Henry County Genealogical Society Newsletter
Volume 20, Number 3, May – June 2006
MEETINGS
May 15, 2006
Research and business meeting.
June 19, 2006
Richard Powell, instructor at Northwest State Community College, will speak on “Tying Genealogy into History.”
July 17, 2006
Research and business meeting
August – NO MEETING
See you at the Fair!
WE ARE PUBLISHING …
Northwest Signal Obituaries 2005 is now available. The price is $16.00 plus $2.00 shipping.
The 1900 Henry County Census Vol. IV is now available. It includes Pleasant, Marion and Flatrock Townships, Florida Village, Hamler Village and Holgate Village. The price is $18.00 plus $2.00 postage and handling. If you click on the PDF icon to the left, you will see two pages from this publication. The information appears exactly as it does on the original census form
Also, the 1890 Veterans Census will cost $14.00 plus $2.00 postage and handling. It includes information on where the veteran lived in 1890 and any disability he incurred while serving. In some cases widows are listed.
NOW ON-LINE…
Veterans burial records are on our web site. Go to www.henrycountyohiogenealogy.org/vetburials/veterans.php
FIRST FAMILIES APPLICATIONS …
First Families applications may be made to Kathy Bishop, 10-292 Co. Rd. E., Hamler, OH 43524. Her e-mail address is: firstfamilies@henrycountyohiogenealogy.org. Gold certificates are awarded if your ancestor was in Henry Co. before December 31,1870. Silver includes those before December 31, 1885. Requirements and an application form are available on our website.
QUERY
BROWNING, LOWMASTER, MAHLER, HOOVER, MILLER, HENRY, ASH
Researching Carl Oliver Browning’s family: John Isaac BROWNING, b. 1858 Franklin Co. OH (wife Alice Lillian LOWMASTER h. 1869 Wood Co. OH) & his brother Kissinger Peter BROWNING (Wife Harriet MAHLER). Their parents: William BROWNING b. 1835 Bedford Co. PA; Elizabeth Ann HOOVER b. 1837 Franklin Co. OH. Elizabeth HOOVER BROWNING came to Henry Co. with her mother, Amelia (MILLER) HOOVER (bur. Pottertown Cem.), sister Martha (m. Benjamin HENRY); brother Samuel (m. Mary Ann ASH). (LaVonne Hipsher, Fostoria, OH 44830)
We accept any queries relating to Henry County. There is no charge and you do not have to be a member. to submit your query.
FOLLOW-UP TO THE NOVEMBER PROGRAM…
Gene Hills, Hudson, FL 34667 wrote that his grandfather lived on “Sand Farm” south of Napoleon on Rd. 14 and Johnny Appleseed supposedly planted the trees on that farm. His grandparents were George and Hannah DEILY. From the Napoleon paper:
SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. DIEL Y (sic) celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary Aug. 19th 1913 at their beautiful country home two miles south of town. Mr. Geo DIELY and his wife were born and raised near Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio. The matrimonial knot was tied by the Rev. Samuel SWARM at the English Lutheran parsonage. The first few years of their wedded life were spent in Seneca county, from thence they moved to little Henry. At that time their home place was all wooded, excepting the noted sand ridge — no house nor barn, only a few old apple trees marked the site of erection of the DIEL Y home.
To this union four children were born, three daughters and one son. Katie, Alverda, Bernice (my Mom) and Earl.
The evening was very pleasantly spent while the hostess served ice cream, cake, candies and bananas.
About twenty-five relatives came from Seneca county to enjoy the festivities of this occasion. Among them being the father and mother of Mr. DIELY, this same date being his father’s 76th birthday.
Several pieces of silverware were given by them as a token of their love and esteem, while the home people gave a box of silver quarters which were presented by Miss Cora A. HUDDLE. She pictured the general makeup of a well tied matrimonial knot.
Out of town guests: Mr. and Mrs. Daniel HALL and family, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. HALL and family, Mr. O. A. WENNER, Miss Violin (Viola) DIEL Y of Tiffin, Mr. and Mrs. Allen HARDING and family, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. WENNER and family, Mr. and Mrs. A. DIEL Y, Mr. Ray COOLEY and Miss Besse DECKER of Attica, OH.
Mr. Hills adds: My mother, Bernice DEILY, married Robert BOCKELMAN.
The Signal
December 19, 1894 the Henry County Signal published biographical sketches of local businessmen by Guy C. DITTENHAVER. These sketches will be reprinted in this issue and future issues. Many were accompanied by drawings or photographs of the businessmen or of the businesses, churches, or other buildings mentioned.
From The Signal 19 Dec 1894
Guy C. DITTENHAVER. The subject of this sketch needs no introduction to Napoleon and Henry county people. He is a Napoleon boy, having been born here twenty-six years ago -and except a short residence in Bowling Green, Ohio, has lived in Napoleon all his life. He is a graduate of the Napoleon Union Schools, having completed the course of studies in that institution under Supt. L. L. H. Austin in the spring of 1886. He took up the teaching profession and pursued that vocation for four years, three of which he taught in the south side schools of Napoleon, a succession which speaks well for the good serviced of the young pedagogue. Retiring from the teachers’ chair he went into newspaper work, editing the Wood County Democrat, while that paper was owned by ex-Treasurer Henry DOLTERMAN’, formerly of this place but now of the Die Post, of Wapakoneta, O.When Mr. H. disposed of the Wood County Democrat, Mr. DITTENHAVER returned to Napoleon where he worked on the Democratic Northwest as local editor and all-round hustler as a solicitor in the interests of that paper. He is correspondent for six of the great dailies of the country, viz: Toledo Bee, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cleveland Press, Cincinnati Enquirer, St. Louis Chronicle and Detroit News. In the first named paper of the date of August 18 appeared a very elaborate write-up of Napoleon, her business interests and a number of her leading citizens, which was the work of the subject of this sketch. The broader and never before equaled write-up which is given I this impression, with the exception of this biography is the work of the same gentleman. He is a great student of the best and foremost literature of the day; possesses a large fund of general information; is a ready writer and is destined to make his work high up in the annals ofnewspaperdom, his chosen field of labor.
OUR MAYOR – Judge David MEEKISON is now on his third term at the helm of municipal affairs. His career has been an eventful one, landing him high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. A native of Dundee, Scotland, he was born November 14, 1849, and moved with his parents to Napoleon in 1855, where he has since been a resident, excepting three years; service in the Fourth U. S. Artillery. He attended the common school and entered that great educator, the printing office. In ’71 he began the study of law with Hon. J. H. TYLER, and was admitted two years later. Although always a democrat of the most pronounced type, he has the distinction of being twice appointed to office by republican authorities: first, as city clerk in 1872 by a republican council; second, as prosecuting attorney by Judge LATTYtro fill a vacancy. He was afterwards elected and re-elected to the same office, retiring in ’79. In ’81 he was elected probate judge, and served two terms. Near the close of his second term he started the bank which bears his name, and which is one of the most solid concerns in the state. During his term as mayor, municipal reforms and improvements have been many, while the whole city government is conceded to be the best it has ever been. Judge MEEKISON is a great friend of the laboring man, many of whom owe their success to his timely assistance.
CLERK C. E. REYNOLDS – Capt. Charles E. REYNOLDS, of Co. F, Sixteenth Regiment, is one of Napoleon’s leading and influential citizens. He is from Massachusetts, having been born in Great Barrington, June 15, 1844, moved to Napoleon, where he has since resided. A mere boy he entered Co. F. of the 68th O.V.I. in 1861, and came out in July, 1865. He was promoted to quartermaster sergeant, notwithstanding his extreme youth, and saw many hard fought battles, besides spending a year and a half in Andersonville and Libby prisons. Returning from the war he engaged in real estate and insurance, in which business he now is. He is now on his third term as member and secretary of the school board, his second term as city clerk, his second term as captain of Co. F. He is also secretary of the soldiers’ relief commission, school examiner, superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday school; and trustee of the church. For many terms he was commander of the Choate Post, and among the boys in blue he stands very high.
THEO. LUDWIG — Councilman LUDWIG was born March 15, 1811, in Wyandot county, where he lived until the war, when he enlisted in the 186th O.V.I. In 1874 he moved to Putnam county and engaged in the mercantile business until 1883, when he came to Napoleon and purchased the potash works which he operated up to a recent date. He was soon recognized as a Democratic worker and taken into the party organization. For a number of years he has represented the South Side in the city council and school board, being now on his third term of each. In 1889 he made a creditable run for county recorder, which attested his popularity in no small degree. He is brother to the famous oilman, L. LUDWIG, of Toledo.
TREASURER HIGGINS — Oliver HIGGINS can be safely classed among our most honest and upright officials. He is thus regarded by both Democrats and Republicans as is attested by the large majorities always rolled up for him at elections. He is now serving on his fourth term as corporation treasurer and the general wish is that it will not be his last.
Mr. HIGGINS was born in Martinsville, Belmont county, Ohio, November 11, 1841. His parents are John and Elizabeth HIGGINS. While Oliver was yet quite young they moved to Adams county and remained there until he was 18 years old, when Napoleon was made their place of residence and has since so remained. Oliver apprenticed himself to R. HUDSON and learned the jeweler’s trade, after which he remained n the employ of Mr. HUDSON for seven years. In 1884 he branched out for himself and is now proprietor of the establishment on Perry Street between Main and Front streets. He was married to Miss Lucretia CRANDALL, of Barry county, and has one daughter, Luella, an accomplished musician and the wife of attorney F. D. PRINTIS.
Politically, Mr. HIGGINS is a good Democrat and has always worked hard for his party. Hence, there is little doubt but that he can hold his present office as long as he wishes to serve the people in an official way.
LETTERS from WWI 1918-1919 by PVT. WENDELL E. WATSON
Wendell served in several regiments and companies during the war: 158th Depot Brigade Co. F, 329th Inf., M.G. (Machine Gun) Co. 329th Inf., M.G. Co. 128th Inf., 1th6 Co. 2nd Provisional Training Reg., and Co. D of the 340th Inf.
In addition to his parents, his letters are addressed to his brother Gale and his sister Norma, both at home. His brother Bill (or Willy, as his mother calls him) was also serving during WWI, mostly in Italy.
October 1918 – Somewhere in France “I got a letter from Bill BLISS and he said he had level land to farm now.”
October 23, 1918 – Somewhere in France “Dear Sister, So CROSSLEY and Geo. STOUT are putting up some war arguments. I expect they know a lot of men that have got rich off this war. . .. So you have seen a German helmet. The corn crib would not hold the ones I have seen, some of them on heads, too but most of them were not. Some of our fellows are using them this morning for wash basins.”
October 27,1918 – Somewhere in France “The ‘fluenza’ is the worst thing that has happened. Received card today telling about Eugene ASH. They will certainly get things under control. I haven’t heard much of it over here.”
November 1, 1918 – Somewhere in France I am reeling this off by the light of a flickering candle. We have our pup tent covered with blankets and rain coats so that no ray of light will be seen by Fritz when he sails around with his load of bombs. We cover everything the best we can and then one of us gets out and watches for any little crevice that might let out too much light. … You know a Fritz can see a light as far as anybody else. Our own planes don’t let them bother much but it is best not to tempt him.
“I see by the paper this afternoon that the 332 Reg. is helping the Italians.
“So Walter ‘fell out’ on the hikes at the military training school. From your letter I suppose all he had to do was walk along. You might tell him and Charley that wants to have a regular soldier equipment to carry to make things right. They don’t weigh over 50 or 60 pounds. As a little test he might go out to the orchard and spread that equipment out until it rains on it for about a day, then roll it up in a wad and start down across a plowed field. He won’t go far until he will really feel like falling out. If you happen to belong to the Machine Gun Co. your load is only 40 or 50 lbs. more than your pack, so it would probably be ranging toward a hundred.
“You asked what I do in the Machine Gun squad. I have done everything except corporal. I once was put in for gunner a while but everything was quiet and so I have never mowed off any Dutch. At present … I carry two boxes of ammunition over hill and dale …. Tell Billy BLISS I am toting that picture of Jack around with me now. It sure looks like Jack. I got one [letter] from Willie SISLY telling about the silo and beef production. Also got two from Aunt Irene who gave me some idea of Link SCHLOSSER’s address …. I got Ralph EATON’s address.
“I have two months pay coming again. . .. When we get a service stripe workers in the States get a bonus. . .. I am coming along pretty good yet my alimentary canal is still working too fast but I think by a little abstainance [sic] that it will kind of bend and crook around until it takes the full thirty six hours for a meal to be used completely up. Well, my candle is getting short and my partner is asleep.”
TELEGRAM to Mr. James G. WATSON, R.F.D. 1, Napoleon – “Deeply regret to inform you that Private Wendell WATSON was severely wounded in action about November 11. Further information when received. Harris the Adj. General”
November 16, 1918 – Somewhere in France “My wound is so light that about all I have to do is enjoy the luxuries [of the hospital]. I told the fellow when he put a hospital tag on me that it wasn’t necessary but he said that it was a good place to go and he was right,” [He says he now has a good roof, good bed and the best grub since he left home.] “Since they have quit shooting [negotiated the Armistice] I don’t know as it matters much where I get my eats.”
November 20, 1918 — Somewhere in France “Dear Sister, It would probably do some of the G.H.S [Grelton High School] lassies some-good to wear some of these French ladies footwear. They have wooden soles about an inch thick and have a good sprinkling of hobnails drove in them. When they are wore out you put them in the stove and cook a meal. . .. They can give me my clothes anytime now. I am getting tired of this robe and pajamas.”
November 24, 1918 Wendell is still in the hospital and guesses his outfit is in Luxemburg “from the way the papers read.” Censorship of mail has eased, so he tells that he is 90 miles south of Paris.
“I got a little bag with some toilet articles and stationery from the Red Cross yesterday… Julian WHEELER and myself were assigned to the 3203 Division on Aug. 1 while they were in the Chateau Thierry ‘salient. I don’t know of anyone else, from near home, in this Division. We have just been given a nice little square of chocolate by a Y.M.C.A. man.”
December 10, 1918 — France “Well, I have got out of the hospital and am in the replacement camp at Le Mans. . .. It sort of rankles me that the veteran divisions have to stay here the longest. I have seen several fellows around here that used to be in the old company of the 329. There are none here though from around home except Harry FUNKHOUSER who used to clerk in VANDENBROEK’s clothing store. He has been here since July. From all I can hear the boys from our own community have come through pretty lucky.
December 12, 1918 – LeMans, France Wendell indicated his brother Bill is in Italy with the 332nd.
December 18, 1918 France “My present organization is the 16th Co. 2nd Provisional Training Regiment. … I would like to have my mail, especially when it is only a week till Christmas, but I hardly dare write for it, for I might start tomorrow for the old company.
“How a fellow is going to put in these long evenings over here is a question that makes me sick. It is dark at five o’clock. There is only one sputtering candle to about fifty men, and it takes that one to keep the “game” going. If you have no hankering for the “game” you get no good out of the candle, and so out of luck entirely. We are not far from the little villages where we were first billeted in France and where a good many of the old 329 still stay. With a bicycle and a pass it would be easy to pay a visit to the old outfit.”
December 23, 1918 – Champagne, France “Only two more days and the big holiday of the year will be here. ” … there [may] be something extra by the Y.M.C.A. if no where else. I won’t have my Christmas package but I can hope to have it some day and that will help to make things feel like Christmas.
“I read in the papers the other day how the 332 Regiment had been split up and learned that Bill’s battalion was still in Italy …
“My wild hopes of getting home early are fading day by day and will soon be down to reason.”
PIONEER SKETCHES (from Henry County Signal 5 Jan. 1887) written for the Signal
Early Recollections of James E. Scofield, a Pioneer of the Maumee Valley
Joseph COWDRICK, father of John COWDRICK, of Napoleon, a wagon maker, settled some distance west of Damascus in the year 1834. Shortly after he carried his tools on his back up the river to the residence of Mr. SHASTEEN, four miles east of Defiance, (now Independence) to repair a wagon, one wheel of which had to be made new. I presume the ironing was done by Isaac BRANCHER, spoken of in a former installment, the only blacksmith in this country at that time. About this time Mr. COWDRICK was a supervisor of road–cannot say roads as there was but one–(if it could be called a road) which extended from Maumee City to Fort Wayne, along and most of the way near the south bank of the river to Defiance, when it crossed, and from thence along the south side. One exception when it did not follow the river was at or near the second culvert, west of Napoleon, where it left the river nearly straight across through the woods on a ridge most of the way intersecting the river again some distance west of Girty’s Island, leaving a large scope of land, including Girty’s Point, between it and the river.
While acting as such supervisor, his son John E. informs me, he was notified of a bad place in the road near Defiance, requesting him to repair it, but does not recollect whether he did it. About this time Elijah GUNN, (mentioned in a former installment) was elected a supervisor of roads, his district extending to the west line of Richland township; then included in Flatrock, one mile east of Defiance, and how far east do not know. Mr. COWDRICK cleared up quite an extensive farm which has passed to his heirs, he having been deceased some years.
John PATRICK was on the river as early as 1833, (how long before do not know) trading with the Indians, clearing up his farm and farming it as fast as cleared. His good wife was proficient in the Indian dialect and selling fire water to them, a beverage of which they were very fond, as well as other articles, such as blankets, beads and other articles of jewelry, taking firs, pelts, &ct., in exchange at a stipulated value. Mr. PATRICK went East at least once every year with teams for Indian supplies, where, do not know, as there was nothing much at Toledo and very little at Maumee City or Perrysburg, but presume the Hollisters, a fur buying company, which could be supplied by lake by sailing vessels and at an early day by the steamer Commodore Perry, David WILKINSON, captain, which made regular trips between Perrysburg and Buffalo, after its construction.
It may not be remembered by all that the Commodore Perry carried a small cannon which was fired at the battle ground, on its passage either way, calling the attention of its passengers to the spot of the naval struggle of August 10th, 1813. I have no statistics at hand to say whether this was the first regular steamer running up to Perrysburg and Maumee City, but think one was running as occasion required before, if not regular and if so have forgotten its name. Allow me here to say that the name of the fur buying company at Fort Wayne, (forgotten in a former installment) was Ewing, Chute & Co.
The bam destroyed by fire Nov. 24, 1886, belonging to Joseph LOWERY was one of the first (frame) in Flatrock township, and presume in the county. Mr. John LOWERY (father of Joseph) erected this bam in the summer of 1838, Michael SHERMAN boss carpenter and the late Lemuel SAPP, then quite young, assistant. In the same summer William BOWEN, proprietor of the town of Florida, erected one on the premises now owned by his son-in-law, Isaac KARSNER, which is yet standing, a Mr. HAGADORN being the boss carpenter.
The first paper published in Napoleon in 1845 or ’46 called the Star; a Whig paper, edited by George CORBIT. Its name was shortly after changed to Citizen. I remember its politics more particular from its giving me an airing through its columns, I then being the Democratic candidate for county surveyor, and praising George FREASE, my Whig opponent. I was successful, however, and re-elected three years after against Wm. C. BROWNELL, my Whig opponent, for a second term. Financially it was not a success, the Democrats being largely in the lead same as ever since, and it was of short duration by either name–do not remember how long. In the year 1851 or’ 52 the Northwest, a Democratic paper made its first appearance, edited by A. M. HALLABAUGH, now deceased. The office was in a small frame building on the comer of the lot east of the WANN House where the carriage shop of Joseph SCHAFF is now situated.
Dr. H. B. POWELL, was the second child born in Napoleon, early in January, 1837, nearly fifty years ago. The Dr. is hale and hearty; a citizen that Napoleon may well feel proud having lived there all his life and never a mark of disrespect placed against him – on the contrary much esteemed excellent physician with a large practice, and genial to all. Those who have made his acquaintance may feel proud they have been so fortunate. Napoleon STOUT, son of George and Christina STOUT, was the first child born in Napoleon, and named after the town, but died in infancy. This information is gathered from Dr. POWELL, and the same of Joseph COWDRICK from his son John E. COWDRICK …
The Signal, a Republican paper, first appeared in the year 1864, edited by E. T. COON. My recollection it was called the Star for a time, whether before, after or at the time it passed into the hands of George WEIMER it was changed to Signal if ever it was called the Star; and has remained so through all the proprietors, including James S. FOUKE, D. B. ANGLER, H. M. WISLER, and J. P. BELKNAP, its present proprietor, all this time a lively Republican paper.
John POWELL and James MAGILL among the first settlers of Napoleon opened the first stock of dry goods, boots and shoes in connection with a general country store. Both being shoe makers by trade supplied their customers with homemade work, mending & c. Mr. MAGILL has been deceased a number of years together with the male portion of his family. A daughter, widow of the late Wm. A. CHOATE, Colonel of the 38 Reg’t O.V.I. in the war of the rebellion, is yet living near or in Napoleon. Col. CHAOTE was killed leading his brave regiment in a charge against the enemy in Tennessee. His remains was brought home for burial and viewed by hundreds of his sorrowing friends including myself. Thus perished one of Napoleon’s bright citizens in defense of his country.
It is needless for me to say anything more of John POWELL for a majority of your readers are as well acquainted with him, and many better than myself, suffice it to say that he has been an active business man both private and public during his whole life in Henry County from 1835 up to a few years previous to his death in 1886. Has raised a large family of boys and girls all of whom are an honor to his name as well as Henry county. I learn while writing this that his good wife has passed away at a ripe age.
Alexander CRAIG and James G. HALY were among the earliest settlers of Napoleon. Their first business was tailoring. Judge CRAIG as boss tailor and Judge HALY only an apprentice at the time, is my recollection. They have filled nearly all the most important offices in the county with credit to themselves. Judge HALY Representative in the State Legislature. Judge CRAIG as Associate Justice of our Henry county Common Pleas Court, under the laws then in force, regulating the judiciary of Ohio, and Judge HALY served several years as Probate Judge is where they obtained their honorable title. I forgot to mention that Judge John POWELL was a Common Pleas Judge for a number of years. Judge CRAIG was accompanied by his family and raised two girls to womanhood, both marrying, the oldest, a Mr. MEEKISON the youngest Orla H. TYLER, brother of Dr. and Hon. J. H. TYLER.
Judge HALY was married some years after, at Napoleon, and raised a family, one now a physician living in Napoleon, but strange as it may seem, it was never my privilege to know one of his family, not even the Dr. – -only by seeing his name in his advertisement. The Judge and myself have been intimate friends for a period of about fifty years, never differing on anything but politics and was in unison up to 1856 when he chose to stay with the Southern Democracy, myself to the Northem. When in 1860 the Northern wing united with the Northern Whigs, and we have all seen the result. The judge has never acknowledged to me that the greatest sin of his life was in voting for James BUCHANNAN, but from the alacrity he took arms to fight his supposed friends, and to protect his real[?], I am led to believe he thinks so.
Dr. A. H. TYLER, Hon. J. TYLER, Hon. Wm. SHEFFIELD and brother Edward, who made Napoleon their homes during their lives and up to this time, are next arnong the earliest settlers. The families of either these gentlemen I never knew but little. Had some acquaintance with the first wife of J. H. TYLER, looked upon her as a model woman; that himself, family, and the community sustained a heavy loss at her decease. The first wives of Dr. TYLER and Edward SHEFFIELD are also deceased. Was quite well acquainted with the second wife of Edward SHEFFIELD when a girl, the daughter of Wm. C. BROWNELL. These gentlemen came to Henry county canying their fortune in their head and hands. Dr. TYLER has held many positions of trust as also Edward SHEFFIELD. J. H. TYLER once a member of the Ohio Legislature, therein not much of an office holder but a lawyer of strict integrity. They accumulated a competency. I will let your readers explain what Wm. SHEFFIELD did with his. Dr. and J. A. TYLER are yet living to take care of theirs.
