1-9-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
Winter has set in in full custom, the weather has made splendid ice, and the icehouses are everywhere
being filled rapidly.
The snow has made splendid sleighing and the people are taking advantage of it. The sawmill grounds
are being covered with logs which are daily being brought in, while the banks along the canal are being
covered with timber for shipment when the canal opens. Sleigh riding is being indulged in at a lively rate, and
the jingle of the bells are heard throughout the night as well as the day.
The holidays are over and we can safely say they never passed off in a more pleasant and lively manner
to our people. On Christmas eve a party of Delphos folks held a social dance at Beckman’s new hall, and on
New Years eve a regular ball took place at Wannemacher’s hall at which the attendance was so large that
those present had to divide up into three different apartments. A large delegation was present from Glandorf,
Dr. Huber was here, and the Doctor himself makes a large delegation. It was a lively time, and apropos, the
turkeys and roosters suffered on the occasion of these festivities.
On last Saturday Isaac Cary, a mason from Delphos, while working at the culvert at Lock 19, was badly if
not fatally hurt by a blow from a pry which he was using in placing a large coping stone.
Mrs. Bohn lost a valuable mare last week, which broke a leg while in the stable.
Mr. Coleman, the miller, has removed to this place with his family.
A very cold snap has followed New Years day, severe enough to cause the death of many birds, fowls and
even dogs.
Our Cornet Band made an Excursion trip to Ft. Jennings on the evening of 30th ult. They went in a sleigh
and had a fine time during their stay with the Band boys of Ft. Jennings.
ARGUS
1-23-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
The good sleighing is still enjoyed by our people, yet it has not been free from the usual accidents. On
last Monday, on returning from Delphos, Mr. Jos. Pittner’s team runaway and his young horse broke a leg and
had to be killed. Mr. Matt Brinkman’s team also runaway and broke up his sleigh and threw him out upon the
ground skinning his face.
The culvert at Lock 19 is completed and accepted by the State Engineer as a good job.
ARGUS
2-6-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
No more snow, no more sleighing; yet the winter is not over with, as at present it still cold and the roads
have a solid bottom.
Our flouring mill has received new machinery, bolting cloths and beltings during the past week, and
workman are busy renovating and repairing for the spring work.
The prospect of work for planning mill seems to be good for the coming season, as already six new
buildings are under contract.
On last Thursday the marriage of John Odenweller and Anna Reckert took place. The ceremony was
conducted by Rev. Miller, Rev. Michenfelder, of Ft. Jennings, delivered the sermon to the newly wedded pair.
The cornet Band was also present and their sweet music enlivened the occasion.
At an early hour on last Wednesday morning the new building of James Bertling, at Ft. Jennings, occupied
as a shoe-shop and saloon, was totally destroyed by fire, with all its contents. The loss was covered by
insurance in the Howard Company of Knox County, to the amount of $1100.
The sawmill whistle is again heard and work in the mill is being pushed at a lively rate.
In your last issue I noticed a communication from Jackson Township, from Ferd. Siegel, Jr., township clerk,
contradicting the accusations of some of the citizens of that township as to exorbitant taxation. I do not desire
to meddle with Jackson township affairs, yet hold that its citizens have the same right to complain, as Mr. Siegel
has to denounce the action of the commissioners. His assertion that “several hundred dollars are collected by
way taxation from Jackson Township and expended in other places” is not true and I denounce it as a
falsehood. The gentleman unquestionably realizes a position of public trust in a very small degree.
Yours, ARGUS
2-27-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
On last Sunday afternoon the dwelling house of old Mrs. McPheeters, one and one-half miles west of this
place, was destroyed by fire. Mrs. McPheeters would have been burned to death had she not been rescued
from the burning building by Mr. Jas. Dodson, a neighbor.
Mr. John Ross of Ft. Wayne, Ind., was here during last week placing several new water wheels in the Grist
Mill. Squire Keith, of Silver Creek N. Y., is also here placing new machinery and fixtures in the mill. All
preparatory for a complete outfit for the opening in the spring.
On Monday of last week an old man named Bigalow, living near Hamler dropped dead while at work with
his sons in the woods.
On last Saturday, Henry Heitkamp had his leg broken by a log falling upon it.
Our young folks attended a grand ball at Beckman’s Hall, on last Monday evening.
Dr. Skinner is in Ft. Wayne, Ind., attending the annual lectures and exercises at the Medical College in
that city.
ARGUS
3-20-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
The school in District No. 2, Samuel Fretz, teacher, closed a term last week, with as large attendance. The
teacher gave general satisfaction.
Messrs. Grass & Krebs have closed a large contract with parties from Henry County, for lumber and
building materials.
The late high water has washed out a part of two bridges north of this place, also damaged the roads
considerable.
On last Sunday night, Henry Kleine, of Jackson Township, died, and was buried on Wednesday last, at
this place.
Charles and Sebastian Kehres have left here to look up a new location in Missouri.
Mr. Wm. Rekart and wife have been on a visit to Defiance.
The workman on the Canal Locks, are busy finishing up their work in anticipation of the letting on of the
water this week.
On last Friday the approach to the Auglaize bridge broke down while a lot of cattle and a for-horse team
were being driven upon it. Several of the cattle were precipitated to the bottom, yet no serious damage was
done. Work was immediately commenced and the bridge repaired by Saturday evening.
Three inches of snow fell to day, and it is still snowing and the sun is shining.
March 17, 1879 ARGUS
4-10-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
Dr. Luelleman, from Cincinnati, has located here for the practice of his profession as physician. He is a
young gentleman of good abilities and high education, and deserves good appreciation.
The first case of inquest was held last Monday by Coroner Fournier in Palmer township, upon the body of
George Daugherty, found dead alongside of the railroad track, caused by the excessive use of liquor and
exposure to cold – laying out all night. Information was brought by ‘Squire Shafer. Drs. Skinner and Luelleman
made the post mortem examination in the case.
James Adams, second oldest son of Israel Adams, went to Kansas about three weeks, but on arrival there
took sick and immediately started to return home; when he reached Delphos he could not be brought any
further, and died there on Saturday, March 29.
The flouring mill, with its new machinery, is now in operation and doing excellent work.
Charles Marback has removed to Fremont, where he will keep hotel.
ARGUS
5-8-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
While the stores and business generally is slack, the farming community is very busy with their spring
work, for which the weather is very favorable.
Mr. W. Helmkamp is laying his cellar walls for his new brick dwelling house.
Peter Wannemacher is about to build an elegant dwelling near town. Jacob Snyder has also started to
build a dwelling on his lot.
A large lot of car timber was hauled to the canal bank for shipping during the past week, from a sawmill in
Van Wert County.
Mr. H. Beckman, an old resident of this place has left here and gone to Ottawa to carry on the hotel
business.
Many farmers from a distance have been noticed here of late getting their grist ground at the new
improved mill of Schulien & Wannemacher, who are now turning out excellent work.
May 5th, 1879 ARGUS
6-5-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
A shocking accident occurred at Landeck, five miles above Delphos, on last Wednesday morning about
10 o’clock. The steam sawmill owned by Frank Williams, exploded a boiler, instantly killing Mr. Williams and
fatally injuring his son who died in a few hours afterwards while having one of his legs amputated. A little boy
five years old, was inside the mill but did not get hurt.
On Wednesday morning two freight trains collided on the P., Ft. W. & C. Railway, near Elida, Allen County,
demolishing the trains, but no person was hurt.
On last Saturday night a week, the smoke house of Joseph Voght, in Monterey Township, was burned
together with all of its contents, consisting of a large supply of meat and other articles.
May 31, 1879 ARGUS
7-10-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
The glorious fourth was ushered in by the waving of flags, which surmounted several of our buildings, the
shooting of guns, &c. The young folks put in the day at dancing and enjoying themselves greatly, while a large
portion of the farming community spent the day in their fields attending to their crops.
The boys of the Cornet Band returned from Ottawa at a late hour, and a happier set you never saw. They
speak in great praise of the people of Ottawa and of their good treatment while in attendance at the
tournament.
A glorious harvest is now being gathered, and the rattling of the reaper strikes the ear from all directions.
Almost everybody able to work is in the harvest-fields.
A large amount of good hay was put during the past week and during the dry weather.
Perry and Wurst and Reckart and Koeble have bought new steam engines to run their threshing machines.
July 6, 1879 ARGUS
Printed right below the previous article
Ottoville, O., July 5th, 1879.
Editor Sentinel. – Please allow us, through the columns of your paper, to tender our sincere thanks to the
members of the Ottawa Silver Cornet Band, and the citizens of Ottawa generally, for their kind hospitality and
generous treatment toward us while attending the Band Tournament and Fourth of July Celebration at your
place. It was not the pecuniary value of the prize (however valuable it is to us) that prompted us to participate
in the tournament, but the renewal of friendship, and to become better aquatinted with our fellow musicians of
the county, in trial of the labors and endurements connected with a successful band. We hope to meet again.
Ottoville Cornet Band.
M. Schulien, Leader.
9-4-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
While sending a few items from here, I can hardly abstain from giving a short sketch of the life of the late
Dr. Rudolph Reul, of our neighboring town of Delphos, Ohio.
Dr. Rudolph Reul departed this life at his residence in Delphos on the morning of August 20th, in the 53rd
year of his age, after an illness of three weeks, from paralysis. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon
and was conducted by Rev. Heinze and the Town Council of Delphos. The Mayor had issued his proclamation
to close up all business houses during the funeral hours, and the town appeared as though the loss of one of
their beloved citizens was felt by everyone. A large procession was formed, headed by the School Children,
followed by the Saengerbund, the Fire Company, the Germania Band, a Company of Soldiers of the 118th
Regiment, the City Council, the Board of Education. After which came the corpse, followed by the family and
thousands of people from home and abroad, tendering their last tribute of respect to the deceased.
Dr. Reul was born in the 1826, in the city of Offenburg in Baden. His younger years were continually
employed in study. While yet a student, the cry of Liberty and Freedom, that prevailed in his native country in
the year 1848, inflamed his heart and led him to take an active part in the revolution. He was taken prisoner
and thrown in confinement, but he succeeded in making his escape and took flight for America, where he
arrived in 1849, and located in Delphos, where he commenced the practice of medicine. His skill in the
profession, his kindness of heart toward every one, and his liberality in pecuniary matters soon brought him an
extensive practice, and at the time of his death his practice was unequalled in extent. A large portion of
Putnam County deeply feel his loss.
During the Rebellion Dr. Reul enlisted in the Union army, and was Captain in the 118th Regiment. While in
command of his company at Atlanta he was wounded in the side by a bombshell. He never entirely recovered
from his wound; and an examination showed it to have been the indirect cause of his earl death.
As a citizen Dr. Reul was trustworthy, energetic, and possessed great abilities. For some years he was one of
the Directors of the First National Bank and afterwards President up to the time of his death. He always took a
great interest in the education of children, and devoted a great deal of time to the improvement of schools. As
a friend to the cause of education, and as a Member of the Board of Education, his place can be hardly filled.
A few days ago Dr. Luelleman of this place received information of the drowning of his younger brother in
Colorado, while trying to cross a creek with a team.
On last Thursday the marriage of John D. Miller and Miss Margarete Lauer took place in the Catholic
Church here, on which occasion many friends from a distance were present.
George Rieger had his shoulder dislocated by falling from a stairway.
A canal boat, loaded with 2200 bushels of wheat from the millers here, was sunk by another boat on last
Wednesday night near Napoleon. The boat, with the entire cargo, sunk to the bottom inside of fifteen minutes
from the collision, causing a severe loss to the parties interested. The boat was owned by Mr. Mondary of this
place.
Sept. 1, 1879 ARGUS
9-18-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
Considerable sickness prevails in this vicinity: the diphtheria appeared in some cases. A daughter of Mr. J.
N. Etchen, aged 7 years, died last week of diphtheria; also, Mr. John Geckle, of Jackson Township, lost two
children, while two more of his family are sick with the same disease.
Joseph Voghthenry had his arm broken last Friday by falling from the roof of an out-building which he was
preparing to re-shingle.
There was a large break in the canal last week at the new stone culvert at lock 19, causing by the washing
out of the east bank.
A new telegraph line is about to be erected along the canal from Toledo to Cincinnati. The posts and wires
have already been delivered along the line and twenty-four hands are following up and putting them in
position. The line is to be completed within a month.
The great loss sustained by Schulien & Wannemacher by the sinking of the canal-boat belonging to Mr.
Mondary with a load of their wheat, was adjusted by arbitration between the parties, thus avoiding a perplexing
lawsuit.
Mr. Jos. W. Reckart has sold his share in the steam threshing machine to Charles Kehres, who is now
running it with new speed. The threshing however is principally over in this locality.
A grand political meeting is anticipated here next Monday. Hon. W. D. Hill and H. E. McLure, Esq., are to
address the meeting. You will hear of Monterey in October.
Sept. 16, 1879 ARGUS
11-13-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
The roads have become good for the first time this season
The wheat fields are considerably damaged from the extreme draught, especially on low lands.
Carpenters have commenced work at Lock 17, which is to be rebuilt this winter.
The property of Oliver Sellet was purchased by John Odenweller last week, who will carry on in the saloon
business. Mr., Sellet has removed to a farm near town, formerly owned by J. Exner.
The commodious dwelling house of Peter Wannemacher was dedicated the other Sunday eve, together
with the celebration of his name and Fiftieth birthday. On which occasion his many friends, together with the
Band, met there, and after a pleasant evening the crowd departed with the best wishes for him to live to see
another birthday fifty years hence.
Our late teacher L. Odenweller, has accepted the position as organist and teacher at New Cleveland, and
removes there soon.
Samuel Fretz has taken up school at the White School House, in the north end of this township. Sam is at
home among children.
Several marriages have taken place here lately: among them are the following: Henry Krebs with Mary
Korfman of Landeck; Anton Fuerst and Mary Heitkamp, both from here; Andrew Willaker and Louise Kersting;
George Rieger and E. Boerger of Delphos; Jos. Droll of Seneca county and Louise Hug.
Mr. Wm. Helmkamp has his new brick dwelling completed, which is a fine structure and very conveniently
arranged. He enjoys the ownership of the first brick house in Monterey Township.
Our mills, saw mill and planning mill, are all running more than ordinary time, preparatory and in
anticipation of the approaching winter.
Nov. 12, 1879 ARGUS
11-27-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
A number of changes of location have occurred among our businessmen during the past week. Oliver
Sellet has removed to the farm formerly owned by John Exner, and John Odenweller has taken possession of
his old location.
Peter Krebs, Jr., has purchased the property of George Irick, and has opened a saloon. Mr. Irick is now
living in the house of A. Schurer. Dr. Luelleman has removed his office to the house of Samuel Fretz.
Miss Sophia Zissler, from Halle, Prussia, a niece of Mrs. Fournier, and Miss Pauline Herzog, from Baden, a
sister-in-law of Seb. Bendele, have arrived here from Germany.
Martin Schwartzmiller has sold his farm to Mr. Victor Brown, of Michigan.
The canal boat that sometime ago sank with a load of wheat has again sunk with a load of lumber near
Dayton.
The boys held a grand ball at Beckman’s Hall, on last Thursday evening.
Dr. Hoehn, of Landeck, spent last Sunday in this place.
Rev. Father Muller rendered service at Kalida on last Sunday and is spending a few days in devotional
services at Findlay.
Mr. B. Wenzlick has sold his farm of 129 acres to Mr. Exfelder, of Massillon, Ohio. Price $4000.
Nov. 24, 1879 ARGUS
12-11-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
Continuous bad weather, most impassable roads, slack of business, and communication nearly stopped,
are now daily complaints.
Otto Wrocklage has returned home from Michigan where he worked in the pineries the past year.
Mrs. Lampke and family have returned from Arkansas. She and her son-in-law have rented rooms in the
house of Leo Rekart.
It is now stated that the water will remain in the canal all winter at this point, so the mill will be enabled to
run steady, much to the convenience of this community. The saw millers have cleaned their yard this week will
now lay up for winter.
Mr. Schwartzmiller has bought a farm in Michigan and will remove there when the roads permit.
Miss Jane Swayze began teaching a branch school of this district on last Wednesday, near the south end
of the township.
The canal packet of B. Henke sprung a leak last Wednesday and was sunk to the ground on its return
close to town. Some of its cargo was slightly damaged, though the injuries to the packet are again repaired.
ARGUS
12-25-1879 PCS
Ottoville Items
A terrible accident occurred near here last Thursday afternoon about 1 o’clock. The dwelling house of Mr.
Joseph Perrin, who resides about two miles north of this place, was totally destroyed by fire, and a little child
ten months old, burned to death. The dwelling took fire in the absence of the parents, who had left their
children in charge of the house. When the fire broke out two of the little children ran out of the house and hid
in the corncrib, leaving the baby in the cradle, where it was burned to death. The building was entirely
consumed, together with all the household goods and a quantity of wheat. The building was a two-story log
house, well finished, and owned by Mr. Wm. Reckert. There was no insurance on building or household goods.
Esquire Wannemacher has been confined to his bed for the past week, being laid up with rheumatism and
a lame back.
Mrs. Elizabeth Betinger, of Cincinnati, arrived here last Saturday to attend her sister, Mrs. A. Schurer, who
is dangerously sick.
Mr. Colman, our miller, left for Bellefontaine last week, and a miller from Piqua has taken his place.
Transportation on the canal has ceased for the winter.
The proper dam and shutes to retain the water for the mills have been constructed.
Dec. 19, 1879 ARGUS