The Raymond Schweinhagen Family

Raymond Schweinhagen, born July 22, 1899, and Maria Dammann, born Jan. 17, 1902, were married on Nov. 25, 1927. They made their first home on the Oelfke farm in Napoleon Twp. They farmed 120 acres. All the crops were planted and harvested with a team of horses. In 1936 they purchased an eighty acre farm in Liberty Twp. on County Rd. U. While living on this farm they built a new chicken coop housing 500 layers. Many improvements were made on the farm as well as in the home. The land was tiled, electricity, plumbing, and a furnace were installed in the house. About 30 years ago Raymond was stricken with Parkinson's Disease, which forced him to retire in 1956. They remained on the farm until 1967 when they purchased a home in Napoleon at 904 West Washington St. Raymond is completely disabled and confined to his home. Mary is taking excellent care of him, seeing to all his needs. They are still faithful members of St. John's Lutheran Church. Their pastor calls on them regularly.

They are the parents of four daughters. They all attended St. John's Parochial School in Freedom Twp. for their elementary education and then going to Liberty Center High School. Evelyn, born July 30, 1929, married Eldon Hastedt on Oct. 2, 1949. They are the parents of Brenda, James, and Bruce. They reside at 731 Erie St. in Napoleon. Evelyn has been employed by The Charles Co. Department Store for eight years as a sales clerk. Brenda is married to Carey Plummer and they have a daughter Paula Jo. Deloris, born Jan. 9, 1932, married Norman Drewes, July 23, 1950. They live on a farm in Napoleon Twp. Their children are Barbara, Connie, Debra Ann, Rebecca, and Lynette. Lucille, born Sept. 29, 1935, married Richard D. Bell Sept. 9, 1956. They are the parents of Steven, Roger, and Patricia. Lucille is secretary at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Jancie, born April 2, 1944, married Gary McMaster on Dec. 11, 1965. They live at 522 Vine St. in Napoleon. They are the parents of Daniel, born April 29, 1968. Michael, born Nov. 12, 1969, and Amy, born August 29, 1973.

Raymond's parents were Henry and Emma (Bruns) Schweinhagen. Henry's parents were Henry and Wilhelmina (Stockman) Schweinhagen, both of whom were natives of Prussia, Germany. Henry came to America with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schweinhagen, Sr. They were eight weeks in crossing on an old fashioned vessel and from New York they came to the wilds of Adams Twp. in Defiance County. They spent many years in clearing up and developing a good farm.

Maria's parents were William and Anna (Oelfke) Dammann. Maria's ancestors came mostly from Hanover, Germany.

Submitted by the Family