Henry County Genealogical Society Newsletter
Volume 30, Number 4, Fourth Quarter 2016
A Publication of:
The Henry County Genealogical Society
P. O. Box 231
Deshler, OH 43516
www.henrycountyohiogenealogy.org
Welcome to the second edition of the Henry County Genealogical Society dual online-hardcopy newsletter. In this issue, we’ll feature some interesting articles from old newspapers, highlight a query that has come in, share a photo of three men taken in Liberty Center that was sent to us by the Geauga County (Ohio) Genealogical Society, and tell you a little bit about the newest First Families of Henry County. We think you’ll enjoy our newsletter.
From the Editorial staff
In the last newsletter of the year we’ve historically always appealed to our readers for the surnames they are researching. This list always appears in the first newsletter of the following year. We will continue this tradition for at least another year. So, don’t forget to list your surnames when you renew your membership. See below for renewal instructions.
You may also send Henry County surnames you are researching to: newsletter@henrycountyohiogenealogy.org.
You can also 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@embarqmail.com
News Reporter – Patricia Marshall – antiquepat@aol.com
Newsletter Editor and Webmaster – Jim Rebar –
jamesrebar@roadrunner.com
Upcoming Meetings:
December 2016 – No Meeting – Happy Holidays!
January 16, 2017 – Planning meeting for the upcoming year (weather permitting). Notice will be posted on the website homepage.
New Members
Please send membership dues for 2017. The membership renewal form will be attached to the newsletter for all our members who get the newsletter only through the U.S. Post Office. For those of you who receive it as an email, you may find a copy of it at this web address: https://henrycountyfamilies.org/index.php/membership-form/
In this age of computers and digital publications, we will continue to send our newsletter by postal mail to all our members who want to have the document in their hands. Whether our members are unable or unwilling to get the newsletter by email, we will honor your wishes. In return, this editor hopes that you will consider sending us information that would be of interest to our members.
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. 1980s) will be sold for $5.00 each plus $3.00 shipping and handling while the supply lasts.
Website Additions
The most recent addition to the databases on our website is the Deshler Flag Obituary Index, 1897-2000. You can find it at:
http://www.henrycountyohiogenealogy.org/FlagObits/obits.php
We plan to update it over the upcoming holidays to include all the post-2000 obituaries.
In addition to updating the Deshler Flag obituary index, we plan in the coming year to add to the website an index to obituaries published in the Northwest Signal from 1969 to 2015. This is an index for obituaries that have been published by the Genealogical Society in book form. The Napoleon Public Library has a huge collection of Northwest Signal obituaries that have not been catalogued yet, and, time permitting, they will be gradually added to the online index.
The database of obituaries for people buried in Youngs Cemetery in Liberty Center now has more than 1000 obits. 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.
2016 First Families of Henry County Inductees
This year’s Gold First Family honorees are (front, from left) Mark Sigg, David Rohrs, Mildred Rohrs Sigg, Carol Rohrs Speiser, and Karen Rohrs Mohler. (Back, from left) Janet Sigg Meyer, Mike Haake, Robert Rohrs, Jane (Rohrs) Helberg, Roger Haake, and Daniel Sigg.
On November 21, 2016, the Henry County Genealogical Society met at the Log Cabin Tavern near Liberty Center to recognize this year’s recipients of the gold award for the First Families of Henry County Ohio.
To commemorate the upcoming 100th wedding anniversary of Henry F. Rohrs and Anna S. Cordes, the family’s history project was dedicated in their memory. This family heard the story often: “On Monday, it rained. On Tuesday, it snowed, and on Wednesday, it rained again. But, on Thursday October 25, 1917, it was a beautiful day for a wedding.” And, so began the marriage of Henry and Anna.
To this union, were born two sons, Lawrence and Raymond, and two daughters, Selma and Mildred. There were also ten grandchildren born into the Henry and Anna family – all born at the Henry County Hospital in Napoleon, and all pictured above.
The gold award for the First Families of Henry County Ohio requires proof of the lineage that a direct ancestor settled in Henry County, prior to the end of 1870. This particular research included documents from various offices in the court house, as well as the health department. Further information was gathered from the Napoleon Public Library, as well as the Deshler Public Library, regarding specific census data. Additionally, the cemetery records from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Napoleon Township were utilized. This cemetery is where many of the Rohrs ancestors are buried.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Napoleon Township is often referred to as the Hanover Settlement, as many of its founding members settled in this area from Hanover, Germany. This was true for Friedrich Rohrs, his wife Catherine, and their four sons and two daughters. They sailed by ship for nineteen days in May 1869, and landed in Baltimore, Maryland. Freedom Township in Henry County was their eventual destination, and this became their home.
The eldest son, Henry A. Rohrs, became well-known for his knowledge of breeding draft horses, especially Percherons, and he further developed the Rohrs farm with many fine buildings. Today, Robert Lawrence Rohrs continues to live on this family farm.
Henry A. Rohrs wed Anna E. Mahnke, and to their marriage were born nine children. The youngest son was Henry F. Rohrs. It was with Henry F. Rohrs that this article began.
The Society’s president, Bill Latta, and the newsletter editor, Jim Rebar, have been working on databasing Democratic Northwest obits from the 1880s. Bill is currently working on 1888, while Jim tackles 1889. As items of interest show up, we try to get them into the newsletter, and that means they will also eventually make it to the website. Now you know why articles from certain years are featured. By the way, the stories have to be unusual or contain a lot of names to make the cut.
The first article is from April 11, 1889, and features Henry Rohrs…
A Celebrated Case
Disposed of Finally at Napoleon-The Date of a Note Proven to be Fraudulent by the Paper it was Written on
(Reprinted from a special to the (Toledo) Bee)
Napoleon, April 4. — The case of Ada Norton vs. Henry Rohrs, receiver, died an ignoble death In the circuit court yesterday The case was an appeal from a decision of the common pleas court at its last session, and it has taken a great share of the public’s attention ever since its appearance in court.
A brief summary of the case is as follows: In 1883, Wm. Sheffield, senior member of the banking house of Sheffield & Norton, committed suicide. The bank went into the hands of Johnson High as receiver, who held that position until ’87, when Henry Rohrs was appointed. Shortly after Mr. Rohrs’ appointment a note was presented, dated 1874, for $1,500 in favor of Ada Norton (wife of J. D. Norton and daughter of Wm. Sheffleld) in consideration of a house and lot, alleged to have been sold to J. D. Norton by her. This note with interest amounted to $3,200. The receiver refused payment on the ground that it was fraudulently executed, and the case entered common pleas court. By much skillful labor on the part of the defense, the paper on which the note was drawn was found to have been manufactured in East Hartford, Conn., and Mr. Eaton, secretary and general manager of the paper mills at that place, was put on the witness stand. He testified that the water mark on the paper was of his own make and that the first time it was ever used was In 1883, thus showing conclusively that the note was drawn sometime after that date instead of 1874, as it was dated. The decision of the court was to this effect. The case was appealed to the circuit court. Here it was proven that the East Hartford Co. furnished the New York Life Insurance Co. in 1887 a bill of paper bearing this same water mark, and that Norton was general agent for that Insurance Co. at that time. This, together, with the evidence already mentioned as given in the lower court, was conclusive, and Judge Beer, in announcing the decision as sustaining that of the common pleas court, was very emphatic in saying that when Johnathan and Ada Norton made deposition that the note was signed and delivered in 1874, they took recourse to an utter fabrication. Mr. Rohrs, as trustee of the Norton estate, has saved the creditors thousands of dollars, and it was by his shrewd tactics that this case was won.
From the Democratic Northwest, January 3, 1889
Liberty Center News
Since fire so completely destroyed the dwelling house occupied by Rev. Mr. Shaw, together with part of his effects, our council has decided to purchase a fire engine, and according to reports the council does not intend to force our citizens to pay for neither an old “Soda Fountain” nor a “Winaworst Can,” but are negotiating for a new band engine the consummation of which will be the organization of a company of “Fire Laddies.”
From the Democratic Northwest, 24 Jan 1889
Surprised Him on His 21st Birthday
As Mat. Reiser, jr. went home to supper on his birthday, January 15th, 1889, his father told him to come home from the store about 8 o’clock as his uncle and aunt intended to come up and spend the evening, so when he got home he met his aunt standing at the gate and asked her whom she was looking for, she told him for his father, and then both went into the house, with his aunt in the lead. She took him into the dining room and he had merely seated himself when in the setting room the German Church Choir began to sing a very agreeable song for the occasion, which surprised him so that he could hardly speak a word, and after the singers got through he was presented with a very fine plush photograph album, which he appreciated very highly. They had barely seated themselves when the door flew open and in came another party of seven young folks, and one commenced reading to him a very touching birthday poem, and then another presented him with a gold pen holder and pen, and when all were seated Mr. and Mrs. Brown, or in short, his aunt and uncle, presented him with a very fine oxidized silver handled silk umbrella. The last of all was the present from his parents, which was an elegant gold watch, which if he is careful with will be a remembrance of his 21st birthday as long as he may live. The choir consisted of the following persons: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Norden, Mr. Richard Horn accompanied by his wife and daughter, Miss Helena Stockman, Miss Louisa Flogaus, John Lauterbach, Frederick Hilgendorff and their teacher Mr. F. A. Firks. The Other party consisted of John and Mary Polker, Chas. Diemer, Frank Hahn, Miss Mary Sigg and Misses Ida and Fannie Shoner. They all enjoyed themselves up to a late hour, when they left for home wishing Mat. many a return of happy birthdays. (Submitted by a guest)
Birthday Surprise
On Saturday evening last, at about 9 o’clock, the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Evers was completely taken possession of by a large number of friends, who seemed to raid the house from garret to cellar. The occasion was the 44th birthday of Mrs. Evers and the surprise was planned by these friends, who met at a neighbor’s, loading themselves with all that was pleasing to the inner man, and with baskets and presents took up their march and found no difficulty in taking possession of all that lay before them. The fun-loving party consisted of Richard Bruns and wife, C. F. Clement and wife, Geo. Cordes, Jas. Dammling and wife, H. C. Groschner and wife, Mrs. Gibbs, of Chicago, Geo. Hahn and wife, Richard Horn and wife, Henry Holterman and wife, Frank Hahn, Henry Kolbe and wife, Fred. Korte, Henry Ludeman and wife, Dr. Maerker and wife, Henry Meyer and wife, H. F. Norden and wife, Chas. Polker and wife, Mrs. Louisa Precht, Fred. Roessing and wife, M. J. Shoemaker and wife, Theo. Suhr and wife, Xavier Sigg, J. W. Tietjens and wife, Albert Theek, Mr. Weissbach and wife and Mrs. Minna Woestefeld.
Mr. and Mrs. Evers surrendered with good grace, and, although completely surprised, turned everything over to the invading enemy (!) The evening was highly enjoyable to all present, pleasantly spent in social chat, music and looking after the comfort of the inner man. Mrs. Evers was recipient of several beautiful and useful presents, among which was a marble-top center table, chair and clothes rack. At a late hour the party repaired to their homes, wishing Mrs. E. many returns of her birthday.
From the Democratic Northwest, March 21, 1889:
HOLGATE – Married, by Squire G. W. Fisher, at his residence in Holgate, on March 13, 1889, John A. Bordner and Miss Jennie Shearer, all of Holgate, O
And again, March 14, 1889, by the same, at the residence of the bride’s mother, Samuel Hoy and Miss Dollie McDonnell, all of Monroe township, Henry county, O. On this occasion there were about 30 of the neighbors and friends gathered at the residence of Mrs. McDonnell and after the couple were married, all present partook of the good things in the way of eatables which had been prepared for the occasion by Mrs. McDonnell. Next comes presents which were as beautiful as numerous: Mrs. Harmon, cake stand; E. P. Hickox and wife, china table set; Mrs. Wm. Donnell, tidy and water pitcher; Mr. and Mrs. Pardee, large stand lamp; C. L. Hickox, lamp; Mrs. Robert Pratt, water pitcher. After the usual congratulations, and the wish of the many friends that the young couple have a prosperous future, all returned to their homes, singing as they went,. “I am glad; that I was there.”
The suit pending before Mayor Stout, which has been brought against J. H. Ledford for keeping his saloon open on Sunday, and was to have been tried on the 18th was continued to Thursday, March 21st.
Joe Keith, our well driver, is at this writing moving his machinery to the county seat, where we understand he will commence the drilling of a well on the fair grounds. Success to Joe and the enterprising people of Napoleon.
From the Democratic Northwest, April 25, 1889:
A Double Wedding
Malinta, O., April 11, 1889. On Sunday, April 7th, 1889, at one o’clock p. m., at the residence of Mr. Fred Sprow, Miss Lillie A. Sprow and Mr. Frank Plough were united in the holy bonds of matrimony.
With loving hearts and honest motives these two young people have started to travel this life together; may their pathway be strewn with flowers, is the wish of their many friends. After a sumptuous dinner was served and a pleasant visit among the guests, the bride and groom, accompanied by Miss Lydia A. Chaney and Mr. John H. Cunningham and other guests, assembled at the residence of Mr. W. F. Chaney to witness like ceremonies. This time the contracting parties were Miss Lydia A. Chaney and Mr. John H. Cunningham, who were united in the bonds of wedlock at 6 p. m. After the congratulations of friends and relatives, supper was in order. The bride was the recipient of some handsome presents.
The peculiarity of the foregoing event is this: The brides are cousins, and each were making arrangements for the occasion, not knowing the arrangements of the other, and both dictated the same day unknowingly, until each was ready to invite the other. Then to their surprise they found their engagements were going to coincide, but which after all was very agreeable to the contracting parties. These young people have pledged their lives together; may their lives always be as happy as their wedding day, and their sorrows be as few. /signed/ G. T.
Some people just don’t like change…
From the Democratic Northwest, May 9, 1889:
Deshler, the lively little railroad center in the southeastern corner of the county, is agitating the gravel road question. A meeting is called for the 15th to consider the matter. To gravel the roads leading out from Deshler would be one of the best moves the town could make. The people of Napoleon speak from experience. Since we commenced to gravel our roads, trade has been better, more people visit Napoleon, and then the comfort of driving along the improved roads is worth all the cost to a community. We hope the Deshler gravel road agitation will amount to something more than talk.
Queries
HARDINGER
I am interested in obtaining information on John W. Hardinger, III. I saw that he was listed in one of your databases. This was what showed on the Internet from your records:
John w. Hardinger, III, Branch- Marine Corp, Discharge Date- 1975-08-15, Vol. #1, Page 393, No notes or remarks
I was also wondering if you have any other information on the surname HARDINGER. Of course that is only one of many names I am researching.
Dana L. “Hardinger” Ward, 2827 Bynum Overlook Drive Abingdon, MD 21009,
Membership Dues
It’s time to renew your membership for the 2017 calendar year. By far, the easiest way to do that is to visit our website’s Membership Form page HERE
You can download the form simply by clicking on the Down Arrow in the bottom menu bar. It will display on your screen and you can then print it.
For those of you receiving the newsletter via postal mail, a membership form is attached.
In every issue of the new online newsletter, we will publish a photo that will either be of interest to researchers with ties to Henry County, or, as is the case this month, is a photo in serious need of subect identification. This photo was sent to us by Jan Began, president of the Geauga County (Ohio) Genealogical Society. The only identifying markings on the photo are the studio (not shown here): Charles Hatcher, Liberty Center, O. Your editor has taken the liberty (no pun intended) of colorizing the photo, in hopes of making the subjects seem more real. He admits that brown shoes and blue suits clash, but he can’t go back and make changes to this photo without a lot of work (translation: he messed up and lost a critical file).
If you have any idea who these gentlemen are, please contact us.
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@gmail.com or post online.
