Henry County Genealogical Society Newsletter
Volume 23, Number 2, March-April 2009
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 – None elected
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
March 16, 2009, Monday, 7:00 p.m.
James Rebar will present Henry County’s photo contributions to the new Statehouse Museum in Columbus as well as the “Best of 2008” Northwest Signal photos.
April 20, 2009, Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Business meeting and research.
May 18, 2009, Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Weather permitting, we’ll be back to the cemeteries, recording and updating the books.
New Members
#469 Rev. James Smith, Orwell, OH 44076
#470 K. Weirich, Antioch, IL 60002
#471 Marjorie Schulkins, Wixom, MI 48393
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.
Cemetery Project
We are still working to update our cemetery books. If you are willing to read and update a smaller cemetery near you, just contact Jim Rebar using our website. He’ll give you details. Work on your own time any nice day.
Other Projects
Other projects will be announced soon. Please consider volunteering to keep genealogical information flowing to researchers. Even if you do not live in Henry Co. or in Ohio, you may be able to enter data for us.
Please note that at the present time we have a limited number of people working on current ideas. Be prepared to help out!
We Are Publishing…
Northwest Signal Obituaries, Vol. XXIII (2008). The price is $22 plus $2.00 postage, tax, and handling.
FYI
CHAPMAN Family Association will hold its 9th convention-reunion June 5-6 at Harrisburg, PA. For information, contact our society.
Queries
MEYER, DREWES, ARPS, SANEHOLTZ, SONHOLN, SAHNHOLZ, STOUT, LEE, WHELLER
Looking for Napoleon obit or cemetery info for Engel (MEYER) DREWES 1822-1894 (second wife of Wilhelm DREWES). Also for date of death, obit of cemetery info for Minnie (b. May 1861) & Frederick G. (b. 1854) ARPS (dau of Engel & Wilhelm DREWES). Would like info on Henry/Heinrich SANEHOLTZ SONHOLN/SOHNHOLZ, older bro of Frederick SANEHOLZ (1849-1900). Henry b. Germany ca. 1845 came to Napoleon 1860 with his mother, Engel MEYER, a brother & sister. According to 1860 census, Henry lived with Joseph And Sarah STOUT who was a RR agent. Any family lore from STOUTS about what happened to Henry SANHOLN/SANEHOLZ? Also looking for marriage date ca. 1905-09 for Stanley LEE (1885-1966) and Mabel WHELLER (1886-1964) in Henry or Fulton Co.
– Anita Butler, Cincinnati, OH 45247
BEHRENS, GRAY, FRY, MATZINGER
Looking for info on John Edward BEHRENS b. 1875 MI m. ca. 1908 to Minnie Gray. Children: Thelma, Edward C., Elizabeth, Cloe (m Ralph Fry), Mabel, Ruby and Betty. Worked on the railroad. His father was Christopher BEHRENS b. 1849 and mother Elizabeth MATZINGER b. 1855. Also info on Minnie’s Parents, Nelson and Martha Ann GRAY.
-Tina Pasfield, Chapin, SC 29036
Additional Information on ALBRIGHTs
Craig Albright, West Chester, PA 19280 placed a query here in November 2008. He sent additional information on the Albright family:
Noah Andrew ALBRIGHT was the son of Samuel and Julia (GIAQUE) ALBRIGHT whose other children included 4 daughters (Tiressa, Sarah, Zillah, and Frances) and 2 sons (Charlie and Noble). According to [Craig’s] father, Zilla left a prominent nursing position at the Cleveland Clinic to take care of Samuel ALBRIGHT following the death of his wife Julia. [His research shows] Zilla passed away in 1960 and is buried in Wood Co., OH.
Simpson ALBRIGHT was a wagon maker by trade and also worked as a postal carrier. [Craig] believes Simpson’s parents were Samuel and Elizabeth (FOREMAN) ALBRIGHT, who may have been married in Tuscarawas Co., OH ca. 1840, and had at least one other son, Felix D. ALBRIGHT. [He] believes Samuel ALBRIGHT was b. in PA and also was a wagon maker.
Felix D. ALBRIGHT (wife Adelia?) appears in an 1890 Civil War veterans schedule and a pension index. However, [he] is not absolutely certain about the accuracy of this information.
From HISTORY OF THE MAUMEE RIVER BASIN by Charles Slocum
John VON DEYLEN, a prosperous farmer of Flat Rock Township, was bom in Freedom Township, Henry County, OH, March 1, 1871, and is the son of Henry and Catherine (BUSTLEMAN) VON DEYLEN, natives of Hanover, Germany. The father came to America in 1865, settling in Freedom Township. He first leased land, but later bought 150 acres, which he improved and developed into a fine farm. He died in 1896, and his widow is still living on the old homestead. They were the parents of twelve children, Henry, Frederick, John, Harmon, Mary, Anna, William, Carl, Emma, one that died unnamed, George and Ferdinand.
The subject of this sketch remained with his parents until 20 years of age, attending both the public and German schools. He then went to work for Henry BOESTLING, of Flat Rock Town-ship, remaining with him several years. He has always followed farming and is now the owner of a fine farm of 233 acres, on the Florida and Napoleon pike, 5 miles southwest of Napoleon, the place being adorned with a fine brick residence, one of the best in the county, the other buildings being in proportion.
On May 5,1892, Mr. VON DEYLEN married Miss Emma BOESTLING, who was bom on January 16,1874, the daughter of Henry and Sophia BOESTLING, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1848, settling in Napoleon Township, Henry County, and buying 80 acres of land. He was successful and at the time of his death owned 540 acres of land. They had six children. Mrs. Sophia BOESTLING is still living and makes her home with the subject. Mr. and Mrs. VON DEYLEN have six children, Ada, Margaret, Emma, Helen, Mildred, who died when twelve days old, and John. The family are members of the Lutheran church at Napoleon, while in politics Mr. VON DEYLEN is a Democrat. He is well known throughout the community and stands high in the regard of all who know him.
From HISTORY OF THE MAUMEE RIVER BASIN, by Charles Slocum
John R. COLLINS, a retired farmer now residing in Napoleon, Ohio, was born in Crawford County, this state, on June 20, 1854, the son of Michael and Bridget (SHEEHY) COLLINS, both natives of Ireland. The father came to the United States in about 1849. His parents were Patrick and Mary COLLINS, who were farmers in their native land, where the former died sometime in the early ‘40s. His widow subsequently came to America and died in Ashtabula County, Ohio. They were the parents of seven children, Bridget, Catherine, Margaret, Mary, Ellen, Michael and Morris.
Michael Collins’ first experience in America was in Quebec, Canada, where for a time he was employed on a farm. Then going to Buffalo, NY, he obtained work for a year, and then came to Wooster, Ohio, where occurred his marriage to Bridget SHEEHY. He was here employed for 7 years on railroad work, and later worked for a time at Galion, OH. In 1857 he came to Marion Township, Henry County, being among the earliest settlers here, and purchased 52 acres of land, upon which he resided during the remainder of his days. He later purchased another farm of 80 acres adjoining his home farm. He and his wife were members of the Catholic church, and were the parents of the following children: John R., Mary (deceased), Bridget, Stephen, Ella, Margaret, Edward, Alphonse and five that died in infancy unnamed.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm and attended the common schools and also the schools at Republic. Subsequently he attended the normal school at Ada, Ohio, as a preparation for the pedagogic profession, following which he taught four terms of school. He then actively entered upon his career as a farmer, in which he was successfully engaged until about 1 year ago, when he purchased a home in Napoleon, where he has since resided, enjoying that rest which he has so richly earned.
In 1881 Mr. COLLINS was united in marriage to Miss Mary SHAW, who was born I Boston, MA, on February 22, 1862, the daughter of Patrick and Catherine (HYDE) SHAW, both natives of Ireland. The father came to the United States many years ago and settled at Boston, MA, where he followed his trade as a blacksmith. During the Civil War he enlisted, on December 10, 1863, in the 12th Mass. Regt., being later transferred to the 29th Mass. Regt. And then to the 32nd Mass. Reft, with the rank of corporal.
After the war he removed to Republic, OH, where he remained until his death, on Sept. 1, 1894. He was a member of the Catholic church. His widow now resides in Chicago. They were the parents of 8 children, John J., Philip, Patrick Henry, Mary,
Nora, William, Daniel and Thomas. To Mr. and Mrs. COLLINS have been born 5 children, namely: Nora, Mary Agnes and Margaret Anna, twins, Gertrude and John A.
In politics Mr. COLLINS is a Democrat and has served as a member of the Marion Township school board, and also in 1880 as census enumerator. The family are members of the Catholic church and the subject was instrumental in building the Catholic church at Hamler. Fraternally he is a member of the Catholic Knights of OH, a fraternal and insurance order, he beign president of the local organization. Though now retired from active pursuits Mr. COLLINS still retains his landed interests, which comprise, besides his original farm, a later purchase, amounting altogether to 120 acres in Marion Township, and which is considered one of the good farms of the township.
HISTORY OF RIDGEVILLE TOWNSHIP, 1888
Abstracted from HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES, OH, ed. Lewis Cass Aldrich
This township is in the northwestern comer of the county, and the only one remaining of range five, township number 6, the rest of this range having been detached and given to Defiance. Two northern sections were also taken to form Fulton County.
The records of the organization of this township were destroyed in the courthouse fire of 1847, but it is known that it was organized prior to 1840.
The topography of the township varies from the balance of the county, with the Belmore Ridge (from which the township derived its name) running through it from north to south. The ridge is from 3-10 feet higher than the adjoining country.
The bed of the Coldwater and Mansfield Railroad diagonally cuts the northeastern part. The principal thoroughfares are the Bryan and Napoleon pikes and the Ridge road. The latter runs nearly north and traverses the Belmore Ridge. The first one is a continuation of the second, which runs from Napoleon to Ridgeville. It was laid out by Barton PALMER. Previous to that all travel between Napoleon and localities northwest was done by way of GILSON’s Creek (which is about a mile west of Napoleon).
From the tax duplicate of 1847 the following names are found: George and John TUBBS, Joseph BEAR, J. FENTON, George HARMON, Adam ROWE, Lorenzo HIGBY and Barton PALMER. These were the oldest settlers in Ridgeville Township. A few of them were here before Defiance County was organized, and at that time, land that originally laid in Henry County was given to it, and thus a few of them live at present in Defiance County although they never changed their residence.
Other early settlers (1843-1849) were John and Nathan FULLER, E. ATWOOD, Darius JONES, Samuel STACY, James THOMPSON, John BECK, Jacob FEATHER, John NICELY, J. A. STOUT, John DENSIL, Christian ESHELMAN, F. V. BRISTOL, Lemuel HAWLEY, Jacob BAIR, John B. KEAZER, Abraham BROWN, John V. BURRILL, G. S. BARNS, Alanson STORY, Alfred N. BLAIR, John REYNOLDS, Alexander McCOLLOUGH, Samuel WILLEY, John and David WILLIMAN, Eleazor FENTON, William MOSHER, Jacob ESTEP and Phineas VAN NESS.
Near the southeastern comer of the township is situated the hamlet of Ridgeville Comers. The place was originally laid out by Barton PALMER. Mail is received daily by the somewhat antiquated “overland mail.” There are two churches, a Methodist and a Congregationalist. The latter was the first church established in the township, in the year 1846. Previous to this time services were held occasionally, and at uncertain places. In addition to the post office at the Comers, there is a post office at Tubbsville, on the Pettisville road about half way between the Comers and the latter place. The postmaster, William B. TUBBS, keeps the office at his residence. Three TUBBS brothers, John, George and Charles settled near Tubbsville as early as 1836.
The population of the township is mixed. It is distinguished as the home of a large denomination of Mennonists (sic), followers of Simon Menno, their founder in Germany. There is also a large population of Germans, a few English and the majority of those residing at and in the immediate vicinity of the Comers, have come from the Western Reserve. The census of 1860 showed a population of 464 and by 1880 it had increased to 1,119.
Land Sales in Henry County, Ohio, 1847 (cont.)
The following is taken from an old book discovered in the attic of the Henry County Courthouse. R=range, T=town, S=section, A=acres, VPA=value per acre. Townships are designated by Range and Town numbers (note: Liberty & Wash, changed 1850):
BARTLOW | R 3 N – T 8 E |
FLATROCK | R 4 N – T 6 E |
HARRISON | R 5 N – T 7 E |
MARION | R 4 N – T 7 E |
NAPOLEON | R 5 N – T 6 E |
RICHFIELD | R 4 N – T 8 E |
WASHINGTON | R 5 & 6 N – T 8 E |
DAMASCUS | R 5 N – T 8 E |
FREEDOM | R 6 N – T 6 E |
LIBERTY | R 5 & 6 N – T 7 E |
MONROE | R 4 N – T 7 E |
PLEASANT | R 3 N – T 6 E |
RIDGE1/2LLE | R 6 N – T 5 E |
Note: R 8N, T 5E later became Franklin Twp. Fulton Co.
DIST. # 4 | R | T | S | Description | A | VPA | Total Value |
Woodward, James | 8 | 4 | 27 | SE + S 1/2 SW | 240 | 2.25 | 720 |
Woodward, James | 8 | 4 | 26 | W 1/2 + N 1/2 NE | |||
Woodward, James | 8 | 4 | 23 | SE 1/4 + E 1/2 NE + SW NE | |||
Woodward, James | 8 | 4 | 35 | S 1/2 + E 1/2 NE | |||
Woodward, James | 8 | 4 | 15 | Section | |||
Woodward, James | 8 | 4 | 22 | S 1/2 NW | |||
Woodward, James | 8 | 4 | 14 | NW 1/4 + W 1/2 SW 1/4 + N 1/2 SE 1/4 | |||
Woodward, James | 8 | 4 | 21 | N 1/2 | |||
Woodward, James | 8 | 4 | 27 | E 1/2 | |||
Woodward, James | 8 | 4 | 25 | SE 1/4 + S 1/2 SW | |||
Note: R 8N, T 3E later became Madison Twp. Williams Co. | |||||||
Dalryumple, Ira | 8 | 3 | 31 | S 1/2 SW | 81 | 2.00 | 162. |
Deshler, D. W. | 8 | 3 | 7 | N 1/2 | 320 | 2.00 | 640. |
Gibson & Duncan | 8 | 3 | 28 | Section | 640 | 2.00 | 1,280. |
Gibson & Duncan | 8 | 3 | 27 | Section | 640 | 2.00 | 1,280. |
Hicks & Smith | 8 | 3 | 4 | Section | 640 | 2.00 | 1,280. |
Hicks & Smith | 8 | 3 | 5 | E 1/2 | 321 | 2.00 | 642. |
Hicks & Smith | 8 | 3 | 3 | N1/2 | 320 | 2.00 | 640. |
Hyslop, George | 8 | 3 | 10 | W 1/2 | 320 | 2.00 | 640. |
Hyslop, George | 8 | 3 | 10 | W Pt NE | 80 | 2.00 | 160. |
Hyslop, George | 8 | 3 | 11 | N 1/2 | 320 | 2.00 | 640. |
Hyslop, George | 8 | 3 | 2 | SW 1/4 | 160 | 2.00 | 320. |
Hyslop, George | 8 | 3 | 3 | SE 1/4 | 160 | 2.00 | 320. |
Hyslop, George | 8 | 3 | 2 | SE 1/4 | 160 | 2.00 | 320. |
Mohler, John | 8 | 3 | 5 | SW 1/5 | 160 | 2.00 | 320. |
Ohio, State of | 8 | 3 | 8 | W 1/2 NW + NW SW | 120 | 2.00 | 340. |
Philip, Thomas | 8 | 3 | 34 | SE 1/4 | 160 | 2.00 | 320. |
Spence, William | 8 | 3 | 34 | SW 1/4 | 160 | 2.00 | 320. |
Township 6 | |||||||
Cunningham, John | 5 | 6 | 32 | NENE | 40 | 2.00 | 80. |
Eshelman, John | 5 | 6 | 15 | N 14 NW | 80 | 2.00 | 160. |
Eshelman, Christian | 5 | 6 | 4 | E »/2 SE | 80 | 2.00 | 160. |
Eshelman, Christian | 5 | 6 | 4 | SENE | 40 | 2.00 | 80. |
Eshelman, Christian | 5 | 6 | 2 | NE frl V* of NW pt Va | 33 | 5.00 | 165. |
Miller, Christian | 5 | 6 | 3 | W >/2 SE + E Vi SW | 160 | 4.00 | 640. |
Plato, Perry | 5 | 6 | 21 | NE SW | 40 | 2.00 | 80. |
Reynolds, John | 5 | 6 | 21 | SE Va | 160 | 2.50 | 400. |
Steadman & Dodd | 5 | 6 | 11 | e»/2nw | 80 | 2.00 | 160. |
Swartzenbuger, V. | 5 | 6 | 10 | W Va SE + E l/2 SW | 160 | 4.00 | 640. |
Watkins, Wesley | 5 | 6 | 15 | W »/2 SE + S >/2 NW | 160 | 2.00 | 320. |
Township 5 | |||||||
Adams, Isaiah | 6 | 5 | 21 | NE NW | 40 | 1.00 | 40. |
Ax, Daniel | 6 | 5 | 17 | E Va SW | 80 | 1.00 | 80. |
Dawson, Samuel | 6 | 5 | 9 | NW SE | 40 | 1.00 | 40. |
Delventhal, Fred. | 6 | 5 | 7 | S Va SE | 80 | 1.00 | 80. |
Fribbey, Geo. | 6 | 5 | 17 | S*/2NE | 40 | 1.00 | 40. |
Fudge, Jacob | 6 | 5 | 30 | NE + E 1/3 NW | 240 | 1.00 | 240. |
Haly, Joseph | 6 | 5 | 14 | NW NW | 40 | 1.00 | 40. |
Patrick, John | 6 | 5 | 2 | SE SW | 40 | 1.00 | 40. |
Rowe, Catherine | 6 | 5 | 7 | NW SW | 40 | 1.25 | 50. |
Gilson, Jas. R. | 6 | 5 | 9 | N*/2NE | 80 | 1.25 | 100. |
Gilson, Hugh | 6 | 5 | 9 | S’/2NE | 80 | 1.25 | 100. |
Gilson, Richard | 6 | 5 | 9 | w*/2nw | 80 | 1.25 | 100. |
Gilson, David | 6 | 5 | 9 | S‘/2NW | 80 | 1.25 | 100. |
Gilson, R & H. | 6 | 5 | 9 | NE SW | 40 | 1.00 | 40. |
Gilson, David | 6 | 5 | 9 | NW SW | 40 | 1.00 | 40. |
Husan, ? Jacob | 6 | 5 | 21 | S Va SW | 80 | 1.00 | 80. |
Husan, ? Linheart | 6 | 5 | 17 | SE Va | 160 | 1.00 | 160. |
Rafinburger, H. | 6 | 5 | 28 | NE 1/4 | 160 | 1.00 | 160. |
Rafinburger, H. | 6 | 5 | 21 | N 1/2 NE | 80 | 1.00 | 80. |
Sisler, Peter | 6 | 5 | 21 | W 1/2 NW | 80 | 1.00 | 80. |
NOTE: R 6 N, T 3 E later became Pulaski Twp., Williams Co. | |||||||
Deebler, John | 6 | 3 | 24 | W 1/2 SW | 80 | 1.25 | 100. |
Rich, John B. | 6 | 3 | 32 | SE 1/4 | 160 | 1.25 | 200. |
NOTE: R 6 N, T 7 E later became York Twp., Fulton Co. | |||||||
Lash, Freerick | 6 | 7 | 7 | SE SE | 40 | 1.25 | 50. |
Schatz, John | 6 | 7 | 7 | W 1/2 SE | 80 | 1.35 | 108. |
Schatz, John | 6 | 7 | 7 | NE SW | 40 | 1.25 | 50 |
Schatz, John | 6 | 7 | 7 | SE SW + NW SW | 73 | 1.25 | 91.33 |
NOTE: R 7 N, T 3 E later became Jefferson Twp., Williams Co. | |||||||
Doran, James | 7 | 3 | 20 | W 1/2 + NE NW +NW NE | 160 | 1.25 | 200. |
Hashbarger, S. H. | 7 | 3 | 21 | SW SE | 40 | 1.50 | 60. |
Lee, Ebenezer | 7 | 3 | 21 | E 1.2 NW | 80 | 1.50 | 120. |
Lee, Ebenezer | 7 | 3 | 21 | N 1/2 NE | 80 | 1.50 | 120. |
Warren, Daniel | 7 | 3 | 29 | E 1/2 + SW NE + SE NE | 160 | 1.50 | 240. |
NOTE: Part of R 7 N, T 5 E later became German Twp., Fulton Co. | |||||||
Crockett, G. & Jackson E. | 7 | 5 | 25 | E 1/2 SE | 80 | 1.00 | 80. |
Emory, Asa | 7 | 5 | 35 | S 1/2 NE | 80 | 1.00 | 80 |
Mead, Jesse T. | 7 | 5 | 35 | NW NW | 40 | 1.00 | 40. |
Mitchell, A. C. | 7 | 5 | 15 | NW NW | 40 | 1.00 | 40. |
Reiter?, Charles | 7 | 5 | 18 | NE NE | 40 | 1.00 | 40 |
Land, Town Lots and Chattel Returned Delinquent
By the Treasurer of Henry County January 11, 1853
More information on the taxes owed is in the book, but not included here These were early settlers or landowners in these townships
All in Ridgeville Township
Owner’s Name | Sec | Description | Acres | |
ALMAN, David | 35 | SE SW | 40 | |
BURDOCK, A. W. | 33 | E 1/2 E 1/ NE | 40 | |
COE, Benjamin | 24 | NW 1/4 | 160 | |
DEITRICH, Elias | 33 | W 1.2 NW | 80 | |
HARMAN, George | 23 | SE 1/2 | 160 | |
HARMAN, George | 26 | SW 1/4 | 160 | |
HOOVER, Joseph | 19 | W fr. | 113 | |
HECK, John | 13 | W 1/2 W 1/2 NW 1/4 | 40 | |
MILLER, Jacob | 13 | E 1/2 NE 1/4 | 80 | |
McCONNEL, R. | 14 | SE SW NE SW | 80 | |
McFarland, F. D. | 23 | E 1/2 NE | 80 | |
McFarland, F. D. | 23 | W 1/2 NE | 80 | |
McFarland, F. D. | 23 | E 1/2 NW | 80 | |
McFarland, F. D. | 23 | W 1/2 NW | 80 | |
MAGILO/MAGILE, George | 25 | N pt NW 1/4 | 24 | |
OH, State of | 14 | NE NE, SE 1/4 W 1/2 SW | 280 | |
OH, State of | 33 | NW NE | 40 | |
OH, State of | 34 | W 1/2 SE | 80 | |
OH, State of | 15 | E 1/2 SE | 80 | |
SNYDER, James | 32 | NE NE | 40 | |
STEVENS (?), J. G. | 33 | SW NE | 40 | |
VanBERRY, G. C. | 14 | W 1/2 NE & E 1/2 NW | 160 | |
WORMAN, Jacob | 22 | NW 1/4 | 160 | |
CHATTELS | ||||
Ridgeville | HAWLEY, E. | Value $123. |