Franz Family

In the spring of 1852, with much unrest in Germany, Johann Franz, his wife, Christina George Franz, and their seven children, William, Henry, Elizabeth, Jacob, Anna Christina, John August and Frederick, and a nephew, John H. George, boarded a ship for America. The ship, The Vista, took about eight weeks to reach New York. From New York, the family traveled to

Galion, Ohio. Tradition says that Johann Franz carried a shotgun from Germany and left it on the train at Galion. The gun was not found due to his lack of knowledge in speaking English.

Johann bought a small home about three miles from Galion. Johann had been an official in the forestry service of Germany as had his father been before Johann.

About 1854, Johann, or John, Franz and his family moved to Flat Rock Township, Henry County, Ohio. Some time later, John H. George moved to Belmore, in Putnam County, Ohio.

Anna Christina Franz, a daughter of Johann and Christina Franz, married Frederick Wahl, son of Johann and Eva Wahl, and the rest of the story of their descendants is in the Wahl family history in this book.

John August, or August, Franz, a son of Johann and Christina Franz, was born on January 2, 1850, in Hesse Nassau, Germany, and died on December 20, 1906. August married in December 1878, Wilhelmina Wahl who was born on March 4, 1862 in Pleasant Township, Henry County, Ohio. She died on September 5, 1946. August and Wilhelmina, or Minnie, are buried at Cole Cemetery, Florida, Ohio. Their children were Kathryn, Nora, Bertha, Ida, Julia, George Ferdinand, or Ferd, Emma, Sarah, Franklin L., Carl Burdette, and Ruth. Four other children died in infancy.

Ferd Franz, son of August and Minnie Franz, was born on February 28, 1889, in Flatrock Township. He married Clara Louise Meyer on March 18, 1913. Clara was born on October 14, 1893, in Marion Township, Henry County, Ohio, to John Charles and Katie Rettig Meyer. After their marriage they began farming in Flatrock Township, later moving to Bartlow Township. Ferd, a farmer all of his life, died on March 5, 1947. Ferd and Clara had twelve children. They were Almeda who married John Osborn. John works for the Department of Highways, and they live in Belmore, Ohio. John and Almeda have John, Janeen, Jed and Jan Osborn.

Hazel married Aaron Jay Weaver. Jay passed away on November 1, 1964. Before his death he worked for the post office in Deshler. Hazel lives in Deshler.

John married Marguerite Guelde.

They live in Maitland, Florida. John is a real estate broker in Orlando. Their children are Annette, Mary, John, Jr., Betty, and Robert. John is a veteran of World War II.

Robert married Lelah Owenby. They live near Deshler, Ohio, and have four daughters, Pamela, Roberta, Margaret and Nancy. Robert is engaged in farming. Lelah and Robert are veterans of World War II.

Harold married Frances Harris. Their children are Carol, Marian, David, Joan, Keith and Lynette. They live in Deshler and have a petroleum business there. Harold is a veteran of World War II.

Dale married Irene King. Dale is employed in construction work. They live in Deshler, and have five  children, Craig, Dale L., Kay, Diane and Russell. Dale is a veteran of World War II.

Earl married Evelyn Neiswender, and they live near Deshler, Ohio, and have three children, Cheryl, Lee and Kelly. Earl is employed at the post office, farms and is a veteran of World War II.

Janet married Edwin Saneholtz. and they live in Napoleon, Ohio. Ed is associated with Saneholtz Supply Company and Janet teaches school. Their children are Patricia and Eddie. Ed is a veteran of World War II.

Faye married Lewis Sterling. They live in Toledo, Ohio, and Louie is employed at Champion Spark Plug Coma pany, and is a veteran of the Korean War.

Lois married James Thomas. They live near Holgate, Ohio and their children are James, Sandra and Mark. Jim is engaged in farming and is a veteran of the Korean War.

Marlene Jane and Darlene Jean, twin daughters of Ferd and Clara Franz, died when they were a few months old.

Submitted by: Glorida Box and Faye Sterling