The Wulff Family

On the morning of September 22, 1868, Herman Wulff became the proud owner of an eighty acre tract of rich farmland in Washington Township, Henry County. The property can be traced back through several owners to the original owner, Philo Chandler. Mr. Chandler purchased the land in 1847 from the State of Ohio, in a deed from then Governor Joseph B. Foraker.

Hazel I. and Joseph H. Wulff

Herman was born on February 19, 1841, in the Grand Duchy of Oldenberg, Germany, the son of John and Anna Wulff. In 1859 Herman came to the United States. He returned to Germany in 1862 to marry Anna Cornelius (1865). The following year they returned to the United States and settled on land purchased from David and James Bowker. Six children were born: Cornelius, Anna, Henry, Herman, Sophia, and one infant.

After arriving by boat the young couple traveled overland to Henry County. Their home was a log cabin which is presently standing on its original site. (See enclosed picture.) The main task of Herman, a six foot plus, brawny, kind and religious man, was to clear the land for farming. Because of the skills he developed as a sailor on early windjammers, settlers from the area brought their ropes to Herman for splicing.

Joseph, Herman's grandson remembers vividly stories he told of early Henry County. The log cabin served as a stopping off place for many German immigrants, who settled in the Henry County area or who were traveling farther west. Saloons and grocery stores plus a cheese factory are remembrances of the village of Texas.

Herman died March 13, 1924, at the age of eighty-three years, one month, and four days.

The heritage of the Wulff Homestead continues with Herman's son Cornelius. He was born December 14, 1870, on the homestead. Hattie Rearick became his wife on August 4, 1896, and the couple had two children, Margaret R. and Joseph H. During his early years Cornelius had a blacksmith and woodworking shop in the North Baltimore and Tiffin, Ohio areas. Upon his return to the farm he established a blacksmith and woodworking shop on the farm. He was able to provide some of these services to neighbors. Hattie Wulff died in 1933. John Mires, Editor of the LIBERTY PRESS wrote, "She was a most estimable woman, wife and mother. I have known Mrs. Wulff for many years and never did I hear anybody say a harmful word of her. Few people are able to go through life without creating enmity and criticism somewhere, but Hattie Rearick Wulff was a very exceptional woman."

Cornelius married Lena R. MacLean, of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, on July 16, 1938. He died on March 20, 1950, at the age of eighty years, three months, and six days.

The torch was passed in 1950 to Joseph H. Wulff, son of Cornelius and Hattie Wulff, who is the present owner and operator of the Wulff homestead. He was born June 2, 1906, on the homestead. On January 1,1930, Joseph married Hazel I. Mayer, of Malinta, Ohio. One child, Kenneth was born.

Left to right: Scott, Joseph H., and Kenneth R. Wulff.

Left to right: Lori A., Kenneth R., Karen R., Scott A., and Joyce G. Wulff.

During 1966 the farm was designated as a Centennial Farm, having been in the family one hundred years.

Kenneth, son of Joseph and Hazel Wulff, was born in 1933. On August 31, 1957, he married Joyce G. Follin, Cincinnati, Ohio. Three children were born: Scott A.; Lori A.; and Karen R. Kenneth is presently a professor with Kent State University and is the writer of this history.
Submitted by Kenneth Wulff

Update For Joseph H. Wulff Family, Volume 3, Page 62

Joseph H. Wulff, age 70, Liberty Center, passed away at his home on Friday, February 4, 1977. My father was very unusual in that he was born, raised and died on the family farm in Washington Township. He leaves his widow, Hazel I. Wulff, son, Kenneth, daughter-in-law, Joyce and grandchildren Scott, Lori and Karen Wulff to mourn his passing.

Submitted by: Dr. Kenneth R. Wulff