1-6-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., Jan. 5, 1897
Mrs. Charles Kalt, of Coldwater, Mercer County, Ohio, visited with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Wannemacher.
Henry Giesken and F. F. Vincke are the new members of the board of church trustees.
Miss Katy Odenweller, of Delphos visited Mr. and Mrs. Frank Altenburger.
The debate last Thursday was well attended. The question was: Resolved, “That Politicians have done
more good than mechanics.” It was decided in favor of the affirmative. The boys will debate this week, Friday.
Question “Resolved, that you can learn more by traveling than by reading.”
Mr. Lena Krabach, of Wapakoneta, Ohio, Peter Altenburger, of Botkins, Fred Stegeman, of Sidney, and
Mrs. Jacob Metz, of Gutman, Ohio, were here Sunday.
Ex-Commissioner, Charles Wannemacher, of Putnam County, Dead
Charles Wannemacher Sr. died last night at his home in Ottoville, after an illness of several months.
Funeral will be held Saturday morning, at 8:30 o’clock. Deceased was an ex-commissioner of Putnam County
and a pioneer resident. The Herald’s Ottoville correspondent will furnish more particulars tomarrow.
1-8-1898 DH
Charles Wannemacher
Putnam County Pioneer Laid to Rest This Morning
Services at the Catholic Church in Ottoville – History of the Life of the Deceased
The Ottoville Correspondent of the Herald has furnished the following concerning the life, death and
burial of the late Charles Wannemacher.
Charles Wannemacher Sr., whose death was announced Thursday, was born in Germany, Jan. 7 1837,
and died Jan. 6, 1898, being one day less than 61 years old. His health was failing for six months or more, but
about two months ago he had to undergo an operation on account of an inflammation of the middle ear. The
operation gave him relief and he improved so that his friendly face could be seen daily on the streets, but his
general health also failed and he became weaker, his trouble being diabetes. However none expected that he
would leave so soon. On Wednesday he grew worse very rapidly until he died during the night.
In 1852 Mr. Wannemacher came to America with his parents and settled in Putnam County the present
site of Ottoville. In 1853 he learned the shoemaker trade at Cincinnati, where he worked for five years. He then
continued the trade at Ottoville until he was elected Commissioner of Putnam County in 1873. In 1876 he was
re-elected for his second term. As commissioner he showed his ability in improving the county by proper
drainage, improving roads, and making other necessary repairs. The number of minor offices, which Mr.
Wannemacher has occupied, shows that he was popular as a good manager of public business.
In 1869 Mr. Wannemacher was a signer of the petition to organize Ottoville into a special school district.
Peter Wannemacher, brother of the deceased, and Gerhard H. Otte are the only ones living who signed that
petition.
Ottoville was first surveyed in 1845, but in 1873 Mr. Wannemacher had it re-surveyed, making it a more
convienient town. In 1880 he engaged in the hardware business in which he remained ubtil his death.
In 1860 Mr. Wannemacher was married to Fannie Fournier, a daughter of a pioneer of this county. She
died in 1890.
After Requiem mass said by Rev. M. Mueller at 9 o’clock this morning, he was buried, attended by a large
concourse of friends from all parts of the county. He leaves five sons, one daughter and many friends to
mourn over their loss.
All business was suspended during the funeral services.
2-3-1898 DH
Ottoville Girl Suffers in Consequence of a Fall Ottoville, O., Feb. 3, 1898
Dr. Binder assisted by Dr. Beardsley & Son, of Ottawa, amputated the right arm of the 10-year-old
daughter of Joseph Weber at the elbow. The girl received a fall about a year ago, injuring her elbow, and
consumption of the bone of the arm set in, necessitating the amputation. She is getting along nicely.
Charles Young, of Lima, is visiting Charles Bildstein.
J. B. Mersman and a few of his men were at Piqua, Ohio, to take a look through the bed factory there.
The debate last Friday was well attended. Many from Ft. Jennings were over to see how our society is
getting along. Tomarrow evening some of the boys will go to the Fort to return the visit. The question which
was decided in favor of the affirmative was, “Resolved, That nature is more pleasing to the eye than art.”
2-7-1898 DH
Bildstein’s Crime
Charged With Criminal Intimacy by a Delphos Girl
Bound Over to Common Pleas Court in $1,000 – Bildstein Had Adopted the Girl From the Children’s Home
The brief item in Saturday’s Heral, telling of the arrest of Charles Bildstein, better known as Karl Bildstein,
the Ottoville saloonkeeper, on a serious charge, was a surprise to the many Delphos people who know him.
Lima officers took him in charge at Ottoville, Saturday afternoon, and after coming to Delphos, took their
prisoner to Lima on P. F. train No. 20. The charge filed against Bildstein isa serious one, and if found guilty he
will be sent to the penitentiary. Maggie Nicholson, 14 years old, charges that Bildstein was criminally intimate
with her, and that he is the father of her child yet unborn. The alleged crime is made more repulsive by reason
of the fact that the girl was Bildstein’s adopted daughter. The girl is a simpleminded child whose home was
formerly in this city, and she is the daughter of William Nicholson, a resident of Marbletown.
Some years ago her mother died and her father signed a release and had her sent to the Allen County
Children’s Home. Last summer, Bildstein, who lived on a dairy farm near Lima, adopted the girl and took her to
his home. She alleges she had lived at the Bildstein home only a few weeks when Bildstein took advantage of
her and after tearing her clothing and succeeding in his attempt, gave her $1.50. She says Mrs. Bildstein, her
foster mother saw her with the money, and when told thatBildstein had given it to her, took possession of it.
The girl states that on another occasion Bildstwin gave her a dollar, which Mrs. Bildsrein also took, and while
her husband was away, ordered her to leave. The Nicholson girl claims she was leaving when Bildstein met her
and attempted to take her back with him.
That occurred last October, and after leaving the dairy farm the girl went to Lima and was given a home
with a family on High street, where she still lives. Recently the lady of the house learned of the girl’s
delicate condition by questioning her. The case was reported to the Humane Society and investigated. The girl
made affidavit to her statement, and Bildstein was found in his saloon at Ottoville and arrested, as stated
above. Bildstein appeared before Justice Mowen and was bound over to court in the sum of $1,000.
Bildstein started a saloon at Ottoville only a short time ago. He is a German and about 40 years of age.
He has a wife and one son. Bildstein protested his innocence, but the evidence was sufficient to hold him for
trial. Bildstein has quite an extensive acquaintance in Delphos and in and about Ottoville, and his arrest on the
charge of committing such a heinous crime was a great surprise.
2-23-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., Feb. 22, 1898
Anton DeCurtains, of Celina, was in town last week
Rev. M. Mueller received a dispatch yesterday, stating the sudden death of John DeCurtins and brothers were
working on the new alter for this church.
Miss Ramona Korhoff and sister Leona and Mrs. Felix Kindley, of Ft. Jennings, were here, Saturday.
The first masquerade dance at Gillen’s Hall was well attended last night.
Stuter Bros. Have opened a photograph gallery.
3-1-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., March 1, 1898
Miss Mary Winkleman attended the funeral of John DeCurtins, at Coldwater, O., last Thursday.
The Ottoville Literary Society closed its debates for the winter last Friday evening.
Mrs. Singer and Miss Katy Zahm, of Defiance, are visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nick Zahm.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. John Winkleman, a daughter.
Edward Wannemacher died yesterday afternoon, aged 29 years. The deceased was a son of Mr. and
Mrs. Benedict Wannemacher. In 1893 he was married to Miss Mary Otte. Freom this union three children were
born, two of whom survive, and they, with their mother and a host of friends, are here to mourn their loss, Mr.
Wannemacher suffered an injury to his back by falling from a wagon about four months ago. The funeral will
be held Wednesday morning at 8 o’clock.
3-8-1898 DH
Messrs. Huffer and Kortier, barbers at Ft. Jennings, and Theodore Kramer, the Ottoville tonsorial artist,
are considering joining the Employing Barbers’ Protective Association of Delphos.
3-9-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., March 9, 1898
Nick Gillen was in Toledo.
Frank Ulrich has returned from Mercer County.
Charles Wannemacher is staying with his sister at Coldwater, Ohio.
J. B. Mersman was in Lima.
C. E. Derhoff, of Ottawa, has opened a 5 and 10 Cent store here.
Thieves made an attempt to gain an entrance to Theodore Kramer’s house, but one who was posted to watch
saw they were discovered by Mr. Kramer, and they left without securing any booty. They relieved Peter Smith’s
Heenery of six fowls.
There will be a grand celebration in Ottoville next Tuesday, March 15, the occasion being the 30th
anniversary of Rev. Mueller as pastor of the Catholic Church; the day will be celebrated by appropriate
services. Celebration begins at 9:30 a. m.
The Democrats of Monterey Township and of the corporation will hold a caucus next Saturday, March 12.
3-16-1898 DH
Half a Score of Years
Rev. Mueller has been Pastor of the Ottoville Church
Event Celebrated Monday Resume of the Work Performed in Thirty Years By Rev. Father Mueller
A memorable Day
A day of joy and thanksgiving.
The thirtieth anniversary of the pastorate of Rev. Michael Mueller of the Catholic Congregation of
Ottoville. The event occurred Monday, and the first to congratulate him was his catechism class, in the
afternoon.
In the evening the Maennerchor and many members of the congregation gathered at the parsonage. The
choir gave him some vocal music, after which L. M. Wagner congratulated him on behalf of the congregation,
and presented him with a beautiful ostensorium.
The morning of the jubilee was not very friendly, as regarded the weather, but the people could not be
detained from the celebration. The large church was nearly full at 9:30 a. m. Rev. Mueller celebrated solemn
high mass, assited by Rev. Kleekamp, of Raab, as Deacon, Rev. John B. Mertes, of Maumee, as Subdeacon,
and Rev. T. Witmer, of Glandorf, as Master of Ceremonies. The following Reverends were present in
sanctuary: A. J. Hoeffel and M. Phillipart, of Delphos, Dominac Zinsmeir, of Landeck, Valentine Shirrach, of
Kalida, Bernard Russ, of Ottawa, William Harcks, of New Bavaria, and Charles Braschler, of Ft. Jennings.
Rev, Theodore Wilken, of Decatur, Ind., gave the sermon. He read a letter from Bishop Horstman,
congratulating Rev. Mueller. The Rev. speaker explained the importance of the church, and asked the people
to thank God for sending them such a good and zealous priest. At the close he importuned God that Rev.
Mueller might be spared for many more years. Rev. Wilken spoke for forty minutes in German and then gave a
short English sermon.
The Maennerchor, under the direction, of Prof. F. Wannemacher, sang Fr. Hamma’s “Sursum Corda”
mass.
Rev. Mueller was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 21, 1833, where he received a good common
school eduction. In 1852 he came to America. He first studied at Cleveland, then went to St. Vincent Seminary,
Pa., from there he went to Assumption College at Windsor, Canada, and completed his theological studies at
Cleveland. In 1865 he was ordained priest by Right Rev. Rappe, Bishop of Cleveland.
The Rockford Ohio, congregation was first charge of Rev. Mueller. He remained there three years. During
his stay at Rockford he was instrumental in erecting a handsome brick church there. On March 15, 1868. 30
years ago, he took charge of the Ottoville parish. The Rev. Father was then in the best years of his life. The
country was then in a rough state. There were no roads and very few horses to be used for travel. He walked
many miles through woods and marshes to visit the members of his congregation when they were sick.
In 1871 he instituted a new congregation at Kalida, with seventeen families. With the help of these few
willing people he erected a handsome brick church. Rev. Mueller had charge of this church, in connection with
the Ottoville parish, for televe years by holding dervices there twice a month on Sundays. The Kalida
congregation is now composed of 100 families.
The grandest structure that the rev. gentlemqn caused to be erected is the church here. It cost more than
$50,000. The corner stone was laid on June 28, 1885, and the church was dedicated on September 23, 1888,
by Bishop Gilmour. The church has a seating capacity of 1100. In 1893 Father Mueller erected the fourteen
stations in the church, at a cost of more than $2,000.
The fourth church he erected is at Cloverdale. It is a neat frame structure ninety feet in length, and wil be
dedicated this summer. During the thirty years Rev. Mueller baptized 1556 children, took 1033 to first
communion, married 307 couples and buried 405 persons.
3-17-1898 DH
Ottoville Democrats
They Have Nominated a Ticket – Personals Ottoville, O., March 17, 1898
Andy Wurst and Andy Perrin have gone to Grand Rapids, Mich.
Frank Bauer, of Pittsnurg, Pa., is visiting Rev. M. Muellers. They have not seen each other for Fifty-six years.
They were schoolmates in Bavaria.
The Democrates of this place and township have nominated the following ticket.
Justice of the Peace, long term – Joseph Wannemacher Sr.
Justice of the Peace, short term – George Kieffer
Township Trustee – Henry Giesken
Township Clerk – Henry Wurst
Assessor – Frank Gmeiner
Marshal – Albert Zahner
Treasurer – Peter Wannemacher Sr.
Councilmen – J. B. Mersman, E. E. Rower and B. Wannemacher
3-30-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., March 29, 1898
Joseph Wannemacher, of Springfield, Ohio, visited his father Tim Wannemacher.
Mr. Kersting, of Glandorf, candidate for county auditor, was in town.
Max Kortokrax has moved from town to a farm two miles southwest. His many friends pleasantly surprised
him Sunday evening and enjoyed his hospitality immensely.
A very pleasant surprise was successfully planned and executed upon William Remlinger, Wednesday
evening, by a number of friends, on the occasion of his twenty-fifth birthday anniversary. Progressive Pedro
entertained the guests until 11 o’clock when lunch was served. The mandolin club, of which Mr. Remlinger is a
member, furnished music. The following named gentleman with their wives were present: N. O W. Stoker, Matt
Wannemacher, Max Kortokrax, George Kieffer, Charles Remlinger, Ed Mersman, John Zahm, H. Kehres,
George Altneburger, Henry Honningford: Mrs. And Miss Katy Kortokrax and Messrs. Walter Mersman, Peter
Ockuly, Alex Wannemacher and Louise Sellet also attended.
4-9-1898 DH
Ottoville Items
Frank Krebs bought the furniture store from Altenburger Bros.
The township and corporation Democratic ticket was elected without Republican opposition.
The county Democratic nomination was a little more interesting. The followinf ticket was nominated: for
Auditor, Louis N. Welde; Treasurer, Ralph G. Spencer; Recorder, John Cowan; Commissioner, Samuel
Cartwright; Infarmary Director, A. H. Wingate.
Mr. Welde, for Auditor, received 226 out of 287 votes cast in Monterey Township. Mr. Welde was here
yesterday to thank the people for supporting him.
4-25-1898 DH
Was Seltzerville
Ottoville Was Known by That Name in 1869
Review of Events Occurring During the Week Preceding July 1, 1869, as Chronicaled by the Herald
In 1869, Ottoville or Sixteen, our little neighbor on the north, as it is now called, was then known as
Seltzerville. On June 24th of that year, according to the Catholic custom, the anniversary of the patron saint of
the church there – St. John the Baptist – was celebrated, and at the same time the children of the
congregation communed for the first time. In the sanctuary were present eight visiting clergymen. The choir
from Delphos church, under the leadership of Prof. Hoerstman, and the Delphos Silver Band were present.
According to the writing of “Veritas,” the festal day was a grand one.
5-21-1898 DH
Building and Loan
A building and Loan Association has been organized at Ottoville, with a board of directos as follows: Dr.
A. Binder, J. B. Mersman, C. J. Wannemacher, Max Winkleman, J. J. Miller, William Remlinger; Secretary, L. N.
Wagner; Treasurer, Benedict Wannamacher
5-26-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., May 25, 1898
Mrs. Barbara Vollmer, of New York City, was a guest at the home of Henry Ernst.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Brinkman, a daughter.
A few pupils were at Ottawa, Saturday, to attend the Boxwell examination
Alex Heinl and family, of Ft. Jennings, were here Monday.
The Ottoville Savings and Loan Association has received its charter and is now ready to do business.
Max Winkleman is erecting a new barn.
6-2-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., June 2, 1898
Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Rekart, a son.
Worms are eating the leaves from trees in many orchards.
The Ottoville Loan and Savings Company will hold its first regular election soon.
William Geier has gone to Michigan. He is working one mile from Grand Rapids.
Bernard Hecman, a student at Valparaiso, Ind., is visiting August Heckman.
6-6-1898 DH
Ottoville Fire
The Ottoville Creamery Burned Saturday Night
Fire Department Handicapped by a lack of Hose, Structure a total loss Was not Insured
Ottoville suffered a severe loss by fire Saturday night. About 9 o’clock the news was current that the
creamery was on fire and nearly all the people in the little village immediately flocked to the scene to lend their
assistance in extinguishing the flames. Ottoville has a small hand engine, which was taken out and when the
hose was laid from the canal to the burning building it was found that there was not enough to reach.
The fireman then placed the suction hose in a small ditch near by. This alos was a futile attempt as the
hose soon became filled with mud. Buckets were used, but as the fire had a good start they proved ineffective.
The bulding was a brick structure and with most of the machinery is a total ruin.
It was the property of the Ottoville Creamery Company and was not insured and it is not probable that it
will be rebuilt. The origin of the fire seems to have been the work of an incindeary, as the flames started in the
rear of the building in which there was some straw, and there had been no fire in that part of the building for
some time. The creamery had not been used for over a year.
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., June 6, 1898
Mr. and Mrs. William Schlagbaum are visiting friends in Tiffin.
Adam Moritz and Miss Maggie Mohrbach were married by Rev. M. Mueller, Thursday morning.
L. N. Wagner, Mrs. Joseph Miller, Mrs. J. J. Miller and Mrs. Nick Lauer are visiting friends in Mercer County.
6-17-1898 DH
Anthony DeCurtins, of Celina, accompanied by Messrs. Hile and Pauken, of Celina, went to Ottoville, this
afternoon, to erect a new alter in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church there. A drawing of the alter
seen by the reporter evidences the fact that it will be a grand piece of work. All the carving is done by hand.
The alter is 44 feet high and 22 feet wide.
7-21-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., July 18, 1898
Miss Aggie DeCurtins, of Celina, is visiting friends here.
A party of ladies and children from near Ft. Jennings picnicked in the Eickholt grove, as guests of Miss Eickholt.
Mrs. August Heckamn went to Maria Stein, Mercer County, today, to visit parents and friends.
Beautiful Alter
Dedication Held Wednesday, and the Attnedance Large
Ottoville Catholic Church Now Has One of the Finest Churches in Northwestern Ohio
The dedication of the handsome new alter installed in the church of the Immaculate Conception at
Ottoville occurred on Wednesday, July 20, and attracted a large attendance of people. Several cleargyman
from neighboring towns took part in the ceremonies were highly pleased.
Rev. Charles Braschler, of Ft. Jennings, was master of dedicatory ceremonies. Following the ceremony
high mass was celebrated by Rev. M. Mueller, the resident pastor, assisted by Rev. Kleekamp, of Raab, Rev.
Bertemue, of Leipsic, as Deacon, Rev. Schirrach, of Kalida, as Sub-Deacon. The master of ceremony sermon
was given by Rev. Eucherster.
Following are the visiting clergymen that were present: Revs. Weber of Van Wert, Hoeffel and Philippart
of Delphos, Buechler of Glandorf and assistant Weichmann, of the Ottoville congregation.
The church is one of the finest structures in northwestern Ohio and is supported by a community of
progressive people, who take pride in putting forth their best efforts in improvement, which is evidenced on
every hand in that section of the country.
The new alter puts the finishing touches on the interior of this handsome place of worship of which Rev.
Father Mueller has been associated and speaks volumes for this reverend gentleman and his fatherly care of
the congregation.
Pioneer Lady Dead
Mrs. William Helmkamp Conquered by Death Wednesday
Resided with Her Son 3 ½ Miles North of Delphos Was the Mother of Ferd. And Theodore Helmkamp of this
City
Mrs. William Helmkamp, the aged mother of Ferd. And Theodore Helmkamp, of this city, died at the home
of her son, Frank Helmkamp 3 ½ milesnorth of Delphos, after an extended illness, having been bedfast since
last summer.
Deceased was born June 7, 1824, near Osnabrock, Hanover, Germany, and came to Delphos with Father
Bredeick’s colony in 1844. She, with her husband settled in Ottoville, where Mr. Helmkamp conducted a
general store until it was destroyed by fire. Mr. Helmkamp died in 1881, when hes wife moved to home of her
son, where she lived until death claimed her Wednesday.
Mrs. Helmkamp leaves four children, Lizzie, now in a convent at Cincinnati, Frank, with whom she lived,
and Ferd. and Theodore, of this city. The funeral services will take place Saturday morning at 8 o’clock, at Ft.
Jennings, and burial at Ottoville, beside the remains of her husband.
7-23-1898 DH
Ottoville received 2,500 bushels of wheat this week and claim grain is coming in slow. They are paying 72
for wheat and 30 for corn.
7-25-1898 DH
The Ottoville and Grover Hill baseball teams crossed bats at Ottoville Sunday. Seven innings were
played. Grover Hill winning in a score of 16 to 13. Herman Jettinger and Charles Steinle, of this place, played
with Ottoville.
9-1-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., August 31, 1898
The Douglass school opened Monday, with Alph. Birkmeier pf Coldwater as teacher.o
The school here will open Monday, Sept. 5.
Miss Anna Zahm was in Toledo last week.
Charles Bildstein is sick.
Rev. H. Wichman assistant priest who was sick for some time at Toledo will be able to attend to his duties
in a short time.
Albert Wagner, of Burkettsville, O., is visiting his parents.
Henry Ernst is in Michigan this week.
J. T. Omler and family of Carthagenia, O., are visiting friends here.
Mrs. Mary Laden, of Celina, is the guest of Mrs. L. N. Wagner.
Obit for Child
The fourteen-month-old child of Henry Van Oss, of Ottoville, died, early this morning, of summer
complaint. The remains will be buried at Ottoville. Mr. Van Oss is an emploee of Kollsmith’s blacksmith shop.
9-12-1898 DH
Ottoville and Dupont crossed bats yesterday at Ottoville, the home team winning by a score of 11 to 5.
Mahoney, Redmon and Steinle of this place, played with Ottoville.
9-15-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., Sept. 14, 1898
Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Otte, a daughter.
Andy Wurst has gone to Michigan, where he will remain.
Joseph Wannemacher, of Springfield, is visiting his father here.
George Kieffer and family went to Maple Grove, Mich., this morning to visit friends.
The Ottoville Baseball club is doing good work this year. They played 14 games with the best players in
Putnam and Van wert Counties and lost only two games.
A young man traded a horse at Zahner’s livery barn last Thursday. From here he went to Bellevue, Ohio,
and sold the horse to a farmer for $5. It seems an aquaintance of the young man hired a rig at Rochester, Ind.,
and sold it to him for $10. The young fellow brought the horse here and traded it and proceeded to Bellevue,
where he was arrested. A reward of $75 was offered for the horse and thief.
Next Wednesday, Sept. 21, will be a big day here. There will be a balloon ascention, baseball game and
dance.
On Wednesday, Sept. 21st, Joseph Knarr, of Wapakoneta, will make a ballon ascension and parachute
leap at Ottoville.
9-22-1898 DH
The ballgame yesterday between Ottoville and Grover Hill at the former place was won by Ottoville by a
score of 8 to 3. Mahoney and Redmon, of this place were the battery for the winners.
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., Sept, 1898
Mrs. A. Kromer has moved into her new residence.
A social gathering was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Mersman in honor of Misses Ellen Kemper and
Jennie Higenbothean, of Lima. The Ottoville Mandolin club furnished music.
Albert Mersman and Geroge Brandehoff are attending the Ottawa High School.
The Ottoville Day, yesterday, was a grand success. A large number of people from neighboring towns
attended. A game of ball was played between Grover Hill and Ottoville with a score of 8 to 3, in favor of
Ottoville. The balloon ascended in grand style to the height of 1,500 or more feet. It came down about half a
mile from town. In the evening the dance at Kehres’ Hall was well attended.
A horse belonging to Otto Kortokrax had its hind feet badly cut while cutting corn.
Miss Maime Ockule is at Van Wert, kepping house for Rev. Weber.
A birthday party was given in honor of John Erhart’s thirty-ninth birthday. Many friends were present.
J. B. Mersman is making some improvements at his sawmill.
Last Sunday Ottoville played a game of ball with Grover Hill. Score 11 to 22, in favor of Ottoville.
Grandmother Sanders, a pioneer, died Monday, at the age of 78. She was buried yesterday. Many friends
attended the funeral.
Misses Carol, O’Conner and Dimond, of Lima, who have been guests of Mrs. Ed Mersman, returned
home this morning. MRs. Mersman accompanied them.
10-27-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., Oct. 27, 1898
Ed Huss and J. Rumechlag, of New Reigel, Ohio, visited friends here.
Dr, Stoker has moved to Nevada, Ohio.
Jess Hale is our new postmaster since Dr. Stoker left. Why did they appoint a postmaster who lives six
miles from town, when we have one republican in town.
Alex Lauer purchased Andy Zahner’s interest in the livery barn.
Mr. and Mrs. Otto Eickholt, of Layton Corners, Mich., who were married yesterday, are here on a wedding trip
visiting friends.
11-3-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., Nov. 3, 1898
The teachers of Ottoville attended the teachers’ meeting at Kalida, last Saturday.
Miss Theresia Rathman, of Delphos, is staying with Mrs. Bernard Schlagbaum.
Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Otto Kortokrax, a daughter.
Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Matt Kramer, a son.
Louis Wannemacher, of Dayton, is a guest of his father Tim Wannemacher.
Mrs. J. Jones, of Ottawa, Republican candidate for County Auditor was here last Friday night, to give a speech.
He had a fair house, but there were not enough Republicans present to fill the offices of the meeting, and J. B.
Mersman was chosen chairman and John Straman, of Ottawa, secretary of the meeting, both being good
sound Democrats. Mr. Jones next time bring your Republican friends from some other part of the county.
Tomarrow we will have a good rousing Democratic meeting. Our Republican friends are kindly invited to attend
but they must not expect to become president or secretary of the meeting.
Miss Josephine Wurst was married to William Mueller this morning, by Rev. Mueller at St. Mary’s Church.
11-24-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., Nov. 23, 1898
Andy Zahner, of Shelby County, is visiting friends here.
While attempting to start a fire in a stove John Vondran poured coal oil onto some live coals which ignited, the
flames badly burning Mr. Vondran’s mustache and eye brows.
Aug. Mertz, of Toledo, ex-president of the C. K. of O., was here on a business trip.
Henry Strottman, of Ft. Jennings, moved onto his farm near Ottoville.
Dr. Binder is our postmaster now.
Mr. Henry Schmersahl and Mrs. Mary Looser were married by Rev. H. Wichmann, yesterday morning.
Mr. and Mrs. Christ Wolke celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary lat Thursday.
12-1-1898 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., Dec. 1, 1898
Alex Miller, Albert Mersman and George Brandehoff, who attended the Ottawa schools, were here
Thanksgiving to visit their parents.
The two-year-old child of Henry Heitmeier Jr., died last Friday.
Rev. F. Walzer and Ign. Dabbelt, of St. Sebastian, Mercer County, Ohio, visited friends here. They were
accompanied by J. G. Birkmeier, of Delphos.
Charles Bildstein has given up the saloon business in the Gillen building, and Jes. Frey, of Continental,
will open a saloon in that place. Mr. Bildstein is still on the sick list.
Rev. H. Wiebman was in Toledo.
Mrs. Weiter, of Raab, Ohio, is visiting her daughter here.
Mr. Mason’s exhibition was well-attended Tuesday evening. The ball would not hold all, so he remained
over for Wednesday.
Mrs. Spieldeimer, of Fremont, Ohio, is here visiting friends.
12-9-1898 DH
First Communion
Ninety-Six Children Received it at Ottoville Thursday
Thursday, the eighth day of December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated
throughout the entire Catholic world, but for Ottoville the day was one of double festivity. It was the patron
feast of St. Mary’s Church, and on the same day forty-six boys and fifty girls made their first holy communion.
At 9 a.m. Rev. H. Wichman celebrated high mass in which the children received Holy Communion from his
hands. Rev. M. Mueller conducted the ceremonies. It was a day the children will never forget. The afternoon
services began at 2 o’clock.