Edith Bauer

The Edith Bauer farm is located on Road-16 in Section 27 of Flatrock Township. It was originally owned by Joseph Wells who was the grandfather of Edith.

Joseph Wells was born in 1828 in Tyler County, Virginia. His wife, Louisa Avery, was born in or near Rome, New York, in 1830. Both were of Irish and Scotch descent. Joseph came to Ohio with his parents in 1832 by covered wagon. His parents were Thomas and Suzanne Wells.

Louisa came to Ohio as an infant. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. George Avery. Joseph and Louisa were married in 1848. His parents settled near Napoleon, Ohio, east of what is now Campbell cannery living there until their death, years unknown.

Joe inherited 40 acres living there until 1874 when he sold it for $2000.00 and bought the present farm of 80 acres for $1800.00. It was nearly all woods except two fields along the road. He and his son, George Wells, cleared part of this farm. Their children were George, Susan, Nora, and Belle.

Edith Wells, daughter of George, was born in 1894. She married Fred Bauer in 1914. Fred finished clearing this farm with the help of his two sons, Byron and Richard.

In 1948, Fred and Edith Bauer moved to Holgate renting the farm to their oldest son Byron.

They also have three daughters: Mildred Hoffman, Marcine Cooper, and Helen Noll. Richard, the youngest son, now lives in Bryan, Ohio.

Joseph was a violin player and often played for dances in the neighborhood which was the chief amusement of friends and people in the vicinity.

They lived a very simple and clean life. He was known as Uncle Joe among his many friends.

He served in the Civil War for two years and was honorably discharged at the close of the War in 1865.

The Bauer's son Byron died in 1975. The farm is now farmed by the fifth generation Don Bauer.

The older buildings are all gone now. The log house, the old barn with clap-board roof and other sheds are replaced by the present house and barn along with other buildings that were built in 1915.

Deceased members of the family are Joseph A. Wells, 1828-1907; Louisa Avery Wells, 1830-1900; Susan Wells, 1856-1907; George Wells, 1860-1915; Nora Wells, 1866-1937; Belle Osborn, 1869-1931; Fred Bauer, 1891-1969; and Byron Bauer, 1914-1975.

The only surviving member is Edith Bauer born in 1894, now living in Holgate, Ohio, where she has lived since 1948.

Submitted By: Edith Bauer