZEL & Son and worked in Perrysburg 11 years before coming to Napoleon which he did in 1880. He was married Sept 16, 1889 to Miss Annie BYERS, of Perrysburg.

With John ZAENGER he began the manufacture of cigars under the firm name of SHOEMAKER & ZAENGER. The partnership continued 2 years and by mutual consent a dissolution took place, Mr. SHOEMAKER becoming sole proprietor. From the inception of the shop and especially since the present proprietor assumed control gigantic strides were made toward success – never a pace backward. It has been the aim to produce goods of the very best able to be made within the market place with a small margin between-and that aim has never fallen short of the mark In truth it has turned out a “pot-shot” if the rapidity with which the goods are sold and satisfaction given, is any judge. Among other brands are: “Pastime,” “Future Great,” “King Seal,” “Silver Ash,” “Peacock” “Fancy Stock,” all 5 cent goods. His cutleaf run in 10 cent cigars is the “Royal Ribbon.” In any of the above goods the smoker can bank on using a good clean cigar, free from tenement filth and made by union men. A special run is made on “King Seal”–combination Zinmer Spanish and Little Dutch, grown in York state, Sumatra wrapper. The “Pastime” is another rapid seller with a combination of Gebhardt seed filler, Havana strip, Sumatra wrapper. To those who are not familiar with the Sumatra, understand that it is very fine and the manufacturer pays a duty o f$1.50, it being grown on the island of Sumatra on the other side ofthe earth. The “Royal Ribbon” is of Havana Santa Clara which grows on the finest soil in Cuba, wrapper of Sumatra, otherwise known as Boston Light.

But the goods speak for themselves and the output testifies as to the popularity. The average output is 350,000 and as high as 417,000 have been sold in one year, in Henry, Defiance, Fulton, Lucas and Wood, thus ranking Mr. SHOEMAKER 2nd in the 10th district, the district comprising all the counties of northwestern Ohio which includes many large cities and towns.

The firm has a large run in brands made by special request. There is no flavor used in any of the above cigars and thus the consumer is certain of not running against any poisonous drugs. Personally Mr. SHOEMAKER is courteous and withal one with whom we all like to deal.

CLARK J. B. DITTENHAVER

He landed in Napoleon Feb. 8th, 1861, engaged in hardware, paints, oil, etc. up to ’73. There are few who have contributed more toward building the town; he having erected 5 business buildings, including the DITTENHAVER block, and 6 dwelling houses. He served 9 years member of the Napoleon Union School Board, 3 years its president and 6 years as secretary; was elected township clerk in 1888 which office he now holds. He is and always has been a democrat. In 1889 he made a good fight before the democratic convention for recorder, there being five candidates in the field and which he came out second best. In connection with his official duties he is special agent for the United States Mutual Accident Association of New York, one of the three great accident insurance companies of the world.

O. E. HUDDLE & CO.

The latest firm among the Napoleon business fraternity is that of the grocery store of O. B. HUDDLE & Co., located on Perry Street, between the canal and river in the NYSWANDER building. Although very young, having been in operation but a few weeks they already have a good trade and bid fare [sic] to soon forge ahead and occupy a place among the best. There is nothing in their line that they do not handle and that too of the very best and at lowest price to consumer, while at the same time highest prices are paid for produce.

O. B. HUDDLE is third son of John and Catharine HUDDLE in a family of 4 boys and one girl He was born in Napoleon Township March 13 ,1873; attended the Union Schools here and later on Normal school. Although but 21 years old he has taught 3 years in District 1, Napoleon Township; Hayes School, Harrison Township; and May School, Flatrock Township, in all of which positions he gave the best of satisfaction, and was recognized as both scholar and
gentleman. He has given up teaching for commercial pursuits and that he has both ability and friends to make a success of it, there is no doubt. Patrons of his house are treated courteously and honestly. Since this notice was given Mr. S. O. PONTIUS purchased a half interest and the business will henceforth be operated under the firm name of HUDDLE & PONTIUS.

HARMON & WALCOTT

But two years a firm, yet the house of HARMON & WALCOTT is having one of the most gratifying trades in the city. Furniture and undertaking is their line and it is one with which both are thoroughly conversant. Their business is located in the TYLER Block, on Washington Street, and occupies first and second floors. All grades and styles have they in the furniture line, while the undertaking department is acknowledged to be par excellent. The senior partner, Mr.
HARMON, is one of the best and most practical embalmers in the state, having had an extensive experience. Their funeral car is very fine.

D. HARMON

David HARMON was born in Napleon township, July 31, 1851; was raised on a farm and attended district schools. After leaving school he learned the carpenter and joiners trade and worked at the same until 1883, when he moved to Ridgeville. October 1, 1873, he married Miss Alice McCROSSLAND, of Ridgeville. He purchased the interest of O. E. ROLLIN in the general supply store of ROWE & ROLLINS. The new firm did business until 1889, when a dissolution was effected and Mr. HARMON soon after came to Napoleon and entered the employ of C. BITZER, continuing in such capacity for 18 months. He then struck out for himself with Joe MILLER as partner, and the firm continued thus for a short time. In December, 1893, Mr. WALCOTT purchased Mr. MILLER’S interest, and the firm of HARMON & WALCOTT still remains.

A. S. WALCOTT

The junior partner is a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, and was born January 20, 1869. He is the third son of Henry and Sarah WALCOTT, who had five sons and one daughter. Two of the former are veterinary surgeons, W. H. WALCOTT now practicing in Ridgeville. The family came to Henry County in 1873, and Arthur attended common school and assisted on the farm. On October 5, 1892, he married Miss Jennie HARMON, daughter of David HARMON, and the following December purchased the interest of Jos. MILLER.

Both Partners are great workers; they are hustlers and in every way keep apace the times. This fact, assisted by a large circle of friends and the utmost confidence of all, has placed them on a plane that commands respect from both wholesalers and patronage. Their business has steadily increased and will continue to do so. Mr. HARMON is one of the “big five” who was wafted into the court house this fall on the Republican ticket, having been elected coroner by a
snug majority.

A. BRADLEY

A. BRADLEY is the veteran grocer of Napoleon, having been in business here 20 years. He is a native of Bradford, England, born December 20,1843, and came to Napoleon when 27 years of age. His rise from a clerkship to his present position of influence is one based solely on individual effort, having been assisted by no other help than his own ability. Too much credit cannot be given him for success achieved. His store is one of the finest, consisting of two very commodious rooms with large archway between. He runs in connection an immense seed emporium, where any and all grades of seeds are kept. For years an institution of this kind was attempted, but it remained for Mr. BRADLEY to push it through to success. In politics he is a Republican and high protectionist, but still his friends regardless of party affiliation, are legion in numbers. His son Cecil is head clerk and assistant manager.

INTERESTING STUFF

Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades – King David, Hearts – Charlemagne, Clubs – Alexander the Great, Diamonds — Julius Caesar.

In the 1400’s a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have “the rule of thumb.”

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: Part of R 7 N, T 6 E later became Clinton Twp. Fulton Co.

DIST. # 3 R T S Description A VPA Total
Value
Fosser, Philips& Grimes 7 6 27 W 1/2 NW 80 2.00 160
Fosser, Philips& Grimes 7 6 27 E 1/2 NW 80 2.00 160
Grimes, Alexander 7 6 31 E 1/2 SW 80 2.25 180
Frink?, Darius 7 6 23 E 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Frink?, Darius 7 6 23 W 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Ferguson, A. 7 6 32 SW NE 40 2.00 80
Grimes, Alexander 7 6 31 W 1/2 SE 80 2.25 180
Grimes, Alexander 7 6 31 E 1/2 SE 80 2.25 180
Grimm, Alfred 7 6 13 SW SW 40 1.50 60
Goodwin, John 7 6 2 SW 1/4 160 1.75 280
Goodwin, John 7 6 3 SE 1/4 160 2.00 320
Grimm, Wilson 7 6 12 S pt. NW 50 1.50 75
Grimm, A. S. 7 6 12 N pt. NW 110 4.09 450
Gallup, Francis 7 6 23 E 1/2 SW + SW SE 120 2.17 260
Hackett & Smith 7 6 6 E pt. + SE NW 394 2.00 788
Hackett & Smith 7 6 2 SE E 1/2 NE + S 1/2 SW 320 2.00 640
Houston, Andrew 7 6 6 N 1/2 NW 84 2.00 168
Hudson, Harrison 7 6 32 N 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Hackett & Smith 7 6 7 E 1/2 320 2.00 640
Ingraham, A. G. 7 6 21 E 1/2 SE 80 2.50 200
Ingraham, A. G. 7 6 21 W 1/2 SE 80 2.50 200
Ingraham, J. P. 7 6 27 W 1/2 NE 80 2.63 210
Ingraham, J. P. 7 6 27 E 1/2 NE 80 2.63 210
Jennings, Geo. J. 7 6 21 NE 1/4 160 2.00 320
Jordon, Delass W. 7 6 21 S 1/2 SW 80 2.50 200
Knapp, Sam’l M. 7 6 32 SW 1/4 NW 1/4 40 2.00 80
Knapp, Sam’l M. 7 6 30 NW NE 40 1.50 60
Knapp, John 7 6 34 W 1/2 NW 80 3.75 300
Knapp, John 7 6 4 NW 1/4 153 5.00 781
Knapp, Sam’l Jms? 7 6 6 W 1/2 SW 79 5.00 385
Kroder?, Soloman 7 6 10 E 1/2 SE 80 2.00 160
Kroder?, Soloman 7 6 10 W 1/2 SE 80 2.00 160
Kroder?, Soloman 7 6 10 W 1/2 NW 80 2.00 160
Kroder?, Soloman 7 6 11 E 1/2 E 1/2 SW 40 2.00 80
List, William 7 6 8 E 1/2 SE 80 2.00 160
List, William 7 6 9 W 1/2 SW 80 2.00 160
List, William 7 6 9 NW 1/4 160 2.00 320
List, David Jms.? 7 6 15 NW 1/4 160 2.00 320
List, David Jms.? 7 6 15 SW 1/4 160 2.00 320
Lathrop, Ebenezer 7 6 7 SW 1/4 158 2.00 316
Lathrop, Ebenezer 7 6 6 E 1/2 SW 80 2.00 160
Massee, John 7 6 34 E 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Mankins, John 7 6 2 NW NE & NE NW 75 2.00 150
Morrell, Daniel 7 6 11 W 1/2 E 1/2 SW 40 1.75 70
Miller, John 7 6 4 E 1/2 NE 82 5.93 484
Masean?, N. E. 7 6 26 E 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Meek, J. N. 7 6 23 SE SE 40 2.00 80
Morey, J. D. 7 6 32 E 1/2 NE 80 2.75 220
Morey, J. D. 7 6 29 NW SE 40 1.50 60
Ohio, State of 7 6 3 E 1/2 NW + SW NE 120 2.00 240
Ohio, State of 7 6 21 E pt. fr. Sec. W pt. SE fr. 270 2.00 540
Ohio, State of 7 6 1 SE 1/4 160 2.00 320
Ohio, State of 7 6 35 E 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Ohio, State of 7 6 35 W 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Ohio, State of 7 6 1 NE 1/4 160 4.16 656
Pontius, Samuel 7 6 5 NE 1/4 160 2.00 320
Plant, R. H. 7 6 25 W 1/2 NW 80 1.50 120
Reed, Jesse 7 6 14 E 1/2 SE 80 2.00 160
Russell, William 7 6 23 SW SW 40 2.00 80
Rawson, Abell 7 6 11 W 1/2 SW 80 2.00 160
Rawson, Abell 7 6 11 W 1/2 SE + SE SE + N 1/2 440 2.43 1,070
Rawson, Abell 7 6 10 E 1/2 NE 80 3.00 240
Rawson, Abell 7 6 12 W 1/2 SW 80 2.00 160
Rawson, Abell 7 6 14 E 1/2 NE 80 2.25 180
Rawson, Abell 7 6 26 W 1/2 NE 80 2.00 160
Rawson, Abell 7 6 11 E 1/2 E 1/2 SW 40 2.00 80
Rawson, Abell 7 6 11 NE SE 40 2.00 80
Rawson, Abell 7 6 26 E 1/2 NW 80 2.00 160
Rawson, Abell 7 6 36 E 1/2 NW 80 2.00 160
Rawson, Abell 7 6 36 W 1/2 NW 80 2.50 200
Rawson, Abell 7 6 13 NW NW 40 2.00 80
Rawson, Abell 7 6 13 SW NW 40 2.00 80
Rawson, Abell 7 6 14 NE NW 40 2.00 80
Rawson, Abell 7 6 14 W 1/2 NE 80 2.75 220
Rockwell, S. K. 7 6 4 S pt. NW 10 10.00 100
Scuburn?, E. 7 6 36 W 1/2 NE 80 3.50 280
Sornik??, John 7 6 35 SE 1/4 160 4.43 708
Surges, Edward 7 6 31 E 1/2 NW 80 2.25 180
Shellenberger, A. 7 6 30 W 1/2 NW 79 2.39 188
Sturges, Edward 7 6 31 W 1/2 NW 80 2.25 180
Sturges, Edward 7 6 31 E 1/2 NE 80 2.25 180
Sturges, Edward 7 6 31 W 1/2 NE 80 2.25 180
Unknown 7 6 34 E 1/2 SW 80 2.00 160
Vears, John 7 6 36 SW NW 40 2.00 80
Volunture, Soloman 7 6 9 SE 1/4 160 2.00 320
Volunture, Elisabeth 7 6 10 SW 1/4 160 2.00 320
Vears, James W. 7 6 34 NW NE 40 2.00 80
Woodward, W. 7 6 25 E 1/2 NW & NW NE 120 1.50 180
Winters, Samuel 7 6 36 NE SE 40 2.00 80
Warner, Thomas 7 6 9 E 1/2 SW 80 2.00 160
Wright, John 7 6 23 NW SW 40 2.00 80
Wadsworth, James 7 6 35 E 1/2 NW 80 2.00 160
Wadsworth, James 7 6 35 W 1/2 NW 80 2.00 160
Wadsworth, James 7 6 5 SW 1/4 160 2.00 320
Wadsworth, James 7 6 8 W 1/2 + W 1/2 NE + W 1/2 SE 480 2.00 960
Whitehill, Joseph 7 6 35 E 1/2 SW 80 2.00 160
Whitehill, Joseph 7 6 35 W 1/2 NW 80 2.00 160
Williams, Emory 7 6 2 NE NE 38 1.50 57
Wright, John 7 6 3 E 1/2 NE 80 7.88 550
Wright, John 7 6 2 NW NW 37 5.46 202
Wright, John 7 6 3 NW NE 38 3.00 114
Wright, J. W. 7 6 26 W 1/2 SW 80 2.00 160
Wright, Nathan 7 6 3 W 1/2 NW 80 5.00 400
Wright, Nathan 7 6 25 S 1/2 SW 80 2.00 160
Winters, Sam’l 7 6 36 SE SE 40 2.00 80

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

Dist. #3 R T S Description A VPA Total
Value
Brown, A. H. 8 6 13 SW SE 67 1.50 100
Butler, Charles 8 6 5 S 1/2 320 1.50 480
Bowe, Eustus 8 6 7 W fr. SW 71 1.50 106
Belden, John 8 6 32 SW SE 40 2.00 80
Belden, Soloman 8 6 32 SE SE 40 2.00 80
Bucklin, Charles 8 6 28 SW NW 40 2.00 80
Bucklin, Charles 8 6 31 S 1/2 NW + S 1/2 NE 160 3.37 540
Bresmaker, Lewis 8 6 35 SW fr. SW 51 2.49 127
Bodle, John N.? 8 6 32 NW SE 40 4.00 160
Bodle, John N.? 8 6 32 SW NE 40 2.00 80

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