Friday, November 20, 2009

An Incident Concerning Tar and Feathering


During the evening of April 13th and the early morning of April 14th in 1918 an incident occurred in Holland, Ohio, that represented two different viewpoints held in the United States during World War I. These ideas were first expressed with the re-election of President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 who ran on the Democratic ticket with the slogan “He kept us out of the war”. Charles Evans Hughes was the Republican Candidate. Although it seemed that a majority of people sympathized with British and French forces due to the harsh policies of the Germans, most Americans were opposed to entry into the “European War” and preferred negotiation with all parties involved in order to remain neutral. After the war began in Europe on July 28, 1914, President Wilson had declared that citizens should not take sides so as not to endanger the United States’ neutrality policy. Foreign policy maintained this stance even though there was increasing pressure on the President to take more aggressive action after the sinking of the British passenger ship Lusitania with 128 Americans on board on May 7, 1915. Negotiations with the Germans to halt using torpedoes on commercial shipping failed in 1917 when they started unrestricted submarine warfare. Shortly thereafter, neutrality was ended when it was found that Germany had been negotiating with Mexico to enter the war on their side. Mexico would then form an alliance with Japan when the United States declared war. Mexico was promised that they would have New Mexico, Arizona and California returned to them when the war was successfully completed. On April 2, 1917, Wilson asked Congress to declare war on the Axis stating it would be “a war to end all wars” and could be used to build a plan for peace in the future that would prevent future catastrophic death and destruction.
Although this declaration was heralded by the anti-German and pro-war factions, there were many who had earlier agreed with Wilson’s declaration of neutrality and were strongly opposed to the war. Many of those against the war were declared “Socialists” and openly stated their objections. In this group there was also a faction that was of German descent or origin. On the other side were those who believed that the indiscriminate use of submarine warfare was not to be tolerated and that the “Kaiser” was using any method to dominate the world.
In order to help finance the war, bonds were sold to citizens. An aggressive campaign was begun by the Secretary of the Treasury, William Gibbs McAdoo. Bond committees were started in communities and volunteers would go to each home encouraging buyers. The effort even involved the Boy and Girl Scouts by using the slogan “Every Scout to Save a Soldier.” If a person did not buy a bond they were thought of as unpatriotic. Of course, those opposed to the war did not buy bonds in most cases and were the targets of tar and feathering and in some cases lynching, often supported or at least ignored by public officials and police departments.

This occurred with the “tar and feathering” of three Holland citizens in 1918. John J. Beattie, who was 32 at the time, was the main target of a group of Lucas County citizens who were associated with the “White Hats” or Ku Klux Klan. It is said that he openly opposed the war and discussed not only refusing to buy bonds, but also counseling men to get out of the draft by whatever means. Although the pro-war crowd thought he and others like him should be prosecuted for their efforts, President Wilson and others stated that if no law was violated these individuals were guaranteed the freedom to speak as they wished. John J. Beattie was at the time of the incident the Lake Shore Railroad Agent and Telegraph Operator in Holland and a Justice of the Peace. He later became the second mayor of Holland. His wife was Hazel Dell Wood, the daughter of Civil War veteran Harrison Wood, and grand daughter of Thomas Wood, one of the first Trustees of Springfield Township and a pioneer of the same. Mr. Beattie’s brother-in-law, Arthur H. Wood, was Chairman of the Liberty Bond Committee in Holland.
Perry Hall was the sheriff or constable of Holland at the time of the incident. His grandfather, Franklin Young Hall, is purportedly the person for whom the village of Holland was named (he built an addition south of the railroad starting in the early 1860s and called it “Hall Land”, which was mistakenly recorded by the county as “Holland”). Perry was 25 years old and worked as a telegraph lineman.
William Wagner was the son of a German immigrant, Daniel Wagner, and had married Bertha Ramsey, who was the grand daughter of another Springfield pioneer, Alfred King Rumsey. He was 42 and a truck driver.
The following two articles from the Toledo Blade and the Toledo Bee describe the events that took place (the Blade article is very graphic and seems to be written by someone who was at the scene). Two other small articles follow that show the results of a $60,000 lawsuit sought against the “12 prominent citizens of Toledo” for John Beattie and Perry Hall (have not found anything about Mr. Wagner’s case). These articles were found in the Newark and Sandusky papers.



Monday, April 15, 1918 – The Toledo Blade

TAR PARTY QUIZ
BEGUN BY JURY:
JUDGE BACKS IT

Police Still Hold Feathered Men – Mayor
Issues Plea for “Sober Judgment
to Uphold Law”

Here are Monday’s developments resulting from the tarring and feathering of three residents of Holland Saturday night.
The county grand jury is investigating the activities of the crowd which administered the tar and feathers; federal authorities may investigate the victims; the police are holding the three men on instructions from Federal Judge Killits, and Mayor Schreiber issued an appeal to “the sober to uphold the supremacy of the law.”
The three victims are:
JOHN J. BEATTIE, 32, Lake Shore station agent and telegraph operator at Holland, justice of the peace and a Socialist.
PERRY J. HALL, JR., 25, village marshal of Holland and a telegraph lineman.
WILLIAM WAGNER, 44, truck driver.
Common Pleas Judge Curtis T. Johnson and County Prosecutor John C. D’Alton are behind the grand jury inquiry into the actions of the crowd which applied the tar and feathers and then brought them to Liberty court, on Madison avenue, and made them kiss the flag and swear fealty to the government.
Judge Johnson said the “constituted authorities must vindicate the law,” that it must disregard public opinion and “do its duty at all hazards.” He called attention to the published statement that “police were present to preserve order.”

Had Been Probing for Weeks.

Assistant District Attorney E.J. Lynch said Monday the federal authorities have nothing to do with the “tar and feathering” party. That is for the local authorities to handle. He said that they had had “the situation at Holland” under investigation for some weeks, and whether the Saturday night party will spoil their investigation he doesn’t know.
The men were held by the police Saturday night and Sunday, and Monday morning were delivered to the office of L.M. Contrell (sic?), special agent of the federal bureau of investigation, in the federal building.

Tells Chief to Hold Them.

Cantrell said that no complaint had been lodged against the men, and declined to have anything to do with the case. Chief Herbert telephoned Federal Judge Killitts (sic?), who consulted with Lynch, and then instructed the chief to hold the men pending investigation. Lynch was busy in court and said he would confer with Cantrell during the afternoon. The police then came and took the men back to the Central station.
Lynch said that Cantrell was in error. He said he made complaint about one of the men involved, and that when Liberty bond salesmen communicated with him Saturday he told them that the man could not be prosecuted merely for refusing to buy bonds, but that other phases were under investigation and for them to leave the situation alone.

Lynch Wants to Get Notice.

Lynch said: “I wish you would print an ‘ad’ advising the people to speak to this office before they have any more such parties.”
William Patterson, leading member of the Socialist party and once its candidate for mayor, is a member of the grand jury. He said: “When I reported to the White Line office for work this morning there was a message awaiting me from Judge Johnson to report to his court this morning.”
Patterson was not on the regular panel. He was called from the audience to take a seat and was sworn in.
There are only five of the regular panel on the jury. They are:

Members of Panel.

Hudson Fitch, Chebro apartments.
Dennis McCarthy, 254 Bloomfield street.
J.E. Wilcox, Maumee.
Charles Harsch, 1217 Starr avenue.
Dennis Lynch, 228 Jervis street;
These were added from the audience, in addition to Patterson.
William Mayo, former fire chief, Point Place.
A.A. Kujawa, 823 Detroit avenue.
W.W. Betts, 2421 Putnam street.
C.M. Fellbach, 2351 Putnam street.
C.H. Weed, 2123 Ashland avenue.
C.H. Green, 3138 Kimball avenue.
Walter G. Watson, 1721 Michigan avenue.
A.D. Lewis, Sylvania.
L. VanNoorden. 1069 Lincoln avenue.

Talks Against Mob Law.

In charging the jury, Judge Johnson said:
“The purpose of the criminal laws is to preserve the peace and dignity of the state of Ohio.”
“There is no unwritten law in this state, and the people who take the law in their own hands must be brought to justice.”
“I will ask the prosecutor to question each one of you concerning your attitude toward mob violence.”
“The constitutional authorities must vindicate the law.”

Tar Party Mentioned

After the court admonished the jurors to keep all matters that come before them secret, telling them that if any information should go from the jury room as to what witnesses said or how members voted, the jury would be discharged and another impaneled. Prosecutor D’Alton inquired:
“I think I know what the court has in mind, and,” --- the court interrupted with:
“I have in mind the tar and feathering demonstration, in which it was said “the police were there to preserve order.’ “

Want Vote According to Law.

D’Alton continued: “I will ask you gentlemen if public opinion will rule in your deliberations or whether you will support the authorities in the enforcement of the criminal laws of Ohio.”
Not a word came from the jury box, and D’Alton added:
“I wish to say that this may be the most important grand jury we have had for years. I take it that you men will not vote according to public opinion, but according to the laws of Ohio.”
In closing, Judge Johnson said:

Says, “Let No Man Pass.”

“You will fulfill your duty as grand jurors at all hazards. You will excuse no one because of mere attitude. Let no man pass because conviction is not practical.”
“We rely on you to exhibit in this community that our patriotism means that peace and order be preserved.”
Mayo was selected foreman of the jury. The jurors then retired to the grand jury room to begin deliberations.

Visited State, U.S. Officials.

Members of the party said that on Saturday they sent a committee to confer with the prosecutor, Sheriff Gardner, Assistant U.S. District Attorney, F.J. Lynch and Special U.S. Investigator Cantrell to inquire about what could be done in the case of disloyalists who were hampering the sale of Liberty bonds. Spokesmen for the vigilantes said that each of the foregoing officials told them there was no way of punishing the disloyalists under the federal or state laws, except in the case of Beattie, if he were found guilty of having assisted men to evade the draft, as was informally charged.

Why They Decided to Act.

“The special investigator for the government, Cantrell, said he had so many investigations on hand that he couldn’t say when he would be able to give his attention to the Holland cases.” Said members of the vigilantes. “We got so little encouragement that we decided to take the matter into our hands and deal speedy justice. If the authorities are without power to act in such cases, then we will act for them again and again as we did Saturday night, and the authorities had better keep their hand off this matter.”
“Beattie, Wagner and Hall were sent Monday morning from the police station to the federal building. Their cases will be taken up, it is expected, by the federal authorities.”
“Toledo’s Ku-Klux-Klan will ride again.”
Names of alleged pro-Germans on the “blacklist” in possession of the “Supreme Thirteens,” the Klan’s committee of 13, which will rule on all cases, will be checked off as fast as the vigilantes can apply tar and feathers to the marked men.
The Klan took its initial ride to a tar party Saturday night. There were 86 in the party that pulled out of Toledo at 8. There were 17 automobiles, including one truck, in a string.

Bring Victims to Toledo.

It was 2 Sunday morning when the vigilantes returned to the city with the three Holland men, tarred and feathered, under heavy guard, in the truck.
The victims were:
JOHN J. BEATTIE, 32, Lake Shore station agent and telegraph operator at Holland, and justice of the peace. He is a Socialist.
PERRY HALL, Jr., 25, Holland village marshal and telephone lineman.
WILLIAM WAGNER, 44, truck driver. He also lives in Holland.
Police Chief Herbert said, early Monday, they will be held for the federal authorities.

Forced to Kneel Before Flag.

After a public demonstration on the platform in Liberty Court, in which the three were forced to kneel before the American flag and swear fealty to the Stars and Stripes, they were turned over to the police.
The vigilantes gathered in different sections of the city Saturday night, following receipt of an “investigating” committee’s report on complaints ‘lodged’ against Beattie, and pulled into Spielbusch avenue at 8:15 sharp.

Put on Ku Klux Klan Costumes.

When within two miles of Holland the procession stopped, covered license tags with white muslin and all, but those in three of the automobiles, donned white cowls and gowns.
The appointed leader and two picked “Thirteens” went to Beattie’s home. They were told that Beattie had gone to Toledo and would not be home until late.

Stop and Search All Cars.

Men were “planted” in various parts of the town. The leader and six men were stationed at the Toledo & Indiana Interurban station. All cars were stopped and searched.
When Beattie failed to arrive on the 10:30 car, the vigilantes turned back to Reynold’s Corners, where they waited for the last car, due there at 12:01.

Beattie Gets Warning.

Beattie was not on the 12:01 car, but the searching party were told that two occupants of an auto had stopped the car nearer Toledo and taken Beattie off, after warning him that a “tar and feather party” was awaiting him.
Within a few minutes, an automobile was seen approaching at a high rate of speed.
Wagner, who was driving the auto, denied that Beattie was in the machine. The man who had flourished a revolver said his name was Hall and that the third man in the care was his brother. The identifying committee, however, pointed out the “brother” as the man the vigilantes were looking for.

Beattie is Handcuffed.

Beatty was handcuffed and a gunny sack pulled over his head. Wagner and Hall were taken into custody. Two loaded revolvers were found on Hall and Beattie and a loaded 12 gauge repeating shotgun was found in the care.
The trio were placed on a truck, and the party of 86, then greatly increased in number by several parties autoists, including two women, sped to a point near Ottawa park. The string of autos halted where the road forks just across the bridge.

Vigilantes Take Oath.

All but one powerful spotlight, were turned off. This one lighted “the courtroom.” The leader called together the vigilantes and ordered them to raise their hands. He then read this oath, which every man repeated:
“I hereby solemnly swear, as a loyal member of the Ku-Klux-Klan of Toledo, that I will uphold the constitution of the United States and protect the dignity of our government, our flag, our president and our soldiers and sailors.”
“And I further swear, that I will never take a life or damage any property, and that I will never discuss in public, the order of the Ku-Klux-Klan, or divulge the names of any of our members, so help me God.”

Town Marshal on Stand.

The trials proceeded. Hall was the first “defendant” ordered to stand. He gave his name, occupation and address. He was asked if he were registered for the draft. He produced a Class
1-A card. He said he was town marshal of Holland “but didn’t carry my badge.”
Wagner was next. He said he was “a good American citizen.” But the committee decided “not” when witnesses were produced who swore Wagner hadn’t bought a bond and was a sympathizer of Beattie’s.
“I’ll buy a bond tomorrow,” Wagner pleaded.
“You’ll buy it in a suit of tar and feathers,” the “court” spoke up. “It’s too late to repent now.”

Worries About His Uniform.

Beattie followed Wagner. He said he hadn’t bought any bonds and wouldn’t until “I see my supervisor about the cost of my uniform.”
The “court” said:
“Beattie, you were the only man this committee of patriotic American citizens were after, But we have two others who will fare as you will. We have information, and witnesses in this crowd to back it up, that you have been working openly against the draft and against the liberty bond sale.”

Beattie Denies Charge..

Beattie denied the accusation.
The "court” continued:
“You have been making rounds from house to house in Spencer township, telling the people not to buy bonds; that they wouldn’t be worth a dollar in a year; that the government has issued more bonds than it could ever retire, and that the streets of Toledo would be littered with the “no good” bonds in a short time. What do you say?”
The accused again denied he had made any such statements, but when witnesses were produced he admitted he had said “something,” but hadn’t “said it just that way.”

Admits He is a Socialist.

The “court” again spoke:
“We also have information that you have sworn falsely to affidavits to aid registrants to evade the draft. That you were in constant communication with Scott Nearing since the organization of Nearing’s gang, is still another charge that has been preferred against you. “You’re a Socialist, aren’t you?”
Beattie admitted he was. He said he had attended “one or two” of Nearing’s meetings. But protested innocence. He said he was an American, born in Bryan.

“Guilty”, Crowd Shouts.

At this juncture, the crowd, which had held silence, yelled they were ready to vote. The leader then asked: “Gentlemen, remember your oath, keep sacred these Stars and Stripes. What is your verdict?”
The 86-plpus voices shouted in chorus: “Guilty as charged.”
“You pretty little gang of pro-Germans, Socialists and what-not, you’ve heard the verdict. The sentence of this court is that you be besmeared with tar from head to toe, with the exception only of that part around your eyes, and showered with feathers until you resemble the tribe to which you belong. Gentlemen, I hereby appoint you (turning to a committee of three) a committee to execute the sentence, while the rest of us judge your qualities as the tar and feather party of the Ku-Klux-Klan.”

Beattie Tarred First

Beattie was the first tarred. He stripped all clothing from his body and the committee proceeded. A five-gallon can of tar have been prepared. The “chairman” of the committee spoke:
“I wish to announce that these feathers came from Pennsylvania 40 years ago. It’s just about 40 years ago that Germany started preparations for this war. I picked these particular feathers for the occasion, and I’ve enough to reserve for a few others on our list.”

I Don’t Like Kaiser Very Well.

After Beattie had been lathered with the soft tar and rolled in the feathers, the crowd yelled:
“Well, how do you like the Kaiser now?”
The victim, trembling muttered:
“Not very well.”
“Louder,” the vigilantes demanded.
“I don’t like him very well now,” Beattie answered.
Hall was second, and Wagner third. The three, allowed to don their clothes, were placed in the rear of the truck, under guard, and the cortege sped on into the city. The truck followed the leading machine. The auto behind the truck turned its bright lights on the trio and the autos sped down Jefferson avenue, tooting horns.

Stars and Stripes Unfurled.

The autos pulled into Liberty Court, where the three men were marched onto the platform. An American flag was unfurled. They were forced to kneel and the lay down before the flag, but the “committee” would allow none of the trio to touch the American standard.
People came from all directions. The vigilantes were unmasked, and made no attempt to hide their identity. They were wildly cheered when the onlookers were told why the ‘party” had occurred. They cheered again when told that other such “parties” were slated for the near future.
Two soldiers put in their appearance. They were asked to recite their oath to their country. They did so and Beattie, Hall and Wagner were made to repeat the words after them. The three were then turned over to police, together with the guns, and the crowd disbanded.

Monday Evening, April 15, 1918 – The Toledo Bee

JURY TO CALL OFFICERS WHO SAW THE TAR PARTY

Toledo patrolmen who witnessed the demonstration of the mob that tarred and feathered three Holland residents early on Sunday, will be summoned to appear before the grand jury, county officials announced on Monday afternoon.
The policemen, it is said, were present in Liberty Court, Madison-av, when the Holland citizens were forced to disrobe and show their “coats” of tar and feathers.
“I speak of that disgraceful tar and feather scrape on Madison-av, on Sunday morning, when I ask you new jurors whether you will uphold the criminal law of Ohio regarding mob violence, regardless of public sentiment,” Common Pleas Judge Johnson said to the new Lucas-co grand jury impaneled on Monday.
Judge Johnson referred to three Holland citizens, Perry Hall, 24, town marshal, J. J. Beatty, 32, railroad station agent, and William Wagner, 44, truck driver, who were taken by a mob from Holland to Toledo, tarred and feathered on the way in, and forced to kiss the American flag before a crowd of 500 at the Liberty Court on Madison-av early on Sunday. The men were accused of pro-German sympathies.

MIGHT UPSET PLANS

Speaking of the “tar and feather party”, Federal Attorney Edwin J. Lynch said on Monday.
“Any time the citizenry of Toledo and vicinity has a tar and feather planned, federal authorities should be communicated with to find out if the parties to be tarred are under observance. Such work as the Saturday night affair might upset the government in some important work. Such actions forewarn people.”
Louis M. Cantrell, special investigator of the Department of Justice, said no complaint has been made to him against the three men and that he will not take action until such a complaint is made.
The three were taken to the Central Police Station on Sunday morning and they are being held until city, county and federal authorities complete an investigation.

ARMED HIMSELF

Fifteen or 20 strangers were in Holland early on Saturday evening looking for Beatty. Marshal Hall learned of it. Arming himself with two revolvers and a shotgun he started for Toledo with Wagner. Both knew Beatty was in Toledo and possibly start home on the last interurban car.
At the second stop out of Toledo, they took Beatty from the interurban and started back to Holland. They had not gone far when they were met by a number of men in Autos.

MANY FROM TOLEDO

Most of the men were from Toledo. They pulled Beatty out of the auto. When Hall objected they grabbed him and Wagner.
The crowd then started for Toledo. After reaching Ottawa Hills the three Holland men were forced to disrobe. A coat of tar and feathers was applied.
At Liberty Court, in front of the Central Postoffice, the men were again forced to take off their clothes. They were put on a platform where they were jeered and hooted by more than 300.

LEADER MAKES SPEECH

A man who appeared to be the leader made a short speech.
“These men have refused to buy bonds,” he said. “And they‘ve spread reports that the bonds are worthless. That kind of talk has got to stop or there will be a lynching in Holland.”
Police then took Hall, Beatty and Wagner to Central Police Station, where they are being held for the government.

CROWDS VISIT STATION

All day on Sunday men and women went to the station eager to see the men.
Beatty’s wife and brother-in-law, Arthur H. Wood, postmaster of Holland, visited the trio Sunday afternoon and made arrangements to have the tar removed.
Wood, who is chairman of the Liberty Loan Committee in Holland, said he did not know if the men had purchased bonds or whether they had ever been asked to buy. Beatty, Hall and Wagner admitted they had not bought bonds.
Statements of Common Pleas Judge Johnson and Prosecuting Attorney John C. D’Alton before the April term grand jury on Monday indicated that the grand jury will take up the “tar and feather party.”
Former Fire Chief William Mayo was appointed chairman of the jury.
The jurors are: Dennis McCarthy, Hudson Fitch, Dennis Lynch, John Wilcox, Charles Harsh, C. M. Fellbach, A. A. Kujawa, Louis Van Norden, Walter Watson, D. C. Lewis and William Patterson. The last named is a former Socialist candidate for mayor.

Friday, October 31, 1919 – The Newark (Ohio) Daily Advocate

LOSES SUIT FOR TAR PARTY

Toledo, Oct. 31 – John J. Beattie of Holland, O., who was tarred and feathered here during the war for supposed disloyalty, lost his $20,000 damage suit brought against 12 prominent citizens of Toledo. A jury in common pleas court returned a verdict in favor of seven defendants after the court had quashed the action against five earlier in the day.





Wednesday, June 1, 1921 – The Sandusky Star Journal

GETS $500 VERDICT

TOLEDO, June 1 – Perry Hall, Holland, Ohio, one of the victims of famous tar party in Toledo, growing out of a Liberty loan campaign in 1917, won a verdict for $500 against the county from a jury in common pleas court here today. Recently, John Beattie, another victim of the tar and feathers, was awarded $50 by a jury. Another suit by a third victim is pending.

Friday, February 27, 2009

West Springfield Gazette

We have a reproduction of the copy book for the West Springfield Gazette (also known as the West Springfield Literary Gazette). Several young ladies from the westernmost parts of Springfield Township (probably around Crissey) worked on it. The copy is very faint in some parts and blanks have been included where it cannot be read. The picture shown was included in the front of the copy book and reminds us of our intelligent Editresses.






The
West Springfield Gazette

published semimonthly
By The

West Springfield Improvement Society

Vol. 1st No. 8

Two Dollars per Year

Miss Martha Dean

Miss Sarah Vanwert

Editresses

West Springfield, Saturday, Oct. 26, 1857



“Great Effect oft result from little Causes”


Once more before you dear friends; once more entrusted with the keeping of the Editors. For ----------- --------------, once more surrounded by well known and happy faces and my own heart overflowing with joy and gladness I greet you tonight with a fresh number of the Gazette and as a Christmas present we have been furnished a beautiful new set of type, improved paper, and elegant bindings. Our paper will be as heretofore centered upon all subjects involving discussion proper to all who will condescend to favor us contributions and a liberal remuneration for those of especial merit ourselves (?) judging.

Our terms are two dollars per year invariably indorsed; all subscriptions not enclosing the full amount will be thrown under the table and the partial remittance will be confiscated.

Rates of advertising ten lines one dollar
fifteen lines one dollar and a quarter
twenty-five lines one dollar and a half
for more than twenty five lines a special arrangement must be made with the publisher

Marriage notices inserted free of charge

The Dying Year

Another year is just expiring, passing into our endless Eternity as many have done before. How swiftly the wheels of time roll on. The days weeks and months of another year are gone. The bleak winds and snows of winter yielded to the soft showers of gentle spring. The sweet season of flowers, the right, sunny days of summer and lovely autumn with its fruits and berries have all been with us and gone like the visions of a night and stern old winter has again made his appearance. But what should the dying years remind us of? should it not remind us of our final desolation – that we too must die when necessary, that we should live for our every moment in doing all the good we can for ourselves and fellows while here on earth to prepare ourselves for a higher station. Let us glance back over the past year! Can we not bring to mind many things which we regret doing and many lost chances of experiences? We will not stop -----ment over the past but pursue the present and future. Lest we as a Society ------------- with the new year and continue our Society and each ------------ try to make it interesting and profitable and I think we shall succeed in the undertaking and reap the benefits of our endeavors in future days.

A Member of the Society


Written expressly for the Gazette

Winter Winds

Winter Winds, ye sadly wail,
O’er the plain, so drear and low,
O’er the hills and through the vale,
Still I hear your voice of woe.

Ratling (sic) thru my casement shutter,
With a loud and clanging sound,
Wildly through the trees ye flutter,
Scatering (sic) all their leaves around.

Winter Winds! ye are wildly roaming,
O’er richest plains and sterile wastes,
O’er new graves sadly, moaning,
Oe’r sweeping now reckless haste.

Winter Winds are ye ever blowing?
Ever wandering to and fro,
Cease ye rider this sad going,
Through this vale of tears and woe.

Julie Jessup


Geography

Geography describes to us,
The globe on which we live,
Of all the different kinds of stuff,
A full description gives,
The first it tells the f----- of it,
W---- says -- ------ ------,
And ----- the s--- --- ---- --------,
--- --- ------- millions ------.

Diligence Insures Success

It is an undeniable fact that diligence is a necessary prerequisite to success in any undertaking. If it were not so why should we see (as we often do) a person who commences in life with small means steadily progressing and increasing in wealth and popularity and becoming more and more worthy of esteem and confidence while another who perhaps had far greater opportunities for insuring his way to fortune and fame makes no advancement or worse still, squanders his wealth in extravagant living and wastes his time in idleness and dissipation. If the men who first undertook to make the power of steam available in propelling machinery had been disheartened by the first difficulty that presented itself where now would have been the important advantages that have resulted from its use; and indeed is not every new invention the result of earnest and persevereing (sic) toil mental as well as physical. Who ever heard of a man who indulged in habits of negligence and inattention to business that was ever the means of accomplishing any amount of good in the world or of benefiting his fellow man. Such persons very rarely rise to any exalted station or if they do it is not because they are deserving of the honor. But the most forcible illustration of the truth of this wisdom may be seen in the acquirement of knowledge. Every one who has every reached an elevated position on the hill of Science has told us that the only way by which (to advance) and search into the hidden receses (sic) of learning is by resolving that we will brave every difficulty and conquer every obstacle which we may encounter. Constant and untiring diligence will surely be rewarded. It is not by attending school a few weeks or months in each year and merely committing to memory the lessons there required – scarcely giving them a thought afterward – that we can ever expect to store our minds with knowledge. If we study because we love to and for the pleasure it gives us to inform our minds we shall seek other opportunities for gaining information and allow none of our time to pass unimproved. It was by this means that most of the great men of our country obtained their education. It is not the wealthy who become the most celebrated for their intelligence and usefulness; they too often consider the acquisition of knowledge as of little importance simply because they have been taught that money makes the man. How was it that Franklin became so learned? His parents were poor and his opportunities for schooling very limited. And yet he became one of the most learned men that our country ever produced and has perhaps done more for the good of our country than any other man. With such proofs as these of the benefits which result from a diligent and useful employment of our time who would not strive to excel or surpass the great and good of the past who have left the ----------.
We all doubtless have talents which only want to be cultivated to render us the means of accomplishing much good; and patient and persevering effort is the surest way to develop our latent powers and crown our every undertaking with ultimate success.

Kate Whimsical


Choice of Company

This is a subject of great importance and can not be to (sic) carefully considered by the young; in as much as those we associate with have a great influence over us therefore we should choose those for our friend whom we wish to imitate; as our happiness and success through life greatly depends upon the course we pursue and the circle in which we move. How many misguided youths have made themselves unhappy and miserable by allowing themselves to keep bad company – those possessed of ability and advantages of becoming great good and wise have by keeping bad company fallen into silent and unknown oblivion.

Maria Trumbull


Lying

How many are addicted to this habit and in how many various ways is it carried on by the people of the present age and how often do we observe it? There is a certain class (who have) so much to say and they are not very particular in what way or maner (sic) they express themselves. If they hear anything they cannot be satisfied until they have told it and nine times out of ten they will make it convey quite another meaning. Now is it not wrong for persons to indulge themselves in reporting everything they hear – it not only causes disturbances between families but is the formation of a very bad habit. Another class always see to other peoples business, and never to their own and are always prophesying that some great event is about to take place; that some Lady and Gentlewoman are about to emmigrate (sic) to the Territory of matrimony because “someone” has seen them looking at each other in church; and they think it so much they finally think it is so and tell it for granted. There again we have Friends who vary with us in regard to amusements and we do something we know they will not uphold us in – yet we think no harm, and in a few days we are chastised for so doing; and instead of being upright and honorable about it they will apologize, and finally, creep out of it and say they did not do it when they know better and others too. I ask is it not more to deny a thing after having done it than to do it. Oh that parents should indulge their children tatling as much as they do and if they seem interested they will tell things to suit them. I think those who have reached the age of reason and understanding should be careful about setting such an example before smaller children. What looks better than a truthful child; one that we can place confidence in and another thing I think will do no hurt to notice briefly. Never condemn a person until you have sufficient reason for doing so. Many times we hear false reports from one and another and we are too apt to say and tell of things we know nothing of and if any one is prejudiced against another they are not particular wheather (sic) they tell it verbatim or not.

From an Observer


Flowers

This may seem an untimely subject but thoughts will come; how very beautiful a monthly rose looks even now on this cold December evening and in the long summer days how cheering and delicious is their fragrance . Bring them in to the chamber of the invalid how they cheer his restlessness; and in contemplating them he falls into sweet sleep and rests. Take them into the room of the convalescent they will while away and shorten the weary hours of imprisionment (sic) and calm the impatient spirit. Place them in the -ell of the cri-si--- whose bloodstained ----d has been raised high against his fellowman, and though they may recall the past and present to him many scenes which he long ago took an innocent part even though the re---- brings a bitter nostrum he will bless you for them for they are a part of the world he is never more to see; yet which he still lives. Wreath them around the cold white stone where death has set his seal they are fit emblems of mortal frailty. Place them in whatever situation you will they are richly beautiful and bring with them quiet and pleasure. Ye bright emblems of innocence and purity our sinful world would be dreary enough without.


Fannie Fragrance

Epigrammatical upon part last evenings doings

Up sprang the evening Bert
And fiercely held her fast
While followed visible Sarah
Shaking Bert with giant grasp!

Company Concern



Farewell! the ------ of change
Ha-- s---- as all must ---- in sh---
And joy like a ------ -- bird begins
The wing to drop, the ----- to fade.






The
West Springfield Gazette

published semimonthly
By The

West Springfield Improvement Society

Vol. 1st No. 9th

Springfield, January 9th, 1858

Terms: two dollars per year, in advance

Miss Caroline E. Barnes

Miss Ellen M. Cressy

Editresses

Motto

“Great Effect oft result from little Causes”

Editorial

The wheels of time in their never-ceasing course have rolled on, and again we have been called upon to bid “Adieu” to the departing year; and welcome with joy the advent of a new; and as this is the first time we have had the pleasure of addressing you in the capacity in which we now stand before you we hasten to improve it, by wishing all the friends and readers of the Gazette, though it’s columns a “Happy New Year.”
Nor do we wish you to regard it as an idle, unmeaning phrase, merely uttered for the sake of compliment, and with no thought of its real import; for the feeling which prompted its utterance is a heartfelt for your happiness both present and future. Not such happiness only as may be found in the existing pleasures of the fashionable world and amid gay scenes of mirth and festivity; but that calm and quiet enjoyment which is conferred by the sweet consciousness of having been of use to our fellow-man, of living for some nobler purpose than the gratification simply of our own selfish wishes.
In this life we are ever subject to trials and disappointments; and though today, your prospects for pleasure may appear undimmed, tomorrow may find the clouds of sorrow over-hanging your heads and hiding from view every ray of hope and happiness. Keeping this important truth in mind, then, that life is not all sunshine, our readers, we hope will so employ their time and talents; while youth and opportunity are granted, as to be able to bear with calmness and fortitude every reverse of fortune, and to render themselves truly useful in whatever condition of life they may be placed. Thus you will win the esteem and confidence of all friends of Integrity and Truthfulness, and will possess within yourselves ample resources of sending every ensuing year of your life a “Happy New Year”.
With regard to our financial affairs, we are sorry to say that, owing to the universal depression prevailing in all public transactions, they are not in so flourishing a condition as we could wish; and we trust that our old patrons will be prompt in renewing their subscriptions as well as procuring new subscribers. For the benefit of any who have never had the pleasure of perusing the Gazette, we will state that its chief aim will be, as it has ever been, the cultivation of home talent, by giving to the members of our Society who desire to improve themselves in writing and composing an opportunity of doing so and at the same time making their thoughts and ideas known to each other in such a manner that all may be benefitted (sic) thereby.
In the editorial of our predecessor we find the announcement that the Gazette is to be “neutral” on all subjects involving discussion; and would most respectfully beg leave to say that we think this should not be. We see no reason why our contributors should be prohibited from writing on some particular subject, or why one should be permitted to express their views and opinions on any topic, if others are not allowed the same privilege. Free discussion of principles and theories, we think is a sure and successful method of promulgating right views of them, and we shall therefor adopt for our motto on this point, Neutral in nothing.
That our paper may have an increased circulation we will reduce the price to $1.00 per year for clubs of ten with an extra copy to the person getting up the club, and for every five additional subscribers a handsome picture book.

Attention! $5.00 Reward

Run away from the subscriber between 9 and 10 o’clock A.M. on the eve of the 13th Dec. his oldest son Peter two years younger than his brother Richard. He is dark complexioned with light hair and blue eyes, and when he left was dressed in a light colored suit of black broadcloth. Any information of this lad will be unthankfully received and rewarded accordingly.

My Native Land

A dearer spot cannot be sought,
Than our blessed native land.
With parents dear we may live here,
A joyous happy band.

When far from home as many roam,
To find a better spot.
After they’ve tried they’re satisfied,
To return to “father’s cot”.

When they have gone from childhood’s home,
Few are the friends they’ll find.
Few pleasures there, they’ll find so dear,
As those they left behind.

Our schoolmates here and friends so dear,
Whom we from birth have known.
I’m sure ‘twould grieve us all to leave,
To seek a distant home.

No Mother’s care shall shield us there,
When in a foreign land.
No sister’s to our spirits cheer,
Nor Fathers able hand.

Back to our home our minds will come,
To our sweet native land.
Where in sweet play we’ve spent our day,
With playmates hand in hand.

Clara


Conundrums
Which of our members represent articles we should most need in case of a fire? Ans. Bell and Wells.
What forest tree is represented by one of our members? Ans. Bi---

Fairies


Some people say, Fairies! What are fairies? I’ll tell you just what fairies are. They are a pretty race of people always merry when it is still and calm, and when you are in a good humor and your mind is somewhat in a strong imaginative mood. Some say fairies live only in flowers and for food eat the sweets of the floral tribe and quench their thirst with the dew which falls upon their habitations; whilst others say they have seen fairies dancing upon the ice in the evlest (sic) of weather, and that they live under the ice in the little hollow knots of this crystal substance.
But I will tell you what I saw one evening --- The sun had sunk below the western hills, the sky was arrayed in all its glory of purple and gold, and the trees were clothed in a dark reddish yellow, and every thing was so pleasant and enchanting that it drew me forth in the evening air to enjoy the beauties of nature. I went into the garden and was admiring the roses when a gentle breeze lifted the leaves of one sweet one, and a pretty fairy peeped up at me and drew the leaf down. I looked around, and seeing no more of these people waited for the appearance of the full moon, when I was quite certain the fairies would come forth to enjoy themselves in the beautiful light of Luna.
Soon the moon made her appearance and cast her rays over hill and vale and the scenery was more beautiful than words can tell. I was watching the light clouds in the sky and had forgotten the fairies in my new occupation, when a gentle breeze blew the leaves from a rose which had seen its best days; and some lit on my hand, thus calling my attention from the clouds. I turned and upon a beautiful damask rose saw the fairies were collected, all dressed in white whilst the breezes swept their silky jet hair around their graceful shoulders. But their fiddler was the firs--- of ---- a brown --- grasshopper perched just above them singing enough to split his throat. But the fairies had not selected a rose strong enough to serve them in their merriment, for it was old and somewhat weak in the joints. I soon saw a great black spider creep up behind Mr. Fiddler and slily (sic) catch hold of the hoary musicians foot. The old gentleman was surprised as well as frightened, and summoned all his strength to give a mighty jump, but in his hurry he struck a rose twig and came tumbling down with the spider among the fairies. The great spider and the over-grown grasshopper were too much for the aged rose, and their weight tore the leaves asunder, while fairies, fiddler and spider came tumbling together upon the ground. The spider ran off as fast as his feet could carry him but the fairies had no notion of his getting off so easy and starting in pursuit soon overtook him. They then caught hold of his feet and dragged him around but finally they thought they might have a fine moonlight ride, so all got upon the back of Mr. Spider and off they all rode in merry glee laughing with all their might. While Mr. Grasshopper stood where he had fallen and laughed in good earnest at poor Mr. Spider conveying these happy creatures around in a very perplexed state. After they had rode long enough they played hide and coup? In the leaves of a great pink rose bud when they were surprised to see Miss Puss came and tap their rose and all came tumbling down again. The moon was soon about an hour high and I returned to the house with a resolution to visit these fairies the next evening. I retired that night to dream of fairies playing “Pussy wants a corner”, and all the funny things they are capable of performing.

Stella Starlight


Ques: For what flower does our treasures manifest a decided
preference? Ans. Rose

Youth’s Fancies

Written for the Gazette

It is a bright and beautiful Sun. evening and all nature demands to be decorated with beautiful attire. The heavens themselves are filled with splendor. The moon is shining in all her transcendent beauty and now and then a twinkling start makes its appearance. The little brooklets flowing on in their course murmuringly get ever onward in their flight, all speak with mute voices telling us to give praise to the Creator. It has often seemed incomprehensible to me how man gifted with those faculties which raise his soul above the brute, can become dead to all the beautiful scenes and varied charms of nature; still it is so with few exceptions. To most men the lofty trees and hills and valleys, and the blue firmament on high assume no aspect of beauty; and all nature seems to them but so much gross material for them to convert into dollars and cents!
Sometimes I cannot help thinking they are not possessed of any soul. They appear apparently but ----- living clay it is true without any spiritual life, looking for pleasure and happiness in the dull routine of everyday life, and business; caring nothing for mankind but worshipping the Almighty dollar. There is generally too much rain, and too little sunshine; too wet or too dry and with them things are never right; they are continually fretting at Providence. But enough has been said and I will close by saying we must all take things as they come.


Amusements

It is natural for us to seek for amusements, and there are a variety of ways which we can find to spend our leisure moments; some find amusement one way and some in another. Reading should be called an amusement, for in what better way can we improve our best? hours, then in reading some useful and interesting book. We can hold communion with those great minds who flourished years ago, but have left an example behind them which we would do well to imitate.
Many of those great and good men had but little opportunity for becoming learned, and obtained most of their knowledge by their own perservering efforts, by amusing themselves with useful and instructive books. Some find pleasure in vain and idle ways and others still indulge in very sinful amusements such as shuffling cards for liquor, and thus becoming intoxicated when they are sometimes led to commit crime. I regret that so many young men who might be smart and intelligent and capable of filling useful stations in society should indulge in these vicious practices. The pleasures of the ballroom also attract great mumbers, but this I think rather a vain amusement, and when carried to excess very sinful, and even if not I think there are better ways of employing our time.
Winter amusements are the most harmless and agreeable of any season of the year. Who does not enjoy these long eves when the broad-faced moon is soaring through the heavens while the clear sky above our heads makes it so delightful for a merry company of young folks to be seated in a sleigh behind a span of smart horses, with the music of sleigh bells ringing in our ears. It is one of the highest physical enjoyments we can partake of. Let not these harmless amusements be checked too harshly. But (as I mentioned before) reading should not be regarded as a laborious task, it should rank among the highest, the purest and most lasting of all amusements. For in it pleasure is combined with instruction. It will make the old forget the sorrows of age and teach the young the pleasures of wisdom.

Kate Knownothing

Charade.


In the r------ of air my first had its birth
And on doing ------- Ascends to earth,
To gladden the hearts of men,
And noiselessly carpets hill and vale
As with piercing cold and driving gale
Old winter resumes his reign.

If my second you’d know, and when it is found
I’ll quickly explain, in hope it is round
And is used by boys in their play,
And the ----- of my first and second combined
Spell what in the Spring in the garden, we find,
And in winter we throw away.

Ans. Snowball Matilda Musty

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Families of the Village of Holland, Springfield Township and Spencer Township

Although the society has an Historical Families Project to honor one or two families each year who have made a contribution to the community, we have other individuals who wish that their own family history be recognized. This section will hopefully do that. If a family member provides information about their family it will be published in this section. If later that family is chosen to receive recognition from the Historical Families Project that information will be transferred to that section.



_______________________________________________



Albert Augustus Vesey Family


as provided by Dawn (Vesey) Puliafico, Ashland, Massachusetts.



Albert Augustus Vesey was born in Whiteford Township, Monroe County, Michigan on November 21, 1852, the second of ten children born to Edwin and Angeline (Merriman) Vesey. His father owned 80 acres of land. When he was a young boy, Albert and a friend were in a field with a bull. Albert tried to outrun the bull and jump the fence, but he didn’t make it. He was gored in the hip. He could still walk, but his leg was very stiff and lame. His son, Leslie, referred to this as the “Battle of Bull Run”. He was known as “Bert” to his siblings.
Albert wanted to be a drummer boy in the Civil War, but he was too young.
The 1860 US Federal Census lists Albert, age 7, living in Whiteford Township, Michigan. The 1870 US Federal Census lists Albert, age 18, at home in Whiteford Township, Michigan.
In the 1880 US Federal Census dated June 1, 1880, he is 26 years old and living with his parents in Whiteford Township, Monroe County, Michigan. He was working as a farm laborer.
Albert (age 27) married (1) Sarah Alvinne Kile (age 19) on December 23, 1880 in Monroe County, Michigan. Sarah was the daughter of Ira and Mary Kile. She was born in Licking County, OH. She died May 5, 1882 at age 20 years and 5 months and is buried in the Van Auken Cemetery, Whiteford Township, Monroe County, Michigan. Albert’s occupation was farming. Foster Ellis and Sarah Ann Ellis served as witnesses, and M.J. Scott served as the officiating minister.
He married (2) Harriet (Hattie) Alberta Hill, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Hamilton) Hill, on March 12, 1884 in Crown Point, Lake County, Indiana.
From Lola (Vesey) Merrill’s book “A History of Holland, Ohio, 1829-1953”
“In the year 1885, Mr. and Mrs. Albert A. Vesey moved from Ottawa Lake, Michigan to the Lewis Holloway farm on Pilliod Road where their first son Claude was born July, 1886. In three years the family moved to Holland into the house where the Souslin family now reside. They opened a grocery in the Palmer house and Mrs. Vesey managed alone, while Mr. Vesey worked as a section hand on the railroad. Their first daughter, Goldie, was born in this home October, 1889. In early 1892, the Vesey’s moved to the brick home on the south side, now across from the Holland Coal Yard. Mrs. Vesey opened a Millinery Shop and also sold home-baked bread in addition to the regular grocery items. Their second son, Leslie (now Rev. Leslie D. Vesey of Hayes Methodist, Fremont, Ohio), was born April, 1892.

The purchase of the vacant corner lot which was part of the Shaner Estate, then owned by Barbara Holloway, and with the completion of this new place of business, the moved in the early spring of 1898, a couple of months before the arrival of twin girls, Lela and Lola. Lela died September 22, 1910.
In the 1900 US Federal Census, Albert (age 47) is listed as a general merchant in Springfield Township, Ohio with his wife Harriet (age 35) and children Claude R. (age 14); Goldie F. (age 11), Leslie D. (age 8); Lola and Lela (age 2). Claude, Goldie and Leslie are students. Martha Neitcka (age 14) is also listed in the Albert Vesey household. She worked as a servant. The 1910 US Federal Census includes the same information, with the exception that Martha Neitcka is no longer listed in the household. Mary Taylor (age 79, Hattie’s mother) is included in the Albert Vesey household in 1910.
In the 1920 US Federal Census, Albert, Hattie, Leslie and Lola are listed in Springfield Township, Ohio. By the 1930 US Federal Census, Albert (age 77) and Hattie (age 65) are listed in Holland, Ohio.
Wesley Vesey, their grandson, recalls Hattie still working in their grocery store down the street when she was in her 70s. She often walked to work, about 4 blocks. She was noted, too, for mowing their lawn with a push mower. One time, at the store, she was cutting a great round of cheese with a butcher knife, the knife slipped and she cut herself quite badly.
Albert had chickens in a coop behind the house. To get the chickens laying eggs early, he used to turn on the lights in the hen house and get them scratching. At the table, he used to sip his tea from a saucer, which the grandchildren thought was strange. Why not use the cup! He nearly always washed the dishes, while others stayed at the table and talked. He whistled, too, while he worked. When he was on his deathbed, and didn’t have much more time to live, he either cracked some joke or responded to someone humorously, which everyone thought was typical of him and highly unusual for that serious time.
Death records indicate that Albert Augustus died July 29, 1939. Harriet died January 26, 1944. Both Albert and Hattie are buried in the Springfield Township Cemetery.
Claude Reyburne was born July 1, 1885 in Holland, Ohio. He married C. Fern. He died October 23, 1952 in Holland, Ohio. Fern died June 10, 1958. Both are buried at Springfield Township Cemetery.
Goldie Fay was born in October 1889 in Holland, Ohio. She married Orval Egbert Stair, son of Elmer and Mary Stair. Goldie died in 1957 in Holland, Ohio.
Leslie Dale was born April 5, 1892 in Holland, Ohio. He married Mertie Irwin, daughter of Elmer and Adelaide (Roberts) Irwin. He died March 19, 1978. He and Mertie are buried in Springfield Township Cemetery.
Lola L. and Lela Marie, twins, were born June 28, 1898 in Holland, Ohio. Lela died from juvenile diabetes on September 22, 1910 and is buried in the Springfield Township Cemetery. Lola married Frank Merrell, son of Morris and Clara Merrell. She researched and wrote “A History of Holland, Ohio, 1829-1953”.


Claude Reyburne Vesey Family




Claude Reyburne was born July 1, 1885 in Holland, Ohio. He married C. Fern about 1908.
In the 1910 US Federal Census, Claude is enumerated in Elyria, Ward 1, Lorain County, OH and is working as a bookkeeper in a factory there. He returned to Holland, OH to take partnership in his father’s general store in 1911 and is listed as such in the 1920 US Federal Census. In the 1930 US Federal Census, he is listed as storekeeper – dry goods/grocery. Fern and son Dale also both worked as clerks in the store per the 1930 US Federal Census.
Dale Demott was born January 18, 1910 in Elyria, OH. Robert was born about 1912. Claude Jr. was born about 1914. Katherine was born about 1917. Rex was born June 21, 1920.
Claude died October 23, 1952 in Holland, Ohio. Fern died June 10, 1958. They are both buried at Springfield Township Cemetery.
From Lola (Vesey) Merrill’s book “A History of Holland, Ohio, 1829-1953”
“With an established general merchandise business [Vesey General Merchandise] and as Postmaster serving the town and township, a partnership was accepted when Claude R. and family moved back from Elyria in 1911.
Claude, who was bookkeeper, butcher, buyer, and clerk, was constantly alert to the business needs. He collapsed in April, 1949, recovered, and collapsed again on September 29, 1952. He died October 23, 1952, at 67 years. About a month before, Claude had a premonition that “he would be out of the store by November”.
The widow C. Fern Vesey, has disposed all stock and fixtures up for sale. The building is for rent or sale.”

_____________________________________________________


Descendants of Henry Henderson
from the records of Anita Hamilton, San Joaquin Valley, California


Generation No. 1

1. HENRY4 HENDERSON (HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) (Source: (1) all census downloaded Ancestry.com, He appeared on the census in 1830 at Defiance Twp., Williams Co., OH 1 male 20-30. (Has not been confirmed to be him). (2) tombstone., (3) Death cert. #69864.) Was born July 19, 1800 in Vermont, and died October 05, 1879 in South Toledo, Ohio Lucas Co. Springfield Twp. Cemetery. He married (1) ELINOR NELLIE LOOMIS August 08, 1831 in Wood Co. Ohio, daughter of WILLIAM LOOMIS and MARY WILSEY/WILTSE. She was born 1814 in Taghkanic, Columbia, New York, and died Bef. 1842 in Wood County Ohio (Source: military records.). He married (2) JULYNIA CHASE (Source: marriage license, Marriage License name listed as Julianna Lovewell.) October 14, 1842 in Lucas Co. OH. She was born 1819 in New York, and died 1877 in Lucas Co. OH Springfield Twp. Cemetery, Lucas Co. OH (Source: tombstone.).

Notes for HENRY HENDERSON:
His occupation was a farmer.

He is buried in the Springfield Twp. Cemetery, Lucas Co. Ohio


Was born in Vermont and moved to York state with his parents when he was a child. At about age 13 he enlisted in the war of 1812, and was stationed near Ft. Gratiot near Saulte Sue Marie. He was with General Cass at the treaty of Fon du Lac between the Indians and the Gov't, in 1814. In 1819 he came and settled in Maumee County. His brother Eli came to Maumee between 1825 and 1830. Truman settled in Wisconsin and had five children. Nothing is known of his children.

*He appeared on the census in 1840 at Springfield Twp., Lucas Co., OH. It lists 1 male under 5, 1 male between 5 and 10, 1 male between 15 and 20, 1 male between 30 and 40, 1 male between 40 and 50, 1 female under 5, 1 female between 5 and 10, 1 female between 10 and 15, 1 female between 30 and 40. (1)

*He appeared on the census in 1850 at Waynesfield Twp., Lucas Co., OH. He is listed as a farmer born in Vermont. Listed with Henry are Jemma (Julynia) age 30, born in New York, Oliver age 17, Alvira age 14, Amy age 11, Eli age 10, William age 7, Louisa age 6, George age 3, Edward age 1. All children were born in Ohio. (1)

*He appeared on the census in 1860 at Waynesfield Twp. Lucas Co., OH. He is listed as a farmer born in Vermont. Appearing in the census with him was Angeline (Julynia) age 41 born in New York. Eli age 20, William age 16, Louisa age 15, George age 12, Edward age 10, Caroline age 8. All children were born in Ohio. Also listed in the household is Truman Henderson age 41 born in New York. (1)

*He appeared on the census in 1870 at Waynesfield Twp., Lucas Co., OH. He is listed with Julina age 51, born in New York and Henry age 16, Esther age 14. Louisa and her children are also listed in the household. (1)

*He has conflicting birth information. Son George's death certificate lists Hartford, Connecticut.

Henry appeared on the 1837 Tax Lists, taxed on personal property within the Township of Port Lawrence in Washington Twp., Lucas Co., Ohio. Appearing on the list directly above him was John B. Henderson.

Tax List: 1838 Waynesfield Twp., Lucas Co., Ohio. He paid taxes on personal property, cattle and horses.

Notes for JULYNIA CHASE:
Marriage License Name Listed as Julianna Lovewell, must have been married before.

In Springfield cemetery Henry and Julynia are buried together. There are also 3 small stones in the same area for Clarissa Henderson, Charlie Henderson and Horatio Henderson. No dates or other information is on the stones. According to the sexton at the cemetery, Charlie, Clarissa and Horatio are all Henderson’s. (No prove they are our Henderson’s) Esther Henderson Jeremy is also buried in the area.

Children of HENRY HENDERSON and ELINOR LOOMIS are:
i. OLIVER P.5 HENDERSON (Source: military records, Civil War Pension Record Minor Civil Division: Ridgeway.), b. October 31, 1835, Ohio; d. December 19, 1892, Ridgeway, Lenawee Co. MI; m. LUCY ANN TRIPP, August 01, 1867, Ridgeway, Lenawee Co. MI; b. 1842; d. 1907.

Notes for OLIVER P. HENDERSON:
He appeared with Sophia Henderson (36, PA) Emily Kahn (13), Henry Hill (11) and Sarah Hill (9) in 1860 census living in Washington Twp., Lucas Co., Ohio.
He appeared on the census in 1870 at Ridgeway, Lenawee Co., Mi., Also listed is wife Luch Ann age 27 born New York.
He appeared on the census in 1880 at Ridgeway, Lenawee Co., Mi. Only wife Lucy is listed with him.
He appeared on the census in 1890 at Ridgeway, Lenawee Co., Mi. He is listed as serving in Company K of the 84th Ohio Infantry from May 26, 1862 to Sept. 20, 1862

ii. ALVIRA HENDERSON, b. January 1836, Ohio; d. June 30, 1909, Calhoun Co., Mi.

iii. AMY HENDERSON, b. 1839, Ohio.

2. iv. ELI HENDERSON, b. 1840, Ohio; d. February 07, 1893, Maumee, Lucas Co. OH.
v. JAMES HENDERSON.
vi. LENORA HENDERSON, b. 1830, Ohio; d. Bef. 1860, Michigan?; m. JAMES VAN HORN; b. 1822; d. April 04, 1847, Lucas Co. Ohio..

Notes for LENORA HENDERSON:
She appeared with husband James and twins Henry and Henrietta in 1850 census living in Waynesfield Twp., Lucas Co., Ohio. They were living next door to Henry Henderson and family..

Children of HENRY HENDERSON and JULYNIA CHASE are:
vii. CAROLINE5 HENDERSON (Source: all census downloaded Ancestry.com, She appeared on the census in 1870 at Maumee Lucas Co., Ohio. She is listed as a domestic servant in the household of Justus McDonald.), b. Abt. 1852, Lucas Co. Ohio.

Notes for CAROLINE HENDERSON:
FOUND CAROLINE HENDERSON AGE 18 BORN IN OHIO IN 1870 CENSUS, OHIO, LUCAS CO. MAUMEE LIVING WITH JUSTUS MCDONALD AND FAMILY ALSO A WILLIAM GIBSON

viii. WILLIAM HENDERSON (Source: (1) 1860 census downloaded Ancestry. Com, He appeared with brother Henry (7) in the household of Solomon Hines in 1860 census living in Sylvania Twp., Lucas Co., Ohio., (2) census downloaded Ancestry.com, He appeared on the census in 1900 at Mentor Twp., Cheboygan Co., Mi. He is listed as a boarder, his occupation is day labourer and he has been married 36 years., (3) military records, He served in the military, William Henderson, K, 3 Cav., en. Oct, '61 Wood Co., OH.), b. 1842.
ix. LOUISA HENDERSON* (Source: (1) marriage license Lucas Co. vol 2, page 288., (2) census downloaded Ancestry.com, She appeared on the census in 1870 at Waynesfield Twp. Lucas Co., OH. She is listed in the Henry Henderson household with children Frank age 9 and Florence age 1.She appeared on the census in 1880 at south Toledo, Lucas Co., Oh. She is listed with her 2 children. The last name is spelled Genson.She appeared on the census in 1900 at Maumee, Lucas Co., OH. She is listed as having 3 children, 2 living. Her name is spelled as Gerrans. She appeared on the census in 1910 at Maumee, Lucas Co., Oh. Her name is spelled as Gensonson. She appeared on the census in 1920 at Waynesfield Twp., Lucas Co., Oh. Living with daughter Florence Farthing.), b. June 10, 1844, Maumee, Lucas Co. OH; d. December 08, 1921, Swan Creek Cemetery, Monclova, Lucas Co. OH; m. LEVI M. GENSON, June 18, 1865, Maumee, Lucas Co. OH (Source: (1) 2. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, International Genealogical Index(R) (Copyright (c) 1880, 2002 11 jul, 2005.., (2) marriage license Lucas Co. vol 2, page 288.); b. 1838; d. 1880.
3. x. GEORGE HENDERSON, b. November 28, 1847, Maumee, Lucas Co. OH; d. September 11, 1923, Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga Co. OH.
4. xi. EDWARD HENDERSON, b. March 1849, Ohio; d. May 28, 1912, Erie Co. OH Swan Creek Cemetery, Lucas Co. Monclova, OH. He married MARY HOLTZ November 26, 1885 in Britton, Lenawee Co, MI. She was born 1864 in New York, and died 1901 in Ridgeway, Lenawee Co, MI.

Notes for MARY HOLTZ:
Buried next to Oliver in an unmarked grave in Ridgeway, MI.

5. xii. HENRY HENDERSON, b. September 23, 1853, Maumee, OH/Lucas County (Adams Twp); d. November 16, 1949, Maumee, OH / Lucas County.
xiii. LIZ HENDERSON.
xiv. ESTHER A. HENDERSON (Source: (1) all census downloaded Ancestry.com, She appeared with husband John in 1900 census living in Toledo, Lucas Co., OH. She had 4 children all living., (2) death certificate #33317, Repository; Not Given. Death certificate lists father as George Henderson and mother as Elmira Lovejoy.), b. October 02, 1855, Maumee, Lucas Co. OH; d. May 03, 1928, Maumee, Lucas Co. OH Springfield Twp. Cemetery, Lucas Co. OH; m. JOHN JEREMY, 1894; b. 1854.

More about ESTHER HENDERSON:
Residence, 1900: Toledo City, Lucas Co, OH

Generation No. 2

2. ELI5 HENDERSON (HENRY4, HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) (Source: military records, civil war pension record, Maumee, Lucas Co. Ohio.) was born 1840 in Ohio, and died February 07, 1893 in Maumee, Lucas Co. OH. He married SARAH DORAS COE. She was born 1840, and died 1900.

Notes for ELI HENDERSON:
He was employed as a Teamster.
He appeared in the household of Asa Cole in 1860 census living in Springfield Twp., Lucas Co., Oh.
He appeared on the census in 1870 at Troy Twp, Geauga Co., Oh. He is listed with wife Sarah and son Bart age 11/12
He appeared on the census in 1880 at South Toledo, Lucas Co., Oh. Household includes wife and 4 children and brother Edward.
He appeared on the census in 1890 at Maumee, Lucas Co., Oh. He appears in the Special Veterans Schedule
He served in the military Civil War, co.l, 14th Ohio 1864-65
Eli Henderson, K, 3 Cav., in, Oct., '61, m. o. Aug., '65 Wood Col, OH
Eli died of consumption.

Children of ELI HENDERSON and SARAH COE are:
i. BURTON6 HENDERSON, b. 1869.
ii. ORRION HENDERSON, b. 1872.
iii. BERNA HENDERSON, b. 1875.
iv. WILLIAM HENDERSON, b. 1878.

3. GEORGE5 HENDERSON (HENRY4, HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) (Source: census downloaded Ancestry.com, He appeared on the census in 1880 at Troy Twp, Geauga Co., Oh. He is listed with wife and 2 children. He appeared on the census in 1900 at Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga Co., OH. Also listed is wife Carolyn and children Rolla Clyde, Louise and Lougarda.He appeared on the census in 1910 at Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga Co., OH. He is listed with new wife Matilda and daughter Lougarda. Also in the household is sister-in-law Velma Coe age 55. He appeared on the census in 1920 at Orange Twp., Cuyahoga Co., OH. He is listed with wife Matilda, son Rollo, daughter Lougarda and grandson Theodore age 10..) was born November 28, 1847 in Maumee, Lucas Co. OH, and died September 11, 1923 in Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga Co. OH. He married (1) CAROLYN COE April 22, 1874 in Chargin Falls, Cuyahoga Co., OH. She was born May 1, 1849, and died November 3, 1904. He married (2) ZADA MATILDA COE February 29, 1904 in Cuyahoga Co, OH. She was born August 15, 1864, and died July 9, 1922 (Source: census downloaded Ancestry.com, 1910 census , Series T624 Roll: 1164 Page 99A.).

Notes for GEORGE HENDERSON:
George died of Tuberculosis
Birth and death dates are from Ohio Deth Certificate

Children of GEORGE HENDERSON and CAROLYN COE are:
i. ROLLO CLYDE6 HENDERSON.
ii. LOUIE JULYNA HENDERSON.
iii. LONGARDA DIANA HENDERSON.

4. EDWARD5 HENDERSON (HENRY4, HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) (Source: (1) all information gathered is from Military Pension Records, He served in the Civil War, Co. 1, 14th Ohio 1864-65Henderson, Edward, 18, Jan. 28, 1864. Mustered out with company July 11, 1865., (2) all census downloaded Ancestry.com, He appeared on the census in 1880 at Waynesfield Twp., Lucas Co., OH. He is living with brother Eli and family. He appeared on the census in 1890 at Ridgeway, Lenawee Co., MI. He is listed in ght Veterans Schedules as serving from Jan. 8, 1864 to July 17, 1865 as a private in Co. 1 of the 14th Ohio Infantry. He appeared with wife Mary and 2 daughters in 1900 census living in Macon Twp., Lenawee Co., MIHe appeared on the census in 1910 at Maumee, Lucas Co., OH. He is living alone listed as a widower.) was born March 1849 in Ohio, and died May 28, 1912 in Erie Co. OH Swan Creek Cemetery, Lucas Co. Monclova, OH. He married MARY HOLTZ November 26, 1885 in Britton, Lenawee Co. MI. She was born 1864, and died 1901 in Springfield Twp. Lucas Co. OH.

Notes for EDWARD HENDERSON:
Edward served in the Civil War

Children of EDWARD HENDERSON and MARY HOLTZ are:
i. ADDIE L.6 HENDERSON, b. January 29, 1886.

More about ADDIE L. HENDERSON:
Residence: 1900, Macon Township, Lenawee Co, MI

ii. ANCIE HENDERSON, B. 1887.
ii. NETTIE HENDERSON, b. May 18, 1888.

5. HENRY5 HENDERSON (HENRY4, HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) (Source: (1) all census downloaded Ancestry.com, He was employed as a Papermaker., (2) all census downloaded Ancestry.com, He appeared on the census in 1860 at Sylvania Twp., Lucas Co., Oh. Henry age 7 is listed in the household of Solimon Miner (Hines). Also listed in this household is William Henderson age 18. William is listed as a farm hand.. this census was taken on June 13th. On June 12th William was listed with the Henry Henderson household., (3) all census downloaded Ancestry.com, He appeared on the census in 1870 at Waynesfield Twp., Lucas Co., Ohio. He is listed age 16 with his parents and Esther age 14. Louisa and her children are also listed in the household., (4) all census downloaded Ancestry.com, He appeared on the census in 1880 at Waynesfield Twp., Lucas Co., OH. Household includes wife Clara and daughter Mabel., (5) all census downloaded Ancestry.com, He appeared on the census in 1900 at Waynesfield Twp., Lucas Co., OH. Also listed is Guy age 18, Myrtle age 16, Harry age 13, Howard age 10 and twins Julia and Clara age 6., (6) all census downloaded Ancestry.com, He appeared on the census in 1910 at Maumee, Lucas Co., OH. Only Henry and Laura are shown in the household., (7) all census downloaded Ancestry.com, He appeared on the census in 1920 at Springfield Twp., Lucas Co., OH. Only Henry and Laura are shown in the household., (8) all census downloaded Ancestry.com, He appeared on the census in 1930 at Holland Twp., Lucas Co. OH. Only Henry and Laura are listed in the household., (9) Obit, His obituary was published 17 Nov 1949 in Maumee, Lucas Co., Ohio "Maumee's Oldest Resident is Dead" .Henry Henderson, 96, oldest resident of Maumee, died yesterday in the home of his son, Guy Henderson, 410 West Dudley St., Maumee, after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of Maumee, Mr. Henderson retired 12 years ago as a papermaker after working at the trade since he was a young man. Mr. Henderson was also the oldest member of Maumee Methodist Church having attended the church 63 years. He formerly was superintendent of the church and at one time was a member of its official board. His grandson, John Henderson, is mayor of Maumee. Also surviving are other sons, Howard, Toledo, and Alan, Perrysburg, daughters Mrs. Mabel Hoffhines and Mrs. Clara Contat, both of Maumee, and Mrs. Julia Bricker, Perrysburg, nine grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. Services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. in Maumee Methodist Church. Burial will be in Swan Creek Cemetery. The body is in the Masonic Mortuary, Maumee.) He was born September 23, 1853 in Maumee, OH/Lucas County (Adams Twp), and died November 16, 1949 in Maumee, OH / Lucas County. He married (1) CLARA VIOLA TIBBITS June 28, 1877 in Lucas Co. OH, daughter of WILLIAM TIBBITS and LUCY FIELD. She was born June 29, 1856 in Logansport, Cass Co. IN, and died December 17, 1893 in Maumee, Lucas Co. Ohio Springfield Twp. Cemetery, Lucas Co. OH. He married (2) INA OPHELIA KREPS September 26, 1900 in Lucas Co. OH. She was born 1867, and died 1902 in Riverside Cemetery, Lucas co. Ohio. He married (3) LAURA B. BOYD September 06, 1909 in Lucas Co. OH. She was born 1860, and died 1936 in Swan Creek Cemetery, Monclova, Lucas Co. OH.

Notes for HENRY HENDERSON:
Henry's occupation was a Papermill electrician and made crowns.
Church: Maumee Methodist Church.

Henry died of Heart Disease

Notes for CLARA VIOLA TIBBITS:
Clara Tibbitts died of pneumonia at age 40 during birth of twins, Julia
and Clara.


Children of HENRY HENDERSON and CLARA TIBBITS are:
i. ROY6 HENDERSON.

Notes for ROY HENDERSON:
Stories are that Roy died as a baby. We have found no information on him as of 7/22/05.

6. ii. MABEL HENDERSON, b. 1880; d. May 17, 1962, Lucas Co. Ohio swan creek cemetery.
7. iii. GUY HENDERSON, b. 1882; d. 1955, Bedford Township, Monroe, MI?.
8. iv. MYRTLE HENDERSON, b. 1885; d. 1937, Swan Creek Cemetery, Monclova, Lucas Co. OH.
9. v. HARRY HOROTIO HENDERSON, b. March 04, 1888, Maumee, OH / Lucas County; d. December 18, 1948, Three Rivers, MI / St Joseph County.
10. vi. HOWARD G. HENDERSON, b. November 08, 1889; d. February 27, 1965, Toledo, Ohio.
11. vii. JULIA FIELD HENDERSON, b. September 26, 1893; d. June 1974, Ohio.
12. viii. CLARA HENDERSON, b. September 26, 1893; d. November 1983, Ohio.

Child of HENRY HENDERSON and INA KREPS is:
13. ix. ALLEN MELVIN6 HENDERSON, b. 1902; d. 1958.


Generation No. 3

6. MABEL6 HENDERSON (HENRY5, HENRY4, HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) was born 1880, and died May 17, 1962 in Lucas Co. Ohio swan creek cemetery. She married HARLEY ADELBERT HOFFHINES. He was born 1877, and died April 07, 1961 in Maumee, Lucas Co. OH.

Notes for MABEL HENDERSON:
Mabel was a school teacher.

Notes for HARLEY ADELBERT HOFFHINES:
Harley was a janitor at the high school, worked with Mable's brother,
Guy, as a street car conductor.

Child of MABEL HENDERSON and HARLEY HOFFHINES is:
i. ZANA BELLE7 HOFFHINES, b. 1898, Ohio; d. April 03, 1989, Toledo, Ohio; m. CARL FINLEY COOKE; b. 1894; d. January 06, 1984, Springfield, Ohio..

Notes for CARL FINLEY COOKE:
Carl died at the Mercy Medical Center.

7. GUY6 HENDERSON (HENRY5, HENRY4, HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) was born 1882, and died 1955 in Bedford Township, Monroe, MI?. He married (1) RILLA ANNA DOHR. She was born 1888, and died 1934 in Ohio. He married (2) MINA DUNBAR.

Notes for GUY HENDERSON:
Guy was a motorman on a street car, also worked on billboards.
Buried in Swan Creek Cemetery, Monclova, Ohio

Notes for RILLA ANNA DOHR:
Buried in Swan Creek Cemetery, Monclova, Ohio

Child of GUY HENDERSON and RILLA DOHR is:
i. JOHN E.7 HENDERSON, b. 1909; d. October 05, 1999, Whitehouse, Lucas Co. OH; m. (1) ANNA E. NELSON; b. 1913; d. 1989; m. (2) MARIETTA FEEHAN.

Notes for JOHN E. HENDERSON:
John was mayor of Maumee, OH and also owned a Bar & Grill.
He was a motorman on a street car, worked on billboards.

8. MYRTLE6 HENDERSON (HENRY5, HENRY4, HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) was born May 17, 1885 in OH, and died October 7, 1937 in Swan Creek Cemetery, Monclova, Lucas Co. OH. She married (1) MERLE HARRY KELIOR DAMES (AKA HARRY KELIOR) on July 30, 1902. He was born 1884, and died 1958. She married (2) ? MORT. She married (3) JOHN CARL HILES IN 1912.

More about MYRTLE HENDERSON:
Residence, 1900: Maumee Village, Lucas Co, OH.

Notes for MERLE HARRY KELIOR DAMES:
Dames was a vaudeville magician

Child of MYRTLE HENDERSON and MERLE DAMES is:
i. CLYDE RAYMOND7 DAMES, b. October 16, 1902, Toledo, Ohio; d. April 14, 1993, Ohio, Swan Creek Cemetery/Lucas co. ohio; m. (1) THELMA LOUISE BROWN; b. 1903; d. 1963, Ohio, Swan Creek Cemetery Lucas co. Ohio. m. (2) BEULAH "BETTY" FRYE.

Notes for CLYDE RAYMOND DAMES:
Retired from the Bell Telephone Co.

9. HARRY HOROTIO6 HENDERSON (HENRY5, HENRY4, HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) was born March 04, 1888 in Maumee, OH / Lucas County, and died December 18, 1948 in Three Rivers, MI / St Joseph County. He married ROSE MAE NELSON, daughter of MONTAVILLE NELSON and EVA LEHMAN. She was born May 19, 1892 in Shipshewana, IN, and died July 09, 1971 in Turlock, CA Stanislaus County.

Notes for HARRY HOROTIO HENDERSON:
He was 5"8" tall
Harry died of a massive heart attack.
He was superintendent at Paper Mill until 1947 in Three Rivers, MI

Notes for ROSE MAE NELSON:
buried in Constantine Cemetery Constantine, MI

More About ROSE MAE NELSON:
Burial: Constantine Cemetery, Constantine, MI

Child of HARRY HENDERSON and ROSE NELSON is:
i. HOWARD LEROY7 HENDERSON, b. April 14, 1912, Constantine, MI / St. Joseph County; d. April 24, 1989, Turlock, CA / Stanislaus County/Stanislaus Co.; m. WILMA PEARL MIDDAUGH, June 28, 1930, Elkart, IN; b. June 04, 1913, White Pigeon, MI / St. Joseph County; d. October 2006, Modesto, Ca Turlock Cemetery, Turlock, CA.

Notes for HOWARD LEROY HENDERSON:
Howard worked for Fairbanks Morse Co. in Three Rivers, MI until 1951. In
Se t. 1951 the family moved to Turlock, CA and he went to work for Bank
of America. He worked there until his retirement.

10. HOWARD G.6 HENDERSON (HENRY5, HENRY4, HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) was born November 08, 1889, and died February 27, 1965 in Toledo, Ohio. He married ETTA MANAHAN. She was born 1895, and died February 24, 1968 in Toledo, Ohio.

Notes for HOWARD G. HENDERSON:
Worked for American Floor Surfacing with 1/2 brother Allen.
SS# 292-05-3017
Howard died at the St. Vincent Mercy Hospital

More About HOWARD G. HENDERSON:
Unknown: Ohio

Notes for ETTA MANAHAN:
Etta died at the St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Toledo, Ohio

Child of HOWARD HENDERSON and ETTA MANAHAN is:
i. KATHRYN7 HENDERSON, b. 1914; m. (1) ROBERT WALBOLT; b. 1917; m. (2) JOHN VANCE SR.; b. 1912.

11. JULIA FIELD6 HENDERSON (HENRY5, HENRY4, HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) was born September 26, 1893, and died June 1974 in Ohio. She married (1) EVERETT BATTEN LEFEVER. He was born 1897, and died 1931. She married (2) PAUL BRICKER. He died Abt. 1968.

Notes for JULIA FIELD HENDERSON:
Julia and Clara are twins

More About JULIA FIELD HENDERSON:
Unknown: Ohio

Notes for EVERETT BATTEN LEFEVER:
Everett was an electrician and inventor ( a part on the street car )
Bank accountant, American Trust Co.

Notes for PAUL BRICKER:
Paul worked on billboards ( bill posters under Guy Henderson, Julia's
brother .
Worked as a milkman,
Died of a heart attack.

Children of JULIA HENDERSON and EVERETT LEFEVER are:
i. EVERETT LEFEVER7 JR., b. 1917; d. 1965; m. THERESA (PETE) ARLENE WALBOLT; b. 1914.

Notes for EVERETT LEFEVER JR.:
Alias: HOOK

ii. BETTY JANE LEFEVER, b. 1921; d. October 01, 2000, Pemberville, Ohio; m. WENDELL D. "BILL" HATAS; b. 1920; d. 1968.

Notes for BETTY JANE LEFEVER:
Betty worked for the telephone co.

12. CLARA6 HENDERSON (HENRY5, HENRY4, HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) was born September 26, 1893, and died November 1983 in Ohio. She married GEORGE CONTAT. He was born 1893, and died 1945.

Notes for CLARA HENDERSON:
Clara and Julia are twins

More About CLARA HENDERSON:
Unknown: Ohio

Notes for GEORGE CONTAT:
Occupation: Crossing machinist.

Children of CLARA HENDERSON and GEORGE CONTAT are:
i. CLARA7 CONTAT.

Notes for CLARA CONTAT:
Clara died at birth

ii. FRANCIS (FRANK) N. CONTAT, b. 1916; d. 1976; m. GLENNA MAY WOLFE; b. 1918; d. 1983.
iii. MARVIN GEORGE CONTAT, b. 1923; d. 1976; m. DORIS L. GIBSON; b. 1925.

13. ALLEN MELVIN6 HENDERSON (HENRY5, HENRY4, HENRY3, HENDERSON2, HENDERSON1) was born 1902, and died 1958. He married LEAH MARGARET SPEAKER. She was born 1904.

Notes for ALLEN MELVIN HENDERSON:
Allen worked for American Floor Surfacing for 1/2 brother Howard.

Child of ALLEN HENDERSON and LEAH SPEAKER is:
1. ALLEN DALE7 HENDERSON, b. 1929; m. JUANITA MAY GIBBS; b. 1931.

Notes for ALLEN DALE HENDERSON:
Allen Dale was a school teacher.



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Recollections of the August G. Baumann, Sr. Family
by Jim Baumann, Toledo, Ohio, January 18, 2009


August G. Baumann Sr., a quarry owner in Germany, came to the United States around 1909. He bought a house in Link’s Hill (south Toledo). Around 1910 he purchased a 15-20 farm on Hill Avenue, just east of where Stone Oak County Club is now. At that time local property owners were German and Polish families. Jim is not sure if his grandfather owned the woods on the west side of the farm, where August Sr. would pick morel mushrooms in a secret spot he never shared with anyone.
The farm’s soil was dark and rich dirt in the front and sandy in the back. Aside from having farm animals (penned where a pond is now), August grew fruits and vegetables. August had strawberry patch and sold them commercially. One of Jim’s earliest memories of the farm was picking berries. On one occasion his mother and grandmother were wondering why all their boxes of berries were empty, until they found Jim eating out of one of the full containers.
One time Jim’s grandmother, Barbara, screamed because a rattlesnake was wrapped around a strawberry plant. Someone chopped the snake’s head off with shovel (I think Jim’s father) and Jim’s uncle took rattle where he kept a collection around the house.
Jim also recalls taking falls (apples fallen off trees) to a cider mill he thinks was east of Crissey Road to have fresh pressed cider..
Jim’s grandmother, Barbara, was his grandfather’s second wife. The first wife died shortly after Jim’s father, August Jr., was born in Germany. August Sr.’s second wife came from a wealthy family. This wife, along with August Jr. and his sisters, came to the Untied States on the USS Grant in 1910. According to one of Jim’s aunts, they landed at Ellis Island. While there, people were given fruit pies to eat that were so horrible, people just threw them on the floor and the conditions were filthy.
At Ellis Island, immigrants had to show they had the means to get where they wanted to go. Mrs. August Baumann Sr. took gold pieces out of the hem of her dress and showed the officials she did have wealth to get to Toledo. Jim thinks that his grandmother had enough gold to help purchase the farm on Hill Avenue.
While on the farm they made wine and kraut. His grandfather also did truck produce. August Sr. was an avid hunter and knew all the local farmers, as he hunted on their properties. Jim remembers a Bueche Garden Center on Dorr Street, just east of Little Flower Catholic Church is now, because he thinks they might have been one of his grandfather’s neighbors around Hill Avenue.
Jim’s grandfather died around 1939-40 and the farm was sold after that. Both Catholics, August G. and Barbara were buried in the Immaculate Conception cemetery by Bancroft and Rabb Road.
Jim’s father, August Jr., married Naomi Farber. Naomi’s family came from the Prague area. August Jr. converted to Lutheran and both he and Naomi are buried in Toledo Memorial Cemetery. Jim was born in 1935 and has two sisters, Ruth and Judy.
The house and farm buildings on Hill Avenue no longer stand. Currently there is a whit brick/stucco house one the property with a large pond in the back. Asking price is around $1.5 million.


__________________________________________________



Recollections of the Paul and Bernice Holloway Family
Pat (Holloway) Schiele, living in Georgia


My grandparents, Bernice and Paul Holloway lived in the Holloway home for more than 50 years. I was sadly there when the home was sold out of the family after my grandfather's death and my grandmother's illness. I don't have the trinkets I had as a girl growing up when exploring the farm, all of the arrowheads,etc. The house itself was a treasure trove. I remember the things my grandfather would find in the 2nd attic. He would bring down little dolls that were no more than 1/2 to 1 inch high, some white and some black made of china I think, very simplistic. He brought down a very large "chuck" of gold, he said it was found during the California gold rush. I do still have a pewter ink well that is in the shape of a crab he found up there. My two uncles and father probably have most of the things he found in the "treasure trove" attic. I remember some stories he'd tell also. Since my family was politically involved and strongly opinionated, he told of one relative corresponding with Abraham Lincoln. Then when he did not agree with a decision Mr. Lincoln made, burning the correspondence between the two. I wasn't very old when he told that story and even I knew the implications to history those actions made! My great-grandfather, Chester (I believe his name was, sorry for my uncertainty here, although I do have his picture) lived across the lane in a small shack. It was torn down after he went to the retirement home to live (I'm not sure at what age that was). He lived to be over 100 years old. I have a picture of him with my brother on his 100th birthday. I also have another picture of him with my grandfather, my father and myself, four generations of Holloways, taken in the front room in the Holloway home. My grandparents also had an old schoolbook that had a picture of the Holloway house. I wish I knew more about it. The picture on your website brought back memories for me. I know that when the expressway came through, my grandfather was not too happy. He was not given a choice to sell his land for the road that went right through the middle of his farm. After the road went in, he had to go miles and miles out of his way, to get to the other side to farm to what was just on the other side of the road. In the later years, he went more into livestock and less into farming. My grandmother, Bernice was a schoolteacher when she married and had her three boys. I always thought she was one of the most dignified and classiest "farm wives". She was definitely not a stereotypical "farm wife". She did the canning and baking and all the things that farm wives do, she just had a certain flare that I always admired. Her apple pie knew no equal! My grandfather was very much a stereotypical farmer. He always wore a blue jean shirt and overalls with his straw hat, except when they went to church. My grandfather's sister Jeanette, (married to Oscar, I cannot remember they're last name), did an extensive history of the Holloway name and genealogy. I do not know what happened to that either. I know she spent years and years working on it.