Leonhardt Family

Leonhardt Family

On April 8, 1967, Aunt Elsie Leonhardt, R.N., saw a new bride move into her parent's home which her father, Frederick, had built in 1879. Her nephew, Gary Bechtol, had married Elnora Saneholtz of Liberty Township and brought her to live in the Leonhardt home.

They refurbished the house after his grandmother, Emma (Leonhardt) Bechtol died July 12, 1966. Gary and Elnora's son, Timothy, was born

November 17, 1968. Aunt Elsie knew him well as her new home was built across the street where her father's carriage and wagon manufacturing business stood. F. B. Leonhardt had a wide acquaintance, being very well known throughout northwestern Ohio as an honest and capable craftsman.

Many times Aunt Elsie related past history to her surviving nieces and nephews. She died December 29, 1973, at the age of 93. In her memory, we wish to submit the family tree.

Johann Leonhard was born 1818 -died 1902. His wife, Catharina Rothfuchs was born 1819 - died 1901 with Mary Catherine.

Juliana was born 1846.

Frederick was born 1850, married Rebecca Degler, and arrived in Henry County in 1854, from Tuscarawas County in Pennsylvania to pioneer land for a homesite in Section 30, Flatrock Township. The land was obtained from the government in the Fillmore 1871 administration.

A log cabin was built in the wooded area across the creek. Caroline was born 1852. Johann was born 1855. Wilhelm was born 1857. George was born 1862.

Leonhardt Family Home, Florida

A house was built for Frederick's parents just east of his, F. B.'s, home in Florida. This house became the home of Will and Dora Emmel upon their retirement from their farm north of Florida, Ohio.

Rebecca died an early death, December 20, 1893. Frederick married her sister, Susan, who had come to care for their children. They called her "Aunt Sue." All of Frederick and Rebecca (Degler) Leonhardt's children were born in Florida, Ohio.

Dora was born June 8, 1878, and married Will Emmel from Liberty Township. She played piano and was a homemaker on the farm. She died February 1, 1958.

Elsie was born January 17, 1880, was a teacher and then a registered nurse in Cleveland, Ohio. She cared for her parents as they aged and died December 29, 1973.

Emma was born January 13, 1882, and married Herbert Bechtol, December 7, 1905. She was a teacher and homemaker and died July 12, 1966.

Charles was born October 1, 1883. He was a druggist in Deshler, Ohio, and died February 2, 1918, during the flu epidemic of World War I.

Frank was born September 24, 1885, and married Bess May of Florida. He was a farmer and died June 13, 1968.

Howard was born April 26, 1888, and married Besse Andrew of Defiance, Ohio. He served in France in World War I and was gassed there. He was an employee of the Napoleon Postal System. He died January 11, 1969.

Emma Leonhardt Bechtol and Herbert Bechtol

Dora was born in the house next to the Canal now owned by Richard Wilson. They were members of the Reformed Church in Florida. Frederick served as a lamp-lighter and mayor of the Village of Florida. Frank and Elsie inherited the original 160 acre homesite. Howard and Emma inherited a 162 acre farm on the Defiance and Henry County line. After the Florida Reformed Church was dissolved, this family joined the Methodist Church.

The grandchildren of Frederick Leonhardt are thirteen in number.

Children of Dora and Will Emmel: 1. Iris married Edward Webb. Their children - Margaret, Doris; 2. Thyra married Laurence Lorish. There were no children; 3. Maynard and Mildred Emmel. Their children - Larry, David, Barbara; 4. Mildred who married Mr. Sohn. There were no children; 5. Myron who married Pauline DeVerna. Their children - Dee Ann, Jeanne; 6. Jeannette who married Robert Ort. Their children - Roy, Jane.

Elsie: none.

Emma and Herbert Bechtol: 1. Lauren who married Ann Schuck. Their children are Lauren, Jr., Bruce; 2. Kent who married Helen Schlueter. Their children are Gary, Lew, Susan.

Charles: none.

Frank, who married Bess May. Their children are: 1. Donald who married Vera Brink. Their child is Lynn; 2. Kathryn who married Robert Handy-side. Their children are: Judy, Sue, Phillip, Sidney, Dan.

Howard, who married Besse Andrew. Their children are: 1. Caroline, deceased 1936; 2. Patricia who married William Degler. Their children: William, Jr., Robert; 3. Frederick who married Ria Rita Hess. Their child: Pamela. Frederick second marriage to Wanda. Their child: Leigh Ann.

Submitted by the Family