William John Daniel Wendt

William John Daniel Wendt was born in 1886 in a log cabin near the corner of Route 66 and Route 34, in Ridgeville Township, Henry County, Ohio. He was the son of August and Anna Meister Wendt. He had three brothers, Edward, Ridgeville Corners; Arthur, Weston; and Harry, Maumee, Ohio; and one sister, Annette (Nettie) Wendt. Annette married Dr. Schmitt of Lima, Ohio and lived there for many years.

Anna Meister Wendt died when William was five years old. At the age of fourteen, he moved to Napoleon. He drove a huckster wagon and sold groceries to area farmers. He lived in Toledo for a few years and delivered packages for the Railway Express Company. After returning to Napoleon, William sold men's clothing for Vandenbroeks Clothing Store.

During this time, he met the young milliner, Irene Keenan, who had just moved to Napoleon from Danville, Illinois. Irene worked for Mrs. Barnhill-Hull for a couple of years making, trimming and selling hats. In 1912, Irene Keenan bought the millinery store from Mrs. Barnhill-Hull. There were six or eight girls hired to make and trim ladies hats at this time.

William Wendt and Irene Keenan were married on January 1, 1914.

William Wendt and Ed Bokerman became partners in a shoe store in 1919. They were partners until the depression years. William Wendt bought his partners share and became the sole owner of Wendt Shoe Store.

William Wendt was a member of the Napoleon City Council at one time. He and Irena spent their entire married life in Napoleon, Ohio, owning Wendt Shoe Store and the Wendt Millinery, and lived at 331 West Clinton Street.

[Photo 314c.jpg] L. to R. Irene, Robert, Daniel, Annette, Jerold, and William Wendt

William John Daniel Wendt died in 1968 and his wife, Irena Keenan Wendt, died in 1973. They had four children, Dr. Robert Wendt, Jerry Wendt, Annette Wendt, and Daniel Wendt.

Dr. Robert Wendt, Optometrist, married Alice Homolka and resides in Worthinton, Ohio. Their children are Carol, David, Renee and Joel.

Jerry Wendt is in the carpeting business in Palm Springs, California. He and his wife, Mary Lou, have Sherri, Bill and Cindy Bea.

Annette Wendt married Dr. Robert Herman, dentist, and they live in Napoleon, Ohio and have three children: Denise Herman McColley, Mark and Bill.

Daniel Wendt owns Wendt Shoes. Dan married Louise Knoll, a teacher of reading. They live in Napoleon and have two daughters, Cynthia and Sally.

Submitted by: Dan Wendt, Annette Herman