3-29-1888 PCS
Ottoville Items
Our village has had a rather lonely aspect for the past few months, as travel was very difficult and the hauling
of goods almost impossible’ but it is reported that the canal will be opened for navigation, which will give
impetus to the business of our village.
Quite a number of new buildings are to be erected in this village and vicinity during the coming season.
Mr. Huysman has sawed out a large lot of lumber for Mr. Yacklin, who is going to put up a fine dwelling near
this town.
Three men, relatives of Frank Deistle, arrived here last Wednesday from Germany; a brother of Jos. Horstman
also arrived here lately from the same place.
Mr. John Rower lost his little son by death last Thursday. He was buried o Friday in the Reynolds cemetery, on
Ottawa River.
Considerable agitation for the incorporation of this village was had here of late. We hope the matter may
mature during this season, as it should have done several years ago.
March 25, 1888 ARGUS
6-7-1888 PCS
Ottoville Items
The family of William Ruen was put in mourning last Friday by a dispatch received from Troy, Ohio, that their
adopted daughter, Anna, of the late Fritche family, died very suddenly at that place, at the early age of twenty-
tree years. Her remains were sent to this place, and the funeral services were held at the Catholic Church here
on Sunday afternoon with a very large attendance. Mr. F. Fozzle and wife, of North Creek, the later being a
sister of the deceased Anna
Fritche, and a number of friends from abroad, were in attendance at her funeral.
The family of DeCurtins, our church contractor, was summoned home to Carthagena last week, to attend the
funeral of the wife of John DeCurtins.
Mr. Henry Ernst has burnt his first kiln of brick this season, and is now ready to fill all orders upon call.
Mr. Heffele, the fresco painter from Cincinnati, was here during the week and finished up his work on the
church.
The bridge across the Little Auglaize is about to be rebuilt, as the old one has broke down from decay and old
age.
Mr. Conrad Studer has bought the John Koebele farm, containing 80 acres; price $4,400. His son-in-law will
move upon it next spring.
Mrs. Elizabeth Moore has gone to Ft. Wayne, Ind., to attend her daughter who is sick.
Mrs. Kortakrax has left her farm and moved to town, and rented the Henry Wurst dwelling house.
Dr. Skinner has left here and went to his mother on the Skinner farm, in Union township. His services as a
physician are often missed in this locality.
Otto Kortakrax has gone to Three Rivers, Michigan, with his brother Joseph, to a bath. The latter is severely
affected with lung disease.
Mr. Caroline Huber, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., was in this place last week on a visit to old mother Wannemacher.
June 2, 1888 ARGUS
8-16-1888 PCS
Ottoville Items
The family of our church contractor, Mr. A. DeCurtius, has moved back to his home at Carthagena, O., he
having completed his work on our new church.
The time for dedicating the new church has not yet been definitely settled; as soon as fixed, notice will be
given through the papers.
Last Sunday afternoon Mr. William Kuester’s team ran away near his house, being frightened by the opening
of an umbrella, whereby Mr. Kuester had a leg broken and his spring wagon broken to pieces.
A little infant and only son of John Fryburger died and was buried today. A child of August Hilvers was buried
last week.
Messrs. Pittner and Brenner have bought a derrick, and are now building the abutments for the Little Auglaize
bridge, west o’ town. Mr. C. Studer is delivering the stone from his quarry.
Mr. Yacklin has built a fine dwelling house across the creek; also Mr. Kortokrax has built a dwelling house in
town.
Mr. John Shilley has bought a hydraulic cider press, and will have it in operation in a few days, at his home on
the Ft. Jennings road. Mr. J. D. Miller has also received a new grinder for his press.
August 13, 1888 ARGUS
9-13-1888 PCS
Ottoville Items
The dedication of the new Catholic Church here will take place on Sunday, September 23rd services will
commence at 10 o’clock a.m., by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Gilmour, of Cleveland. A cordial invitation is extended to
all.
Last Sunday two deaths occurred here of rather notable persons. Mr. Wm. S. Osinga, a native of Frierland,
died at the home of his son-in-law, Aaron Huysman, in his eighty-sixth year. The deceased had spent his
younger years on the sea, running ships to all the principle ports, until he nearly suffered death from
starvation, when he landed on this side of the sea and came to this township 36 years ago, when but a few
families were living here, and began a pioneer life. He leaves one grandson and one daughter. The other
death was Mrs. T. Exner, aged 72 years. She was born in Vienna and also came here thirty-five years ago. Her
only son and daughter are now living in Missouri.
Chas. Heitzman returned home from Tallapoosa, Alabama, last Saturday.
Mr. Firstars had two horses badly scalded by steam from a thrasher engine. The discharge was caused by
running over a stump.
Sept. 10, 188 ARGUS
Printed 9-27-1888
St. Mary’s Church at Ottoville
A Magnificent Structure Costing Over
$50,000, --- Over 4,000 People Present
The event of the year in church circles in this county took place last Sunday by the dedication of one of the
finest Catholic churches in northwestern Ohio, recently erected at Ottoville.
The occasion drew together over 4,000 people to witness the exercises, and the ceremony was one of great
interest to all present. The exercise was conducted by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Gilmour, of Cleveland, assisted by
Revs. Heiland, of Landeck’, Hoeffel, of Delphos; Nigsch, of Glandorf; Richus, of Kalida, and Miller, of Ottoville.
Bishop Gilmour was received by an immense concourse of people, and a procession was formed of the
Catholic societies, citizens and children, interspersed by bands from Ft. Jennings, Delphos, Melrose and
Ottoville. After the procession reached the church, Bishop Gilmour made a brief address, which was followed
by Father Heiland, after which the usual ceremonies took place. During the afternoon services 307
children were confirmed, 262 of them belonging to the Ottoville congregation and 45 were from the Kalida
congregation.
The new church building is a structure 174x 85 feet and is substantially built of brick and beautifully decorated.
It cost about $50,000 and is of handsome architecture. At the head of this article we give you a view of the
front elevation of the building.
During the day liberal subscriptions were received for the payment of the expense of construction of the
edifice, and we are informed that a comparatively small sum is only required to clear all indebtedness.