Jan 20

Wets and Drys

I continue to search through old issues of The Celina Democrat, looking for articles and information about our area of Mercer County. Sometimes I find news pieces about Liberty and Blackcreek Townships, and even some news about the village of Willshire, in Van Wert County. Issues of The Celina Democrat for the years 1910-1918 are online, so I am limited to that time period.

One thing I noticed is that this newspaper, during this time period, often featured articles about liquor and drinking. It was a hot topic back then. This was just a few years before Prohibition. They featured articles about the Wet/Dry debate and they made their stance known. The Celina Democrat was anti-liquor. They were Dry.  

Of course, Chatt had a saloon. Actually I believe there were two saloons in town at one time, and because of that the village occasionally made the news. And that news was not all good news, but it is rather interesting to read now.

These articles were related mostly to local news, but there was some news from other areas. It went like this in 1910:

The Celina Democrat, 20 May 1910 [Celina news]

The Celina Democrat, 27 May 1910

The Celina Democrat, 27 May 1910

The Celina Democrat, 24 Jun 1910 [Cincinnati news]

The Celina Democrat, 23 Dec 1910

The Celina Democrat, 2 Sep 1910

The Celina Democrat, 28 Oct 1910 [Cincinnati news]

Then, in June 1910, Liberty Township, where the village of Chattanooga is located, had a vote on whether the township would be wet or dry.

The Celina Democrat, 20 May 1910

The Celina Democrat, 10 Jun 1910

The people spoke and their votes were counted:

The Celina Democrat, 17 Jun 1910

The following piece was also in that 17 June 1910 newspaper, right near the voting results:

The Celina Democrat, 17 Jun 1910

And so it went. Things in Chatt were pretty quiet until October, when there were a couple incidents, one at the saloon, the other at a church east of town.

The Celina Democrat, 21 Oct 1910 

I am not sure if that article will be legible, so here is the transcription:

REIGN OF BOOZE AND TERROR Still Has Chattanooga and Vicinity Guessing-Conditions Grow Worse.
Chattanooga continues to bask in the sunshine of booze and is making arrangements to contribute its share of degenerates to society de bum.

Last Saturday night they cut loose and had the most important session yet announced. It was attended by a couple of stars of doubtful pedigree from across the State Line-one Oliver Everett, of Pleasant Mills, and one Hattie Burkhart, of Decatur. Making a specialty of jags at Chattanooga, they invested in a couple and the fun was on. The young bucks began to see around the corners and smacked their lips. Hattie led the procession. As an artist in vulgarity and profanity she made the welkin ring. When she was interfered with she grew obstreperous and handed out a few short-arm jabs that had ginger in them and concluded by handling the arresting officer a few, who finally got in a swipe on the jaw and she went down for the count. Squire Leininger’s court then began to grind. Hattie was found to have painted the village to the extent of $10 and costs, which was duly assessed, and the young bloods fell over each other to contribute to the fund for her liberation. She was then ordered to get out of town.

Young Everett, who admitted to furnishing liquor to the girl, was bound over to court in the sum of $500 and brought here and lodged in jail. He claims to be under age. It is said he got the liquor from the Chattanooga joints, one of which is run by the officer who arrested Everett.

Liberty township voters evidently got all they voted for when they entered into partnership with these saloons.

The lawlessness and debauchery will probably continue until a murder or two occurs.

The Celina Democrat, 21 Oct 1910

Ah, the good old days. I see every generation had their problems.

Jan 17

Tombstone Tuesday-Epitaphs

Some tombstones are inscribed with an epitaph. Epitaphs are usually insightful and/or clever. They may tell something about the deceased or provide philosophical insights about life and death.

Some of my favorite epitaphs:

Remember me as you pass by.
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so must you be.
Prepare for death and follow me.
[Baptist Cemetery, Noble Co, IN]

Baptist Cemetery, Noble Co, IN

Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake. Stepped on the gas instead of the brake.
[Uniontown, Pennsylvania]

She always said her feet were killing her, but nobody believed her.
[Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia]

Here lies Johnny Yeast. Pardon me for not rising.
[Ruidoso, New Mexico]

Here lies Ezekial Aikle, age 102. The good die young.
[East Dalhousie Cemetery, Nova Scotia]

ANN MANN
Here lies Ann Mann, who lived an old maid but died an old Mann.
[London, England, Dec. 8, 1767]

Here lies an Atheist. All dressed up and no place to go.
[Thurmont, Maryland]

Epitaph of Jack Dempsey:
A Gentle Man and a Gentleman.

Some years ago one of my patients gave me this photo of a tombstone that has an interesting and unusual inscription beneath her vital information. The tombstone is located in Wright Cemetery, Shelby County, Ohio:

Elizabeth Stoner  , Wright Cemetery, Shelby County, Ohio

Elizabeth Stoner
Wife of John Stoner
Born Oct. 18, 1822
Died Aug. 23, 1901
Age 79 years

“This stone was bought by her son W. H. Stoner and paid for by him after his sister squandered all her mother’s money.”

Written in stone for all time…

Jan 13

Chatt-area News, 1910

More Chatt-area news from 1910, as published in The Celina Democrat.

Peter Mertz, of Chattanooga, had his hand crushed.  [The Celina Democrat, 2 Sep 1910]

Mertz, Celina Democrat, 2 Sep 1910

And in the same paper, the birth of a Linn baby boy. [The Celina Democrat, 2 Sep 1910]

Linn, Celina Democrat, 2 Sep 1910

Here is an ad for an item you may not recognize.

Waists, Celina Democrat, 9 Sep 11910

Waist is an old term I have not heard for a very long time but I remember my mom used to call a blouse or the bodice of a dress a waist. I imagine many of you also remember the word waist used in this manner. [The Celina Democrat, 9 Sep 1910]

Contagious diseases were a problem back then, just as they are today:

Diphtheria, Celina Democrat, 14 Oct 1910

School Is Ordered Closed to Stop Spread Diphtheria
The school in district No. 7, Jefferson Township, southwest of this city, was closed this week on account of several cases of diphtheria in the neighborhood. A number of school children are believed to have been exposed and the school board are using every means possible to prevent the spread of the disease.  [The Celina Democrat, 14 Oct 1910]

A good professional opportunity in 1910. Interesting that they discuss the field of “wireless” communication even back then.

Telegrapher, Celina Democrat, 16 Dec 1910

A Good Position
Can be had by ambitious young men and ladies in the field of “wireless” or railway telegraphy. Since the 8-hour law became effective, and since the wireless companies are establishing stations throughout the country, there is a great shortage of telegraphers. Positions pay beginners from $70 to $90 per month, with good chance of advancement. The National Telegraph Institute operates six official institutes in America, under supervision of R.R and Wireless officials and places all graduates into positions. It will pay you to write them for full details at Cincinnati, O., or Philadelphia, Pa.   [The Celina Democrat, 16 Dec 1910]

It has not been that long since the Christmas season. I know because am still storing away Christmas decorations. Below are some items from December 1910.

The announcement for the 1910 Deitsch School District No. 2, Liberty Township, Christmas Program, to be held 22 December 1910 at 7:00 sun time. Another term we don’t often use.

Deitsch School Christmas Program, Celina Democrat, 16 Dec 1910

The names of those who would be in the program: Clarence Gehm, Lawrence Kable, Elnora Weinnman, Leroy Koch, Helen Anselman, Glen Koch, Walter Anselman, Zela Anselman, and Ida Anselman. [The Celina Democrat, 16 Dec 1910]

Two Christmas Day weddings and a Christmas Eve wedding in local townships:

Weddings, Celina Democrat, 30 Dec 1910

Henry L. Leininger and Miss Luella Loree, prominent young people of Liberty township, were wedded at noon Christmas day at the home of the pride’s parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Marion Loree, Rev. A.M. Harvey performing the ceremony making them husband and wife. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Theobold Leininger. [The Celina Democrat, 30 Dec 1910]

Joseph E. Hinton, a well known young pedagogue of Liberty township, and Miss Golda M. Shellabarger, were united in marriage at the home of the bride, in Dublin township, Christmas evening, Rev. A.M. Harvey tying the nuptial knot. [The Celina Democrat, 30 Dec 1910]

I admit that I had to look up the word pedagogue, which is a schoolteacher.

C.E. Irelan and Miss Ethel McClure, well known young Blackcreek township people, were married by Rev. Chas. Bennett, of St. Paul’s Church, in this city, last Saturday morning. The young couple expect to make their future home on a farm near Berne, Ind., but for the present will reside with the groom’s parents. [The Celina Democrat, 30 Dec 1910]

Interesting news in the old newspapers.

Jan 10

Tombstone Tuesday-Martin W. & Beatrice C. (Eschbach) Allmandinger

Martin W. & Beatrice C. Allmandinger, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Van Wert County, Ohio. (2012 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Martin W. & Beatrice C. (Eschbach) Allmandinger, located in row 5 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm, Van Wert County, Ohio. The tombstone is inscribed:

ALLMANDINGER

Beatrice C.
1915-2008

Martin W.
1913-1998

Married 3 Nov 1939
The Lord is Our Shepherd

Herbert “Martin” Wilhelm Allmandinger was born 3 November 1913 near Schumm, Ohio, the son of William and Barbara (Hoehamer) Allmandinger. He was baptized at home by Rev. George J. Meyer on 16 November 1913 with Martin Stamm and W.A. Buechner serving as his sponsors. Martin came from a large family and had eleven siblings.   

Martin’s parents William and Barbara Allmandinger lived near Chatt and attended Zion Lutheran, Chatt, in the early years of their marriage. The family moved to near Schumm about 1907 and attended Zion Lutheran, Schumm, after that time.

Martin’s father William Allmandinger died in July of 1919, leaving a widow and 12 children. Martin was only 5 years old at the time. Widow Barbara Allmandinger with their children in 1920, living in Willshire Township: Barbara S, 42; Richard E, 21; Walter L, 19; Marie M, 18; Caroline K, 17; Bertha M, 16; Hugo J, 13; Fredrick N, 12; Lillie L, 9; Minnie l, 8; Martin W, 6; Aaron L, 2; and Anna B, 2. [1]

Martin’s mother Barbara (Hoehamer) Allmandinger died in February 1929, leaving several underage children who went to live with some of their older, married siblings.

In 1930 Martin lived with his older brother Richard and his wife Freda: Richard, 31, head; Freda, 36, wife; Louis, 4, son; Fredrich, 23, brother; and Martin, 17, brother. Richard Allmandinger’s wife Freda (Schumm) was my great-aunt, the sister of my grandfather Cornelius Schumm. [2]

Martin W. Allmandinger married Beatrice Eschbach on 3 November 1939 at Zion Schumm. Their records indicate that Martin was from Glenmore and that Beatrice was from Van Wert.  Witnesses to their marriage were Lloyd Eschbach and Mrs. Fred Allmandinger.

Bride Beatrice Eschback was born in Paulding County, Ohio, on 24 February 1915, the daughter of Frank and Clara (Freker) Eschbach. At the time of their marriage Martin’s occupation was mechanic and Beatrice’s occupation was waitress. [3]

The Frank J. Eschbach family lived in Paulding, Paulding County, Ohio, in 1920: Frank J, 31, head; Clara, 25, wife; Beatrice, 4, daughter; and Lloyd, 3, son. Frank was a grain farmer. [4] Sometime between 1920 and 1930 the Frank Eschbach family moved to Tully Township, Van Wert County. Their family had also grown during that time. The Frank Eschbach family in 1930: Frank J, 42; Clara, 29; Beatrice, 15; Lloyd, 12; Virginia, 9; Robert, 7; Mary Jane, 4; and Catherine A, 2. [5]

In 1940 newlyweds Martin, 26, and Beatrice, 25, Allmandinger resided in Willshire Township and Martin worked as a general repair mechanic. [6] 

By 1950 Martin and Beatrice had three daughters, Josephine A, 8; Mary H, 5; and Nancy E, 2. Martin continued to be employed as a general mechanic in or near Glenmore. [7]  

Martin Allmandinger died in Van Wert County 14 December 1998, at the age of 85.

Martin Allmandinger’s obituary:

Ohio City
Martin W. Allmandinger, 85, died at 6:15 p.m. Dec. 14, 1998, at Lincolnway Nursing Home, Middlepoint.

He was born Nov. 3, 1913, in Schum to William and Barbara Hoehammer Allmandinger. On Nov 3, 1939, he married Beatrice C. Eschbach, who survives in Ohio City.

Mr. Allmandinger farmed and owned Marty’s Repair Shop, Glenmore. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm.

Survivors also include three daughters, Josephine Ann (Lowell) Zelt of Fort Wayne, Ind., Mary Helen (Robert) Ries of Ohio City and Nancy Elaine (James) Klopfenstein of Harlan, Ind.; a sister, Minnia Drydale of Chicago; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by five brothers, Richard, Walter, Hugo, Aaron and Fritz Allmandinger; five sisters, Caroline Adams, Marie Beard, Bertha Allmandinger, Lily Malmberg and Anna Kammeyer; and a great-grandson. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm. The Rev. Time B. Zechiel will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may call from 2 to 5 and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, and one hour prior to services Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or the Wren-Willshire EMS. [8]

Widow Beatrice (Eschbach) Allmandinger died at her home in Ohio City, on 9 March 2008, aged 93.

Beatrice’s obituary:

Ohio City
Beatrice C. Allmandinger
Beatrice C. Allmandinger, 93, died at 10:30 p.m. March 9, 2008, at her residence.

Services will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm, The Rev. Robert Becker will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, and one hour prior to service Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or the Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice Facility. [9]

Martin and Beatrice (Eschbach) Allmandinger had the following children:
Josephine Ann (1941-2007), married Lowell Zelt
Mary Helen
Nancy Elaine  

[1] 1920 U.S. Census, Willshire, Van Wert, Ohio, PD 146, p.3A, dwelling 52, family, 53, Barbara S Allmindinger [sic]; Ancestry.com, viewed 10 Jan 2020.

[2] 1930 U.S. Census, Willshire, Van Wert, Ohio, ED 24, p.2B, dwelling 38, family 39, Richard Allmandinger; Ancestry.com, viewed 9 Jan 2023.

[3] Ohio, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1774-1993, Van Wert County, p.439, Martin W. Allmandinger & Beatrice C. Eschbach, 3 Nov 1939; Ancestry.com, viewed 9 Jan 2023.

[4] 1920 U.S. Census, Paulding, Paulding, Ohio, Ed 89, p.1B, dwelling & family 14, Frank J Eschbach; Ancestry.com, viewed 9 Jan 2023.

[5] 1930 U.S. Census, Tully, Van Wert, Ohio, ED 15, p.10B, dwelling 244, family 245, Frank J Eschbach; Ancestry.com, viewed 9 Jan 2023.

[6] 1940 U.S. Census, Willshire, Van Wert, Ohio, Ed 81-28, p.1A, household 2, M.W. Allmandinger; Ancestry.com, viewed 9 Jan 2023.

[7] 1950 U.S. Census, Willshire, Van Wert, Ohio, ED 81-40, sheet 18, dwelling 245, Martine W. Allmandinger [sic]; Ancestry.com, viewed 9 Jan 2023.

[8] Martin W. Allmandinger obituary, The Lima News, Lima, Ohio, 16 December 1998, p.12; Newspapers.com, viewed 9 Jan 2023.

[9] Beatrice C. Allmandinger obituary, The Lima News, Lima, Ohio, 11 Mar 2008, p.32; Newspapers.com, viewed 9 Jan 2023.

Jan 06

Soldier & Foxhole Buddy

A benefit from blogging is that sometimes I receive information from my readers. I love it when bits and pieces come together and we are able share information, make connections, and help each other out. Any additional information makes a nice addition to one’s family history.

A few years back I transcribed and posted my dad’s WWII letters, letters he wrote in Europe and sent home to family.

My dad, Herbert Miller, was trained as a replacement troop during the fall of 1944. He arrived in London around Christmas 1944 and was assigned to Company L, 333rd Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, known as the Railsplitters. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and France.

Herbert Miller, WWII

My dad took some photos during the war and saved some war mementos. He took the time to label most of the photos and items, something I really appreciate.

One name my dad wrote and mentioned several times is that of his fellow soldier Matt Trefun.

As a result, Matt Trefun’s name has been mentioned in a few of my blog posts. And that is how Matt Trefun’s grand-nephew found references to his great-uncle on Karen’s Chatt.

A couple weeks ago Matt’s grand-nephew contacted me. It turns out that Matt Trefun’s service during WWII mirrored my dad’s. They had several things in common, which is probably why Matt and my dad ended up being good friends. That and the fact they served side by side in the same company of the 84th. They also shared a foxhole.   

Walter “Matt” Trefun was born in Madison, Illinois, 16 September 1918. [1] By 1930 his family moved to St. Joseph County, Indiana, near South Bend and Mishawaka, where he lived the rest of his life. Matt enlisted in the Army on 20 June 1944 at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, with his occupation given as farm laborer. [1] My dad enlisted in June 1944 and was also at Fort Benjamin Harrison for a week at the end of June 1944. He sent a letter from there, postmarked 30 June 1944. I wonder if they met while they were both there.

I believe they went to different locations for their basic training but after basic training they arrived in England about the same time. They were both assigned to Company L, 333rd Regiment, 84th Infantry Division.

My dad saved a few things that place the two men together.   

The photo of Matt and my dad shows they were good friends. It looks like my mom printed Trefun’s name on the photo, although she wrote “Mike.” I wonder if at one time my parents were going through photos and labeling them. I also wonder when this photo was taken. There is no insignia on their shirts.

Matt Trefun & Herb Miller

Matt Trefun’s name is one of the names written on this WWII flag from Dulken, Germany. The names written in ink are almost impossible to read but my dad made a list of the names on a separate piece of paper.

Souvenir flag from Dulken, Germany, with names from Co L, 333rd, 84th Div, Railspllitters.

Souvenir flag from Dulken, Germany, with names from Co L, 333rd, 84th Div, Railspllitters.

 

Names corresponding to names on the flag from Dulken, Germany.

On another list of names my dad wrote Walter Trefun, but Walter and Matt are one and the same. Matt’s full name was Walter Mathew Trefun, but he usually went by Matt. 

Walter Trefun written by Herb Miller on another list of WWII names.

I was also able to connect Matt Trefun to a story my dad told. My dad said that his foxhole buddy was an American-born Serbian who could speak several languages. Some German citizens told his buddy that they were forced to dig a very large grave and that many bodies were buried there. The soldiers alerted their commanders and they did find a mass grave.

Matt Trefun was that American-born Serbian soldier. His parents were both immigrants, both from Yugoslavia. It would not be surprising that Matt could speak several languages.

The name Walter M. Trefun appears in my dad’s Soldier Buddies autograph book. My dad wrote Trefun’s name and the names of 9 other soldiers who served in Co. L, 333rd of the 84th. My dad probably knew them all personally. The autograph book was given to my dad for Christmas 1945. The war in Europe was over by that time but my dad was still there for a time during the occupation. He and Matt Trefun had probably parted ways by that time since Trefun did not write in the book himself.   

Some buddies from the L-333-84th.

The last page in the book has a list of names of men from Co. L, 333rd, 84th Infantry Division, who my dad probably served with:

S/Sgt. Lawrence Broderick, Boston, Mass
PFC Richard Timmons, Wabash, Ind
PFC Walter M. Trefun, South Bend, Ind
PFC Herbert M. Miller, Willshire, OH
PFC Thomas Trowbridge, KY
PFC Harold Curtiss, Mich
PFC John Proctor, Ariz
PFC John P. Groves, Boston, Mass
PFC Peckor
Sgt. Carrol D. Ketzenberger, Ohio
S/Sgt. Wayne Spencer

Matt and my dad both received Bronze Stars, my dad receiving 2 bronze Stars.

Walter “M” Trefun, Bronze Star, 1945.

Pfc. Walter Trefun Routs Patrol in Germany
The Bronze Star medal has been awarded two St. Joseph county men for meritorious achievement in military operations. Pfc. Walter M. Trefun, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Trefun, 1530 Kemble avenue, received the award for service with the Ninth army in Germany. He prevented a 12-man German patrol from cutting off his squadron from its own line and obtaining valuable information in the Ardennes campaign, and he helped hold off the enemy near the city of Hardt while members of his outfit captured it. Having served in the European theater of operations since last December, he also wears the combat infantryman badge. Private Trefun has two brothers with the navy in the Pacific, Seaman 2/c Louis Trefun, and Machinists’ Mate 1/c Stanley Trefun. [2]

Amazing that Matt had two brothers serving in the military at the same time. Three sons from one family serving at the same time must have been very hard for the family. But they all returned home from the war. 

Trefun brothers, 1945

Meet Again
Machinist’s Mate 2/c Stanley Trefun (right) and Signalman 2/c Lewis Trefun recently met at a Pacific naval base for the first time in two years. They are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Trefun, 1530 Kemble avenue. Stanley’s ship made a brief stopover and Lewis, who was stationed at the base, took the harbor orders aboard. Stanley saw him come up the gangway. Stanley’s wife, Evelyn, and children reside in Bremen, Ind. [3]  

Matt Trefun was honorably discharged on 1 May 1946. [1]

After the war Matt married Mary Mandich on 23 November 1946. [4]

In 1951 Matt worked as a factory worker at Studebaker. He and wife Mary lived with Matt’s parents at 1530 Kemble in Mishawaka. Matt’s father and brother Lewis also worked at Studebaker. [5]

Walter “Matt” Trefun died 24 June 1989. [1]

Walter Trefun
South Bend–Services for Walter “Matt” Trefun, 70, of Dunham Street, who died at 3:40 p.m. Monday in Memorial Hospital, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may call until 9 p.m. today in Zahoran Funeral [Home]. [6]

All very interesting. What a small world we live in. I wish my dad were here to hear this and tell us more.

[1] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010, Walter M Trefun; Ancestry.com.

[2] PFC Walter Trefun Routs Patrol in Germany, The South Bend Tribune, South Bend, Ind, 17 Jun 1945, p.12; Newspapers.com, viewed 5 Jan 2023.

[3] Meet Again, The South Bend Tribune, South Bend, Ind, 21 Aug 1945, p.19; Newspapers.com, viewed 5 Jan 2023.

[4] Trefun/Mandich marriage announcement,The South Bend Tribune, South Bend, Ind, 4 Dec 1946, p.19; Newspapers.com, viewed 5 Jan 2023.

[5] U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Mishawaka, Indiana, 1951, p.796, Walter M Trefun; Ancestry.com, viewed 5 Jan 2023.

[6] Walter Trefun obituary, The South Bend Tribune, South Bend, Ind, 26 Jul 1989, p24; Newspapers.com, viewed 5 Jan 2023.