Friedrich Maassel

Friedrich Maassel was born on February 28, 1836 in Hiddingen Hanover, Germany. As a young man in Germany he joined the military. When his time of duty was completed he served terms for other men who paid him to take their place. Along the way he met Elizabeth Mohrman. She was born on September 19, 1830. Friedrich and Elizabeth married in March of 1861 and had four children: H. Frederick, Mary, Anna, and Wilhelmine.

Friedrich made his living as a woodsman and Elizabeth, besides caring for her family, also sewed bonnets for corpses in the Old Country. In 1880 the family left that behind and came to America. H. Frederick was nineteen years old and Wilhelmine was nine years old. Originally Maassel in high German was spelled Maaßel, there being no letters for this sound on the typewriter, the immigration authorities changed the name to be spelled Maassel. While in the military, Friedrich would seal his letters with this German spelling, this seal is among the family's cherished possessions.

The Maassel family first settled in Jewel, Ohio, Defiance County, then moved to Napoleon township, Henry County and in February of 1892 they moved to Monroe township, Henry County. Here they cleared woods for farming. They became members of Hope Lutheran Church, Hamler and later of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Elizabeth, who was blind in her last years died on April 4, 1906 at the age of 75 years. Friedrich died on March 6, 1918 at the age of 82 years. They are both buried in Immanuel Lutheran cemetery.

Submitted by: Mrs. Donald Maassel