The Rentz Family

Joseph L. Rentz was one of the sturdy men of northwest Ohio, who gave their best years and energy to farming and the upbuilding of community interests. His records are such that his name deserves lasting recognition in his home County of Henry.

Joseph L. Rentz was of German ancestry. His father, John Rentz, was born in Germany and when nine years of age (1827) came to America with several sisters on a sailing vessel landing in Baltimore.

Uncaptioned, presumably Rentz family photo

Uncaptioned, presumably Rentz family photo

Uncaptioned, presumably Rentz family photo

After living there several years, he came to Fairfield County, Ohio about 1847 and there he married Mary Heistan. Several of their children were born there including the late Joseph L. Rentz, who was born June 7, 1849.

When he was an infant, his family moved to Hancock County and his father, John Rentz, was a tenant farmer for several years.

In 1864 he brought his family to Monroe Township of Henry County and bought 80 acres of partially cleared land to which he added another 80 acres later. He died on this land on September 11, 1890. His wife died in 1895. Both were members of the Evangelical Church. They had seven children: Lydia, Elizabeth, Catherine, Joseph L., Jacob, Christina, and Caroline.

Joseph L. was reared on the farm and remained with his parents until their deaths; he then bought out the remaining heirs.

In 1901 he built the present 12 room house and barn and other substantial buildings while still retaining the original homestead of his father's in which resides his great-grandson. It is well over 100 years old but still in excellent condition and modernized in today's manner.

Joseph L.'s success in the management of his farm naturally called him to offices of public trust and honor. He was a Township Trustee, held the office of Treasurer of Monroe Township for 14 years, and assessor 8 years, school board member, and Henry County Fair Board.

Fraternally he was affiliated with Lodge #1839 Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Malinta having served as Past Noble Grand and was buried by the right of Odd Fellowship. He served the Grange in all capacities and for some years was Master of Pomona Grange of the county.

He had the faculty of leadership and was usually in the forefront of every enterprise undertaken by the community.

In 1877 Mr. Rentz married Miss Amanda Aurand, daughter of Samuel and Mary Benner Aurand.

Mrs. Rentz was born in Hancock County on February 5, -1857, and was given the name of the township, Amanda, in which they lived. Her father and mother were born in Hancock County and came with their family to Henry County in 1871 buying their homestead of 240 acres adjoining the Rentz farm to the north.

She was an active member of the United Brethern Church in Malinta and served with her husband in many activities of the community.

To them were born eight children namely: Harvey, who married Alice Bachtel. To them was born one child (deceased). Cora married to W. Trace Hitchcock, their children being - Evelyn married to Paul King; Kent deceased at age 12; James R. married to Dorothy Fletcher, their children are Paul R., Thomas, Martin, Janis, and Stephen Hitchcock; Franklin married to Allene Groh to whom were born William P. married to Mary Lou Fletcher whose children are Debby, Dale and Warren; Kent, who married Lucille Stevens, their children Alfred, Harold, Joseph, Henry and Judith Ann; Patty married to Nelson Wackier - children Jodi, Jamie and Jeri; Carol Sue married to Barry Beener. One child Jennifer; John Joe married to Donna - one son, John Douglas. Howard married to Nettie Parcher, their children being - Owen married to Artella Wells - children Reva, Carma, Ila Jean, Bonny, twins Joan and Joe; Harmon married to Nina Miller - one child Tom; Harold married to Mildred Myers; Clarence married to Jane Edmonds, children Dallas and Roger; Herbert married to Fern Miller, children Bonny, Peggy and Dolly; Paul Married Helen Miller; Ethel married Charles Frakes - three children, Norma, Peggy and Susan; Mary married Wayne Allen - children Pat, Larry and Karen; Betty married Sherman Riffle - children are Fredrick, Charles and Judy; Burl married Luella Rathge. They have two children James and Jeffrey; Helen married Floyd Vinal, children Floyd Jr. and Margy; Donna married Donald Punches, children are Nancy, Connie, Karen, Colleen, Robbie, Dan, Bill, Tracy and John; Thelma married Paul Hoops, children are Michael, Steven, Dave and Holly. Ada married Jim Widener, their children being - Naomi married Harry Weber, children are Robert who married Regent Rogers. Children are Jon and twins Amy and Dawn; John married Virginia Bacon - son C. Shane; Joan (deceased); Hollis; Gale Cathy married George Richardson, children Stephen, Kenneth and Rhonda; Mrs. Mildred Spiller and son, Douglas. Orville married Hannah Hoff - one son, John, who married Lavada Lulfs. Son, Don married to Ruth Ann Ohlrich. Ethel married Ralph Cline. One son, Robert, who married Patricia Johnston - two children Patty and Peggy. Homer married Edith Johnson. One son, Homer Jr., who married Lillian Barnes - sons Michael, twins Matt and Max. Mildred married Horace Tanner, their children being - Joe married to Betty Eakins with boys Tom and Doug; Ned married to Pat Summers, children Christina, Pamela, Cindy and Scott; Frank married to Rosemary Klingshirn, children Ned, Mary Ann, Patty, Peggy, Doris and Frank Jr.; Marian and Marilyn (twins) - Marian married to Richard Lee their children Brenda and David. Marilyn married to Glen Brower - children Gerry and Teresa.

Submitted by Luella Rentz