Henry County Genealogical Society Newsletter
Volume 24, Number 4, July-August 2010
A PUBLICATION OF:
THE HENRY COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
P. O. BOX 231
DESHLER, OHIO 43516
www.henrycountyohiogenealogy.org
The Henry County Genealogical Society Newsletter is now published bi-monthly. The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any material submitted. The Newsletter is copyright protected, but the Society gives permission for material to be copied for personal research and to other chapter newsletters for their use. Any other use of this material should carry written permission from the Henry County Genealogical Society and acknowledge the source. Annual membership is $10.00 for 1-2 people at the same address.
Meetings will be held quarterly or as announced in the newsletter. Publications for sale are listed on the last page with the newest ones appearing on the first page.
We print all queries that are related to Henry County – membership is not required. Send queries to Henry Co. Genealogical Society, P. O. Box 231, Deshler, OH 43516 or to the editor as “Query” at wendypen@wcnet.org. After May 2016, queries may be directed to our website and will appear there.
Officers:
President – Jim Rebar
Vice President – Phyllis LaRue
Treasurer/Membership Chmn. – Lucille Van Scoyoc
Corresponding Secretary – Phyllis LaRue
Recording Secretary and First Families Chmn. – Kathy Bishop
News Reporter – Clara Ellen Courtney
Newsletter Editor – Karen Sunderman
Webmaster – Jim Rebar
Meetings
July 17, 2010, Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Genevieve Eicher will speak on Ridgeville Twp. history, focusing on factual information relayed by oral history. We’ll meet at the Bloomfield House in Napoleon. Come and see the newly-restored carriage house.
August 2010, No Meeting
See you at the Fair!
New Members
#486 Kathy WITTES, Chatsworth, CA 91311
#487 Elizabeth POTTS, Elida, OH 45807-1898
Membership is $10 per year. Dues are paid the first of each year and newsletters are mailed from that date. Please address correspondence to the website, the editor, or to our P. O. Box. Include your membership # (on address label). All Henry Co. queries are printed free.
Publications
Deshler Flag Obituaries Vol. XXIII (2007-2009), which is priced at $12.00 and Northwest Signal Obituaries Vol. XXIII (2009) — formerly advertised as two books priced as one, but we were able to staple it into one big book, which will cost $22.00. Each of these will also have a $2.00 charge for postage and handling.
Don’t Forget
We still need help transcribing cemeteries. We were hoping to finish updating the cemetery books by now, but have not been able to finish reading the cemeteries. Contact Jim Rebar for information on which ones still need to be read.
We also need help on the church records project. We like to be able to help others out by providing information, but we could use some help collecting it!
QUERIES
STOUT, MEYERHOLTZ, MYERHOLTZ, RICHARDS, SANEHOLTZ, SANHOLT, SEINHOLZ
Looking for info on Joseph A. Stout, RR agent, and his wife, Sarah C. Stout, from the 1860 Napoleon census which lists 3 ch.: Albert, Marian, and Ella. It also lists 4 borders: Catherine BODLE, Frederick WEARYES, Wm. MAUN, and Henry SANHOLT. Henry SANHOLT is my family link and I wish to know if the Stout family has info on what happened to him.
Also looking for S.(L.) Y. Richards and wife, C.(H.) A. from 1870 Napoleon census. Mr. Richards listed as a saddler and a roomer, F. SIENHOLZ, a brick maker, who may be my gr-grandfather, Frederick SANEHOLTZ. Would the Richards family have info about Frederick? This is possibly the Richards family in the 1880 census with wife H. Augusta and daughters Dolly and Mary. Also looking for info on Meyerholtz/Myerholtz brickyard on s. side of Napoleon ca. 1880. H.A. Myerholtz, wife Louisa, and sons Fred, Joseph, and John were in 1880 census with native home listed as Hanover. This brickyard was sold to F. H. Saneholtz and then passed to his son, John Saneholtz and son-in-law, Daniel Yamell In 1900. Frederick Saneholtz b. 23 Mar 1849 in Hanover, Germany/Prussia, arrived In Napoleon 1860, naturalized Oct. 1870, m. Minnie GOTTSCHALK 23 Oct 1876, d. 27 Oct. 1900.
— Anita Butler, Cincinnati, OH 45247
DESGRANGES, LAVAL, DIRR, DECKROSH
Looking for info on Jacob and Catherine (Laval) Desgranges, came to Henry Co. ca. 1841-1842 with son Peter (1834-1903). Peter married Mary Dirr (1842-1930), dau. of Henry and Catherine (Gardner) Dirr in 1862. They had children: Peter, Charles, Edward, John Wesley, Carrie, Phillip, Frank and Samuel DECKROSH. They lived in and around Pleasant Twp. and New Bavaria. I descend from John Wesley Desgranges who later moved to Michigan.
— Curtis Benjamin, Lowell MI 49331
Filial = of sons and daughters. [Francis still lives with his mother, partly out of filial devotion, partly out of an aversion to doing laundry.]
Kith = friends. [With all her kith and kin assembled, the bride got cold feet and fled the church.]
SORORAL = sisterly. [After a day of looking for Polly Pocket’s shoes and refereeing sororal squabbles, the girls’ mother collapsed onto the couch.]
COGNOMEN = name (Eugene added the cognomen “the Great” to his business cards and letterhead.]
AGNATE = related on the father’s side. [My last name has no vowels because immigration officials misheard my agnate grandfather.]
PROGENY = descendants. [With seven siblings and all their spouses and progeny, we have a lot of birthdays to remember.]
When Mr. Russell Patterson spoke to the Henry County Genealogical Society in May, he brought an article from the Northwest News of August 29, 1907 reporting on the German Day picnic to be held at Okolona for the German Americans of Defiance and Henry Counties September 2nd. As well as establishing cultural relationships with their neighbors, the Germans awarded prizes for the winners of interesting contests.
1. A ladies gold necklace offered by A. X. Weisenburger & Co. of Defiance for the largest woman from either county on the grounds.
2. An umbrella offered by Brown and Vanness of Napoleon for the winner of a ladies’ foot race.
3. A pair of men’s shoes offered by A. F. Preisendorfer for the smallest German man from either county on the grounds.
4. A razor offered by Grosehner & Fritag of Napoleon for the man lifting the heaviest
weight.
5. A bed spread offered by the People’s Store, Defiance for the smallest German couple of either county on the grounds. [Ed. note: There was no explanation whether this meant the shortest or the lowest combined weight. See #7.]
6. A pair of ladies shoes offered by J. H. Polker, Napoleon, for the winner of a foot race for women who weigh over 200 pounds.
7. A set of kitchen knives offered by W. A. Kehnast and Co., Defiance, for the heaviest German couple on the grounds.
8. A gentleman’s hat offered by Henry Meyer & Co., Napoleon, for the man who can shout the loudest “Henry Meyer and Co., Clothiers.”
The article stated, “After the awarding of these prizes there will be a short business session of the association and then the celebration will close with the singing of the German national hymn with band accompaniment.”
Of course the day abounded with music, speeches and food as well, with the principle
speaker being Ernest Gerfen (sic) of Gibsonburg, OH and a reading by Miss Hulda Schultz,
Tiffin Twp., Defiance Co.
A PETITION SUBMITTED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALKS ON RIVER (FRONT) STREET, NAPOLEON APRIL 27, 1865
The town Council of the Village of Napoleon:
The undersigned petitioners resident west of Perry Street on River or Water Street in Napoleon prey that an ordinance for the construction of a side walk be passed for the building of a side walk on both sides of River Street from the west side of Perry Street to the Woolen Factory.
April 27, 1865
JohnH. Vocke, H. H. Vocke, S. Bigger, D. Hartman, Isaac Van Horn, Jacob Augenstein,
John Kuntz, John Ritter, S. L. Curtis, John Kopp, H. B. Lautzenheiser, Levi Wells
From THE DESHLER FLAG, January 29,1897
This issue of The Deshler Flag was devoted to a review of the history of Deshler and a promotion of the businesses.
JOHN DONOVAN
The pioneer grocer of Deshler, [he] has watched the town and been an enterprising business man from its infancy. He has been honored with the position of village mayor and councilman several terms and proved himself a faithful and conscientious official. Some years ago he engaged in the grocery business, and at once adopted the cash system which he has maintained ever since, proving conclusively that such a method can be carried on successfully if properly lived up to. Mr. Donovan keeps a neat, model grocery, keeps his stock well replenished and makes it a point to supply his customers with the best the market affords. Mr. Donovan is not only a business man in the full sense of the word, but is also a true gentleman and a perfect scholar, well posted on the events of the day as well as the historical and political occurrences in our state and nation. If you want to be highly entertained just step in some time when he is in a good talking mood and we assure you that you will not regret it.
C. S. WITHAM
keeps a well regulated saloon and pool room and carries a fine grade of wines, liquors and cigars. Mr. Witham is one of the hustlers and can always be found at the head of every public enterprise that will benefit the place. It was partly through his untiring efforts that the Four-County Fair Co. was re-organized last summer and he left no stone unturned to make its first exhibition a grand success. “Sig,” as he is commonly called, is a jolly good fellow to meet and always makes his friends feel at home when they visit his place of business.
HOMER STEVENSON
One of our self-made and promising young men, he has recently engaged in the grocery business, having purchased the old established grocery of M. R. BROOKS, which is known all over this section, and right well is Mr. Stevenson keeping up its excellent reputation for supplying the demands of the public. He is enterprising and accommodating in finding out what his customers want and getting it. Mr. Stevenson is a Deshler boy and what he has today he has made and saved. He started in when a boy as a clerk, and finally secured the position as book keeper in the Bank of Deshler which place he filled with honor and credit to himself and the entire satisfaction of his employer. He held this position until last October when the bank changed hands and then engaged in active business for himself. He is proving himself quite a grocer and has one of the largest grocery stores in Henry County. He also has a first-class bakery in connection and gives it his careful attention.
THE DRY GOODS EMPORIUM OF STAFFORD BROS.
is the oldest and probably the best known establishment of its character in Northwestern Ohio. It dates its beginning way back in the ‘70s, when the town was but an infant. The Stafford boys count their friends by the score, and enjoy a splendid trade. They are old and experienced merchants, and aim to keep a class of goods to suit the demand, carrying, as they do, a full line of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes and notions. These gentlemen have made themselves very popular with the farming community, being buyers and shippers of grain, live stock, etc., and never fail to give the parties from whom they buy every cent the market affords, and in this way they have enlisted the confidence of the people. We know of a large number of farmers who would sell the products to no one but the Staffords, even if they knew they could get an advance at some other store. You will always find them busy.
CLOTHING
When it comes to this branch of our business interests, Deshler can lay claim to having one of the very best assorted clothing stores in the neighborhood. It is operated by the EGER BROS., who delight in serving their customers well. They carry a full line of ready made clothing, gents’ furnishings, trunks, and, in fact, everything belonging to a first-class store of this kind. You will find, upon examination, that their stock contains no old shelf-worn or shoddy stuff, but all the latest styles. Their prices, too, are an important factor. No store can duplicate them in this respect and you can rely upon what these gentlemen tell you. If they say a garment is wool, it is wool. This fact alone should commend this firm to the public.
C. L. HUTTINGER
proprietor of a well-kept lunch room, where the hungry can satisfy the inner man at all hours with the best and most wholesome food. Mr. Huttinger also has a good bar in connection, and carries in stock the finest brands of liquors. Charley, as we know him, is quite a friend to our band and at present is their president and drum major, and can wield the baton with as much pomp and agility as the best. He is a good citizen and a jolly good fellow all ‘round.
D. E. KRAMER
our livery man, is conducting a business that is deserving of proper support. He has one of the best bams, and keeps a splendid array of stock and vehicles, turning out rigs over which a man may feel proud to pull the reins. He also makes a specialty of feeding and boarding horses, and with his experience in this line the very best of care and attention is given to this branch of the business. If you want to take a pleasant ride or a business trip, let Mr. Kramer hook up one of his tum-outs for you. It takes lots of money to conduct the livery business, and he should be liberally patronized.
HISTORY OF MARION TOWNSHIP 1888
Abstracted from Henry County History, Vol. II Henry Co. Historical Society and other references
Marion Twp. is on the Putnam County line. The Belmore Ridge runs through it, with lands that are high and dry. Settlement of the township was slow because it is located in a dense forest with no roads or trails and no way to reach market except on foot except along the ridge which provided a natural road to Defiance.
In 1850-51, Samuel MEDARY, then editor of the Ohio Statesman, and other Columbus capitalists, founded a settlement in the Black Swamp in Putnam Co., which they named Medary. About the same time, John M. PALMER, through manipulation and questionable practices, got the board of trustees to issue bonds of $5,000 to Marion Twp. to build a plank road above the village, northward to intersect with Kalida pike. The road was never built, but the debt was entailed on the township with a mortgage on all the land which was not paid until 1864. The land value was low and the tax correspondingly high. This preserved Marion as the camping and squatting ground of the hunter and gave it the name “Big Woods.”
The township organized in the spring of 1847 with 10 voters. Chattel tax records show: John HAMLER, Samuel H. HARSHBERGER, Daniel HARSHBERGER, William BALES, William RAYLE, S. K. WARNICK and W. M. WARNER.
WARNER soon sold out to Casper ZEIROLF. Samuel HARSHBERGER, son of Samuel H., was the first white child bom in the twp. John HAMLER was the first settler in the twp. settling on Sept. 16, 1846. A remnant of the Ottawa tribe was 26 miles east, the nearest house was 14 miles, 20 miles to the nearest trading point, and 30 miles to the nearest mill.
In 1869 the Baltimore and Ohio railroad was constructed, which opened the twp. to settlement and assisted in the draining of the lands, deepening of creeks, and erection of sawmills and stave factories. The taxes and assessments following those improvements caused the non-resident land speculators to dispose of their holdings to those who became permanent settlers, mostly Irish and German.
Samuel HASHBARGER founded Ridgeland, the first settlement in the twp. in Dec. 1841. Edwardsville was laid out by George W. EDWARDS in 1863, essentially in the same area—Sec. 28. W. P. YOUNG had a sawmill, stave mill and tile mill there. Gallup, located in Sec. 26 was started in 1896 by Charles S. GARSTER and wife, Della MYERS on the Detroit and Lima RR. Newton GARSTER was a school teacher. Woodville (LeSeur) was in Sec. 1 near Rd. F & &. Fred LeSEUR began a timber and stave industry with a rooming house, a hotel and an ashery. The company store was managed by Smiley HIGGINS. Ryan WELBEMUTH had a butcher shop and Andy QUINN managed the company house.
Other early settlers of the township were J. WILHELM, J. A. WESTRICK, F. SPANGLER, M. F. DIETRICK, and J. A. COLLINS. Though the settlement was named Belton, it was soon changed to Hamler. Some early businessmen were: Mr. LEE, L. R. PARKER, E. E. GARDNER, W. H. PEPPER, Mr. DILTS, Joseph BELFY, Cora and Ida BURNS, Felix SMITH, John WICKENHISER, E. C. MOON, Allen SILLICK, D. E. THOMAS, GARRISON and ANDERSON, and W. S. BARHITE.
Land, Town Lots and Chattel Returned Delinquent
By the Treasurer of Henry County, January 11, 1853.
More information on the taxes owned is in the book, but not included here. These were early settlers of land owners in these townships.
All in: Marion Township
| Owner’s Name | Section | Description | Acres |
| AGUER, Allen, et. al. BROOKS, William CAREY, J. W. CURTS, Hector DORRIS, John DORRIS, John DORRIS, William DORRIS, William GREENE, Jacob HILL, Rodney HOUSTON, Thomas LEWIS, George LEWIS, Geo R. MOULTEN, L. P. MYERS & TIEF OHIO, State ofPORTER, J. SHARON, Hugh STURSBAUGH, J. SHELLMAN, Jacob WYCOFF, Peter W. |
1 32 28 11 32 33 32 31 11 15 21 30 29 8 24 1 34 30 21 5 8 29 9 28 32 15 11 33 |
E 1/2 NW & SW NW SE SE NE 1/4 NW SE E 1/2 NE W 1/2 NW NW 1/4 NE NE SW NE E Pt NW & W 1/2 NE W 1/2 SE SE 1/4 NW 1/4 E 1/2 SW NE 1/4 NW NW NE 1/4 & SE E Pt SW NW SE SW 1/4 NW 1/4 NW NE & NE NW NE 1/4 NW SW W 1/2 NE W 1/2 NW NE 1/2 NE 1/4 |
120 40 160 40 80 80 160 40 40 160 80 160 160 80 160 40 320 80 40 160 160 80 160 40 80 80 160 160 |
