Feb 13

Tombstone Tuesday–Victor F. & I. Chloe (Douglas) Bollenbacher

Victor & Chloe Bollenbacher, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Mercer County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Victor and Chloe (Douglas) Bollenbacher, located in row 5 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed:

BOLLENBACHER

I Chloe
1905-1998

Victor F.
1903-1985

Victor F. Bollenbacher was born in Adams County, Indiana, on 8 September 1903, the son of John Martin and Emma (Bollenbacher) Bollenbacher.

In 1910 the John Martin Bollenbacher family lived in Jefferson Township, Adams County, Indiana: John, 30; Emma, 31; Victor, 6; Helen, 4; Lucille, 2; Esther, 0; and Hulda Barron, 16, adopted daughter. Victor’s father John farmed. This enumeration reports that Emma had given birth to 5 children but only 4 of them were living. [1]

In the 1920 census Victor’s name is shown as Victor F.J. Bollenbacher. Victor was 16 years old and his father still farmed. The John Bollenbacher household in 1920: John, 40; Emma, 41; Victor, 16; Helen, 13; Lucile, 11; Esther, 9; and Ralph, 7. [2]

Victor Bollenbacher married Ina Chloe Douglas on 8 September 1926 at Zion Chatt.  Witnesses to their marriage were Audy Linn and Velma Linn.

Ina “Chloe” Douglas Bollenbacher was born 5 May 1905 in Adams County, Indiana, the daughter of Augustus “August” D. and Nettie E. (Sipe) Douglas. Zion’s records indicate that she was baptized on 24 June 1917 by Rev. Ezra Glenndening and her baptism record is listed with Zion’s confirmation records. I do not recognize the name Glenndining as being one of Zion’s ministers so she may have been baptized at another church. [3]

The August Douglas family in 1910, Blue Creek Township, Adams County: Augustus D, 37; Nettie, 34; Ethel, 9; Velma, 6; Chloe, 4; Beulah, 3; Herman, 1; and Elsie Thomas, 63, widowed mother. Chloe’s father August was also a farmer. [4]

The August Douglas family in 1920: August, 47; Nettie, 43; Ethel, 20; Velma, 16; Chloe, 14; Beulah, 12; Herman, 10; Thurman, 8; Russell, 5; and Martha, 2. [5]

Victor’s mother Emma died in 1934. His father John married Martha Gertrude “Minnie” Slusser (1896-1963) in 1936. [6] John died in 1958 and he and Emma are also buried in Zion Chatt’s cemetery.

I remember Victor and Chloe, such a nice couple who attended Zion Chatt. They were so pleasant and Chloe always had a smile on her face. I also remember going Christmas caroling at their home years ago. Once, in an effort to make it easier for the older members to come to church and take communion, we offered a special service one Saturday evening. Victor and Chloe were the only ones that attended besides the pastor, Joe, and I, but we still provided them with a complete worship service. I remember this because I played the organ for the service.

Victor & Chloe (Douglas) Bollenbacher, 1979.

Victor Bollenbacher died of a heart attack in Adams County, Indiana, on 4 February 1985, at the age of 81. He was a retired farmer and trucker. Victor was buried on the 7th and Yager-Kirchhofer, Berne, was in charge of the funeral arrangements. [7]

Chloe (Douglas) Bollenbacher died of congestive heart failure at Chalet Village Health Care Center, Berne, on 29 June 1998, at the age of 93. She was buried on 2 July and Downing Funeral Home, Geneva, was in charge of the arrangements. [8]

Victor and Chloe had three children:
Roger Wayne (1929-1929)
Alethea Mae
Olen Eugene

 

[1] 1910 U.S. Census, Jefferson, Adams, Indiana, ED 4, p.2B, dwelling & family 35, John Bollenbacher; Ancestry.com; FHL microfilm 1374351, NARA microfilm T624, roll 338.

[2] 1920 U.S. Census, Jefferson, Adams, Indiana, ED 4, p.7B, dwelling 141, family 51, John M. Bollenbacher; Ancestry.com; NARA microfilm T625, roll 420.

[3] Ezra James Glenndening was the pastor of the Ceylon church. The church burned down 1 April 1923 and was not rebuilt. He was the father of Phyllis Heller, Berne. [Thanks to Brian B for providing that information.]

[4] 1910 U.S. Census, Blue Creek, Adams, Indiana, ED 1, p.11A, dwelling & family 213, Augustus D Douglas; Ancestry.com; FHL microfilm 1374351, NARA microfilm T624, roll 338.

[5] 1920 U.S. Census, Blue Creek, Adams, Indiana, ED 1, p.1B, dwelling 19, family 20, Augustus Douglas; Ancestry.com; NARA microfilm T625, roll 420.

[6] “Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2013,” database with images, FamilySearh.org, John M Bollenbacher and Minnie M Slusser, 12 May 1938; Mercer County Marriages, Vol. 15, p.119; FHL microfilm 2366956.

[7] Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011, database on-line, Ancestry.com, Victor Bollenbacher; Indiana Archives and Records Administration, Indianapolis, Death Certificates, 1985, roll 2.

[8] Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011, database on-line, Ancestry.com, Ina Chloe Bollenbacher 29 Jun 1998; Indiana Archives and Records Administration, Indianapolis, Death Certificates, 1998, roll 9.

Feb 09

Dear Mom & All–WWII Letters from Herb (part 16)

My dad, Herbert Miller, was trained as a replacement troop during the fall of 1944 and by the end of that same year he was in Belgium fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. He had been assigned to Company L, 333rd Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, known as the Railsplitters.

Pfc Herbert M. Miller

My dad wrote quite a few letters home during the time he served our country in Europe during WWII and I am grateful that his family saved most of them. During the first two months of 1945 he did not write many letters home, very likely because he was an infantryman fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and in Germany after that. In March of 1945 he found the time to write a few letters home to his parents and a couple to his sister Em and her husband Norval “Jack.”

Today I post two V-Mail letters that my dad wrote to his sister Em. V-Mail letters were the soldiers’ letters copied onto microfilm in Europe. The film was sent to America where the letter was reprinted on paper at about half its original size and then delivered.

V-mail from Herbert Miller in Germany, 1945.

These letters are from Pfc. Herbert Miller (35845400), Co. L, 333rd Infantry, A.P.O. 84, c/o Postmaster, New York, NY, to Mr. & Mrs. Norval Weitz, RR1, Rockford, Ohio.

V-Mail letter with no envelope:

10 March 1945
Somewhere in Germany

Dear Sis, Jack & all,

How is everything coming along back Chattanooga way? I imagine the farm work is pretty well underway by now.

I received your box of Lady Wayne Chocolate today and I mean to tell you they were really delicious. The squad thought they were good, too. There are twelve men in the squad and they are all regular fellows. When we receive a box we share alike.

I’ve now gotten the Combat Infantryman’s badge. I get $10 more per month. Now with $4 more for P.F.C. and $10 for overseas. That makes my paycheck $74 before deductions.

Well Jack I’ve got myself a Luger now plus a German paratrooper’s knife. They will make nice souvenirs.

I received the Rockford newsletter today. It’s got quite a bit of news in it. Must close for now and thanks again for the candy. Tell Mom not to worry. I’ll write tomorrow and hoping to see you soon.

Love,
Herbie

The Railsplitters Emblem.

Another V-Mail letter to Em and Jack:

25 March 1945
Germany

Dear Em & Jack,

Well today is Palm Sunday. It is about 3 o’clock in the afternoon. I slept till noon, ate dinner, then went to church.

I received a box yesterday from mom and a box the day before from Ruth. I sure was glad to get them.

I haven’t heard from Dorothy for quite a while now. I imagine she is busy or something.

I talked to Milton Schumm a couple of days ago. I still haven’t seen Rev. Arne’s [?] boy.

I imagine Norval is working in the ground now. The weather is just like summer over here now.

Guess I’d better close for now. Am feeling fine and hope that you are the same.

Love,
Herbie

[Note by kmb: Interesting that during the war he ran into someone he knew from the Willshire area! It was Milton Schumm, a relative from my mom’s side of the family. Perhaps they knew each other from Willshire School. He would not have known Milton from my mom because he was dating another woman during the war and had not met my mom yet.]

My dad collected quite a few books about the Battle of the Bulge and the Railsplitters over the years. He made notes in some of them and notes on some little pieces of paper that he used as bookmarks. Here are some notes he made in a book about the 84th, the Railsplitters:

[Note by kmb: I am not sure what town he was referring to below. It looks like Verdiene but that name does not appear to be a town. I wonder…]

Started 3:00 p.m., 12-24 by another battalion,
But Lost Verdiene [?] at about 9:30 P.
We started to fight for Verdiene.
At 1:00 A. we entered town.

In the book he made a note that he was in the town of Laroche.

My dad also made a notation on a photograph in the same book, a photograph of a snow-plowed crossroad captioned: “The capture of this innocent-looking crossroads was probably the turning point of the entire action. It deprived the enemy of the only two first-rate roads to the east, the Laroche Road and the Houffalize Road.”

My dad wrote on that photo: Sgt. David Uherka, Lakewood, Ohio, my squad leader was killed about ¼ mile from this crossroad.

[Note by kmb: Sgt. David Uherka, Find a Grave Memorial no. 55273528. He and my dad were both in the 84th Infantry Division, although Sgt. Uherka’s obituary and notes on Find a Grave.com show he was in the 82nd.      Sgt. Uherka’s grave marker indicates he was in the 84th Infantry Division.]

More WWII letters next week.

Feb 06

Tombstone Tuesday–Roger Wayne Bollenbacher

Roger Wayne Bollenbacher, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Mercer County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Roger Wayne Bollenbacher, located in row 8 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed:

ROGER WAYNE
BOLLENBACHER
JULY-7-1929

Roger Wayne Bollenbacher was stillborn or died shortly after birth on 7 July 1929 in Adams County, Indiana. He was the first child born to Victor Fredrick and Ina Chloe (Douglas) Bollenbacher.

This tombstone may be the only recorded information about this child but the Bollenbacher family confirms that he was the son of Victor and Chloe Bollenbacher. Neither his birth or death is recorded in Zion Chatt’s records and I was unable to find his birth or death record on-line.

Victor and Chloe went on to have two more children, Alethea Mae and Olen Eugene.

Roger’s parents are buried in row 5 of Zion’s cemetery.

Feb 02

Dear Mom & All–WWII Letters from Herb (part 15)

My dad, Herbert Miller, was trained as a replacement troop during the fall of 1944 and by the end of that year he was in Belgium fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. He had been assigned to Company L, 333rd Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, known as the Railsplitters.

Herbert M. Miller, WWII.

My dad wrote quite a few letters home during the time he served our country in Europe during WWII and I am grateful that his family saved most of them. During the first two months of 1945 he did not write many letters home, very likely because he was an infantryman fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. In March of 1945 he found the time to write about 10 letters home to his parents and a couple to his sister Em and her husband Norval “Jack.”

After the Bulge my dad said that he spent 5 days in Holland and then went into Germany. Below are two photos that he took that look like they were taken at the same time and place. However, one is labeled Holland and the other is labeled Belgium.

57mm anti-tank gun, 84th Division, 333rd, labeled Holland.

57mm anti-tank gun, 84th Division, 333rd, labeled Belgium.

The letters I am posting today were written in March 1945, from somewhere in Germany. He was not allowed to say exactly where exactly where in Germany. All of these letters are from Pfc. Herbert Miller (35845400), Co. L, 333rd Infantry, A.P.O. 84, c/o Postmaster, New York, NY, written to his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Carl Miller, RR #1, Willshire, Ohio.

The people he refers to in the letters: Em, Helen, Kate, Vernie, Kenny, and Annie were his siblings. Norval was Em’s husband. Johnnie and Clara were his uncle and aunt. Homer Carr and his wife attended church at Zion Chatt with my dad. Kenneth Ellenberger was my dad’s cousin. Dot was the woman from St. Marys that he was dating at the time.

Envelope postmarked [?] March 1945. Passed by 38658 US Army Examiner [stamped], signed [?] J Bennett [?]. Letter stamped Berne, Ind, 7 Apr 1945.

84th Division, the Railsplitters, Hanover, Germany.

12 March, 1945
Somewhere in Germany

Dear Mom & All,

It’s about 7:15 and I have time for a letter before I go to bed.

I received the box of candy Kate sent, sure was glad to get it. Thanks a lot. That was the only box I received from youins. I received one from EM and Jack, one from Homer Carrs, and one from Johnnie and Clara.

My mail is coming through good and I hear from Dot regular.

I received a letter from Kenneth Ellenberger today and answered it tonight. I also received the V-mail Vernie sent. He sure can write a good letter. A lot better one than I can. What is the matter with Kenny? You don’t mention much about him and he doesn’t ever write much. I’ll bet he is tickled to death to be able to work and make money.

I had to laugh about Vernie and Kenny shooting that rabbit then shooting him again.

I’m going to send home some old German money as a souvenir to Kenny, Vernie, and Annie. They aren’t worth anything but the littlest one and the newest one is good. It is worth 10 cents.

Just heard Jack Benny over the radio. It was a good program.

Guess I’d better close for now. Am feeling fine and hope you are the same.

Love,
Herbie

P.S Please send me a package of cookies, cake, and popcorn. (We can pop the corn over here.)

Back of Sherman Tank, Germany.

[Note by kmb: Seems that my dad was a rather hard on his little brother Kenny for not writing. I had to laugh at that sentence. Kenny would have been about 11 years old at the time and, like most young men, probably had other things to do beside writing letters.]

Envelope postmarked 18 March 1945. Passed by US Army Examiner 38658 [stamped], signed Peter C. Agaisse, 1st Lt.

16 March 1945
Somewhere in Germany

Dear Mom & All,

It’s Friday afternoon and thought I’d drop youins a couple of lines. Have they started the farm work yet? Boy this winter sure did go fast. It won’t be long until spring is over with.

How are the kids coming along with school? Just a couple of months anymore and school will be over with. I’ll bet they will be glad.

I received the V-mail that Helen sent. Thanks a lot. The mail hasn’t come in yet today. I’ve been waiting for a couple of hours.

I imagine you wonder how Germany looks around here. The towns and city are very close together, not more than 2-6 miles from the next one. Then there are farm houses between the cities. Some of the small towns don’t even have a house torn down. The civilians in these towns would hang out white flags and their houses would be saved. Some of the towns, especially the larger ones, are really torn up.

We took shots today. I guess we never will get away from taking them.

Can’t think of much more to write so am going to close. I’m feeling fine and hope you are the same.

Love,
Herbie

84th Division Soldier with carbine, Belgium.

Postmarked 22 March 1945. Passed by US Army Examiner 33658 [stamped], signed Peter C Agaisse, 1st Lt.

20 March 1945
Somewhere in Germany

Dear Mom & All,

Received three letters from youins today. Sure was glad to get them.

It just got dark so am writing this by the electric lights we have in this town. We even have running water here.

The civilians are working in the fields and gardens around here. It sure has warmed up.

I was sitting on the steps watching the civilians plow. That ground worked up that way made me think of the farm. They do most of their work by oxen and horses. They have some of the biggest oxen I ever saw, about like elephants. They use two-wheeled carts, about half as long as our hay wagons and about the same height.

You have probably heard of the Cologne plain. It is just as flat as a board. If it wouldn’t be for the towns and trees you could see for miles. From the Ruhr to the Rhine we walked about 60 miles in about 5 days.

The buildings here aren’t like the wood houses at home. They are made of stone, brick, or cement from 1-2 feet thick. The house and barn are usually joined and surrounded by a high stone wall. About all of the farmers had some slave labor. And it tickles me to death to see them do their own work and being told what to do.

All of the German houses seemed to be pretty well supplied in meat, potatoes, and fruit. The fruit probably isn’t there anymore. Once in a while a bottle of wine or cognac is found.

On a lot of German prisoners you find American pistols and watches. I imagine they came off of our prisoners.

Can’t think of much more to write so I’d better close. Am feeling fine and hope you are the same.

Lots of love,
Herbie

P.S. I’m going to send home my paratroopers’ knife I have, when I can.

WWII German Paratrooper Knife sent home by Herb.

WWII German Paratrooper Knife sent home by Herb.

One page of a letter that has no envelope with it:

24 March 1945
Germany

[stamped] Berne Ind, 12 Apr 1945

Dear Mom & All,

It is evening and I have decided to write one or two letters and then go to bed.

You say you haven’t received the wrist watch yet. I had it insured and am sending the receipt in this letter. It is insured for $25 and the camp I sent it from is a secret P.O.E. in Massachusetts. I’m also sending a little French and some Belgium money home. You will also find a German postage stamp.

I haven’t heard from Dorothy for a couple of weeks. I don’t know…

[Note by kmb: Unfortunately, there are no more pages of this letter.]

Letter & envelope all in one, folded. Postmarked [?] March 1945. Passed by US Army Examiner 33658 [stamped], signed Peter C Agaisse, 1st Lt.

28 March 1945
Germany

Dear Mom & All,

I received your letter tonight. Sure was glad to receive it. I really was surprised today. I received two boxes of Hershey’s candy today. Em & Norval had them sent. I also got the Standard today.

I’ve received about 4 or 5 letters from Kenneth Ellenberger but I got 4 of them in 1 day about a week ago and 1 today. I answered the others and am going to answer it tonight.

I went to a show tonight, the first one I’ve seen since December. I went to a USO show the other day but it turned out to be the Division’s band. It is really a good band.

I’ll bet the kids are glad that school will be out soon. Well, Willshire didn’t do so bad this year. I would have liked to see them go farther.

Must close for now. Am feeling fine and hope you are the same.

Love,
Herbie

P.S. Please send me a box of cookies and peanuts.

[Note by kmb: Those home-baked items must have really been a treat and watching them farm in Germany in the spring surely made him long to be farming back in Mercer County. He always liked to farm and work outdoors.]

More WWII letters next week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jan 30

Tombstone Tuesday–Col. Robert E. Kimmel, Sr.

Today’s Tombstone Tuesday is a little different than those I usually post. Today I would like to pay tribute to a former Mercer County, Ohio, native that recently passed away in California. Thanks to Judith for sending me Col. Robert Kimmel’s newspaper obituary.

Colonel Robert E. Kimmel, Senior, USAF (retired) had a very impressive military history. According to his obituary:

Robert entered the Army Aviation Cadet Program in October 1940. He served as a B-17 instructor pilot and was one of the first members of the 97th Bomb Group. They were some of the first American bomber pilots to go to England’s defense in 1942 and were later made famous in the move Twelve O’clock High. He flew the B-17 in both the European and Pacific theaters until the end of the war and survived 50 combat missions. He was awarded the Silver Star in 1942 for gallantry in action when he saved a crippled bomber from German fighters. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and earned the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters. His aviation skills and achievements are documented in several scholarly books of that period.

B-17

Robert flew with Major Paul Tibbets of Enola Gay fame; bunked with Major General Jimmy Doolittle; briefed Prime Minister Winston Churchill and General Dwight Eisenhower; flew with Major General Ira Eaker; and met and dined with President Roosevelt in North Africa. He was selected to be Chief Pilot and Executive Assistant for General Carl Spaatz, who later became the U.S. Air Force’s first Chief of Staff. In 2014 Robert Kimmel’s wings were added to the Flyers’ Wall of the Mission Inn, Riverside, California.

Robert married Annette Yale in 1945 and they had two sons, Lt. Co Robert E. Kimmel, Jr, USAF (retired) and Lt. Col. James W. Kimmel, USAF (retired). His wife passed away in 2017. Both Robert and Annette are buried in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California.

Robert graduated from the Ohio State University and moved to California, where he retired from a career in real estate in 2008.

We certainly thank Robert and his family for their service to our county.

A little about Robert’s Mercer County history:

Robert Elroy Kimmel was born on 10 June 1915 in Dublin Township, near Rockford, the son of Ralph and Fannie Clesta (Hoverman) Kimmel. Ralph and Fannie were married at the Methodist Church in Willshire in 1903. His father Ralph Kimmel was born and raised in Dublin Township and his mother Fannie was born in Spencerville, Ohio, but was living in Blackcreek Township at the time of their marriage. [1] 

Robert’s father Ralph was born in Mercer County on 14 July 1883 and died of cancer on 4 December 1934 in Dublin Township. He was 51 years old and is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Rockford. [2]

Several years later, on 7 October 1944, Robert’s mother Fannie (Hoverman) married widower and retired farmer Gilbert Lampy. Her address was RR Mendon, Ohio, at the time of their marriage. [3] Fannie (1883-1959) is also buried at Riverside Cemetery in Rockford. [4]

Robert’s father Ralph was the son of William and Lydia (Tester) Kimmel. In 1900 one William Kimmel owned land in Section 19, Dublin Township, west of Rockford. It was located on the east side of Township Line Road and a little south of Rockford West Road, not far from some of my Schumm relatives, the Friedrich Schumm family. This was likely where the Kimmels lived. The William Kimmel family in 1900: William, 44; Lydia, 42; Ferdellus, 18; Ralph, 16; and Jesse, 8. William and Lydia had been married 22 years and 3 of their 5 children were living. [5]

Robert’s parents Ralph and Fannie married in 1903 and Robert was born in 1915. The 1916 Mercer County Directory indicates that Ralph lived in Rockford. The Ralph Kimmel household in 1920 in Dublin Township: Ralph, 36; Fannie, 36; Gerald, 15; Willie, 13; Robert, 4; Paul, 1; and Augustus Huff, 31, boarder. Ralph was a farmer. [6]

The Ralph Kimmel household in 1930: Ralph, 46; Fannie, 46; Gerald, 25; Robert, 14; Paul. 11; Betty, 5; and Ida Hoverman, 71, mother. Ida would have been Fannie’s mother. Ralph was still a general farmer. [7]

Robert’s father Ralph died of cancer in 1934. [2] In 1940 Robert worked road construction, his brother Paul farmed, and their mother Fannie managed the farm. The household in 1940: Fannie, 57; Robert, 24; Paul, 21; and Betty, 15. [8]

Robert Kimmel had the following siblings:
Oscar Gerald (1904-1984), married Florence Jane Webb
William Conrad (1906-1973), married Ruby Merinar
Betty (1924-2016 ), married Odus Baxter
Paul P (1919-2012), married Joan Eichenaur

Colonel Robert E. Kimmel, Senior, USAF (retired), passed away 9 January 2018. In remembrance of him and with appreciation for his service to our country.

 

[1] “Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2013,” database with images, FamilySearch.org, Ralph Kimmel and Fannie Clestia Hoverman, 8 Nov 1903; Mercer County Marriages, Vol. 8, p.494; FHL microfilm 914957.

[2] “Ohio Deaths, 1908-1953,” database with images, FamilySearch.org, Ralph Kimmel, 4 Dec 1934; Dublin, Mercer, file no. 74797; FHL microfilm 2022234.

[3] “Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2013,” database with images, FamilySearch.org, Gilbert Lampy & Fannie Clestia Kimmel, 7 Octo 1944; Mercer County Marriages, Vol. 16, p.477; FHL microfilm 2366956.

[4] FIndAGrave.com, Ralph Kimmel memorial no. 93640520; Fanny Kimmel memorial, no. 93640691.

[5] 1900 U.S. Census, Dublin, Mercer, Ohio, ED 77, p.13B, dwelling 274, family 278, William Kimble; Ancestry.com; FHL microfilm 1241303, NARA microfilm T623, roll 1303.

[6] 1920 U.S. Census, Dublin, Mercer, Ohio, ED 128, p.10B, dwelling & family 235, Ralph Kinnell;  Ancestry.com; NARA microfilm T625, roll 1418.

[7] 1930 U.S. Census, Dublin, Mercer, Ohio, ED 6, p.2A, dwelling 32, family 33, Ralph Kimmel; Ancestry.com; FHL microfilm 2341584, NARA microfilm T626, roll 1850.

[8] 1940 U.S. Census, Dublin, Mercer, Ohio, ED 54-6, p.3B, line 44, Fannie C Kimmel; Ancestry.com; NARA microfilm T627, roll 3114.