Henry County Genealogical Society Newsletter
Volume 22, Number 5, September –October 2008
MEETINGS
November 17, 2008 – Monday 6:30 p.m.
First Families potluck. Bring table service and 2 dishes to pass. Drinks provided. Speaker Pete Wilhelm will discuss Native Americans in the area.
NEW MEMBERS
No new members this month.
Membership is $10 a per year. Dues are paid the first of each year. Mid-year memberships receive newsletters from the beginning of the calendar year.
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.
SURNAMES…
Anyone wishing to have their surnames posted in the January-February 2009 newsletter please submit your name, membership number, and list of Henry Countyrelated surnames you are researching no later than Dec. 15, 2008. Send them directly to the newsletter editor at: wendypen@wcnet.org or to Karen Sunderman, 636 W. Maple St., Deshler, OHA3516, attn: Surname List.
If you mailed your membership dues and a list of surnames for 2008, you may assume those will be included.
NOW IS THE HOUR …
Winter is a good time to work on genealogical projects. Sit down with members of the older generation during holiday get-togethers and ask lots of questions. Don’t forget to write down the answers! You won’t remember what they tell you, trust me. Better yet, record their responses and stories. And take lots of pictures. Each holiday is the “Best One Yet.”
QUERIES
We print all queries pertaining to Henry County for free, regardless of membership. But, many of the queries I receive do not contain all required information: name of person being searched, approx. location/time period, writer’s name, e-mail address, and regular mailing address. Many of you now block “spam” e-mail, which means I am unable to write back for more information. Please, either follow the rules and give us all necessary information, or unblock your e-mail for our return responses! After two attempts your queries are simply thrown away. If you are serious about getting help from us, it is to your benefit to follow the guidelines.
Queries
BAUER
Trying to find a misplaced g-granduncle, John F. Bauer, son of Christian and Caroline (Siefert). In 1880 census, he is still with his parents in Flatrock Twp., Henry Co. (age 13). In 1900 census I find John Bauer (b. Sept. 1866) in Adams Twp., Defiance Co. with wife Anna R. and children Mary, Estella, Alphonsus, Regina, Celia & Leona. Family moved to Jackson Co., MI ca. 1908 and by 1920 there were 14 children. Trying to determine whether this is the same John Bauer. –Ken Thompson
DOLLARHIDE’S GENEALOGY RULES
A genealogist needs to be a detective. Just gimme da facts, Ma’am.
With any luck, some of the people in your family could read and write-and may have left something written about themselves.
Always interview brothers and sisters together in the same room. Since they can’t agree on anything about the family tree, it makes for great fun to see who throws the first punch.
When going to another town for genealogical research, you will always find information on the ancestor for whom you brought no notes.
That cemetery in Missouri where your great-grandparents were buried is now called Interstate 70.
It ain’t history until it’s written down. Ifit’s not written down, it ain’t history yet.
Interesting Stuff
Ed. Note: Every now and then I have a little space to fill and go through my file “collection.” Some items are pretty old, but fortunately we deal in old stuff
INHERITANCE LAWS — Prior to 1786 a will in Virginia did not have to name the wife or eldest son. Their inheritance of real estate was set by law-the widow receiving her 1/3 dower and the eldest son receiving the remaining 2/3, unless otherwise specified in the decedent’s will. The eldest son also received his mother’s share if she died. If the eldest son had died, the eldest grandson of the whole blood became the heir-at-law, not the second son. Ifa man were unmarried, his heir-at-Iaw was his eldest brother-never his father or his uncle. In New England the eldest son received a double portion of the estate. This double portion was called his birthright. If a genealogist finds that a person conveyed a 117 interest in the father’s estate, one may conclude there were six surviving children, each of whom received 117 of the estate, except for the eldest son, who received 217. – Blue Grass Roots, 1987
COLONIAL TRADITIONS – During the colonial period of our country’s history, many British traditions were commonly used. The terms of British social rank were also used here though they usually lacked the strict meanings and social implications that had been attached to them in Britain. In many records we find persons referred to as “Esquire” (Esq.) or “Gentleman” (Gent.) In Britain a person who had “Esq.” tacked ont the end of his name was able to bear arms and was next in social precedence to a knight. Ifhe had “Gent.” at the end of his name this signified gentle birth also, but one step down the social ladder. – Researchers Guide to Am. Genealogy
QUAKERS – It is possible to establish that some Quakers had honorable was service which would make some descendants eligible for DAR or SAR membership. Whil it is true that Quakers refused to bear arms, many took a very active and helpful part in the war as teamsters, physicians, and other non-combative roles. Some also contributed large sums of much needed money. – Sequoia Gen Soc., CA
RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD – Master files for retired railroad workers are kept at 844 Rust St., Chicago, IL 60611. When writing for information, give name of retired employee, the road worked for (Baltimore & Ohio or, Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton, etc.), position held, home base, and dates of service.
FEDERAL CENSUS INDEX BOOKS – It has been noted that there is about a 19% omission rate in the published volumes of indexes for each state. If you do not find the names you are searching for in an index, and if you are fairly sure the families were in that particular locale, be sure to check the original census on the microfilmed record.
PARTIES IN SCOTLAND – Marriage feasts, known as “penny weddings” were held in Scotland until 1644. Each guest paid a penny or a small amount of money to defray the expenses of the feast. If any money was left over it went toward the furnishings of the couple’s new home. – Botna Valley Gen. Soc. Iowa
From The Deshler Flag 1 June 1900 and 8 June 1900
Through the courtesy of Assessor Ferrill we are enabled to give below the names of the soldiers of the rebellion who are residents of this township [presumably Bartlow]. Those who served in the Spanish-American War are designated by an asterisk (*). Mr. Ferrill is not positive that he has enrolled all the names and if any have been missed they will please report to this office, as he has left the book with us for that purpose, and it is important that every soldier should have his name registered in this book. The list is as follows, with company and regiment to which they belonged:
| ARMSTRONG, J. C. | H | 13th OVI |
| BENNETT, Wm. | F | 63rd OVI |
| BEAM, Wm. | E | 100th Pensylvania |
| BROWN, S. A. | F | USA Eng Corps |
| BROWN, John E. A. | F | 3rd Reg’t Inf. |
| BUTLER, B. M. | D | 65th OVVI |
| CUMMINGS, John | H | 52nd OVI |
| COLBOTH, Geo. W. | C | 31st Illinois |
| COLLIER, Isaac | B | 21st OVI |
| CAIN, Wm. W. | A | 62nd Pennsylvania Vol. |
| CAPEN,G. J. | C | 23rd OVI |
| CLABAUGH, Joe | G | 118th OVI |
| DA YRINGER, H. J. | G | 21st OVI |
| ENGLISH, Joseph | H | 48th IVI (sic) |
| EARP, Wm. | D | 81st OVI |
| FRENCH, F. H. | I | 14th OVI |
| FAIRBANKS, Oliver | I | 188th OVI |
| FIELDS, Joseph | B | 64th OVVI |
| FOUST, Amos | F | 21st OVVI |
| FREDERICK, Erestus | A | 68th OVVI |
| GINGERY, John | D | 21st OVVI |
| HELLER, George | G | 10th OVC |
| HOWE, Charles | L | 4th NYHA |
| HERR, Isador | C (?) | 9th OVC (could be an 0) |
| HILL, John | K | 111th OVI |
| HILL, Alva* | F | 6th OVI |
| ISBELL, Ed* | G | 6th OVI |
| JAMESON, John T. | M | 3rd OVI |
| JENKINS, N. W. | D | 99th OVI |
| KIRK, Warren * | F | 6th OVl |
| KEERAN, James B. N. | B | 64th OVI |
| LONGBRAKE, James | K | 57th (or 67th ?) OVVI |
| MICHAEL, P. T. | E | 186th OVI |
| MOHR, Henry | D | 99th OVI |
| McQUISTON, Peter | A | 174th OVI |
| MYRlCE, Wm. | B | 100th OVI |
| NEWELL, Martel B. * | F | 3rd Wisconsin |
| O’HEARN, E. P. * | H | 10th OVI |
| PARSONS, S. N. | A | 123th OVI |
| PATTERSON,J. M. | E | 38th OVVI |
| PAGE,J. W. | B | 17th OVVI |
| ROBINSON, James F. | US. Navy | |
| REYNOLD, John | B | 9th USI |
| ROOF, John F. | K(?) | 33rd OVl |
| REESE, Richard B. | C | 27th OVVl |
| ROWELL, Andrew | E | 74th OVVl |
| ROY, Charles | D&E | 3rd Indiana VI |
| STEVENS, Ed | I | MVl |
| SHERMAN, F. S. | 9th OVC | |
| SHOWERS, Isaac | D | 5th IOC |
| SNYDER, Joseph | D | 26th Kentucky |
| STRICKER, Amos | F | 100th OVI |
| SPRINGER, James H. | I | 82nd OVI |
| SMITH, Felix M.* | U.S. Army | |
| SHEEHAN, John | — | —————– |
| THOMAS, Wm. N. | G | 185th OVI |
| TICE, Benjamin | H | 67th OVI |
| VANSCOYOC, Isaas B. | L | 1st OVHA |
| WHEELER, J. H. | A | 81st ONG |
| WARD, Edward | F | 86th OVI |
| YOUNG, Levi | — | —————– |
June 8-Moses E. FIRMAN, Co G, 118th OVI was not at horne when the assessor was making his rounds, consequently his name did not appear in the list of Bartlow Twp. soldiers. If there are any more who have been missed they will please report to this office.
The Signal
Dec. 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.
NAPOLEON WOOLEN MILLS
The founding of this enterprise dates back decades and it has ever proved a boon to the employees as an institution where steady work and good pay are always in order. Chas. F. and E. A. AUGENSTEIN, operators, own the controlling interest and have full management. At present the firm’s shipments average $50,000, the points of shipment being Chicago and St. Louis. Their specialties are shirting and skirting flannels, the most improved machinery being used, turning out very superior goods and for which there is great demand. The mill employs 35 hands, all of whom receive good wages.
Chas. F. has charge of the manufactory and superintends the work. He was born in Napoleon, February 27, 1858, and received his education from the Union schools. He has worked in the mill more or less all his life, hence when he rose to part owner and manager the work fell into competent hands. A. E. [sic] is also a Napoleon boy, having been born here August 10, 1863. He graduated from the Napoleon high school and finished his education at Oberlin College. Returning he entered the office as book-keeper and manager, with the intention of making it his lifelong business. With these two gentlemen at the helm, each thoroughly competent in his part, the Napoleon Woolen Mills will long remain a laridmark of enterprise and a source of profit to all concerned.
CHAS. N. SCHWAB
There are probably as few surveyors in Napoleon as any other town of its size in the state. But their efficiency makes up for paucity and at the head of those is Surveyor Chas N. SCHWAB. He was born in Tiffin, March 24, 1853, and with the exception of two years at his birthplace and the same number in Putnam County just over the line from Pleasant Township, he has lived his life a citizen of Henry County. His parents, Oswald and Barbara SCHWAB moved to Pleasant Township in 1857. Charley is the third son of four – the others Matthias, Philip and Peter. With the exception of Philip, who died about a year ago, they are all living.
Charley attended common school and early developed his talents as a draughtsman. In 1873 he entered the employ of Henry KOLBE and learned the surveyors profession. Remaining with him four years he returned to the farm one year and then taught school, in which capacity he continued another four years. He was married October 28, 1879, to Miss Susan L. DANIELS, of Loraine County. He was appointed deputy auditor by Charles EVERS in 1882 and discharged his duties as such in a highly commendable manner until 1880, when he resigned to accept the office of Henry County surveyor. He was re-elected at the expiration of his first term. After retiring from office in 1892, he opened up an office in the VOCKE block, 2nd floor, where he is now found. As a draughtsman and surveyor he is regarded as the very best. He leaves behind him an official record of which he can justly feel proud. Notwithstanding the great difficulty in filling this office to the satisfaction of all, there was very little kicking done against Mr. SCHWAB’S official acts. He makes a specialty of township work and the attention of trustees is called to this fact.
DR. KARL H. KOLBE
Although but 22 years of age Dr. KOLBE as a veterinary surgeon has achieved a good reputation all over the county. He, besides a good common school education, is a graduate of the Toronto, Canada, Veterinary College, having also taken a special course in dentistry. From the very day on which he hung out his shingle in this, his old home, his efforts have been attended with success. Particularly has he given satisfaction in surgical operations and those who have had occasion to employ his services are loud in commending his knowledge of horses. His livery stable burned out a year ago but nothing daunted he built a new structure and now operates one of the best equipped stables in this section.
S. M. HONECK
“Mart” as he is familiarly called, is our leading clothier. He started out with nothing, but has now one of the finest clothing stores and merchant tailoring establishments in the city. He was born in Napoleon in 1854 and never left it for any length of time. Learning his trade here he started in business for himself and was soon able to keep pace with competition. Steadily his business grew, demanding that his quarters be changed to a larger room and more central location, that of the CARY block on Perry Street. Success still continuing his portion, he now owns his establishment from basement to roof. As an advertiser Mr. HONECK is all that the newspapers in town and county can desire and he freely admits that printer’s ink was to a large extent instrumental in bringing about his success. John LAUTERBACH is his head tailor, and Jos. HONECK head salesman.
MRS. A. M. FREASE
The millinery firm of Mrs. A. M. FREASE is too well established to need an introduction to the people in Henry County, it having successfully operated 12 years. The business occupies the commodious ground floor of the FREASE block, opposite the court house on East Washington Street. The fixtures are fine though not in any way excelled by the elegance and extent of the stock therein. By a knowledge of the business gained only by experience, Mrs. FREASE is able each season to place before her large patronage the very latest in style and quality at the same time holding prices down to a very small margin. Mrs. FREASE’S head milliner is Miss Anna DUFF, who is assisted my Misses Lizzie LEMERT, Althea LEACH, Addie ANDREWS and Mrs. RlTTER.
KOLBE SISTERS
One of the neatest and elaborately stocked millinery establishments here abouts is that of the KOLBE sisters on West Washington Street. The store was formerly that of the DAVISON Sisters and was purchased by Misses Froeda and Hanna D. KOLBE in May of ’93. They built up a very large patronage and continued business until August of the present year when the senior partner Miss Froeda formed another partnership, matrimonially speaking, and the junior partner assumed full control. There is no branch of the millinery business in which she does not deal. Her stock is large and of the very latest, while her trimmers consisting of Misses Anna HESS, Mary A CARY, Beryl MANN, and Catharine KOLBE are first class as their work and the large demand for it attests. At present – it being between seasons – the firm is disposing of goods at cost.
NORDEN & BRUNS
A dry goods firm of Napoleon which is a veritable trade puller is that of NORDEN & BRUNS.
H. F. NORDEN was born in Hannover, Germany, January 21, 1851. While still young he migrated to America and located in Napoleon. He first worked for E. CAROLL in the grocery business and left there to accept a position with the dry goods firm of S. M HELLER. In 1877 he went to Grand Rapids and in partnership with Mr. HELLER operated a store for two years, but in 1879. moved it to Napoleon. The firm continued until 1885, when the junior partner disposed of his interest to Richard BRUNS. Mr. NORDEN entered the matrimonial state on May 13, 1879, with Miss Kate H. SEELING, daughter of Henry SEELING.
Mr. BRUNS is also a native of Hannover, the date of his birth February 16, 1854. At the age of 18 he came to Napoleon and for two years worked in the brick yard and at odd jobs. He then worked for MEYERHOLTZ a year, BOCKERMAN 2 years – both grocery firms – A IMBER, dry goods, 3 years, and S. M. HELLER & Co. 8 years. In February, 1878, he married Miss Mary BUCHOP, daughter of Wm. BUCHOP. His partnership with Mr. NORDEN dates from 1885.
As manipulators of their business both partners are very worthy. They have worked in dry goods a long time and must necessarily be adept. Their store is a model of excellence, being 110 feet long and three floors, communicated with by an elevator, the only one yet put in by a dry goods house here. The floors are occupied as follows: Basement, boots and shoes; ground floor, dry goods; second story, cloak department. Always up to the times they have been using the cash carrier system for years. Besides themselves they employ a force of 5 persons: William MEYERHOLTZ, Misses Theresa SHONER, Bertha VOLKMAN, Emma VEY, Lena STOCKMAN.
The trade of this firm has never been better than it now is. They are better than ever prepared this year for the holiday trade and hold themselves in readiness to agreeably surprise their patrons in quality, prices and new designs.
HENRY MEYER
The name of Henry MEYER and that of the clothing business have been closely connected for years. He is certainly a veteran in his chosen vocation and is known throughout Henry County as an honest and square dealer. Mr. MEYER is a native of Hannover, Germany, born Nov. 20, 1844. When 22 years old he came to this country and located in Napoleon. His trade was that of taylor (sic) at which he worked both here and Defiance before going into business for himself. This he did in 1870 by purchasing the interest of A J. VANDENBROCK in the firm of VANDENBROCK & HAHN. Two years after this, Nov. 28, 1872, Mr. MEYER was married to Miss Louise SEELING. This firm continued business until 1886 when it dissolved, Mr. MEYER retaining the stock, the terms of the dissolution giving Mr. HAHN the building. Although his lease did not expire for some time Mr. MEYER rented the SHONER block and operated two stocks.
As a ready made clothing and custom work establishment, his store is ably holding its own with other institutions of its kind. He employs a large force of practical workmen to supply the demand for goods in his merchant tailoring department, while the store proper has a steady and satisfactory trade. A life time of successful business had proven to Mr. MEYER that printer’s ink at all times gives value received; hence, he looks upon advertising as the quickest and most reliable way in which to tell the people of his excellent and varied stock, as well as the low prices attached thereto. In his store room the proprietor is assisted in waiting on his large trade by Messrs. Joseph DEIMLING and Fred MEYER, two courteous and obliging clerks who have many friends.
JAMES P. RAGAN
Lawyer Jas. P. RAGAN has been Henry County’s state’s attorney for nearly six years, his second term of office expiring with the coming new year. He is Irish the whole length of his six feet one, with his full share of traits, characteristic of his race.
He was born at Mt. Gilead (now Grand Rapids) and lost both parents when still young. Being the eldest of the four children he was the mainstay of the other three. Educating himself by farm labor and teaching, he rapidly developed that proclivity for research that has stood him in such good need in after years. As teacher he had for pupils such well known men as Judge DONNELLY, Dr. BAKESTRAW, and Thos. McENERY, prominent attorney in Chicago. With aspirations higher, he studied law with Hon. J. H. TYLER and was admitted in 1878. He fonned a partnership with J. M. HAAG, which was dissolved on Mr. RAGAN’S election to the prosecutor’s office in 1880. He was re-elected in 1892 and leaves behind him a record of brilliant and commendable work As a lawyer and politician he stands very high and his wit and eloquence have long given him the name of the “Irish Barrister of the Maumee.”
HON. JOHN V. CUFF
Another teacher who finally entered law is Judge CUFF. He was educated at the Valparaiso Normal school and taught school ten years, the last two of which he superintended the Liberty Center schools; was chosen to the state legislature two terms, 1883-87; admitted to the bar during the latter part of his second term, and located in Napoleon. In 1893 he was elected probate judge, the duties of which he assumed in February of the present year. He is at present president of the school board and a prominent member of secret societies. In fact, wherever Judge CUFF has cast his lot he has ever distinguished himself. As Democrat, lawyer, orator, man, he is one who commends universal esteem.
Shoe Stores – POLKER & WESTHOVEN, M. REISER, Theo. SAHR.
Blacksmiths – J. OVERMIRE, Albert KANNEY, John KUAZ, G. RESRITH, Jie KANSEY, John MILLER, Jos. SHAFF, KRABILL & PLUMMER, W. JOHNSON.
Photographers – E. A. MAYNARD, George W. GARDNER & Son.
Livery Stables – Karl KOLBE, Geo. R. TEEPLE, Chas. VAN HYMING, H. JONES.
