1-7-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
Widow Schulte died last Monday at the residence of her son-in-law, John Kamphaus, in the northeast part
of this township, aged 73 years, and was buried in the cemetery at this place last Wednesday.
Early Sunday morning the hired hand in the Miller’s hotel discovered the chimney on fire, having already
burned through the wainscoting in the lower part of the building. A few buckets of water however extinguished
the fire and prevented a large conflagration.
A serious accident occurred last Sunday afternoon, about one mile north of this place, which may cause a
young man to lose a foot under peculiar circumstances. A crowd of boys had gathered at the east side of the
canal where a loaded gun had been laid on the bank. The boys ran back and forth across the gun, and just as
Henry Harris stepped before the muzzle, some boy’s heel must have struck the hammer, it went off, the full
load penetrating Henry’s right foot near the instep. Drs. Binder and Williamson were called, but they deferred
amputation until Wednesday.
Mr. J. B. Mersman has bought the east half of Muehls Bros. storehouse lot and arranged for building a
business room and dwelling house thereon.
John Kehres was in Cincinnati, and Wm. Schlagbaum in Centerburg and Columbus, during last week.
Jan. 4, 1892 ARGUS
2-4-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
The McCrai Refrigerator Co. is constructing a cold storage room for the Ottoville Creamery.
The Umatilla Medicine Co. will close their operations here next Thursday.
The list of deaths in our midst has again strongly increased of late. Agnes wife of Peter Wannemacher, ex-
sheriff of Putnam County, died on January 20, aged 63 years. Walter Huysman, a late soldier and a
prosperous farmer of this township, died on January 22, aged 50 years, leaving a large family to mourn his
untimely death. Mr. Nic. Grembling, residing near Douglass, died, at the age of 70 years, having suffered from
cancer for the past twenty years. Jos. Heitkamp, husband of Kate Fossel, died at Kenton, Ohio.
A new frame barn of Henry Geier, six miles north of here, was destroyed by fire last Wednesday, together
with eight tons of hay, a new wheat drill, mowing machine, and also four calves were burnt to death.
Feb. 1, 1892 ARGUS
3-3-1892 PCS
Ottoville items
The canal is open again for navigation. The Millers have shipped their first load of corn for the season to
Toledo last week.
The impassable roads have stagnated business. Pike roads, railroads and ship canal are the topics of the
day.
Winkelman & Distel have commenced putting up their new building near the lower bridge. It is to be
occupied by two hardware stores.
Mr. Stutor is burning his first limekiln for this season.
Mr. Len Gminer and George Miller have put up a new wind-pump, furnished by Charles Wannemacher &
Son at their brickyard.
The council of this village has bought a lot of Mrs. Krebs, prepatory to building a Town House upon it.
Mr. Albert Muhls is at home again from Angola schools and is clerking in their store.
Mr. J. B. Mersman has put in his saw-mill a new No. 3 sawdust blower; by it he is enabled to blow the
sawdust a distance of 200 feet from the saw.
Mr. Jacob Leatherman of Beaver Dam will move back to his farm in a few days.
Mr. John Miller, lately married to Miss Hunsaker of Allen county. Has settled on his farm near lock 14.
Mr. Henry Ernst is happy over the advent of a bouncing boy, born last Monday?
George Wannemacher has suffered the loss of his only boy, who was buried last Sunday.
Death has also taken from us Henry Woltman, aged 36 years. He was buried at Delphos last Friday. He was
a son-in-law to Mrs. Rizman of North Creek and leaves a wife and a large family to mourn his loss.
On last Thursday evening Mrs. Eliza Fuerst (nee Fritche) died at the age of 40 years, leaving no children.
Her husband is an inmate of the Toledo asylum.
At this writing the bells are tolling on account of the death of John Fritche, who died at the home of his
stepfather, W. Ruen, aged 18 years.
Married on this, Tuesday, morning. Mr. John Erhart and Miss Sophia Grembling. The young couple will
settle down on his place, two miles east of here.
March 1, 1892 ARGUS
3-17-1892 PCS
Ottoville items
Early last Wednesday morning the church bells tolled for the death of teacher Gustav Finckh, who died
suddenly about midnight of heart disease, in the 50th year of his age. Although having suffered of lagrippe for
the last ten days he was apperently getting well. His death is entirely unexpected and is universally regretted in
this community, especially by his scholars. Mr. Finckh was born at Ellwagen, Wurtemburg, Germany, April 2d,
1842, where he received a thorough education for a teacher; he came to America in 1875, and taught school
at Delphos, Chillicothe, Ft. Jennings and for the last three years at this village. He was an exemplary man, of
good habits and conduct. His remains were taken to Delphos for internment, where his relatives are living. May
he rest in peace.
A little infant girl of Robert Martin also died last Sunday.
Mr. E. J. Kiefer has been employed as teacher to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Finckh.
Mr. Wm. Gasser was in Chicago and Mr. J. B. Mersman in Cincinnati on.
Several new buildings are begun, but work is a little interrupted by the winter blizzard.
March 13, 1892 ARGUS
3-31-1892 PCS
Ottoville items
This Tuesday morning the sorrowful news spread over this neighborhood that John Harpster had died early
in the morning. His death has been expected for some time, having been afflicted with kidney and stomach
disease for the last year. He was nearly 64 years of age, and leaves a wife and three grown children to mourn
his death. The funeral will take place on next Thursday
At the Antioch church. In his death this township lost one of its pioneer citizens; one that labored hard to the
last, and converted a large tract of dense woodland into a beautiful farm. He was born in Fairfield County,
Ohio, came to West Cairo. Allen county, in his boyhood, and settled in this township in 1850, where he lived
with his family ever since. He was a member of the Christian Brethren Church at Antioch, and was one of its
principle supporters and faithful adherent to its faith. For some time back he realized there was no help for him
in this world, but he was contented and trusted in the Almighty. May his labors receive their reward.
Fr. Mueller has been severely sick for the last ten days of pneumonia, and later rheumatism has also set in
with his other ailment.
Mr. John Bonifaz, of Herman, Mo., a former resident of this neighborhood, is back here to see his old
friends.
March 29, 1892 ARGUS
4-14-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
Again has another of the pioneers of this vicinity departed this life. Mr. Sebastian Kehres died on the 31st
ult. In the 77th year of his age. Mr. Kehres resided in the southwest corner of Jackson Township for the past
thirty-one years. He was born in Alsace, and immigrated to Seneca County in 1853, from where he moved to
this county. His wife and nine grown up children survive him. He was one of our industrious men, a well-
respected citizen, and leaves a well-provided family.
Last Saturday evening at 10 o’clock the dwelling house of Godfrey Stern, one half mile west of Muntanna,
was consumed by fire, together with all its contents. Mr. Stern was absent, attending meeting, and his wife and
children barely saved themselves in their nightclothes.
Mr. Wm. Kalt and old man Heitzman moved to Michigan last week.
Mr. Melifsky of Upper Sandusky and Mr. John Bonifaz of Missouri have moved here with their families.
Father Mueller is again able to attend to his duties as pastor of the church.
Dr. D. D. Clark made a short visit to his brother at Decatur, Ind.
Mr. Distel made a business trip to Toledo, and Mr. Von Dran was to Mercer County last week.
Old Mother Huysman died Monday morning at the ripe age of 84 years. Her husband, three sons and one
daughter survive her. Mrs. H. was born in Holland and came here about forty-two years ago, when this section
of country was yet a dense wilderness. She raised a large family and went through all the hardships of pioneer
life. She was a kind and affectionate woman, and highly respected by all her acquaintances. Her remains will
be buried at Delphos next Wednesday.
April 11, 1892 ARGUS
5-12-1892 PCS
Ottoville items
Again one of the pioneers of this neighborhood has departed this life. Mr. Andrew Perrin died last Thursday
morning in the 76th year of his age. His health had been failing for the last year. The deceased was born in
France and emigrated to this country while young; first settled in Franklin county, Ohio; afterwards moved to
Senaca county, and for the last twenty years lived here. He was owner of a farm one mile north of here, where
sixteen years ago a tornado destroyed his barn, house and orchard. He leaves a large family of grown
children. His son William and his nephew William Wurst from Michigan was also in attendance at the funeral.
The construction of the corporation-building let under sealed bids last Friday. C. J. Wannemacher’s bid
being the lowest he was awarded the contract.
F. Distel has opened his new hardware store and solicits a fair share of patronage.
Mr. Conrad Studer has opened up a new stone quarry and burnt a fresh kiln of lime, although the late rains
have materially interrupted his operations.
Young Mr. John Eickholt died of consumption a short time ago. He was a great favorite among the young
folks and his death is much regretted by all his associates.
Married this week at the church here, Mr. John Zahner and Miss K. Grembling, also Jos. Miller and -----
Lehmkuhle.
About 200 excursionists joined at Douglas last Sunday for Toledo of the occasion of laying the corner stone
of a new church by the new bishop of this diocese.
Mrs. Dr. Clark made a visit to Ft. Wayne during last week.
May 8, 1892 ARGUS
6-9-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
A new packet line between here and Delphos has been started by Peter Krebs, Jr., he having purchased
the old steam packet “Storm”, and will make regular trips on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Mr. George Harpster lost his fine Percheron stallion last Thursday; his death was caused by inflammation of
the bowels. He was one of the best horses ever brought to this country. It is not only a heavy loss to Mr.
Harpster but also to breeders generally.
Old man Muehlenbach died suddenly last Sunday morning at the ripe age of 84 years. A few weeks ago he
fell heir to $4000, from a brother in Iowa and a sister in Switzerland; however, he did not live long enough to
enjoy it. He was a kind and good man and universally respected.
A little daughter, 2 years old, of George Harpster also died this week.
Mr. C. Bonifas has opened up a restaurant in the room formerly occupied by Mr. J. M. Vondran.
Mr. J. B. Mersman was in Toledo last week, and bought bar fixtures and stock for a restaurant in his new
building.
Dr. Charles Clark of Decatur, Ind., was here last week, visiting his brother Dr. D. D. Clark.
Married at the church here, Mr. Martin Miller to Miss V. Eickholt, Aug. Kortokrax to Miss M. Kramer, John A.
Wannemacher to Miss Cath. Bonholzer.
June 7, 1892 ARGUS
6-23-1892 PCS
Ottoville items
The hardware firm of Wannemacher & Son have just received a carload of wagons from the Turnbull
Wagon Works, Defiance, Ohio. Their sale of these wagons is very extensive and increases every year, as they
have proven one of the best wagons made. They also received a carload of Milwaukee Steel Binders, which
they delivered last Monday.
Mr. George Harpster has bought another Percheron stallion; it is said to be an excellent animal. George is
determined to bring good stock to this country.
Mr. John Schumacher lost a fine mare last Thursday by sunstroke.
Old man Melifska was summoned to attend the funeral of his grandson near Upper Sandusky, who was
killed by lightening.
Mr. M. Schulien was to Continental on a business trip.
The wife of Henry Voght died last Thursday and was buried Saturday. As she was yet a young woman her
loss is heavily felt.
The St. Charles Hotel was newly roofed between showers.
On Wednesday last the wedding of Mr. John Bonifas and Miss Josephine Krebs took place.
June 20, 1892 ARGUS
7-14-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
On last Sunday night Mrs. John Reckart gave birth to boy triplets. The mother and three youngsters are
getting along nicely. Monterey Township is determined to keep up with the other townships in the increase in
population.
On last Thursday the house of Henry Voght was burglarized while the family was away from the house. The
burglar got $31 in money and several small articles.
Mr. J. B. Mersman will open his restaurant and saloon about the 28th of the present month.
Rev. Father Philip Best, who has been assisting Rev. Father Mueller during his illness, left this week. He
was here for the past five months.
July 19, 1892 ARGUS
8-4-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
A great business change took place in our village last week. Mr. J. J. Miller traded his hotel to Mr. J. B.
Mersman; the Muehl Bros. sold out their store to J. J. Miller; Mr. Miller also getting the new building erected by
Mr. Mersman. Each has moved into their respective places of business. Mr. Mersman took charge of the hotel
last Thursday and had a grand opening with a dance, wherein his many friends from Delphos, Ottawa.
Jennings, Glandorf and the neighborhood participated; the attendance was very large and everything passed
off in the best of harmony. Mr. Miller will take charge of the store as soon as the invoice is completed. Both
gentlemen extended their invitation to the public for a liberal patronage in their new enterprises.
The new stations for the church have arrived; they were imported from Europe, and if the price is any
indicator they must be of fine construction.
Mr. Singer, son-in-law of N. Zahm, with a party from Defiance, came up and Sundayed here, returning today.
Mr. Borgenshuetz, the stove founder of Covington, Ky., was here the past two weeks, visiting the
Schlagbaum family.
Miss Emma Yeger, of Decatur, Ind., is here on a visit to John Wannemacher and the Bohnhalzer family.
Peter Zundel, a native of France, died last Monday: also an infant boy of Henry Ernst, five months old, and an
infant girl of Frank Distel.
Two of the triplet children of John Rekart died last week but a few minutes apart.
On Monday last the bells tolled for the death of Michael Kiefer. He was 63 years old, and leaves a large
family to mourn his death.
Aug. 1, 1892 ARGUS
8-18-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
Mr. Thomas Mondari, Paul Schneeg and Martin Wise have been to Niagara Falls on the excursion. Mr.
Mondari also took a trip to Rochester, N. Y., to visit his sister, which ha had not seen for the last 42 years.
Mr. Max Winkelman is laid up at present with sickness.
Mr. Jos. Otte and J. J. Miller were away to the city to buy their stock of dry goods and clothing, and will open
up their new store in a few days.
Mr. Jos. Rieger has sold his 40 acres to Lewis Landwehr, adjoining farms.
A gain it becomes our sad duty to chronicle the death of one of our beloved residents! Mrs. Kate Rekart,
the mother of the triplets born about four weeks ago, died last Friday at 3 p.m. and was buried on Sunday
afternoon. She was but 26 years of age and leaves a husband and three children. Her death has caused a
gloom in many hearts as she had numerous relatives. She was the youngest daughter of Squire
Wannemacher and was highly respected generally. Her funeral was one of the largest attended ever held
here. Many relatives from Defiance, Ft. Wayne, Delphos, Ft. Jennings and Glandorf were in attendance. May
she rest in peace.
Aug. 16, 1892 ARGUS
9-1-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
The Ottoville Mill and Elevator Co. are having three canal boats steadily used since harvest to ship their
grain to Toledo. The boats are making regular trips every week. This shows the immense quantity of grain
handled by this firm.
A n immense quantity of building material of all description is furnished by the several firms engaged in
that business: The planing mill firm is crowded with orders and work over time. Mr. Stuter is burning lime every
week, which finds ready sale; he also sells building stone. Mr. Wurst and Perrin are running a stone-quarry
and are overrun with orders. Miller and Gmeiner have a large lot of brick on hand and find a good demand.
The last of the little triplets of John Rekart died last Monday; the little son of Chas. Weber also died last
Tuesday.
Mrs. Theresia Ernst and Mina Sellet have gone to Huron County on a visit.
Ex-Sheriff Wannemacher, his son William, and Chas. Davis took a trip to Dayton last Sunday.
J. J. Miller is about filling up his new store with clothing and dry goods and will open for business this week.
Mr. Jos. Aumich has moved his family back to Continental.
August 29, 1892 ARGUS
9-21-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
The Ottoville School commenced last Monday, with Jos. Falter as teacher of the primary department, and
Ed Kiefer teacher of the higher department.
The town building – engine house, calaboose and council chamber – is nearing completion. The Von Dean
building is also close to being finished.
The new dry goods and clothing house of J. J. Miller is open for the trade and is making a fine appearance;
their stock is large and they receive a good patronage.
Mr. Jos. Frederick has bought the Zimmerman house, near the creek bank, and has moved in it and intends
to make it his home in his old days.
Mr. John Shank, of Dupont, has been employed to teach the Antioch school the coming winter.
Last Saturday while Mrs. L. Curtis was attending a church picnic near the Van Wert county line, a thief
broke in her house and stole $75 of her money and a note, but a larger sum of money lying near the other he
did not find.
Mr. Ed Miller and wife, of Fulton County, were here last week to see old friends.
Mr. L. Rieger is about building a shoe shop near his dwelling house.
Messrs. Burgi & Stuter have bought a stone-crusher and engine and contemplate delivering crushed stone
for piking, in prospect in this neighborhood.
Prof. P. Desaverna is decorating the Mersman Hotel and bar room in a fine artistic style. When completed it
will be the finest work of art ever done here outside of the church paintings.
Old man Rieger is lying very sick; last week his family was summoned to his bedside, as he was not
expected to live.
Sept. 18, 1892 ARGUS
9-29-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
The Catholic Knights of Delphos and many other friends were here last Sunday. The Knights were in new
uniforms and made a very fine appearance in the parade through this village.
Mr. George Wannemacher has bought the Diestel wagon shop, with outfit and lumber, and contemplates
running it in connection with his blacksmith shop.
Mr. Winkelman has received the new cornice for his new building, which he is about to change into a
general store house.
C. Krebs is on the sick list, with typhoid fever.
Dr. Charles Clark, of Decatur, Ind., was here during last week, attending on two of his sick brothers, but
both are around again.
Miss Huber, of Ft. Wayne, while visiting at Peter Wannemacher’s, at this place, was called home by
telegraph last Saturday, on account of the serious illness of her sister. A later dispatch brings the sad news
that she died. Misses Anna and Fanny Wannemacher have gone to Ft. Wayne to attend her funeral.
Again we mourn the loss of one of our bright young girls! Miss Theresia Eickholt died last Saturday of
consumption, aged only 18 years. Her funeral took place last Monday and was numerously attended; many
friends and relatives from Delphos and Ottawa being present.
Last Tuesday the marriage of Fred. Ruen and Johanna Gasser took place at the Catholic Church here.
Sept. 26, 1892 ARGUS
10-27-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
The Town Hall and Jail has been completed, and a fine new banner has been waiving from its spire since
last Friday. A fire engine will soon be purchased and put into it, which will give us at least partial protection
against fire.
Mr. Vondran has moved into his new building and opened up a saloon therein and solicits a share of
patronage.
Mr. Zahm has built a new blacksmith shop south of his old one and is more than ever ready to
accommodate his customers.
Mr. Diestel has received an invoice of stoves, in connection with his hardware, which he offers for sale at
low prices.
On last Wednesday the marriage of Mr. Barney Scherger of Delphos and Miss Lizzie Bohn of this place
took place at the Catholic Church here. In the evening the wedding ball was held at the Mersman hall and was
largely attended by their Delphos friends.
Last Friday Columbus Day was celebrated in a very appropriate manner by the schools and citizens of this
village. A large procession, headed by the Ottoville Cornet Band, paraded the streets and after returning to
the schoolhouse good speeches were delivered by teachers Kiefer and Falter and Mr. J. B. Mersman; the
choir of the church interspersing the exercises with patriotic songs. It was a grand day and passed off without
any disturbances.
The first communion of the children took place here at the Catholic Church last Sunday with very imposing
ceremonies. A very large number of people from abroad were in attendance.
The wife of Henry Krebs died last Saturday evening. She was a well respected woman, and leaves a husband
and seven small children to mourn her death.
Henry Mondary and wife returned last week from their wedding tour.
Some thief broke into L. Rieger’s shoe-shop Wednesday night, breaking a window, and stole a pair of fine
shoes, this is the second time his shop was robbed, and Mr. Rieger says his shotgun is fresh loaded.
A boy and a “begger’s dozen: came to stay at Casper Halscher’s last Friday.
Oct. 24, 1892 ARGUS
11-17-1892 PCS
Our village council has purchased a hand pumper and hose cart of Van Wert, and have contracted for a
sufficient supply of hose to meet their want in case of fire, all cost of about $700. A fire company is being
organized and drilled to protect this little burg.
An old straw stack of Martin Bendele got on fire one day last week, seriously endangering his buildings, but
with the help of the neighbors were saved. Mr. Bendele had one of his hands badly burned.
Mr. R. Strahly was in Saginaw County, Michigan, during last week, looking up a location. He expects to move
there in the near future.
Mr. H. Eickholt also contemplates to move to Michigan in the spring.
Mr. Henry Honigford has sold his dwelling house to Len Gminer, and bought some lots of Peter
Wannemacher on which he intends to build in the spring.
Two new bridges were built across the canal the past season, one at the Utrip road, 1½ miles south of
here, and one at the Bohn road, I mile north. The bridges are a great convenience to the neighborhoods.
Married, at the Catholic church, Mr. Frank Gruppenhoff and Miss Mary Shirack; also, last week, Mr. Ed.
Wannemacher and Mary Otte.
Nov. 14, 1892 ARGUS
12-1-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
The water in the canal will be drawn off on the first of December, in order to rebuild some locks and do
general repairing.
The corn-crib and wagon-shed of Samuel Harpster burnt to the ground last Saturday week, at 10 o’clock in
the evening, together with about 600 bushels of corn, farm wagon and tools of all kinds, entailing a loss of
about $500. The origin of the fire is supposed to have been caused by an incendiary.
One night a short time ago a freight car at Douglas was entered by a thief and 190 pounds of sugar,
belonging to Andrew Kehres, stolen. The barrel was tapped with a auger to empty the contents.
Last Wednesday there was married at the church here, Mr. John Weger and Miss Maggie Vondran. A
wedding ball was held in the evening in their new hall, which was well attended by the young folks.
Nov. 29, 1892 ARGUS
12-15-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
A report last week that Fred. Schuesler had been murdered near Dornington, caused considerable
excitement among the people here, as he is an Ottoville boy and well liked here. The latest news we have is
that he is still alive, but with little hope of his recovery.
The water was drawn from the canal last week and fisherman had a good time capturing fish. A large
number were caught, among them many carp weighing from 8 to 10 pounds.
The flouring mill here is now run by steam.
Mr. J. B. Mersman has sold his hotel to Andrew Kehres, of Douglas, and will give possession next May. Mr.
Mersman has bought two lots in C. Wannemacher’s addition and will erect a commodious dwelling house.
Mr. Geo. Miller has moved his dwelling house and barn on a lot near the brickyard, a quarter of a mile distant.
Mr. J. D. Miller met with a serious accident on last Saturday. While engaged at cutting down a tree a limb fell
and struck him across both arms and crushing one of his wrists. His wounds were dressed by Dr. Clark and he
is doing reasonable well.
The two daughters of Mr. Zahm, were at home from Defiance on last Sunday, visiting their friends.
Geb. Gminer, of Fulton County, is here on his old stamping ground to see old friends.
A. Wannemacher has gone to Crawfish College, to take a course of study in that institute.
Mr. A. Kaolin, of Toledo, is here erecting the Stations in the church, which were broke in their shipment.
This week a bundle of garments were found by H. Krebs, under a pile of lumber at Douglas. They had
cards on them bearing the name of Shoemaker Bros., Napoleon, Ohio. The goods are supposed to have been
stolen.
Mr. and Mrs., John Kohele, of Traverse City, Mich., have been visiting friends.
ARGUS
12-29-1892 PCS
Ottoville Items
The dwelling house on the farm of Otto Kortekrax, one mile south of here, was burned to the ground last
Wednesday evening about 7 o’clock, together with nearly all of its contents; his wife and children were alone at
home and could not get out but little. The fire started in the roof, supposed to have originated from sparks
from the kitchen chimney. Mr. Kortekrax has and insurance of $600 in the Mutual Farmers Co. of Delphos, but
will only cover about half his loss.
Mr. John Koebele, of Traverse City, Michigan, has brought a carload of potatoes to Douglas, and is
retailing them at 80 cents per bushel.
Mr. Henry Ernst, the butter maker at the creamery, is making a trip to New York City to see some of his
relatives and attend to some creamery business.
The mother of Henry Middlekamp died last Sunday morning and will be buried at Ft. Jennings Tuesday.
The Ottoville mills are lying still, the steam engine gave out. Several machinists were here trying to put it in
working order, but failed. They may be compelled to purchase a new engine.
Dec. 26, 1892 ARGUS