Henry County Genealogical Society Newsletter
Volume 30, Number 3, Third Quarter 2016
A Publication of:
The Henry County Genealogical Society
P. O. Box 231
Deshler, OH 43516
www.henrycountyohiogenealogy.org
Welcome to the first edition of the Henry County Genealogical Society online newsletter. In this issue, we’ll feature some interesting articles from old newspapers, highlight several queries that have come in, share some photos we have hanging around in the library, and tell you who the newest First Families of Henry County are. We think you’ll enjoy our newsletter.
From the Editorial staff
The times, they are a-changing. The active members of the Henry County Genealogical Society have been writing newsletters, sorting family history materials, cataloging, writing books, walking cemeteries, and maintaining a small publishing house for 30 years, and they’d like nothing more at this point than to sit on the back porch and watch the sun go down. The newsletter was like a full-time job for Karen Sunderman, and now she’d like to just spend some quality time with her husband, John, and their grandkids. And that’s how this online newsletter was born.
We hope to keep it lively and informative, the emphasis being on the informative part. Articles we find in the newspapers must have lots of names and be of genealogical significance to pass muster, but don’t have to be old to be of value; they must tell a story. Photos must be of interest to more than one researcher to make the grade, and short family histories should inform rather than brag. We think you’ll like the format, and we hope you’ll want to contribute your stories and photos.
We might do this monthly, if there’s interest. Less often, if there isn’t. It’s up to you, the researchers. It should be about what you want, and not what we think you want. And that’s the reason we are moving the website to WordPress, to get your feedback and ideas.
Help us by sending articles for our newsletters.
Officers:
President – Bill Latta (billatta8@gmail.com)
Treasurer/Membership Chmn. – Lucille Van Scoyoc (elvrrv2c@centurylink.net)
Corresponding Secretary – Phyllis LaRue, 409 W. Maple St., Deshler, OH 43516
Recording Secretary and First Families Chmn. – Kathy Bishop, 10-292 Rd. E, Hamler, OH 43524 (skbshp@embarq.com)
News Reporter – Patricia Marshall (antiquepat@aol.com)
Newsletter Editor and Webmaster – Jim Rebar (jamesrebar@roadrunner.com)
Upcoming Meetings:
September 19, 2016, 7:00 pm – General business meeting.
November 21, 2016, 6:30 pm – First Family dinner. This year’s First Family inductees will be honored at the Log Cabin Tavern, T464 County Road 3, Liberty Center, OH 43532. Please email Jim Rebar (jamesrebar@roadrunner.com) or Kathy Bishop (skbshp@embarq.com) with the number attending by November 12, 2016.
Newest Publications:
The updated cemetery books with all cemeteries read through 2013 are finished in a book form and on a flash drive. The books will be sold for $22.00 each, plus $3.00 shipping and handling. They will also be available as a searchable pdf file on a CD. One cemetery book per CD will be $10.00 and all 10 books on one CD for $50.00, including shipping and handling.
The original cemetery books on hand (pub. 1980’s) will be sold for $5.00 each plus $3.00 shipping and handling while the supply lasts.
Website Additions
Many of you will have noted by now that we have two active websites for the Henry County Genealogical Society www.henrycountyfamilies.org and www.henrycountyohiogenealogy.org). You might be curious why that is.
The henrycountyfamilies.org site is the newest and is built on a WordPress platform. It will allow interaction and sharing of material that the old site could not do. However, the old site (henrycountyohiogenealogy.org) has the advantage of containing all kinds of databases of information critical to genealogical research. When the dust all settles, the old site will house only the databases, and everything else will be on the new site, which, by the way, is completely keyword-searchable.
The most recent addition to the databases is obituaries for people buried in Youngs Cemetery in Liberty Center. The information was provided by the late Marvin Mueller of that town, who collected and sorted the obits over a period of many years. Currently there are 549 obits there, but this winter I should have more time to input the remaining. In all, there will be about 2,000 obits when the database is completed. If you would like to help out, please contact jamesrebar@gmail.com.
First Families of Henry County, 2016
| Ancestor | Year Proven | Birth Date | Death Date | Marriage Date | Spouse |
| Rohrs, Friedrich | 1869 | 20 Sept 1820 | 29 Dec 1878 | 24 Feb 1850 | Schroeder, Catharina Margaretha |
| Rohrs, Henry A. | 1869 | 31 Jan 1850 | 4 Nov 1935 | 12 Apr 1877 | Mahnke, Anna Elisabeth |
The above ancestors were proven by the following people. Jane Rohrs Helberg completed the First Families application to honor her grandparents’ (Henry Friedrich Rohrs and Anna Sophia (Cordes) Rohrs) 99th Wedding Anniversary on October 25, 2017.
| Michael Dean Haake Malinta, OH 43535 |
Roger Alfred Haake Deshler, OH 43516 |
| Mildred (Rohrs) Sigg Napoleon, OH 43545 |
Daniel Henry Sigg Swanton, OH 43558 |
| Mark David Sigg Napoleon, OH 43545 |
Janet (Sigg) Meyer Napoleon, OH 43545 |
| Jane (Rohrs) Helberg Napoleon, OH 43545 |
Robert Lawrence Rohrs Napoleon, OH 43545 |
| Carol (Rohrs) Speiser Napoleon, OH 43545 |
David Ray Rohrs Napoleon, OH 43545 |
| Karen (Rohrs) Mohler Liberty Center, OH 43532 |
While cruising through the Genealogical Society’s holdings at the library in Deshler recently, I came across several containers of church directories. Most of the churches are in southern Henry County, but if you have ancestors in the county, it’s worth a look. The books are largely professionally published and contain church histories, member directories, and lots of photos. The directories include churchs in Deshler, Hamler, Napoleon Township, Okolona, Holgate, and Malinta.
You can see a full listing of the churches at: http://wp.me/p7nGKa-kP
From the Democratic Northwest, January 9, 1890
Brilliant Wedding
Grand Rapids, O., Jan. 7, 1890
The home of Mr. and Mrs. L. N. Brown was the scene of a very impressive ceremony Thursday evening, when Mr. Joseph M. Anthony, of Sulphur Springs, O., and Miss Brown were united in marriage by Rev. M. L. Donahey, of Napoleon. Mendelsohn’s wedding march was played by Miss Grace Carroll, and at a certain part of the music Miss Kerr and Ed. Donnelly marched to their places, stepping aside to give place to the happy couple who came at a little distance, and they followed by the minister. Just as the clock finished naming the hour of eight, the last notes of the music ceased and the ceremony which changed the name of Miss Brown to Mrs. Anthony began.
The bride was very pretty in a tasteful gown of cream moiré with silk and point lace and white kid slippers. Wore pearls and carried a beautiful bouquet of white nefenthe roses, pinks and smilax. The bridesmaid was also very neatly attired, wearing heliotrope, lewer silk and diamonds, carrying a bouquet of Marchal Neil and La France roses and smilax. The groom wore a neat fitting suit of plain black with coat of Prince Albert pattern, as did also the best man. Conspicuous among the many guests were Mrs. Brown, wearing black silk; Miss Lillie Brown, cream albatros with pasaamentries; Miss Nellie Dagget, drab with white lace; Mrs. Megginson, black silk; Miss Flo Housley, olive silk and diamonds; Miss Hattie Housley, cream watered silk and natural flowers; Mrs. Carroll, black silk and plain gold. After congratulations the guests repaired to the dining room where tables groaned under the load of luxuries prepared by some one who was undoubtedly an adept in the culinary art. The bride cut her cake with her left hand, seemingly having practiced this part of the ceremony. After doing justice to the supper and a short time spent in social intercourse, the guests went their several ways leaving the blushing bride and happy groom to settle that all absorbing and important question: ‘Is marriage a failure.’
The following is a partial list of the many presents received: Mrs. and Mrs. Trail, silver celery holder; Maggie Donovan, towels; Mr. and Mrs. Baumgardner, water set; Mrs. E. Brown, toilet set; Ed. Donnelly, desert and oyster spoons; Mr. and Mr. Warner, table cloth and rose jar; D. W. Donovan, table cloth; Dan. Layhe, napkins; Flo and Hattie Housley, individual butter dishes; Mother of bride, dinner set; Albert and Kitter O’Hearn, tea set; Mr. and Mrs. Bucklin, silver knives and forks; Frank and Nellie Dagget, desert spoon; Lillie and Pearl Brown, Frank Van Horn and Blair Showman, fancy parlor chair; Mrs. V. C. Carroll and daughter, lamp; Mr. and Mrs. Oswald, silver fruit knives; Rev. Donahey, bridal souvenir.
A Guest.
From the Democratic Northwest, January 23, 1890
Death of James E. Scofield
After a long illness James E. Scofield died at his home in Florida last Sabbath morning. Mr. S. bad been confined to the house for a long time, suffering from complicated diseases, and death no doubt was a welcome visitor. He was one of the oldest settlers of the county, having removed here in the year 1833, when this country was simply less than a vast wilderness. He of all others probably knew more of the early history of Henry county than any one now living, and in his death has passed to the other shore a worthy and respected citizen, an indulgent parent and a kind husband. Mr. Scofield was one of the oldest Odd Fellows in the county, having been one of the charter members of Florida Lodge, which lodge was removed to Napoleon years ago. His funeral took place on Tuesday, under the direction of the Odd Fallow order. It was largely attended, as the deceased had a wide acquaintance, and was recognized as one of the most prominent characters of his neighborhood. At the time of his death he was aged 68 years, 8 months and 6 days.
Queries
MITCHELL, CANADA, CASADA, GHOLSON
Looking for information and descendants to Werdna A. and Lula B. CANADA GHOLSON Mitchell H/W. They lived and died in Henry County Ohio. Werna is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, along with his first wife and Lula, Forth addition, row 10, graves 9-8-7.
– Ron Gholson, Mulberry, IN. 46058
(The photo at left is of the first or second grade class at Holgate Elementary, 1959.)
SCHLOT/SCHLOTT/SLOAT, BARE/BEAR
Susanna SCHLOT, b. 7 Jan 1790, Lancaster Co PA, m. Henry BEAR/BARE, 28 Oct, 1810 in New Holland, PA. Henry poss born near Whitehall in Lehigh Co PA, date unknown. Some sources say that Henry and Susanna moved to Northampton County, PA, possibly in 1849 and then soon after to Stark County, Ohio, and on to Henry County, Ohio. Apparently Susanna had siblings who had moved earlier to Henry County. In an oral history, which has apparently been preserved by the Schlot (Schlott; Sloat, etc.) family; Henry and Susanna are both buried in Henry County, Ohio. The oral history states that Susanna is buried near Ridgeville Corners, and that “uncle” Henry is also buried there. Various genealogies suggest that Henry is buried in PA (a tombstone has been found, but it cannot be verified that this Henry is the same one married to Susanna. The death dates for Henry and Susanna are unknown, but in an oral history written by her nephew in 1923, her death date was given as 23 May 1863. It is reported that Henry and Susanna had 9 children, with some remaining in PA and some moving with them to Ohio. Their youngest child, was b. 8 Oct 1829 in Ephrata, Lancaster County, PA, and died in West Earl Twp., Lancaster County, PA, 10 Aug 1903. In the 1860 census, there was a Joseph Bear living in Ridgeville Twp. Although he cannot be tied to Henry and Susanna, it’s interesting to note that his first two children were name Henry and Susanna. Looking to make contact with anyone having information on Henry and Susanna.
Jim and Lou Tshudy, Ephrata, PA 17522
SWIHART, SWYHART, SWIGHART, CULVER
I have found the marriage record of Laura J. Culver and Eli Swyhart. They were married in Henry County, OH on November 11, 1869. Swihart was also spelled Swighart. I am working on an application for the Mayflower Society and Laura Jane Culver is in the direct line. I have proven every single person required except for proving that the parents of Laura Jane Culver were Charles Culver (1816-1893 from Ashtabula, Ohio) and Polly Abigail Dodge (1821-1903-born in MA and died in Ashtabula, Ohio). What I am wondering is if the bride and groom were required to complete an application for marriage and had to prove their ages and whom their parents were. I have only seen the marriage certificate that does not give any information. Another mystery is why they married in Henry County when Laura was born and grew up in Ashtabula County, Ohio. Also, I have no idea how the two of them met because Eli was born in Stark County, Ohio. I am speculating that since he was nine years older than Laura, he went to Ashtabula County for work. Laura and Eli are my husband’s great great grandparents. They eventually moved to Indiana, where both of them died. My email is listed above. I hope that you can help me out.
– Sandy Burke, Lafayette, IN
The following query was printed back in 2004. It is being reprinted here because we have a photo of the submitter’s grandmother, Dora Regal Hill, to go with the query. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of the submitter’s contact information.
REGAL, SHUMAN,MORTEMORE, HOY, CURSON
I have hit a brick wall and do not know how to get past it. If any one can help please do so. I have a great-grandfather who I CAN NOT find. I have no information on him but do have information on his married family. His name is Charles Regal (spelling may be different). His wife was my great-grandmother, Hattie Haynes. They were married on May 23, 1882. She was born on May 21,1860 in Deshler, Henry Co., Ohio and died August 22, 1945 in Toledo, Ohio, and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Deshler, Henry Co., OH with her mother Henrietta. Charles & Hattie had 3 children; Roy b. August 1, 1883, d. March 1970; Dora (my grandmother, photo above) b. January 29, 1885, d. November 26, 1954; and Glenn b. March 1888, d. 1945. Hattie, Roy, and Glenn are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Deshler. Dora is buried in Findlay. I was told that Charles left Hattie and the children when Glenn was 2 or 3 years old. Never got divorced but married again and raised another family in or near Cleveland, Ohio. Not sure of this. Charles may have died about 1937.
— Barbara Mortemore, 5001 South Ave., #264, Toledo, OH 43615-6461, EBMort@aol.com
From the Democratic Northwest, October 14, 1886, p. 6, cols. 4-5
The Zollars Family Noted for Their Longevity.
On the 9th of this month there was a family reunion at the residence of Frederick Zollars at Macon, which, in some respects, was extraordinary. It was in its primary object a reunion of the brothers and sisters of Mr. Zollars. They were all present, besides about forty of their descendants and relatives, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Van Horn, of Canton, Ohio; and Allen Zollars, of Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Frederick Zollars, the oldest brother, has been a resident of Macon since 1868, and is well and favorably known. He is now eighty-five years old.
Daniel Zollars, the next brother, is seventy-eight years old. He has resided at Ottumwa, Iowa, for many years.
Enoch Zollars, the third brother, is seventy-six years old. He is a resident of Creston. Iowa.
John Zollars, the next brother, is seventy-two years old. He is a resident of Napoleon. Ohio.
Cyrus Zollars, the next brother, is seventy years old. During the most of his life he has resided near Canton, Ohio.
The next living member of the family is a sister, Mrs. Agnes Beathers, who is sixty years old. She is a widow and lives at Holden, Mo.
The next brother, and the youngest of the family, is David Zollars, who is fifty-eight vears old, and is a wholesale and retail dry goods merchant at Canton, Ohio.
It will be seen that the sum total of the lives of these seven people is 499 years, and that the average age is seventy-one years, three months, and thirteen days. Another remarkable thing is that with the exception of John who has a second wife, all of the brothers are living with their first wives. The ages of the wives are respectively eighty-on e, seventy-five, seventy, sixty, fifty-two and fifty years, making a total of 389 years, and an average of sixty-four years and ten months.
The oldest brother, Frederick, will have been married sixty-three years on the 27th day of the coming November.
These people are residents of four different states, and the probability is, that in none of those states could there be found another family whose average would be so high, and of which so many brothers of their age still live with the wives of their youth.
They are all people of excellent character, and quite well off some of them quite wealthy. Most of them have retired from active business. The brothers and sisters are children of John Zollars, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1781, and emigrated to Ohio in 1813. The mother was the daughter of an officer who served through the war of the revolution. The descendants of that couple now living, number 193. If all were living, there would be 278. Many of the business avocations, and professions, have had, and now have, representatives among these descendants. Of the official positions now held by them, or any of them, we have no means of knowing at present, except that Hon. Allen Zollars, a son of Frederick, is now one of the judges of the supreme court of Indiana. We know, too, that quite a number of them did honorable service in the late war and that quite a number there gave their lives in defense of the institutions which their ancestors helped to found and establish.
It is to be hoped that in the final consummation, this family, and all other families may be reunited, in that better country, where the years shall not bring age, and where time shall work no separation.
There is more to this story that can be seen at http://wp.me/p7nGKa-4l on the website. The author writes at some length at the historical events that the Zollars have lived through, going back to the birth of our nation.
Decko/Decot, Hefflinger, Wright, and Snider/Snyder Photos
A notebook containing some identified and many unidentified photos of Hashbarger, Shaffer, Crockett, Kline, Decko, Dietrich, Decot, Harold, Hefflinger, Dibble, Overhaulse, Shoemaker, Newell, Wright, Pender, Packard, Snider/Snyder and Waltner family members is in the (Deshler) library if you care to check for family members.
The above photo is just one of about 40 photos that have people identified in them. You can see all them here: http://wp.me/p7nGKa-jc
Democratic Northwest, November 4, 1886, p. 8, col. 3
Napoleon Thirty-Four Years Ago:
The following description of Napoleon appeared in the second number of the NorthWest, issued Sept 17th, 1852. It will be read with interest by old and young:
We unintentionally neglected to give a description of this place in last week’s paper. It is located on an eminence on the north side of the Maumee river. The site was laid out by H. G. Phillips & Co some sixteen years since, but owing to the lands for five miles back from the river being held by the State and speculators, the State lands not being in market, and the speculators held their land at such high rates that emigrants by going into Western States they could purchase considerable cheaper, retarded the progress and improvement of the town; but this is now remedied, and most or nearly all of the State lands have gone into the hands of actual settlers at one-half and two-thirds of the appraised value. The day is not far distant when this will be a town of no minor size and importance. It possesses water end other privileges second to no other place, in our opinion, in Northwestern Ohio. The facilities for transporting the products of and importing anything necessary for the consumption of the county are good.
The land in Henry county is generally rolling and very productive, well timbered. The timber is principally black walnut, poplar, white and burr oak, which when converted into lumber and staves, command a high price, and cash in hand is readily paid when delivered on the bank of the canal or river, The county is well supplied with saw mills but not grist mills, a better location for a grist mill than Napoleon, we do not know of, and one is greatly needed here, there being none; in fact, we need every kind of mechanics and business men here, the opening and inducements are excellent, many of the most useful mechanics we have not in the village. The county is fast filling up with good and industrious farmers. We say to all mechanics and businessmen who are in search of a location, come to Napoleon and examine the place and county before locating elsewhere.
Another thing that impeded the progress of this village was an attempt by a portion of the citizens north of this to have the county seat removed to a village below this on the Maumee River. This question was agitated for a number of years and those who attempted to have it removed felt sanguine it would be removed. The fear that it would be, and the removal would very much injure this place, kept many from locating here. That question is now considered by all settled and Napoleon is the county seat. It contains three lawyers, three physicians, one printing office, two dry good stores, two grocery stores, one hotel, one saw mill, one ashery, two cabinet makers, one saddle and harness maker, two boot and shoe makers, one blacksmith, etc.
The following mechanics, etc., it does not contain, which are needed very much: A tinner, wagon maker, tanner and currier, iron founder, etc., etc.
From Our Miscellaneous Photo File
The photo at left was submitted by John Sunderman of Deshler: This photo is of Albert and Mabel (Tietje) Shortgen, married October 30, 1965, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Custar, Ohio.
The Henry County Genealogical Society Newsletter is published quarterly. 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 other chapter newsletters. Annual membership is $10.00 (one or two people at the same address). Meetings will be held four times per year as posted in the newsletter. We post all queries that are related to Henry County-membership is not required. Send queries to Henry County Genealogical Society, P. O. Box 231, Deshler, OH 43516, or to jamesrebar@roadrunner.com or post online.
