H. Frederick Maassel

H. Frederick Maassel, the oldest child of Friedrich and Elizabeth (Mohrman) Maassel was born on October 5, 1861 in Hiddingen Hanover, Germany. He was confirmed at Visselhoenede on April 13, 1876. Four years later, 1880, he came to America with his parents and three sisters, Mary,

Anna, and Wilhelmine. They settled in Jewel, Ohio, Defiance County. On February 18, 1886 he married Anna Harras at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Okolona, Ohio by Pastor Strauss. Anna, born on October 12, 1866 was the daughter of Fred Harras (August 15, 1833-January 10, 1914) and Dora Wendt Harras (October 25, 1839 - October 30, 1909). After H. Frederick and Anna's marriage they farmed in Napoleon township, Henry County near St. Paul's Lutheran Church for six years. Three children were born here, Henry on February 27, 1887, Emma on March 26, 1889 and William on December 13, 1891. When William was six weeks old, February 1892, the family moved to Monroe township, along the Turkeyfoot creek, Henry County, by mud boat. George was born here July 2, 1897, Hertha on February 17, 1903 and Wilhelmine on October 27, 1904. These daughters died in infancy.

H. Frederick and Anna were both active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamer, he serving as recording secretary for twenty years. After 61 years of marriage 'Anna died on March 12, 1947 at the age of 81 years and H. Frederick died on March 10, 1950 at 89 years. They are both buried in the church cemetery.

Submitted by: Mrs. Donald Maassel