Volume 29, Number 6, November-December 2015

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 wendvpen@wcnet.org. After May 2016, queries may be directed to our website and will appear there.

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	Karen Sunderman	wendypen@wcnet.org
Webmaster	Jim Rebar	jamesrebar@roadrunner.com

Meetings

November 16, 2015, Monday, 6:30 p.m.

First Families Dinner at Red Pig Inn, 1470 N. Perry St., Ottawa, OH 45875. Please call Karen Sunderman at 419-278-3751 or Lucille Van Scoyoc at 419-278- 2117 by Nov. 10 so we can finalize reservations. Or, email them at the addresses above.

New Members

No new members.

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.

Newest Publications…

The updated cemetery books with all cemeteries read through 2013 are finished in a book form and on a flash drove. 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 will be sold for $5.00 each plus $3.00 shipping and handling while the supply lasts.

Reorganizing…

Please see below for information on our reorganization. The current officers have agreed to continue to serve indefinitely.

Send Henry Co. surnames you are searching for inclusion in the first quarter 2016 issue. Deadline Dec. 10.

Query: LOWERY, LOWE

Searching for the family of George Washington Lowery b. 10 Jan 1828, Franklin Co., PA and d. 22 Oct 1902, bur. Marion Twp. Cemetery with wife Barbara Ann Lowe b. 22 Jan 1829, Franklin Co., PA d. 26 July 1901. Moved to Henry Co. ca. 1885. George fought in the Civil War and may have delivered mail in the Hamler area. Obit lists 9 children: Anna Malinda WEAGLEY, Mary Ellen SHANK, William, George Martin, Sara SMITH, John Philip, Edwin, Mayette Katherine LOWE and Charles, my gr- grandfather.

—Elizabeth Potts, Elida, OH 45807

From The Democratic Northwest 18 Aug 1887:

Ohio’s Marriage Laws

The Sandusky Journal and Local, in answering the question, “can a Catholic get married without a license in the State of Ohio,” says:

Not only a catholic, but anybody else can get married in Ohio without a license by complying with the following, which is the point of law which our correspondent asks for:

Revised Statutes, Sed. 6389. Previous to persons being joined in marriage, notice thereof shall be published in the presence of the congregation on two different days of public worship, the first publication to be at least ten days previous to such marriage, within the county where the female resides, or a license shall be obtained for that purpose from the probate judge in the county where such female may reside.

So it is a mere matter of choice, or taste, with the contracting parties, whoever they may be, whether they will have the bans published, as stated above, or take out a license when they wished to be married. Most people prefer the latter to having their names published in church for such a delicate occasion.

The laws of the banns is as old as the common law of England which states its age to date from “a time to which the memory of man runneth not to the contrary.”

[Note: In other words, if your ancestor was Catholic and you cannot find a marriage record in the county records, they may still have been married in the county in which the wife-to-be resided. Church records may be available, but your ancestor just made your search a bit more difficult!]

Exploring Henry County

By Phyllis LaRue (printed in Ohio Genealogy News Fall 2014)

Henry County, located in Northwestern Ohio, was formed on April 1,1820 and is named for the orator Patrick Henry of Revolutionary War fame. It is divided into 13 townships; the largest town and the county seat is Napoleon, which was plotted in 1832. The other towns in the county are Deshler, Liberty Center, McClure, Florida, Holgate, Texas, Hamler, Malinta, West Hope, Colton, Ridgeville, Elery, Pleasant Bend, Stanley, New Bavaria and Okalona.

The county takes in about 430 square miles and was originally covered by the Black Swamp. It was drained and cleared and is now considered fertile and level farming land. The Maumee River runs through the northern part of the county, where Napoleon is located. The Miami and Erie canal runs alongside the river and well-known Girty’s Island is located near Napoleon. Many roadside ditches provide drainage for the land.

Two organizations that provide county and family history are the Henry County Historical Society, organized in 1970, and the Henry County Genealogical Society, formed in 1986. In 1976 the historical society compiled and published three volumes of Henry County history including family biographies.

The material for the genealogy society is housed in the Edwin Wood Memorial Library in Deshler and the Napoleon Library. All of the material published by the genealogy society is available for sale and can be ordered by mail. All books and prices are listed in the bi-monthly newsletter and on the website.

From The Deshler Flag 30 May 1946

[Editorial] Recently we ran across “The Origin and History of Deshler, Ohio,” a small but revealing booklet dictated by Dr. P. W. TUSSING to A. C. WOLFE. Dr. Tussing died in 1940. Mr. Wolfe was news editor of the Flag when W. T. Hager was editor. We quote:

“Pioneer farmers who traded at Deshler were: John Van SCOYOC; Adam WALTMAN; Eli and Oscar Van HORN; R. W. C. BUCHANAN; Samuel and Jacob DUNN; Robert MITCHELL; Leonard RUSH; Simeon SHERMAN; William and George SCOTT; Emmit LYLE; Isaac and Jack SHOWERS; Andrew BERGMAN; Jacob, Isaac, Samuel and Aaron BUTLER; James DONALD; Cyrus BISH; D. K. BROWER; Frank SHAFFSTALL; Cornelius and Thomas BARTLOW; Samuel McBRIDE; Thomas CRAUMBERGER; John POWERS; Lewis MEYER; Charles and Lewis DAVIS, Cecil, Claude and Charles JAMESON, John and James RUSSELL, Rev. Daniel TUSSING and sons, P. W., Numuel, W. B. and Daniel Boone TUSSING; Joseph FISH and Joe Jr.; Jacob WENNER; Grandpa OBERLITNER and son Thomas; Fred KNOKE; Charles and Robert LEADERS; Solomon SMITH; James and Cass BURKE; John ROSS; and the SYLVADA and KESSENHOLDT families.”

From The Deshler Flag 27 Apr 1900

Mr. C. W. FREED, living north of town, has quite a record. He is 36 years of age, has cleared land ever since he was 12 years old, and during that time he has cleared and helped to clear 293 acres and is still in the business.

From The Deshler Flag 13 Sept 1901

We received a note the other day from James TRULY, who is located in Chicago. He claims to be of the early settlers here and wishes to be remembered to the old settlers. Another old Deshlerite, Carl BETZER, is with him. Remember them.

From The Democratic Northwest 20 Jan 1881

Married

WITZGALL-HARTMAN—By the Rev. S. P. SPRENG, Jan. 13,1881, Mr. John Witzgall to Miss Lizzie Hartman, both of Henry County.

SILVENS-HOOVER—At the residence of the bride’s parents Jan. 15,1881, by Edler G. W. FOLTZ, Mr. John Silvens and Miss Sarah E. Hoover, all of Liberty Twp., Henry County.

Died

SNYDER—On the 12th of January, 1881, of consumption, Christina Snyder, wife of Henry Snyder, aged 21 years and 10 months.

KRUSE—Mr. Herman Kruse, an old citizen of thos county, died on the 6th. Mr. Kruse was in the 63rd year of his age. He was much respected and by his industry had accumulated considerable property.

From The Democratic Northwest 27 Jan 1881

PAINFUL ACCIDENT—While Daniel HESS was moving ship timber in the big woods Tuesday, his right leg was caught between a stump and a stick of timer, smashing it below the knee in a shocking manner, the bone being crushed into numerous pieces. Mr. HESS was fourteen miles from home when the accident occurred, and was brought that distance before medical aid came to his assistance. Drs. HARRISON and SHOEMAKER attended the case and Mr. HESS is now getting along as well as could be expected under the circumstances.

LOCAL NEWS—Drs. STOUT and WEAVER, of Florida, trod the snow of Napoleon Monday.

W. W. McGIFFIN, Clerk of Washington Township, spent Tuesday in town.

Thos. McINTOSH was called to Van Wert last Friday to attend the funeral of his sister.

Mrs. S. F. BRIGHAM, of Toledo, is visiting the family of her brother, S. M. HAGUE.

The mother and two brothers of J. D. NORTON, from Cleveland, have visited him during the last week.

A bill has just passed the General Assembly which provides for an additional amount of $35,000, [above an original estimate of $100,000] to complete, famish and equip the new county Court -House and Jail and grounds. We are told this was done after mature deliberation on the part of the County Commissioners and upon the advice of many citizens. This additional money was required on account of some few changes made in the construction of the Court-House building, which added to its cost; principally that of putting a solid stone cap over the doors and windows, instead of galvanized iron, as the original contract called for, and also substituting stone for the porticos instead of galvanized iron. This change was made upon the recommendation of the superintending architect, and upon due consideration by the Commissioners and the Board of Construction. The change no doubt is a wise one, and will add much to the permanency and appearance of the structure. This, together with other less important changes, added to the cost something in the neighborhood of $10,000. Then funds were needed to pay the Architect, securing the heating apparatus, furniture for both Jail and Court-House, a suitable bell and clock, the building of sidewalks, grading of lots, etc.

From The Democratic Northwest 3 Feb 1881

Mrs. BALDWIN, of Springville, mother of F. M. BALDWIN, is here visiting.

Clay LEMERT, Esq., is visiting relatives at his old home in Licking County.

From The Democratic Northwest 10 Feb 1881

WANTED—The undersigned has a boy 5 years old which he wishes to give to some good family to raise. Enquire of F. CHRISTY, 1/2 mile north of Napoleon, on the Wauseon Pike.

The oyster supper which was to have been given at the residence of J. H. TYLER last evening was postponed until some future time, on account of sickness and death.

Work is being pushed right along upon the new Court House. Mr. HONNECK has been shipping brick from Toledo to keep the thing going.

Dome DITTENHAVER is now located in the room on Washinton Street made vacant by the removal of the cigar factory, which is now located on Scott St.

On the night of the 7th a straw stack on the farm of J. T. GRALLICE (?), in Liberty Twp., fell over, burying three of his cattle, killing one cow.

HAD ACCIDENT—On Wednesday of last week while Wm. ANDREWS, son of Henry ANDREWS, of Flatrock Twp., was hauling saw logs, he had the misfortune of having one of his legs broken. The accident happened while the team was going down a hill. Mr. A. had locked his bobs, but the chair broke, and the bobs, with its load of four or five logs, ran over him, breaking one of his legs just above the ankle.

The Report of the Napoleon Union Schools for Feb. 4th, 1881:

Pupils Tardy—A Grammar [school], C. SARGENT; B Intermediate, Hettie BROOKER, Levi STUMP; A Primary, Jno. FELLERS, P. FELLERS; B Primary, Birdie BROOKER, Willie MYERS; First C Primary, Eddie ELLENWOOD.

SUDDEN DEATH—On Saturday morning last our citizens were pained to learn of the death of Mrs. E. B. TYLER, wife of Dr. A. H. TYLER. She died at 6 o’clock that morning after a brief but painful illness, of cerebro (sic) spinal meningitis. Mrs. TYLER was in her 59th year at the time of her death, had long been a resident of this place, and was much beloved by those intimately acquainted with her and respected by all.

On Monday of last week Wm. DIERY, of Flatrock Township, had his shoulder dislocated by his team running away. Mr. DIERY was just in the act of getting into his sleigh when his horses started and ran away, throwing him out with the above results.

From The “Big WOODS.”—Mr. A. W. GRELLE, of Grelton, Henry Co., is spending a few days in the city. Mr. G., who resides in the vicinity of the “big woods,” reports some fine sport during the past season with gun and dog. He has killed three deer, several wild turkeys, and has chased a bear, supposed to be the only one in Northwestern Ohio that enjoys the freedom of the forest. He has recently captured a monster gray eagle, measuring nearly eight feet from tip to tip of the wings. It is a magnificent specimen of the monarch of the air.—Bee

Letters remaining uncalled for in the Napoleon Post Office Feb. 5,1881: Wm. MickDonel (sic), Melissa ORDIWAY, M. U. STEVENS, Joseph FANELL, S. ZUNEE, Miss Cali RENSCH

Married

KINTON—REARICK—At the residence of the bride’s parents, near Liberty Center, on Thursday, Jan. 27th, Mr. Samuel KINTON and Miss Cordelia REARICK. The happy pair left on Friday morning to visit friends in Michigan.

GALBRAITH—WILCOX—By J. W. HANNA, J. P., Mr. Howard GALBRAITH and Miss Cornelia WILCOX, both of Damascus Twp., Henry County. May their future life be one of happiness and prosperity.

County Citizens

Jay Danforth MORREY, of Liberty Township, Henry County, Ohio, is the son of Caleb and Sarah (HICKS) MOREY, and was born in Delaware County, New York, on December 14,1822, being the eleventh in order of birth in a family of twelve children, of whom he and one sister, Mrs. Sarah LANGTON, of Logansport, Indiana, alone survive. In 1833 Caleb MOREY brought his family to what is now Henry County, settling near Girty’s Point, but the following year removed two and one half miles east of Napoleon, which at that time consisted of but one log house. A few months later the father died. About this time the building of the canal commenced and Jay MOREY soon afterward commenced his active career as a canal driver, working thirty days a month for nine dollars. He was soon promoted, first to the position of steersman and then to captain, in which capacity he acted for years on Fitch’s line of boats between Toledo and Terre Haute. He was economical and managed to save enough money to enable him to buy the farm adjoining the home farm, and when he married, in 1854, he left the canal and devoted himself to the farm. He has prospered during the coming years and at length became the owner of 340 acres, which he now owns and cultivated.

In November, 1854, Mr. MOREY married Miss Susanna REDMOND, who died in July, 1904, and to them were born five children, namely: One died in infancy; Madison M., of Toledo; George W., of Napoleon; Luella (Mrs. CONNELLY), of Damascus Township, this county; and Charles, who lives on the home farm. For a number of years Mr. MOREY served as township treasurer and trustee, for 21 years as school director and, during Governor MEDILL’S administration, as canal inspector. He is widely known throughout this county and is held in the highest esteem and regard, having a host of warm and loyal friends.

From History of Henry County, Ohio by W. W. Campbell pub. 1905

County Citizens

Charlotte WISEMAN ROSE, widow of the late Thomas James ROSE and who resides in Napoleon Township, Henry County, Ohio, is a native daughter of the Buckeye State, having been born in Fairfield County, Ohio on January 12,1838. Her parents were Lorenzo Dow and Frances S. (HOOPER) WISEMAN, two of those sturdy pioneer spirits to whom the west owes such a heavy debt of gratitude. When Charlotte WISEMAN was about 12 years of age her parents removed to Hancock County, this state, and in the schools of that neighborhood she received her education. In 1857 she became the wife of Thomas James ROSE and the young people at once removed to Napoleon. At that time this now prosperous city had but one store and the grist-mill was its only manufacturing enterprise. Mr. ROSE built a tannery across the ravine from the present water-works site, which he operated until his enlistment in the army, the plant being run until its destruction by fire in 1880. Immediately beside the tannery he erected a home for his bride, and this she still occupies. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. ROSE, Mary Alice, who died in infancy, and Frank WISEMAN ROSE, who lives in Greenville, Pennsylvania.

Mr. ROSE was one of the first to respond to President Lincoln’s call for volunteers, enlisting in 1862 in Co. B, 38th Regt. OVI. He served throughout the terrible struggle and was with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea. During all his service he received no wound, although at all times in the thick of the fight. During his later years he was a member of Choate Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Napoleon. His death occurred in January, 1896.

From History of Henry County, Ohio by W. W. Campbell pub. 1905

Quotes:

A father is a man who expects his son to be as good as he meant to be.

We cannot build the future for our children, but we can build the children for the future.

Index of German Scrapbook Translations Vol. 2

Several years ago a three-volume set of family scrapbooks was donated to our society. The items were cut from at least one German-language newspaper from this area, but not dated or otherwise identified. It is probable that most of the articles came from Per Defiance Herold (1895-)1920) and included items regarding families in western Henry Co. and in Twps. later transferred to Defiance Co. Ken Thompson translated the German items for us. An index will be printed as space permits.

SCHUTZ/SCHEUTZ, Anna [KUHN]—widow of Johann SCHUTZ, obit. Vol. 2 pg. 138
SEYBOLDT, George J.—husband of Ester Lizzie [WHETSTONE], obit. Vol. 2 pg. 122
SLAGLE, Dr. Bernard W.—widower of Margaret B. [POWELL], obit. Vol. 2 pg. 132
SMITH, Ancrew C.—husband of Aurelia/Arilla [SWINEFORD] SMITH, obit. Vol. 2 pg. 121
STEFFEL, Mary Elisabeth [MOSER]—wife of Joseph STEFFEL, obit. Vol. 2 pg. 126
STEINGASS, Ralph—in Los Angeles, CA, s/o Jacob & Dell [WARD] STeINGASS, obit. Vol. 2 pg. 122
STORCK, Anna [BADEN]—in Sturgis, MI, wife of Carl Storck, obit. Vol. 2 pg. 119
STORCK, Curtis—son of Simon STORCK, confirmed. Vol. 2 Pg. 131
SULLIVAN, Ellen [NANCEL]—widow (?) of Martin SULLIVAN, obit. Vol. 2 pg. 125
TH3EROFF, Harvey—son of Andr. THIEROFF, confirmed. Vol. 2 pg. 131
THIEROFF, Michael—portrait published a week after obit. Vol. 2 pg. 134
TROGER, KLARA—in Amherst, Nebraska, wife of Frank B. TROGER, obit. Vol. 2 pg. 135
TROGER, Reinhold—son of Heinrich TROGER, confirmed. Vol. 2 pg. 131
TROGER, Wilhelmine [SAUER]—widow of J. Adam TROGER, obit. Vol. 2 pg. 135
WALTER, Alma—dau. of Johann & Maria WALTER, confirmed. Vol. 2 pg. 131
WELZ, Anna—dau of Christian & Maria WELZ, confirmed. Vol. 2 pg. 131
WENDT, Barbara Anna [BOHM]—widow of Friedrich WENDT, obit. Vol. 2 pg. 134
WHETSTONE, Mildred—dau. of Emanuel WHETSTONE, confirmed. Vol. 2 pg. 131
WICHMANN, Ernst—husband of Maria [BUNTZ] WICHMMANN, obit. Vol. 2 pg. 121
WIGHT, Grace—dau. of Thomas WIGHT, confirmed. Vol. 2 pg. 131
WILSBERG, Georg—husband of Maria Mathilde [KUPPER], obit. Vol. 2 pg. 128
WTLSBERG, Roger Gerais—age 4, s/o Leonhard & Ardelia [KOPP] LEONARD, obit. Vol. 2 pg. 123
WINTER, Arthur—son of Adam WINTER, confirmed. Vol. 2 pg. 131
ZACHRICH, Lalah, confirmed. Vol. 2 pg. 131
ZACHRICH, Laurina—dau. of Conrad ZACHRICH, confirmed. Vol. 2 pg. 131

Sarah and Anna Sudholtz (and mannequin)
Anna Sudholtz’s
Millinery Shop
Deshler, Ohio
Early 1900’s

First Families of Henry County 2015

First Families are Gold = in Henry County before 31 Dec 1870. Silver =in Henry County before 31 Dec 1885.

Mary C. Camp, Defiance, OH 43512
Joseph VOGEL	1874
Margaret HOFFMAN VOGEL	1874
Mary Cecelia VOGEL VOIGT	1874
Mary Ann Emma VOGEL	1874
Catherine Vogel HENCH	1874
Linda Lester, Springfield, VA 22153
John FETTER	1870
Margaret FETTER	1870
John FETTER	1870
Nicholas RETTIG	1870
Mary RETTIG	1870
Elizabeth RETTIG	1870

Eleanor Borkenhagen, of Huntington Beach, CA, watches the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register newspapers for obituaries of people with Henry County, Ohio connections. She has recently sent us the following obits:
PAUL, Jeanne, 88, of Franklin, NC, formerly of Mission Viejo, CA, passed away Monday, December 29, 2014. Born in Grelton, OH, she was the daughter of the late Glenn H. and Delia L. BALLARD CAREY. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rexford K. PAUL. – Orange County Register 17 Jan 2015

GOBROGGE, Roy N. age 67, beloved husband, father, and brother, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2012, with his family at his side. Roy grew up on a farm in Malinta, Ohio, served in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era, and after completing his service became a fire-fighter for the city of Placentia. When Orange County Fire was formed, Roy moved to Station 9 in Mission Viejo, where he served for 31 years. He retired in 2007 from Station 33 at John Wayne Airport, after serving the public for 48 years. He enjoyed 4 ‘A years of retirement before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughter, Andrea; and his sons, Ryan and Nick. They will remember him as a quiet, patient, disciplined man who loved them very much… All friends are encouraged to eat a bowl of Wheaties, raise a can of Pepsi, and play a game of solitaire in his honor. -Orange County Register 26 Jan 2012

Important Membership Information

The Henry Comity Genealogical Society will be undergoing reorganization in 2016. Due to poor attendance at our meetings (usually most of our seven officers) and lack of membership within the county, we will now meet only four times per year. Three of the meetings will be business meetings. That will be subject to change in future years if attendance continues to drop due to ill health, lifestyle changes, and the necessity of conducting business. In November we intend to have our First Families Dinner.
Our goal remains the same: to help researchers find information on their families. However, we will print only two hard copy newsletters in 2016. After that, the newsletter will be in electronic form unless you otherwise specify on your membership form. The format is still being considered and may be a blog, but it will be available on our website. If you need a hard copy, it will be printed and sent to you.

Because we are going to this new format, it is essential that you provide us with your current e-mail address and update it when necessary.

We will answer queries as we are able. They will also be posted on our website as we organize the electronic version of our newsletter.

As this is taking place during the coming year, we hope you will be happy with our new services. We want to hear from you if you have suggestions about how we can help you in your search. More and more of our Henry County data will be posted and some is already available on CD as a more affordable alternative to purchasing books.

[Ed. Note: As a non-technological person myself, I support this change in our chapter. With so few to carry out the work of dissemination of information this only makes sense. Also, new and younger (and not-so-young-computer-using) researchers first turn to internet sources for information instead of dragging out dusty court house records or cruising cemeteries. We want to make sure what they read on our site is accurate as we continue to add to genealogical information they may not otherwise have access to.]

Thank you for your patience as we go through this transition.