May 03

William G. Hoffer, Editor

After spending the past several months extracting and posting information from a single 1904 edition of the Willshire Herald, I wanted to learn more about the newspaper’s editor and publisher, William G. Hoffer. 

William G. Hoffer

I noticed that editor William Hoffer did not live in Willshire in 1900. The Hoffer surname did not appear to be what I consider a local name such as Schumm, Schinnerer, Dietrich, Spitler, Dellinger, or one of the many other names that have been in the area for decades. Although Willshire was eventually Hoffer’s home town, he was not a native of this area.

Who was this man who was a former editor and publisher of the Willshire Herald, who assisted in founding the Van Wert Times and Wapakoneta Daily News, and who served 22 years as Willshire’s postmaster?

William Groh Hoffer was born 26 October 1865 in Centre County, Pennsylvania, the son of George and Susan (Durst) Hoffer. [1]

In 1880 William’s father George was an inn-keeper in College Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania. The George Hoffer household in 1880: George, 56; Susan M, 56; Elizabeth, 24; Frances A, 21; Rozzella, 19; Isaac, 16; William G, 14; Sarah, 11; and Emma, 9. Everyone in their household was born in Pennsylvania and it appears the Hoffers had early roots in America, as the parents’ parents were reportedly also born in Pennsylvania. [2]

By 1893 William G. Hoffer had moved to Kansas and was the editor of the Shield. His father George Hoffer died in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, on 1 December 1893, at the age of 70, and William returned to Pennsylvania for the funeral. [3]

A year later William G. Hoffer married Ora M. Morehead in Kansas, on 19 December 1894: Will. G. Hoffer and Ora A. Moorehead [sic], both of Larned, were united in marriage last Thursday night at the home of the bride. [4]

Ora Morehead was born in West Virginia on 24 June 1871, the daughter of Robert E. and Sarah M. (Allen) Morehead. William G. and Ora had two children, Gretchen Hoffer (1899-1964) and a son George, who died in childhood before 1900. [5]

By 1895, not long after their marriage, William and Ora resided in Pawnee County, Kansas. In this enumeration William was 28, born in Pennsylvania, and Ora was 23, born in West Virginia. [6]

By 1896 William G. Hoffer was the editor of The Lincoln Sentinel, Lincoln, Kansas. [7]

In 1900 William and Ora lived in Lincoln, Kansas, where their daughter Susan “Gretchen” was born in November of 1899. William’s occupation was reported as a printer. Their household in 1900: William G Hoffer, 35, head, born in Pennsylvania; Ora M, 28, wife, West Virginia; and Susan G, daughter, 6 months, Kansas. [8]

By 1904 William, Ora, and Gretchen had moved back east to Ohio, where he was the editor and publisher of the Willshire Herald, as indicated by the newspaper I have here at home.

The Willshire Herald, 1904.

Hoffer apparently left the Willshire Herald a couple years later. A 1909 article in The Lima News describes Hoffer as the former owner of the Willshire Herald, who recently purchased an interest in the Wapakoneta Daily News. [9]

In 1910 the Hoffer family of three lived at 511 W. Mechanic Street in Wapakoneta and William was a newspaper editor. Their household in 1910: William G, 43; Ora M, 38; and Gretchen, 10. [10]

Hoffer was the editor of Wapakoneta Democrat in 1912. [11] He moved on from that newspaper in a couple years.

In 1916 Hoffer purchased the Auburn Bee, in Auburn, Indiana, from John C. Lochner. Hoffer was described as a newspaper man of much experience and the former editor of the Wapakoneta Daily News  and Auglaize County Democrat for seven years. It went on to say that his wife and daughter would move to Auburn by 1 July 1916. [12]

In December 1916 William G. Hoffer was sued by former Auburn Bee editor Lochner, sued for the collection of a promissory note with a balance of $900 and interest of $100. The note was originally for $1000, payable 1 November 1916. [13]

Soon after, Hoffer moved to Piqua, Ohio, and in 1917 became editor and general manager of the Piqua Press. This article states that Hoffer was well known throughout Ohio and had been connected with the Wapakoneta News for eight years. [14]

Hoffer made another move in December 1917, a move to northeast Ohio, where he was worked in the editorial portion of the financial department of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. [15]

The family’s final move would be within the next couple years. By 1920 William G. Hoffer and family had moved to Willshire, where they resided the rest of their lives. In 1920 they lived on Walcott Street and William, age 55, was a newspaper editor and daughter Gretchen, 20, was a mail clerk at the post office. Wife Ora was not employed. [16]

By 1930 the Hoffers resided on Hogan Street, where William’s occupation was postmaster. Wife Ora was a music teacher and Gretchen was the assistant postmaster. [17]

William G. Hoffer was Willshire’s postmaster for at least 22 years, beginning about 1918. He was reappointed postmaster there several times: 6 February 1926, 22 March 1934, 9 April 1938. He retired 31 January 1940. His daughter Gretchen took over as postmistress after his retirement in 1940 and held the position until August of that year, when John E. Reichard became postmaster. [18]

In the 1940 census enumeration no occupations are given for William and Ora, but Gretchen, 40, single, was the acting postmistress. No street residence is given but they resided in the same house as they did in 1935. [19]

Willshire’s one-time newspaper publisher and former postmaster William G. Hoffer died in Willshire from gallbladder complications on 15 January 1949. He was survived by his wife Ora M. and their daughter Gretchen. He was buried on the 19th and H.B. Cowan was in charge of the arrangements. [1]

William’s wife Ora was active in the community, as a piano teacher of two generations, pianist for many years at the Willshire Methodist Church, where she was also a member. She was a charter member of the Pythian Sisters and a member of Bethlehem chapter No. 25, Order of Eastern Star, Willshire. Ora died 6 January 1959. [3]

William G, wife Ora, and daughter Gretchen (1899-1964) are buried in Willshire Cemetery and share the same tombstone.

Below is one of William G. Hoffer’s obituaries:

Ohio Weekly Editor Dies At Age Of 84
Willshire, O.—(AP)—Funeral services will be held Wednesday for William Hoffer, 84, editor of the Willshire Herald, a weekly newspaper in this Van Wert-co community.

 Hoffer, who previously worked for newspapers in Cleveland and Bellefontaine, Oh., and Elkhart, Ind., died Saturday.

 Hoffer at one time amazed colleagues with his ability to cover a beat and write three columns of news without taking a note. [20]

Next week, William G. Hoffer’s obituary, as published the 1949 Willshire Herald.

 

[1] Death Record, Willshire, Willshire Township, Van Wert, Ohio, William Groh Hoffer, 15 Jan 1949; “Ohio, County Death Records, 1840-2001,” database with images, FamilySearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9ZY-TJ6P?i=741&cc=2128172 : viewed 30 Apr 2019). 

[2] 1880 U.S. Census, College, Centre, Pennsylvania, ED 228, p.275A [stamped], dwelling 179, family 199, George Hoffar; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1880usfedcen/ : viewed 29 Apr 2019).

[3] The Larned Eagle-Optic, Larned, Kansas, 1 Dec 1893, p.3, Death of Mr. George Hoffer; digital image by subscription, Newspapers.com, viewed 2 May 2019.

[4] The Tiller and Toiler, Larned, Kansas, 28 Dec 1894, p.4, Personal Matters; digital image by subscription, Newspapers.com, viewed 2 May 2019.

[5] Find a Grave.com, Ora M. Morehead Hoffer (1871-1959), memorial no. 77417095, Willshire Cemetery, Van Wert County, Ohio; Ora Hoffer obituary, from The Lima News, 8 Jan 1959, posted with memorial.

[6] 1895 Kansas Territory Census, Larned, Pawnee, p.43 [penned], dwelling 320, family 326, William G Hoffer; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com.

[7] The Lincoln Sentinel, Lincoln, Kansas, 23 April 1896, p.2; digital image by subscription, Newspapers.com, viewed 2 May 2019.

[8] 1900 U.S. Census, Elkhorn, Lincoln, Kansas, ED 62, p.1 [penned], dwelling & family 14, William G Hoffer; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1900usfedcen/ : viewed 30 Apr 2019).

[9] The Lima News, Lima, Ohio, 17 Feb 1909, p.4; digital image by subscription, Newspapers.com, viewed 2 May 2019.

[10] 1910 U.S. Census, Wapakoneta Ward 3, Auglaize, Ohio, ED 53, p.7A, dwelling 138, family 141, William G Hoffer; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1910uscenindex/ : viewed 30 Apr 2019).

[11] The Mansfield News-Journal, Mansfield, Ohio, 27 Jul 1912, p.3, Democrats Seem Dead; digital image by subscription, Newspapers.com, viewed 2 May 2019.  

[12] The Garrett Clipper, Garrett, Indiana, 15 Jun 1916, p.4; digital image by subscription, Newspapers.com, viewed 2 May 2019.

[13] Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 27 Dec 1916, p.3, Former Editor Is Sued; digital image by subscription, Newspapers.com, viewed 2 May 2019.

[14] The Lima News, Lima, Ohio, 16 Jan 1917, p.2, William G. Hoffer I Head of Piqua Press; digital image by subscription, Newspapers.com, viewed 2 May 2019.

[15] The Mansfield News-Journal, Mansfield, Ohio, 10 Dec 1917, p.12, Locates in Cleveland; digital image by subscription, Newspapers.com, viewed 2 May 2019.

[16] 1920 U.S. Census, Willshire, Van Wert, Ohio, ED 146, p.9A [penned], dwelling 60, family 61, William G Hoffer; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1920usfedcen/ : viewed 30 Apr 2019).

[17] 1930 U.S. Census, Willshire, Van Wert, Ohio, ED 22, p.3A [penned], p.251 [stamped], dwelling & family 55, William G Hoffer; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1930usfedcen/ : viewed 30 Apr 2019).

[18] Postmasters, Willshire, Van Wert, Ohio, 1930-1971, Vol. 5, William G Hoffer, 22 Mar 1934; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com, U.S., Appointments of U.S. Postmasters, 1832-1971, Records of the Post Office Dept, Record Group 28.

[19] 1940 U.S. Census, Willshire, Van Wert, Ohio, ED 81-26, p.6A [penned], dwelling, William G Hoffer; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1940usfedcen/ : viewed 30 Apr 2019).

[20] Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, Lancaster, Ohio, 17 Jan 1949, p.1, Ohio Weekly Editor Dies at Age Of 84; digital image by subscription, Newspapers.com, viewed 2 May 2019.

Apr 30

Tombstone Tuesday–Adam J. & Christina Matilda (Bleeke) Bienz

Adam J & Christina M (Bleeke) Bienz, Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Adams County, Indiana. (2019 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Adam and Christina Matilda (Bleeke) Bienz, located in row 1 of Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, also known as Bleeke Cemetery, Decatur, Adams County, Indiana. The marker is inscribed:

BIENZ
Christina M.
1874-1944

Adam J.
1858-1949

Johann “Adam” Bienz was born at home in Willshire Township on 26 October 1858, the son of Jacob and Elisabeth (Pflueger) Bienz. He was baptized 30 October 1858 at home, with John Bienz and Adam Buechner and his wife Rosina as his sponsors, according to the records at Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm.

Adam grew up in Willshire Township and by 1870 Adam had 7 siblings: Jacob, 45; Elisabeth, 35; John G, 18; Margaret, 16; George, 14; Adam, 11; Fredrick, 8; Elizabeth, 10; Mary, 6; and Anna, 4. Adam’s maternal grandfather, Christian Pflueger, age 89, was also living with them. [1]  

Adam Bienz married three times. He married Pauline (Germann) (1862-1891) in Van Wert County on 25 September 1887. [2] They had two children: “Mina“ Elisabeth Bienz (1888-1952) and Walter Bienz (1890-1890). Pauline (Germann) Bienz died 5 August 1891 and is buried in Zion Lutheran Cemetery at Schumm.

Widower Adam Bienz married Wilhilmine “Christine” Reinking (1861-1897) on 9 April 1893 in Adams County, Indiana. [3] Adam moved to Adams County they resided there after their marriage. Adam and Christine (Reinking) Bienz had one child, Paula M. Bienz (1894-1987). Adam’s second wife Christine (Reinking) Bienz died in Adams County on 26 January 1897. [4]

Adam Bienz’s third marriage was to “Christina” Mathilda/Matilda Bleeke. They married in Adams County, on 14 May 1899. [5] She also went by the name of Matilda, but I am using the name Christina in this post since it is the name inscribed on her tombstone.

Christina Bleeke was the daughter of Christian and Mary (Rupp) Bleeke. The Christian Bleeke household in 1880: Christian, 59; Mary, 47, wife; Elisa, 19, daughter; Charles, 18, son; Fredrick, 16, son; Martin, 14, son; Theodore, 11, son; Edward, 9, son; Matilda [Christina], 6 daughter; Otto, 4, son; and John H, 82, father. Christian and his father John H. were born in Germany, the wife Mary was born in Ohio, and all the children were born in Indiana. Christian was a farmer. [6]

Adam and Christina (Bleeke) Bienz were enumerated in 1900 census, a year after their marriage, living with Christina’s brother Otto in Adams County, Indiana: Otto E Bleeke, 24, head; Amelia Bleeke, 18, wife; W Theodore Bleeke, 30, brother; Hedwig A Bleeke, 20, sister-in-law; Adam J Bienz, 40, uncle; Christina M Bienz, 25, aunt; and Paula M Bienz, 5, niece. Paula was Adam’s daughter from his second marriage to Christine Reinking. All were born in Indiana, except Adam, who was born in Ohio, and Hedwig, who was born in Germany. [7] This enumeration indicates that Christina was Otto’s aunt, but the 1880 census and both of their death certificates show they were both the children of Christian and Mary (Rupp) Bleeke, indicating that they were siblings.

Adam Bienz also had a surviving child from his first marriage to Pauline (Germann). In 1900 this daughter, Mina Bienz, age 11, was living with her maternal grandparents, John Phillip and Mary (Jung/Young) Germann, in Harrison Township, Van Wert County, Ohio. [8]

The Adam Bienz family in 1910: Adam Bienz, 52; Matilda [Christina], 36; Paula, 15; Erwin, 9; Amalia, 7; Martin, 4; and Louisa, 2. Christina had given birth to 5 children and 4 were living. Adam was a farmer. [9]

The Adam Bienz family in 1920: Adam, 60; Christina M, 45; Erwin, 19; Amelia, 16; Martin, 15; Louisa, 12; Emil, 9; Ida, 7; and Norma, 4. Adam was a general farmer. [10]

By 1940 all of their children had left home, except for Norma Bienz, age 25. The Adam Bienz household in 1940: Adam, 81; Christina, 66; and Norma, 25. They lived in the same house as they had in 1935. There is no occupation given for Adam and he was probably retired by this time. [11]

Adam’s third wife Christina Matilda (Bleeke) Bienz died of heart disease in rural Adams County, Indiana, on 22 April 1944. [12] [13] She was buried on the 25th.

Adam Bienz died 16 January 1949. Adam shares a tombstone with his third wife Christina (Bleeke) in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. [14]

Adam and Christina Bienz’s tombstone is in the front of the photo below. The tombstone of Adam’s second wife Wilhilmine “Christine” (Reinking) Beinz is several rows behind, located along the drive, the tall tombstone with a cross on top. 

Adam J & Christina M (Bleeke) Bienz, Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Adams County, Indiana. (2019 photo by Karen)

Adam and Christina (Bleeke) Bienz had the following children:
Erwin C. F. Bienz (1900-1979), married Emilie Bulmahn
Amalia Bienz (1903-1999), married Martin W. Bulmahn
Martin G. Bienz (1905-1955), married Leona Alice Bucher
Louise K. Bienz (1907-1935), married Herman W. Bohnke
Emil T. Bienz (1910-1987), married Dorothy Bieberich
Ida E. Bienz (1913-1994), married Carl H. Badenhop
Norma A. Bienz (1915-1997), married Oscar William Schuller

 

[1] 1870 U.S. Census, Willshire, Van Wert, Ohio, p.15 (penned), dwelling 107, family 108, Jacob Bence; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1870usfedcen/ : viewed 8 Apr 2019).

[2] “Ohio, County Marriages, 1879-2013,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-65XH-H3?i=119&cc=1614804 : viewed 10 Mar 2019), Adam J Bienz & PC Germann, 25 Sep 1887; Van Wert County Marriages, Vol. 7:181.

[3] “Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6GTH-1XV?i=240&cc=1410397 : viewed 10 Mar 2019), Adam J Bienz & Christiana W. Reinking, 8 Apr 1893; Adams County Marriages, Vol. F:478.

[4] Find a Grave memorial no. 106418617, Wilhelmine Christine “Lena” (Reinking) Bienz, Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Decatur, Adams County, Indiana.

[5] “Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-DRS9-DQ8?i=49&cc=1410397 : viewed 10 Mary 2019), Adam J. Bienz & Christena Mathilda Blakey, 14 May 1899; Adams County Marriages, Vol. G:492.

[6] 1880 U.S. Census, Union, Adams, Indiana, ED 131, p.28A [stamped], p.9 [penned], dwelling 70, family 72, Christian Blakey; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com  (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1880usfedcen/ : viewed 27 Apr 2019).

[7] 1900 U.S. Census, Union, Adams, Indiana, ED 11, p.4 [penned], p.138A [stamped], dwelling 69, family 70, Otto E Blakey; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1900usfedcen/ : viewed 27 Apr 2019).

[8] 1900 U.S. Census, Harrison, Van Wert, ED 79, p.8A [stamped], dwelling & family 67, John P Germann; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1900usfedcen/ : viewed 27 Apr 2019).

[9] 1910 U.S. Census, Union, Adams, Indiana, ED 11, p.4A, dwelling & family 77, Adam Brinz; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1910uscenindex/ : viewed 27 Apr 2019).

[10] 1920 U.S. Census, Union, Adams, Indiana, ED 12, p.5B [penned], dwelling & family 94, Adam J Bienz; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1920usfedcen/ : viewed 27 Apr 2019).

[11] 1940 U.S. Cesus, Union, Adams, Indiana, ED 1-18, p.5B, house 81, Adam Bienz; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1940usfedcen/ : viewed 27 Apr 2019).

[12] Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011, Roll 4, Mrs. Christina Matilda Bienz, 22 Apr 1944; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com, Indiana Archives and Records Administration, Indianapolis.

[13] Find a Grave memorial no. 98917043, Christina Mathilda Bleeke Bienz, Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Decatur, Adams County, Indiana.

[14] Find a Grave memorial no. 98917041, Adam Jacob Bienz, Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Decatur, Adams County, Indiana.

Apr 26

News from Wren & Around Ohio, 1904

This will likely be the final blog post featuring items from the 5 May 1904 edition of the Willshire Herald,  William G. Hoffer, publisher. I have spent several weeks writing about Willshire news and the local businesses mentioned in that newspaper. I have pretty much exhausted most of the news from that paper.

5 May 1904 Willshire Herald

In addition to all the information about the Willshire community, the 5 May 1904 Willshire Herald had some items of interest about the neighboring village of Wren, Ohio:

The village of Wren is on the upgrade and business seems to be very active in that little burg. They have dispensed with the dram shop that had been doing business there for several years, its lease of life having expired May 1st.  [1]

5 May 1904 Willshire Herald

Wren News Notes
Miss Mable Dull left Saturday noon for Manatche, Wash., where she will reside permanently with her brother, D.H. Dull and family.

L.J. Clifton, the porus drain tile manufacturer, is having his office building repainted and otherwise brightened up. The mill will be put in operation in a few days.

Dr. C.C. Church, of Van Wert, was in Wren Friday afternoon on a business mission.

H.C. Arnold, who has been a sufferer from rheumatism for the past six months, was removed to the county farm last Saturday. Mr. Arnold is well known throughout this end of Van Wert county, and there is a general expression of regret at his unfortunate condition.

A representative of The Herald was shown through the Wren bank one day the past week by W.H. Stults, the efficient cashier of that financial institution. Scarcely a year old, yet the bank is well established and enjoys a large and meritorious patronage. The bank’s fixtures are of the latest design, the vault being fire and burglar proof, and the safe of the Mosler screw make. The stockholders comprise the wealth of Wren and adjacent country and with such men as J.L. Moser, president; L.M. Harmon, vice-president; W.H. Stults, cashier; O.J. Harmon, Dr. P.G. Havice, C.F. Germann, W.B. Frysinger, R.K. Allison, and W.H. Niblick for directors, the Bank of Wren is sure to rank with the foremost banking institutions of Van Wert county.

Wren has installed a telephone plant and starts out with something over fifty subscribers. The instruments in use are of the American Central make. The exchange will be in Art Swoveland’s place of business in the second story of the Bank of Wren block, and Art Swoveland will be the “hello girl.”

BARRED PLYMOUTH ROCKS
Eggs to hatch, from hardy, prolific and pure stock. Prices range from $1.00 to $2.50 per setting. Persons desiring to raise A-1 chickens will do well by purchasing their eggs of me. Farm located one mile south and one mile east of Wren. Call or write.  J.E. Hunter, Wren, Ohio

I believe I mentioned before that there was an ice wagon for sale in Wren:

For sale—Covered ice wagon, one-ton capacity. Address Art. Swoveland, Wren, Ohio, or inquire at The Herald Office for particulars and price.

5 May 1904 Willshire Herald

The same 1904 edition of the Willshire Herald also included some news from around the state of Ohio and it is interesting to see what was considered newsworthy at the state level in 1904:

OHIO’S WEEKLY OLIO [2]
Brief Compilation of Late State News
An Interesting Summary of the More Important Doings of our Neighbors—Weddings and Deaths—Crimes, Causalities, and General Buckeye News Notes.

Minor State News
Fire destroyed ten houses and stables at Lancaster.

Baltimore & Ohio Conductor Lucius Sullivan fell from his caboose in Lamar [?] and was killed.

William F. Robertson, one of Washington County’s most valuable citizens, is dead. He was born February 26, 1823.

Mistaking a can of lye for cider Charlie Lee, the 3-year-old son of Albert Lee of Napoleon, drank a cup of the corrosive. He will not recover.

Miss Lucile Ludwig of Greenspring, is totally blind in one eye, as the result of a thoughtless prank by a companion. In a spirit of fun he threw a hot potato which struck her in the eye.

Dominick Baker, aged 73, a life-long resident of Sandusky County, was drowned in Green Creek recently. He was knocked into the water by a L.E. & W. train, while crossing the bridge.

The W.H. Adams Building at East Liverpool, a brick structure, collapsed, owing to an excavation for a neighboring building. Tenants and workmen had only a minute’s warning, but all got out safely.

A.J. Ford, a structural iron worker, was instantly killed at the Wabash bridge at Mingo Junction, by a chain block falling upon him, crushing his skull. Ford was a single man and his home is at Chicago.

Thieves entered the farmhouse of Eli McBride, near Elida, in the absence of the family, securing $600 in cash, a $200 certificate of bank deposit, gold watches, and other valuables.

John Mattox, aged 28, killed himself near Darbyville. He kissed his children and stepping into another room shot himself through the temple. Domestic trouble is alleged to have been the cause.

“Uncle” Jerry Gleason, the oldest resident in Ohio, died in his home near Mt. Vernon. He was 110 years old. He was born in Tipperary County, Ireland, December 27, 1793. He took part in the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and the Civil War. Uncle Jerry was an intimate friend of President Andrew Jackson and very much resembled him. Until the last two months he was well preserved in health and intellect, and engaged in work about the farm.

During a funeral at Sevilla, fifteen miles north of Wooster, a panic occurred when the floor of the church gave way, precipitating the entire congregation into the cellar. The funeral ceremonies were be conducted over the body of Herbert Secrest, and the little church building was crowded. While the pastor was in the midst of his eulogy of the deceased the floor suddenly gave way and all present, numbering at least 200, fell to the floor of the basement, ten feet below. Many of the congregation were bruised by the fall and those in the vicinity of the casket when the floor gave way were thrown into a panic. 

The remains of William Patrick, which was buried at Urbana forty years ago, were exhumed recently, at the request of his brother, Walter K. Patrick. The decedent succumbed to a contagious disease in the Northern Army during the Civil War, and as the body was brought home in an air-tight casket which was never opened, his brother wanted to make sure of the identity of the corpse. A strange sight met the gaze of the onlookers when the metallic casket was opened. Then the cloth, which had been placed over the face of the dead forty years ago was lifted, the features were just as clearly preserved as though the original burial had been made a few jays ago.  The face was natural and the identification of the brother perfect. After Mr. Patrick was satisfied that the body in that grave was that of his deceased brother, the grave was again closed up. 

The large barn of Henry Trimby on the old John Morris farm in Jerome Township Union County, burned to the ground. The loss includes eight head of valuable horses, several vehicles, farm implements, and considerable hay and grain, amounting in all to $5000, with $1300 insurance.

Dr. Ignatius Friedman, a prominent physician of Cleveland, was killed as the result of a collision between his carriage and a street car.  Dr. Friedman was thrown under the car wheels and his body badly crushed. He was about 50 years old.

Most of the state news was fairly grim, but I guess pleasant news did not sell newspapers, much the same as today.

 

[1] A dram shop (or dramshop) is a bar, tavern or similar commercial establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold. Traditionally, it is a shop where spirits were sold by the dram, a small unit of liquid.

[2] OLIO: a miscellaneous collection of things.

Apr 23

Tombstone Tuesday–Wilhilmine Christine (Reinking) Bienz

Wilhilmine Christine (Reinking) Bienz, Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Adams County, Indiana. (2019 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Wilhilmine Christine (Reinking) Bienz, located in row 6 of Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Decatur, Adams County, Indiana. The marker is inscribed:

Heir ruhet [?]
Wilhilmine
Christine Bienz
Geboren
Reinking
Geb. Den 20 Apr
1861
Gestorben 26 Jan
1897

Here rests [?] Wilhilmine Christine Bienz, born Reinking, born the 20 April 1861, died 26 January 1897.

Wilhilmine “Christine” Reinking was the second wife of Adam Bienz (1858-1949). She also went by the nickname of Lena. Last week’s Tombstone Tuesday featured Adam’s first wife, Pauline C. (Germann) Bienz (1862-1891), who is buried in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm. Adam and Pauline were married for almost four years when she died, leaving two children behind.

Widower Adam Bienz married Christine Reinking in Adams County, Indiana, on 9 April 1893. [1]

Christine Reinking was born 20 April 1861, the daughter of Ferdinand and Mary E. Reinking. The Ferdinand Reinking family, living in Union Township, Adams County, Indiana, as enumerated in the 1880 census: Ferdinand, 53; Mary, 46; Mary, 20; William, 24; Christena, 18; Bettie E, 16; Halana, 15; Fredrick, 13; Martin, 11; Henry, 9; Martha, 7; Ferdinand, 5; and Clara, 2. The parents were born in Germany and all the children were born in Indiana. Ferdinand was a farmer. [2]  

Adam Bienz probably moved to Adams County, Indiana, about the time he married Christine Reinking. There they attended Immanuel Lutheran Church, also a Missouri Synod Lutheran church.   

Adam and Christine (Reinking) Bienz had one child, Paula M. Bienz (1894-1987), who married Walter Henry F. Thieme.

Christine (Reinking) Bienz died in Adams County on 26 January 1897. [3]

Wilhilmine Christine (Reinking) Bienz, Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Adams County, Indiana. (2019 photo by Karen)

Adam Bienz married a third time, to Christina Mathilda “Matilda” Bleeke, on 14 May 1899 in Adams County. [4] Matilda died 22 April 1944 [5] and Adam Bienz died 16 January 1949. Adam shares a tombstone with his third wife in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. [6]

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Adams County, Indiana. (2019 photo by Karen)

Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Adams County, Indiana. (2019 photo by Karen)

When we were at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery last week we noticed that name plaques had been placed on the back side of most of the older tombstones. This made it easy to see who was buried there, especially if the tombstone is weathered and illegible.  

Immanuel Lutheran Church & Cemetery, Adams County, Indiana. (2019 photo by Karen)

Back side of Wilhilmine Christine (Reinking) Bienz tombstone, Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Adams County, Indiana. (2019 photo by Karen)

Name plate on back side of Wilhilmine Christine (Reinking) Bienz tombstone. (2019 photo by Karen)

[1] “Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-6GTH-1XV?i=240&cc=1410397 : viewed 10 Mar 2019), Adam J Bienz & Christiana W. Reinking, 8 Apr 1893; Adams County Marriages, Vol. F:478.

[2] 1880 U.S. Census, Union, Adams, Indiana, ED 131, p.31C (stamped), p.15 {penned), dwelling 115, family 120, Ferdinand Reinking; digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?htx=List&dbid=6742&offerid=0%3a7858%3a0 : viewed 18 Apr 2019).

[3] Find a Grave memorial no. 106418617, Wilhelmine Christine “Lena” (Reinking) Bienz, Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Decatur, Adams County, Indiana.

[4] “Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-DRS9-DQ8?i=49&cc=1410397 : viewed 10 Mary 2019), Adam J. Bienz & Christena Mathilda Blakey, 14 May 1899; Adams County Marriages, Vol. G:492.

[5] Find a Grave memorial no. 98917043, Christina Mathilda Bleeke Bienz, Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Decatur, Adams County, Indiana.

[6] Find a Grave memorial no. 98917041, Adam Jacob Bienz, Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Decatur, Adams County, Indiana.

Apr 19

Happy Easter!

This Sunday is Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Our church will be decorated with beautiful spring flowers and the music of hymns like Christ the Lord Is Risen Today will fill the sanctuary. It will be a glorious service and celebration.

Zion Lutheran Church, Chattanooga, Ohio

Church-goers often wear new spring outfits on Easter Sunday. It feels good to wear the bright spring colors and put away the drab winter clothing.

Years ago an Easter outfit also included a hat. Hats were worn by both men and women, but the women’s head-wear was usually more colorful and eye-catching.

My mom had some pretty Easter hats and she saved two of them. These two must have been special because she had them packed away very carefully:

Easter hats saved by Florence (Schumm) Miller

I wish I had a photo of her wearing either of these two hats. I tried them on but neither are flattering on me. That is why you do not see a photo of me modeling them here. The orange one is quite large and full!

Below is one of the few photos I have of my mom wearing a hat. This may have been an Easter photo, taken about 1959 or 1960:

Florence & Karen, c1959

I remember one Easter when I wore a wide-brimmed, lacy, white Easter hat. An elastic band went around my chin to hold the hat in place. That elastic band came in very handy because the hat also had two long ribbons going down the back, long enough to fall between my back and the church pew.  When I sat back against the pew the long ribbons pulled the hat backward. I am sure I looked very fashionable for a 5-year old, with my long curls and that big white hat, but the hat experience was not very comfortable. It was a long church service for all concerned.

Not Easter photos, but I do have a few photos of ladies wearing hats.

My grandmother Hilda (Scaer) Schumm, with daughters Amy, Esther, and Florence. This could be an Easter photo:

Grandma Hilda (Scaer) Schumm with Amy, Esther, & Florence

A photo of Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Schinnerer) Scaer with grandchildren Elmer and Mary Schumm. Lizzie was my great-grandmother, the mother of Hilda. They look like they are bundled up, so this probably wasn’t an Easter photo:

Lizzie (Schinnerer) Scaer with grandchildren Elmer & Mary Schumm

Finally, a couple photos taken outside of our church, Zion Lutheran, Chattanooga, years ago:

Caroline (Miller) Caffee, Ruth Miller, Donna (Johns) Caffee.

The ladies wearing hats are Caroline (Miller) Caffee, Ruth (Miller) Werner, and Donna (Johns) Caffee. Caroline was my great-aunt, sister of my grandfather Carl Miller. Ruth is my aunt, daughter of Carl Miller. Donna was Caroline’s daughter-in-law, wife of Vernon Caffee.

Zion’s quartet, with Pauline (McGough) DeArmond wearing a stylish hat:

Zion Chatt’s Quartet, Howard Caffee, Stubby Bollenbacher, Rev. Carl Yahl, Paul McGough, and Pauline (McGough) DeArmond. (c1931-1942)

I will not be wearing a hat this Easter Sunday. The only hats I have are ball caps, not suitable for church. However, I could chose to wear either of the two vintage hats my mom saved…

Easter Blessings from Karen’s Chatt.