Henry C. Vajen

Henry C. Vajen was born May 2, 1873, in Freedom Township, the son of Henry Vajen Sr. and his wife, Kathrine nee Schweibert.

He was baptized June 1, 1873, in St. John's Lutheran Church, Freedom Township by Reverend L. Dulitz. Henry was confirmed on April 3, 1887, by Reverend L. Fisher at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Napoleon, Ohio.

Caroline Genuit was born February 29, 1876, in the Province of Hesse in the Village of Gottsboern, Germany. She was the daughter of Fred Genuit Sr. and his wife, Augusta nee Sedgwin.

She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Hesse in the village of her birth in the year 1876. She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Hesse in the village of Gottsbern, Germany, in 1890 by Pastor Gimfle officiating.

She then came to America by boat at the age of 14. She made her home with the R. W. Cahils in Napoleon.

She was married February 14, 1901, in the log house which is now the historical building at the fair grounds in Napoleon, to Henry C. Vajen by Reverend Ganbert, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Napoleon, Ohio.

They started housekeeping on a farm near Girty's Island; later they bought a farm, 20 acres, about three miles from Napoleon; then they bought a farm near Liberty Center, 80 acres, and their last home was near Delta, Ohio.

Henry Vajen passed away June 11, 1944. Burial was made at Forest Hill Cemetery in Napoleon on June 14. His pastor, Reverend L. K. Zandk of St. Paul Lutheran Church officiated at the church.

Caroline Vajen died at her home in Swancreek Township, August 28, 1945, and funeral services were held in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon by Reverend L. K. Zank of Delta and interment was made in Forest Hill Cemetery in Napoleon.

Their children were: John F. Vajen; Mrs. Otto (Martha) Tietje who died July 21, 1974; Mrs. Levi (Helen) Foor; Mrs. Harry (Josephine) Harmon; Agusta died April 2, 1917; Milton Vajen passed away April 7, 1974; Mrs. Forest (Claribel) Uthoff.

There are eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Submitted by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Harmon