Dec 13

Two Ohio Shanesvilles at One Time

We spent this week in Holmes County, a little get-away to see Rhonda Vincent’s Christmas show, along with some shopping, eating, wine tasting, and driving around the beautiful, hilly countryside. Our trip included going to Sugarcreek, in neighboring Tuscarawas County.

A couple years ago, we saw this Shanesville sign in a winery near Sugarcreek, and we were told there once was village named Shanesville nearby.

Shanesville sign on display near Sugarcreek, Ohio.

Interesting, because we live very close to Rockford, which was originally called Shanesville. Shanesville was the first settlement in Mercer County, founded by Anthony Shane in 1820. It was the original county seat of Mercer County and is the oldest village in the county. Its name was changed to Shanes Crossing in 1866 and to Rockford in 1890.  

Two Shanesvilles in Ohio! Who knew? One in Mercer County, one in Tuscarawas County. I wonder if their mail ever got mixed up in the early 1800s.

Shanesville, Tuscarawas County, old map

Shanesville, Tuscarawas County, on current map

We decided to look into the Tuscarawas County Shanesville this trip. Probably not the best timing because it was freezing cold out when we took these photos. This should have been a summer project.

The Tuscarawas County Shanesville was founded in 1814 by Abraham Shane and was incorporated in 1902. The intersection of 39 and 93 appears to have been the center of town. The village merged with Sugar Creek in 1968.

On the west edge of Sugarcreek, at the intersection of routes 39 and 93, signs of the old village of Shanesville are still there—an old Shanesville sign, Shanesville’s fire wagon, some historical plaques, a church, a carryout, and a cemetery a block away.

Downtown Shanesville, routes 39 & 93, now part of Sugarcreek.

This little building houses an old Shanesville Volunteer Fire Department fire wagon and a Shanesville sign. Two historical plaques, mounted on the outside, tell the history of the village:

Shanesville mementos, intersection of routes 39 & 93, Sugarcreek.

Old Shanesville sign & Shanesville volunteer fire department wagon, housed in the little building.

Plaque with history of Shanesville, mounted on building.

History of Shanesville, as inscribed on the plaque:

1814-100 lots were laid out by Abraham Shane, with 10 perches for a public square and street

1820-The Lutheran Church began with Rev. Abraham Snyder

1821-The First Reformed Church of Shanesville was organized by Rev. William Reiter

1840-Shanesville trading point and outpost from Pittsburgh

1861-The Shanesville Blues, under Captain Benjamine Ream, Civil War volunteer militia was established

1876-Shanesville Lodge No.97 K of P was formed

1914-Centennial Celebration

1964–Sesqui-Centennial

1968-Merged with Sugarcreek

Nearby is this brick wall plaque, depicting Shanesville’s founder Abraham Shane:

Shanesville marker, near little building.

Plaque reads, 1814 Shanesville 1968, Founded by Abraham Shane.

Across the street is the Shanesville Lutheran Church:

Shanesville Lutheran Church

Shanesville Lutheran Church

Shanesville Lutheran Church

Shanesville Lutheran Church

Shanesville Lutheran Church

The Shanesville Drive-Thru is on the other side of the street:

Shanesville Drive Thru

Shanesville First Reformed Cemetery is about a block to the west, on Hillcrest Drive:

Shanesville First Reformed Cemetery

The marker reads: This cemetery is the site of two former churches: A log church used by Lutheran and German Reformed congregations from 1828 until 1851. A brick church used by the German Reformed congregation from 1851 until 1914.

Shanesville First Reformed Cemetery

Another brick marker, one of several on a wall of historical markers in downtown Sugarcreek:

Plaque notes Shanesville, in downtown Sugarcreek

Although the Tuscarawas Shanesville kept its name longer, the Mercer County village still exists and thrives, as Rockford.

How many more Shanesvilles might there be across the country?

Dec 06

Local War News from 1917

The United States was involved in a World War in 1917.

The U.S. entered World War I on 6 April 1917. That same day the General Secretary of the International Committee of the North American YMCA determined that the YMCA would help provide services for the military forces, to assist in maintaining and promoting their morale and welfare. They provided recreation, library services, Bible study, and religious services to soldiers in training camps and on troop trains in the United States and Europe.

Willshire did its part to help the YMCA war effort.

WILLSHIRE
Willshire, town and township, ranked among the best doners in the Y.M.C.A. War Fund Campaign. This district contributed the handsome sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars. (The Celina Democrat, Celina, Ohio, 30 Nov 1917; NewspaperArchive.com.)

Celina Democrat, 30 Nov 1917

Other news from Willshire in 1917:

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Geissler, Dale and Fanny Cowan and Miss Besse Cpaulding [sic] were at Camp Sherman for a visit with Clarence Geissler, who will soon leave for France.  (The Celina Democrat, Celina, Ohio, 30 Nov 1917; NewspaperArchive.com.)

Possibly a result of the War:

Due to the coal shortage the Celina public library will be closed evenings until further notice. (The Celina Democrat, Celina, Ohio, 30 Nov 1917; NewspaperArchive.com.)

Celina Democrat, 30 Nov 1917

MAIL EARLY-SHOP EARLY
Mail your Christmas packages a week or 10 days earlier than usual this year. That is the advice the American Railway Association Special Committee on National Defense sends out…To take care of the unusual traffic…because of the thousands of soldiers away from homes, is going to require every available baggage and express car as well as some high-class refrigerator cars…Postmaster Schunck looks for the biggest rush in the history of the Celina Post Office… (The Celina Democrat, Celina, Ohio, 30 Nov 1917; NewspaperArchive.com.)

The following letter from serviceman Albert C. Heffner (1888-1945) to John C. Carlin was published in the 16 November 1917 edition of the Celina Democrat. Originally from Chattanooga, Ohio, Albert resided in Celina in 1917, where he was employed as a piano dealer. Albert, age 29, registered for the WWI draft on 5 June 1917. He was single and described himself as medium height and weight with blue eyes and blonde hair. [1]

Celina Democrat, 16 Nov 1917

DISCIPLINE GOES AGAINST THE GRAIN
Fort Omaha, Neb.
November 11, 1917
Mr. John C. Carlin, Celina, Ohio.

Friend John: How’s everything in Celina. You know I promised to write you when I left Celina and I have never written for the reason that I didn’t know until a day or two ago where I would be located.

I like the army life fine so far as I have gone, although I haven’t been in it long enough to tell much about it.

I really think it is better for a fellow to enlist, rather than wait for the draft. If a man enlists he has the advantage of choosing his service which I believe means a whole lot.

While at Columbus I could see from 75 to 300 fellows enlisting every day. There are not very many fellows from Ohio enlisting. Most of the fellows I met were from Pennsylvania, New York, W. Virginia, and some more states in the east.

They feed us on the regular army ration of 14c a meal, but there always is enough on the table for anyone. Sometimes a fellow don’t like the way the feed is cooked up, but that is something that might happen if a fellow is staying at home. There are a couple of restaurants around here, so a fellow can always buy what he wants.

This is a balloon signaling outfit here. I haven’t been here long enough yet to get assigned or any regular job, but I probably will have to get busy tomorrow a.m.

The worse fault I find with army life is the discipline. After a fellow has been used to doing pretty much as he pleases all his life, this strict obedience to order goes against the grain, but there is nothing to do but obey, unless a fellow wants to get in the guardhouse, and that is full most of the time, too.

Well, John, since I will have a permanent address for a few months, I would appreciate receiving the Democrat starting with last week’s issue.

Let me hear from you John, when you have a little extra time.

With best regards to all, I am
Sincerely yours,
A.C. Heffner
South Barracks,
Fort Omaha, Nebraska

Albert enlisted in the Regular Army at Columbus, Ohio, on 27 October 1917. He served in several Balloon Companies during World War I: the 1st Balloon Squadron, Fort Omaha, Nebraska, until 15 March 1918; in the 64th Balloon Company until 12 July 1918; in the 66th Balloon Company AS until 13 January 1919; and in 52nd Balloon Company until his honorable Discharge on 28 January 1919. He also held the rank of corporal and later sergeant. [2]

Albert returned to Celina after the war and married Ethel Olson. He and his brother-in-law Jake Bauer were salesmen in a music store. [3]

Albert is buried in row 9 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Ohio.

Albert & Ethel Heffner, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

Albert Heffner military marker, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

[1] “U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918,” Ohio, Mercer County, Albert Carl Heffner, no. 1340; Ancestry.com.

[2] Official Roster Ohio Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, World War, 1917-1918 (Columbus, Ohio : FJ Heer Printing Co., 1926), 7271; Ancestry.com.

Dec 03

Tombstone Tuesday-Anna Weismann

Anna Weismann, St. Paul CC Cemetery, Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio (2023 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Anna Weismann, located in row 1 of St. Paul CC Cemetery, Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed:

Anna
Toch. von
JAKOB und
ELISABETH
WEISMANN
Gest. den
17 Jan. 1914
Alter
43 J. 1 M. 18 T.
WEISMANN
Ruhe in Frieden

Anna, daughter of Jakob and Elisabeth Weismann, died 17 January 1914, aged 43 years, 1 month, 18 days. Rest in Peace.

Anna, aka Annie, Weismann was born in Germany on 27 November 1870, the daughter of Jacob (1840-1927) and Elisabeth (Ulrich) (1844-1926) Weismann. [1]

The Jacob Weissmann family, consisting of Jacob, 42, wife Elizabeth, 39, and children Anna, 10, Caroline, 9, Carl, 3, and Edward, 3 months, all from Germany, departed Antwerp Belgium on the ship Waesland and arrived in New York City on 4 May 1883. [2]

Anna was not enumerated with her parents in 1900. Her parents and siblings, residing in Liberty Township, Mercer County, as enumerated in 1900: Jacob, 60; Elizabeth, 56; Charles, 20, son; Edward, 18, son. This enumeration indicates that Jacob and Elizabeth had been married for 32 years and four of their seven children were living. It also tells that all the family members were born in Germany and all immigrated in 1883. Jacob was a farmer and owned his farm. [3]  

Although Anna was not enumerated with her parents in 1900, it appears that she was enumerated as a servant in the household of E. [Edward] L. Edwards, in Dayton, Ohio: Anna, age 29, single, born November 1870 in Germany, and immigrated in 1883. [4]

On 5 May 1910, Anna Weismann was enumerated with her family in Liberty Township: Jacob, 69, head; Elizabeth, 65, wife; Annie, 39, daughter, single; and Edward, 28, son, single. This enumeration repeats the same information from the 1900 census, that Anna was born in Germany, immigrated in 1883, and that she was a servant in a private house. That Jacob and Elizabeth were married for married 42 years, 4 of 7 their children were living, all family members were born in Germany, and all immigrated in 1883. [5]

It appears that Anna Weismann was enumerated twice in 1910, in Liberty Township and in Dayton, Ohio, as a servant in the household of Edward L. Edwards. On 20 April 1910, Anna Weisman, 39, single, born in Germany, was enumerated in the Edward L. Edwards household, the same household that she was employed in 1900. She could have been enumerated first in Dayton, then enumerated about two weeks later at her parents’ home, although there is always the possibility that there was another Anna Weisman of the same age, born in Germany, who was a private servant. [6]

Anna Weismann died in Liberty Township on 15 January 1914, aged 43 years, 1 month, and 18 days. Her cause of death was Brights Disease and her occupation was housekeeper. She was buried on the 17th. The 15th is the death date given on her death certificate, although her tombstone is shows she died on the 17th. [1]

Anna’s obituary:
Miss Anna Weisman, aged 44, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Jacob Weisman of Liberty township, died at the home of her parents yesterday morning. Death was due to Bright’s disease. She was born in Germany, but came to this country with her parents when a girl of 12. She is survived by her parents, two brothers and a sister. Her funeral will take place tomorrow (Saturday) morning. [7]

Anna Weismann had the following siblings, plus two additional siblings, which may have died in infancy:
Charles Weisman (1879-1933), married Catherine Siebert
Edward Weisman (1882-1959), married Myrtle Brough
Ludwig Weisman (1887-1887)
Caroline Weisman (1872-1949), married Jacob Miller

[1] “Ohio Deaths, 1908-1953,” Mercer, Annie Weismann, 17 Jan 1914; FamilySearch.org.

[2] Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897, Records of the U.S. Customs Service, RG 36, NAID M237, Jacob Weissmann [sic]; Ancestry.com.

[3] 1900 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Liberty, ED 85, dwelling 267, family 272, Jacob Weismann; Ancestry.com. 

[4] 1900 U.S. Census, Ohio, Montgomery, Dayton Ward 1, ED 35, p.3, dwelling 68, family 68, E.L. Edwards; Ancestry.com.

[5] 1910 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Liberty, ED 119, p.13B, dwelling 294, family 251, Jacob Weiseman [sic]; Ancestry.com.

[6] 1910 U.S. Census, Ohio, Montgomery, Dayton Ward 1, ED 49, p.5B, dwelling 94, family 124, Edward L. Edwards; Ancestry.com.

[7] Anna Weisman Obituary, The Celina Democrat, Celina, Ohio, 16 Jan 1914; Newspapers.com.

Nov 28

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Karen’s Chatt!

Happy Thanksgiving

I wish each one of you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving. May your home be filled with happiness, joy, and thankfulness as you gather with family and friends today.

Some Thanksgiving fun facts:

Thanksgiving is American’s second-favorite holiday, between Christmas and Halloween.

The first Thanksgiving feast was in 1621 and lasted three days.

There were more Native Americans than colonists at the first Thanksgiving.

For many Native Americans Thanksgiving is known as the National Day of Mourning.

George Washington issued the first presidential proclamation of a Thanksgiving celebration in 1789.

Thanksgiving was held on various dates for many years, but in 1863 Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that it be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. In 1941 the date was fixed as the fourth Thursday in November.

The first Thanksgiving dinner likely included lobster, mussels, venison, and corn porridge, but no potatoes, cranberry sauce or pumpkin pie.

The popular green bean casserole was developed by the Campbell Soup Company.

The Thanksgiving turducken (a chicken inside a duck inside a turkey) originated in New Orleans.

Most Americans believe that leftovers are the best part of Thanksgiving.

Abraham Lincoln was the first president to pardon a turkey. The bird was intended for his Christmas dinner.

The tradition of cracking a wishbone originated with the ancient Etruscans.

“Jingle Bells” was written for Thanksgiving.

 

Nov 26

Tombstone Tuesday-Hilda (Linn) Bollenbacher

Hilda (Linn) Bollenbacher, St. Paul UCC Cemetery, Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio (2024 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Hilda (Linn) Bollenbacher, located in row 6 of St. Paul UCC Cemetery, Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio. The tombstone is inscribed:

1913-1933
Hilda Bollenbacher

Hilda Linn was born in Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio, on 25 June 1913, the youngest child of Henry (1871-1934) and Margaret (Deitsch) Linn (1877-1967) Linn.

The Henry Linn and wife Margaret had a family of nine children. The Henry Linn family in 1920: Henry, 48; Margaret, 42; Edward, 20; Andrew, 19; Valentine, 17; Urban, 15; Paul, 13; William, 11; Eda, 9; and Hilda, 6. Their son John Linn had left home by 1920. [1]

In 1930 Hilda, 16, resided on the home farm with her parents and three of her siblings, Valentine, 27, Urban, 25, and William, 24. [2]

Hilda Linn married Ferdinand Christian Bollenbacher in Mercer County, Ohio, on 14 May 1932. Hilda’s parents gave their consent for her to marry. The couple was married by Rev. Alfred J.A. Wahl. Ferdinand Bollenbacher (1910-1951) was the son of Charles W. Bollenbacher and Mary (Hoffman), also from Liberty Township. [3]

A daughter, Ilene M., was born to Ferdinand and Hilda Bollenbacher on 11 December 1932 in Mercer County.  

Hilda (Linn) Bollenbacher died as a result of blood hemorrhages and spleen problems on 19 April 1933 at University Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She had been a patient there for three weeks and her spleen was removed two days before her death. She 19 years, 9 months, and 24 days old and was buried on the 21st. [4]

From Hilda’s obituary:
Hilda (Linn) Bollenbacher was born in Liberty township 25 June 1913, the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Deitsch) Linn. She was baptized 27 July 1913 by Rev. S. Egger and confirmed in St Paul’s Evangelical Church, Liberty Township, on 10 April 1927 by Rev. A.J. Wahl. She was united in marriage with Ferdinand Bollenbacher 14 May 1932, with Rev. Wahl officiating. Hilda and Ferdinand lived at the home of his parents after their marriage and they had a daughter, Ilene May, born 11 Dec 1932. Hilda was active in the church, a graduate of the First Teachers Training Class in 1930, and she taught Sunday School.

Hilda was survived by her husband, a daughter, her parents, her grandmother, Mrs. John Deitsch Sr; her in-laws, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bollenbacher; six brothers, Edward Linn, Celina; Andrew Linn, Coldwater; Valentine Linn, Urban Linn, William Linn, Liberty Township; Paul Linn, South Bend, Indiana; a sister Eda Linn, Celina; brother-in-law Richard Bollenbacher; sisters-in-law Mrs. Edwin Bollenbacher, Liberty Township, and Mrs. John D. Bollenbacher, Celina. She was preceded in death by her brother Carl Linn in 1927 and another brother who died in infancy. At her funeral her confirmation class sang the hymn O Jesus, I Have Promised. [5]

It is interesting to note that Rev. Wahl confirmed Hilda and presided over her marriage and burial.

Ferdinand and Hilda (Linn) Bollenbacher had one child:
Ilene M. Bollenbacher (1932-2012), married Leroy W. Limbert

Hilda Linn had the following siblings:
Charles John Linn (1897-1937), married Hulda Bollenbacher
Edward H Linn (1899-1972), married Margaret E Laderman
Andrew Chris “Andy” Linn (1900-1971), married Velma A Douglas
Valentine “Jim” Linn (1903-1985), married Elizabeth K Wendel
Urban P. Linn (1904-1978), never married
Paul Roma Linn Sr (1906-1973), married Helen K Kindig
William P Linn (1908-1993), married Alma Irene Brown
Eda Caroline Linn (1910-1993), married Herbert Schaadt

In 1940, Hilda’s widowed husband Ferdinand and daughter Ilene lived with Ferdinand’s parents in Liberty Township. Ferdinand married Melba Smithley (1921-1990) in Adams County, Indiana, on 14 March 1944. Ferdinand and Melba had a son, Michael Charles Bollenbacher (1949-2009). Ferdinand Bollenbacher died 31 January 1951 and Melba married Leroy G. Overman (1923-2005) in 1953.

[1] 1920 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Liberty, ED 140, p.5A, dwelling 84, family 87, Henry Linn; Ancestry.com.

[2] 1930 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Liberty, ED 20, p.4A, dwelling 86, family 86, Henry Linn; Ancestry.com.

[3] Ohio, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1774-1993, Mercer Marriage Record 14, p.52, Ferdinand Bollenbacher & Hilda Linn, 14 May 1932; Ancestry.com.

[4] Ohio Deaths Records, Hilda Bollenbacher, 19 Apr 1933; FamilySearch.org.

[5] Hilda (Linn) Bollenbacher Find a Grave Memorial no.28261687; Find a Grave.com.