Frederick Henry Michaelis

Frederick H. Michaelis was born December 11, 1875, the son of Frederick Wilhelm Michaelis and Katherine Marie Eickoff.

Frederick W. was born September 2, 1841 in northern Germany, Hannover area. Katherine was born September 29, 1846 also in the Hannover area of Germany. Frederick W. and Katherine were married and farmed near Visshervade, Germany, until 1878 at which time they came to the United States, Freedom Township, Henry County, Ohio. While still in Germany three children were born to them: Mary (married Kruse), Frederick Henry, and Anna (married Schweibert). Those children later born in. the United States were: Louise (married Racker), William, August, Minnie (married Morganstern) and one child who died during infancy. Frederick W. and Katherine made their final home on a farm near Hamler on State Route 18.

Frederick W. came close to death several times. While in Germany, he was burned when scalding potatoes to feed the pigs and once was kicked in the head by a horse. After arriving in Henry County, Frederick W. was involved in yet another accident one autumn. While sawing wood for the winter, near Ridgeville Corners, he was caught by the collar of his vest, hitting the saw and was thrown over the wood pile. Thinking that the man's head had been cut off, the five men helping with the job all fainted, except for Fred Bartels, Sr. (the father of Fred Bartels, past Henry County Sheriff). Although being cut into the neck, Frederick W. survived and lived to a ripe old age of 82.

Frederick W. died December 10, 1923 and Katherine died June 24, 1910. Both are buried on Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Marion Township, Henry County, Ohio.

Their oldest son, Frederick H., spent most of his life as a farmer near Hamler, Ohio. In 1906, he married Henrietta Sonnenberg. To them were born seven sons and four daughters. For a brief period of time during 1916, the family moved to Rhodes, Michigan, but later returned to farming near Hamler. Frederick H. bought a 40 acre farm in Marion Township, where he lived until his later years at which time he went to live with his son Lawrence in Holgate.

His wife Henrietta died in 1950 following a lengthy illness and confinement to a wheelchair. Frederick H. died August 11, 1964. Both are buried at the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, near Holgate.

Their surviving children and grandchildren are as follows:
Bernhard W. married Edna Oberhaus. Their children are Clarence (d. 1976), Bernhard T., Betty Jane, Marvin and Diann. Bernhard W. is presently farming 80 acres five miles east of Napoleon.

Alfred married Nellie Erven (d. 1960). Alfred served in the glider infantry during World War II and is presently living in Napoleon.

Theodore married Margaret Okuley. Their children are Dennis, Sylvia, and Marie. Theodore served with the medical corps during World War II. He recently retired from the State Department of Highways and is presently farming near Hamler.

Arthur married Ethel Rettig. Their only child is Carolyn. Arthur has re cently retired and lives with his wife in Napoleon.

Lawrence married Hildegard Panning. Their children are James, Sandra, Suzette, and Kevin. Lawrence served with the artillery during World War II and presently works at Landmark in Napoleon. He resides with his family in Holgate.

Ervin married Marcile Knepley. Their children are Doug and Gaye Ann. Ervin served with the infantry during World War II. He is presently the manager of the State Liquor Store in Napoleon and works for Westhoven Real Estate. He resides in Holgate.

Frederick married Donna Knepley. Their children are Terry and Frederick Jr. Frederick served with the infantry during World War II and presently works for Landmark in Napoleon. He resides in Holgate.

Olga married Wilford Panning (divorced). Their children are Sue and Theron. Olga resides east of Napoleon.

Emma married Alvin Warncke. Their children are Robert, Alvin, Roxanne, Tim, and Tom. Emma resides with her family in Defiance.

Rozella married Vincent Okuley. Their children are Nancy, Bill, and Michael. Rozella farms with her husband near Holgate.

Rosetta died at 51/2 months of age.

Submitted by: Bernhard W. Michaelis