1-5-1899 DH
Frank Altenberger has moved his family to Delphos from Ottoville. He is clerking at S. F. Shenk & Co.’s dry
goods store.
1-10-1899 DH
Martin Wrocklage
Former Residant of This Section Died in Michigan
Alex Shenk received a telegram Monday evening from Cheasaning, Michigan, announcing the death of
Martin Wrocklage a brother of Mrs. Shenk and also of the late Theodore Wrocklage. The funeral will be held
Thursday. Deceased formerly lived near Ottoville and was a farmer. While a resident of Putnam County he
held the office of Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years. He will be remembered by a large number of the
older residents.
1-11-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., Jan. 11, 1899
Miss Barbara Welter is visiting friends at Toledo.
Philip Kirsh, of Coldwater, Ohio, is staying with friends here.
Henry F. Langhals and Miss Theresia Horstman were united in marriage Tuesday morning, at St. Mary’s
church, by Rev. M. Mueller. The attendants were Joseph Langhals and Miss Katie Dulling, of Glandorf.
1-19-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., Jan. 19, 1899
Misses Lizzie and Mary Miller visited their brother, Alex, at Ottawa.
Bernard Goettemoller, of St. Rosa, Ohio, was a guest at the home of his daughter, Mrs. A. Heckman.
A party successfully surprised Peter Kieffer Sr., last Wednesday, the occasion of his birthday.
A Pedro party was given at the home of Andy Kehres, and Miss Mamie Schlagbaum and Charles J.
Wannemacher received the first prizes and Miss Cecelia Kehres and Peter Ockule received the booby prize.
2-3-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., Feb. 1, 1899
The Democratic candidates for county nomination are looking for friends.
Frank Kromer is visiting friends at New Washington.
A small child of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brickner died last week.
A number of friends surprised Miss Anna Gillen on the occasion of her birthday anniversary.
Matt Freiburger returned from Missouri. He bought a farm there and will moved there next spring.
2-8-1899 DH
An oil well will be drilled in Mersman’s mille yard at Ottoville.
2-21-1899 DH
I overheard a conversation last evening – that is, a part of it – that struck me as being on a very important
subject. Two representative business men were talking regaurding the limited manufacturing interests in
Delphos, and one of them suggested that an effort be put forth to induce J. B. Mersman to move his furniture
factory from Ottoville to Delphos, A capital idea; secure it if possible.
3-3-1899 DH
Death
Mrs. Catherine Rekart, mother of Mrs. H. W. Beckman, of this place died at her home in Ottoville, Thursday
afternoon, from stomach trouble, aged about 70 years. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon.
3-9-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., March 8, 1899
Mrs. Katherine Rekart (Nierman) died at her home after a long illness. Mrs. Rekart was 73 years of age at
the time of her death. She was born in Germany and came to this country in 1840. In 1854 she was married to
Joseph Rekart. Deceased was a resident of Ottoville for 50 years. She leaves a son and three daughters. The
funeral occurred Sunday afternoon and was largely attended. Those who attended from abroad were H. W.
Beckman and family, of Delphos, Mrs. Beckman, of Ottawa, Mr. and Mrs. M. Wiesenburg and Mrs. Jacob
Singer, of Defiance.
The Democratic caucus will be held Saturday.
Anton Becker, Anton Bendle, Louis Perrin Sr., Nick Schiska, and William Wurst have gone to Verona, Mo.
A mass meeting was held last night and plans were adopted for the sinking of the first oil well at Ottoville.
3-17-1899 DH
Enterprise
Talk about enterprise! Ottoville citizens are full of it. August Kehres, W. J. Rekart, J. B. Mersman and J. J.
Miller collected $1,500 in three days, to drill an oil well there. Shares were taken at $5 each, and even the
schoolteachers are interested in the venture. Three wells will be drilled.
4-6-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., April 6, 1899
Alex Miller and George Brandehoff, of Ottawa, spent a week at home.
Mrs. L. N. Wagner was called to Ft. Recovery, Ohio, on account of the illness of her brother.
We now have a post office money order office here.
H. Otte, of Casella, Ohio, is visiting friends here.
Joseph Frey is in Continental on business.
Mrs. Joseph Sutter is visiting in New Reigel, Ohio.
Alois. Sutter is at Attica, Ohio.
J. B. Mersman, George Kieffer and William Kromer have returned from Texas, They enjoyed their trip very
much.
A 3-year-old child of Nick Bedink died last Sunday. The funeral took place Tuesday morning.
A crowd of about 25 people agreeably surprised Miss Anna Rekart at her home on the occasion of her
birthday anniversary.
4-13-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., April 12, 1899
Mrs. Charles Kalt, of Coldwater, Ohio, is visiting her parents here.
Misses Katie and Christina Smyer and Mrs. J. Smyer, of Defiance, are visiting here with friends.
Married, Tuesday morning by Rev. M. Mueller, Miss Clara Perrin and Mr. George Wannemacher, attended
by Miss Josephine Kehres and Charles Sellet. A wedding breakfast, attended by many friends, was given at
Mr. Wannemacher’s home.
Mrs. Ed and Walter Mersman attended the Bazaar at Delphos last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Mersman very pleasantly entertained some of their young friends last Friday evening. The
evening was spent with instrumental and vocal music and card playing. Miss Anna Wise, of Huntington, Ind.,
and Miss Lizzie Stallkamp, of Delphos, played some very fine piano solos. Several duets by Miss Clara and
Fannie Wannemacher were a pleasing number. The Mandolin Orchestra rendered some fine selections; after
the music card playing was indulged in until a late hour when a lunch was served. All report a good time.
Those present were: Misses Josephine Doepker, Katie Kortokrax, Lizzie and Mary Miller, Clara, Fannie and
Rosa Wannemacher. Messrs. Walter and Albert Mersman, Peter Ockule, Alex Wannemacher, Frank
Wannemacher, Louis Sellet, Joseph Vinvke, Charles B. Wannemacher. Those from abroad were, Miss Anna
Wise, of Huntington, Ind., cousin of Mrs. Mersman, Ida May, Of Van Wert, Anna and Emma Owens, Anna
Grothouse, Albert Owens, and Lizzie Stallkamp, of Delphos.
4-20-1899 DH
Fine Furniture
J. B. Mersman, the Ottoville furniture manufacturer, was in Delphos Wednesday. It was our pleasure to see
a selection of photographs of the different lines of furniture that he is putting on the market. The camera
defines clearly that their workmanship is indeed excellent. Mr. Mersman has but three salesmen on the road
and is very sanguine in his views as to the prospects for the sale of the production of his factory.
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., April 20, 1899
Frank and Mrs. Schulien are in Ottoville.
Our Assessor, Frank Gmeiner, is going around asking people how rich they are.
Prof. Frank Gase, of Ft. Jennings, was seen in Ottoville, yesterday.
George Ockule, of Bismark, Ohio, and John Ockule of the University of Cincinnati are staying with their
parents, this summer.
Mrs. August Heckman is visiting friends in Maria Stein, Mercer County, Ohio.
Dr. and Mrs. Binder were in Cincinnati over Sunday.
Curch Street of our town is being improved. The grading is begun, and when finished it will be the nicest
street.
4-21-1899 DH
Henry Mondray, night watchman at the brewery, has moved his family here from Ottoville, and is living in
the Metzger property, on south Clay Street.
4-22-1899 DH
J. B. Mersman and other Ottoville gentleman witnessed the shooting of the Grothouse well this morning.
Several wells will be drilled near their town in a short time.
4-25-1899 DH
Death notice of Joseph Flick, former resident of Ottoville.
4-27-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., April 27, 1899
Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Honningford, a boy.
Rev. Henry Wickmann spent this week in Cincinnati.
Mrs. Andrew Kehres is ill. Dr. Stoker, of Nevada, is the attending physician.
Mr. John Vondran, of Ottoville and Miss Anna Wettler, of Ft. Jennings, were married Wednesday, at Ft.
Jennings, by Rev. Charles Braschler. The young couple was attended by Misses Tillie Wittler, of Ft. Jennings
and Caroline Perrin, of Ottoville, and Messrs. Matt. Vondran and Bernard Wittler.
4-28-1899 DH
Another Break
There is another break in the canal somewhere between Ottoville and Defiance, just where has not been
learned. There is no water in the levels at Defiance and the collector there telephoned here this morning to
learn what was the trouble. The state boat crew is working below Ottoville and Capt. Spencer had been
notified. It is understood considerable damage resulted.
5-9-1899 DH
Deal is Off
Louis Odenweller will not assume control of the Ottoville gristmill as its owner, as was announced a few
days ago. The deal was consummated but has been declared off, and Mr. Odenweller is back in the old
position at the G. F. Lang mill.
5-30-1899 DH
The Ottoville Oil Company will erect a derrick on the William Rekard farm just west of that town, next week,
for the first of a bunch of three test wells. Mr. Geyer, of Landeck, will erect the rig and do the drilling.
6-7-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., June 7, 1899
Bishop Horstman, of Cleveland, confirmed a class of 180 boys and girls here last week.
Mrs. Ferdinand Brinkman, of Frankfort, Ind., is a guest at the home of Ed Mersman.
Oil drilling has been postponed for a week.
Married, by Rev. M. Mueller, at the St. Mary’s Church, Tuesday morning, J. J. Frey and Miss Maria Laurs
Schineberger, of Continental. The couple were attended by, Chas. Sellet and Miss Caroline Perrin.
6-22-1899 PCS
Ottoville Items
Mr. Frank Flatz, of Sandusky, Ohio, is visiting relatives in this vicinity. The gentleman is now 84 years old.
The young people of this burg have organized a society for the purpose of mutual entertainment. They call
it Y. F. S. C. The first entertainment was held at Gillen’s Hall, Thursday. Gentle tripping “of the light fantastic
coe” constituted a part of the programme.
At a recent meeting of the Ottoville branch of the order, of C. K. of O., the following officers were elected:
Spiritual Director: Rev. Michael Mueller; President, J. J. Miller; Vice-President, H. Wurst; Rec. Sec., L. N.
Wagner; Financial Sec., N. Bedink; Trustee, H. Van Oss; Treasurer, William Schlagbaum. Delegate to the state
convention to be held at Delaware, O., next August, L. N. Wagner: Alternate, William Schlagbaum.
The boys say that Mr. Andrew Kehres is a “crakerjack.” Last week he passed the cigars on the 10th
consecutive girl in his family, 8 of whom are living. If the girls are all right, the boys will come of their own
accord.
Quite a load of Glandorf’s elites visited Ottoville Sunday. They took dinner with B. Giesken. There were 7
boys and 6 girls. Come again when you can stay longer.
Many new barns have been built in this neighborhood this spring.
When you get ready to paddle your own canoe take lessons of Louis Sellet and G. Otte. They are experts.
Our gristmill is being remodeled. Some of the new machinery has already arrived.
June 20, 1899 Cora Gale
6-28-1899 DH
Tuesday, while a number of boys were playing at Mersman’s lumberyard in Ottoville, John Brabant’s son,
aged 6, had a leg broken by a plank falling on it.
6-29-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., June 28, 1899
Mrs. Kate Bohnholzer and children, of Burlington, Dakota, were here to visit their friends and relatives.
They left for Coldwater where they will visiti it for a few days.
George Bohnholzer, of Cleveland, has been here to visit friends and relatives.
The oil well derrick is completed and ready for the drillers who will begin work in a day or so.
Millwrights from Columbus are here to remodel the Ottoville Mill, which will soon be in operation, and will be
one of the most complete mills in the country.
C. Scherger & Son, of Delphos, are here fixing up Church Street, which will make a great improvement to
the town.
Miss Owens, of Delphos, and Miss Milten, of Huntington, Ind., were here visiting friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Bogenschutz, of Cincinnati, were here visiting the forepart of the week. They made it a very
enjoyable trip.
August Heckman, formerly a teacher in the Ottoville School, where he was located for four years, goes to
New Cleveland, Putnam County, to have charge of the school there. The school opens in September.
7-13-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., July 13, 1899
The oil drillers are still at work. They have reached nearly 500 feet by this time, and people are going back
and forth every day to find out the results of it.
The Y. F. S. C. Club, of Ottoville, gave a ball Wednesday evening, which was a very enjoyable one. Music
was furnished by Louth Bros.
Mrs. Katie Grenlish, of Bellevue, O., is here visiting parents and relatives. She is the oldest daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Sellet.
Peter Ernst, of Ft. Wayne, was here Tuesday.
Threshing is going full blast through this part of the country.
Competition
Mr. Schwartz, of Shreeve, O., a representative of the Bell Telephone Co., assisted by Evan Williams, has
completed taking up the right-of-way for a telephone toll lines between Delphos, Ft. Jennings and Ottoville.
Stations will be established at those places and the Bell will compete with the Ohio Telephone Co., and will run
line through to Defiance, Grand Rapids, and other points. Cheaper rates will probably result.
7-14-1899 DH
The Rekart farm oil well in the Ottoville field was cased at about 450 feet. This gives a pretty good idea as
to the depth the well will require drilling. The sand is generally found in this section about 800 feet below the
shale on which the casing rests. Hence the Rekart farm well will be about 1250 feet deep.
7-15-1899 DH
The Ottoville oil well will not be in before next Saturday, owing to an accident that delayed the work several
days. The drill stem was broken.
7-17-1899 DH
Safe Cracked
Robbers Get a Slim Haul at Ottoville Grist Mill
Safe Wrecked with Nitro-Glycerine Sunday Morning, Fellows Scared Away
The safe in the office of the Ottoville Grist Mill, owned by Benedict Wannemacher was blown open Sunday
morning and robbed of part of its contents.
At 2 a.m. Charles Wannemacher was awakened by a terrific explosion, and it was soon ascertained that
the noise came from the grist mill. An investigation was made and it was found that the safe in the office of the
plant had been cracked.
The robbers used nitroglycerine. They stopped up the crack around the door and poured the explosive in.
the safe was badly wrecked but the robbers were frieghtened away before they had time to thoroughly ransack
the safe. Sixty cents worth of revenue stamps and less than a dollarts worth of pennies is all that is missing.
There was quite a sum of money in the small strong box inside the safe but the fellows didn’t have time to get
at it.
Close watch was kept for the robbers and an extensive search was made but they were not located. It was
reported here that the fellows were followed to a point near Kalida, where they took to the fields and the trial
was lost. The affair created considerable excitement for a time.
Mr. Wannemacher’s loss in the damage to the safe will be considerable, and it would have been cheaper
had he known of the intended visit of the robbers and left the door open.
Eva Harpster
Miss Eva Harpster aged about 16 years, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Harpster, living two
miles north of Ottoville, died Sunday morning. The funeral will be held Tuesday st the Christian Church near
her home at 11 a.m. Deceased had been ill only since Friday and her parents did not think her condition was
dangerous.
She was a granddaughter of William Lochhead and a niece, of Mrs. Thomas Rice, of this place. The
announcement of her death was a shock to her relatives and friends here. Prior to her last illness Miss
Harpster was an exceptionally healthy girl.
The Ottoville well was cased at 436 feet. Will be in Wedensday.
7-20-1899 PCS
Ottoville Items
Oilmen throughout the state, and even everywhere, are now eagerly watching the results of our three test
wells to be drilled here. The first one is being drilled on the William Rekart farm and is now about 1050 feet
deep. They expect to reach Trenton Limestone tomarrow. Limestone was reached at 8 feet, a stone very much
like the Bedford Lime was reached at 275, Clinton Lime, or grit, at 350, slate or probably Hudson River shale
at 437, Utica shale, in which they are now working, at about 850. The indications are fair but not flattering.
Burglars entered the gristmill on Sunday morning, at about 1:30, and bursted the outer doors off the large
safe with nitro-glycerine which they in some manner infused between the doors, having first sealed the bottom
and to a certain extent along the sides with soap, to prevent the glcerine from running out. There were 5 in all
and they were seen at work, but before the citizens could be aroused the work was done and they escaoed,
although with empty pockets. The socalled burglar chest, containing $61 in silver, the entire contents of the
safe, was unharmed. The only renumeration they received for their labor and skill was 64 coppers, which had
been left in the desk. The damage done to the safe amounts to about $200.
On Monday night one of the carpenters, Parker by name, who are putting the new machinery into Mr.
Wannemacher’s gristmill, took laudanum with alleged suicidal intent. Dr. Binder was called, but found that the
dose he had taken was insufficient to cause any trouble and gave no antidote. Parker hails from Columbus. He
has not been feeling well for a few days and was somewhat despondent on account of a lack of attention on
the part of some of his co-workers, and no doubt wanted to test their affection. He went to work again today.
The fun cost him a doctor bill.
The dreaded kissing bug has not as yet made its appearance in Ottoville, although Hobsonism has been
very popular of late.
The Y. F. S. C. gave a social hop at Gillen’s Hall last Thursday.
Quite a number of our citizens took advantage of the low rates on the Clover Leaf last Tuesday, and visited
Toledo, Put-In-Bay and Detroit.
Whooping cough is raging among the little ones.
July 19, 1899 Cora Gale
7-20-1899 DH
Elegant Prospects
Ottoville Well Had 300 Feet of Oil Before Shot
This afternoon the HERALD telephoned to Ottoville at 3 o’clock, and made inquiries regarding the oil well.
The well contained 300 feet of oil, and preparations were being made to shot it as this paper went to press.
A crowd was on hand to see the shooting, and nearly all business houses in Ottoville were locked up, the
proprietors and clerks joining the crowd.
Took Laudanum
Columbus Man Working at Ottoville Became Dispondent
One of the men who is assisting in placing the new machinery in the Wannemacher grist mill at Ottoville, by
the name of Parker, was the author of considerable excitement there Monday night.
Parker hails from Columbus, and it is alleged that he took laudanum with suicidal intent. Dr. Binder was
called in, but found that the dose taken was not of sufficient quantity to cause serious trouble.
It is said that Parker had not been feeling well for a few days and was somewhat despondent on account of
lack of attention on the part of some of his coworkers, and probably wanted to test their affection. He has
resumed work.
7-21-1899 DH
In Doubt
Merits of the Ottoville Oil Well Undecided
Two Hundred and Fifty Feet of Oil Came in after the Shot, Thursday Afternoon
The first of the Ottoville oil wells was shot Thursday evening at about 5 o’clock, with 140 quarts of
nitroglycerin. It was a splendid one so far as the shot was concerned, and was witnessed by a large crowd of
people, among whom were many Delphosonians.
The well is located on the William Rekart farm just west of Ottoville, and as to whether it will be a paying
producer cannot be stated until it has been pumped for a few days. Steam was raised after the shot and the
tools were lowered. They show that there was about 250 feet of oil and salt water in the well. Arrangements are
now being made to pump it, and it is expected that the pump will be started by this evening.
Gus Kehres dropped the go-devil and waited anxiously for the dull thud and jar of the earth that indicated
that the glycerine had been exploded. The oil and salt water arose slowly, reminding one of a natural geyser,
until the contents of the well had become nearly exhausted, when pieces of stone, etc., followed. Considerable
gas preceded the oil and water.
The second well was located Thursday evening, on the William Burgie farm, one mile north of the Rekart
well, and work on the rig will probably be commenced at once. J. J. Gayer will drill the well. Delphos people are
as much interested in these ventures, as are the people of Ottoville. The opening of an oil territory there
means much for this town.
Photographer Groty secured several snap shots of the Ottoville oil derrick when the well was shot
Thursday.
7-22-1899 DH
The Rekart farm Ottoville well was pumping water all day up to late this afternoon. When the pump was
started Friday evening sixteen barrels of oil was deposited in the tank. Its real worth cannot yet be determined.
7-24-1899 DH
Will Go Deeper
Ottoville Oil Well is Getting an Experiment
To Be Drilled 42 to 60 Feet Deeper
The Rekart farm oil well at Ottoville, completed and shot last week, has been producing about five barrels
of the amber fluid each day. The first day’s production was 15 barrels. The HERALD was informed this morning
that pumping has been discontinued and the drilling apparatus was again put in shape to dance the drill. It is
the purpose of the company to have the well drilled from 42 to 60 feet deeper. The depth is now about 1296
feet. They wish to make a thorough investigation of the territory below in the first well, before going ahead with
others. It is confidently expected that the production can be increased by going further into the oil sand.
Barn Fire
A large barn on the farm of John Fryburger, 1½ miles southeast of Ottoville, was burned Friday eveing at 5
o.clock. Mr. Fryburger lives in Missouri, and his brother, Matt Fryburger, was living on this place. Matt and his
family had also prepared to leave for Missouri, after having a sale, and had part of their household goods
stored in the barn. They were burned together with a quantity of hay and a spring wagon. The origin of the fire
is unknown. Mr. Fryburger and family left Sunday night for Missouri.
Bell People at Work
Forces of Men Constructing Line to Ottoville and Ft. Jennings
Ed Mann, of Cleveland, of the Bell Telephone Co., is here with a force of twelve men, and this morning
commenced the construction of an extension of the Bell’s toll line to Ottoville and Ft. Jennings. The men are
erecting poles in the alley east of Main Street from Third to Thitteenth Street. The toll office will be at
Frankenberg’s
From Thirteenth Street the line will run to Main Street, thence to the Kleinhans road, thence to Ottoville
road, and north to the old Louis Peters road, 1½ miles this side of Ft. Jennings, from where a line will be run to
Ottoville, and another over the Peters road to Ft. Jennings. The improvement will require about two weeks
work.
All large poles, 35 and 40 feet in height, are to be used, and steel wire will be strung. A reduction in toll line
rates to Ottoville and Ft. Jennings will probably follow the completetion of the new line.
7-26-1899 LN
Will Drill Deeper
Delphos Herald: The Rekart farm oil well at Ottoville, completed and shot last week, has been producing
about fve barrels of the amber fluid each day. The fiest day’s production was about 15 barrels. It is the
purpose of the oil company the have the well drilled fron 42 to 60 feet deeper.
7-27-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., July 27, 1899
Frank Ulrich, the tailor from Akron, O., is here visiting friends and his uncle.
Mrs. Theodore J. Helmkamp, of Delphos, is visiting here with Mrs. Ed Mersman.
The town people here in Ottoville do not smell the oil sand so much since they think it is going to be a salt
water well. The drillers are not making very much headway since the well was shot, as it always caves in.
Two of the millrights have been discharged. They had a women here and the got mixed up and then they
did not seem to know which one the women belonged to, and so the boss sent all three home.
7-29-1899 DH
The Rekart farm well at Ottoville has been pulled and the rig moved to the location for No. 2.
8-3-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., August 1, 1899
J. L. Ansbaugh & Co. has been entertaining the people in town for the past few days with a merry-go-round.
Dr. Stoker, of Wyandotte, was here on business a few days ago.
Joseph Vincke has returned to the store, after about four months experiencing farming with his uncle.
Mrs. Charles Hamilton died Friday evening, July 28, leaving seven children. The family lived 5 miles
northwest of here.
Peter Altenburger died Tuesday morning, August 1st. Deceased was born in France in June of 1818, he
leaves a widow and seven children, all married ave one.
8-4-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., August 3, 1899
Miss Rosa Helmkamp is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Ed Mersman.
Mrs. Runkle, of Kalida, is spending the may at Ed Mersman’s.
Mr. and Mrs. Jauman and Mrs. Kern, of Delphos, and Mrs. Goetz, of Cincinnati, visited with friends here
Wednesday.
Frank Schulien has bought a farm of Henry Henke, about 2 miles south of here, where he intends to make
his future home.
Mr. Altenburger, who died Tuesday, was buried this morning.
Miss Millie Altenburger and brother came here from Wapakoneta for a visit, and when they arrived here they
found their grandfather dead.
8-7-1899 DH
Small Strike
Telephone Lineman Refused to Dig Post Holes
Ed Mann, foreman of the gang of men putting in the telephone lines from Delphos to Ottoville and Ft.
Jennings for the Bell people, had trouble, Friday, with his men.
Two men were sent here from Columbus to put wires up, but on Friday the roads were to muddy for them
to put up the guy wires, and Foreman Mann set them to digging post holes until the ground dried up a little.
They rebelles and concluded they would quit before they would dig holes. They left off work, and the gang
of sixteen men who had been doing the work, struck with them. Mann has taken back some of the strikers and
is employing new men.
8-10-1899 DH
The second Ottoville oil well on the William Burgei farm, one mile north of that town, has reached a depth
of 250 feet. Considerable trouble was experienced in pulling the casing from the first well, but it was finally
successfully accomplished. Even is well No. 2 does not make a better showing than No. 1 it will not be
abandoned so quickly.
8-14-1899 DH
The Ottoville oil well is expected to drill Friday. A depth of 550 feet has been reached.
8-18-1899 DH
The second Ottoville oil well on the Burgei farm, north of that town, is expected to drill in today and will be
shot tomorrow.
8-19-1899 DH
The Bell telephone line workman, who have been working between Delphos and Ottoville and Ft. Jennings,
have gone to Fostoria.
The Ottoville oil well, on the William Burgei farm, finished this morning, is reported a rank failure, with 900
feet of salt water and only a very light showing of oil. It was not shot. The next well will be put down on the Ed
Miller farm, one mile south of Ottoville, between the Ottoville road and the canal.
Gebhard Gasser sustained painful brusies at Ottoville Friday by falling while running after his team.
Charles Sellet had the palm of his right hand mangled while working at a machine in the Ottoville Planing Mill,
this morning.
8-21-1899 LN
The Ottoville oil well, on the William Burger farm, finished this morning is reported a rank failure, with 900
feet of salt water and only a very light showing of oil. It was not shot. The next well will be put down on the Ed
Miller farm, one mile south of Ottoville, between the Ottoville road and the canal.
8-24-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., August 23, 1899
The Ottoville Grist Mill is now in operation and ready for business. Mr. Williams, who refitted the mill, and C.
Neal, an expert miller, who started the mill, left this morning.
Miss Louis Huber and sister Johanna, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., are visiting friends here.
Miss Oberhauser, of Fremont, is the guest of friends here.
J. B. Hubbard, of Union City, is now employed at J. B. Mersman’s furniture factory.
H. L. Leilich, of Delphos, was here on business Tuesday evening.
The rig for Ottoville well No. 3 is going up.
9-2-1899 DH
Beginning with Sept. 1st the telephone toll rate for conversation between Delphos and Ottoville or Delphos
and Ft. Jennings, ober the Ohio Telephone Co.’s lines, is now only 15 cents. The toll station is located at King
Bros.’s drug store.
9-5-1899 DH
A crowd of young men went to Ottoville, Sunday night, in Burger’s steam launch, and enjoyed themselves
hugely save that they had to walk and pull the boat about two miles in coming back. The propeller struck an
obstruction in the water and was broken, rendering it useless.
9-6-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., September 6, 1899
The marriage banns of the following named couples were published at St. Mary’s Church Sunday: Joseph
Utrup who lives two miles south of here and Anna Blamer, of Ft. Jennings, and Joseph F. Hotz, of Delphos and
Anna Wannemacher, of Ottoville, the wedding of the second couple will occur in Ottoville.
Mrs. Stablter, of Ft. Wayne, is here visiting with Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Wannemacher
A Crowd of young people spent Sunday evening, at the home of F. W. Helmkamp. Refreshments were served
and the evening was an exeptionaly pleasant one.
Mr. Frank Frederick was neatly surprised Tuesday evening by friends, it was the occasion of his 26th
birthday.
Come and visit C. B. Wannemacher and get prices on first class jewelry, he will give you a fair offer,
satisfaction guaranteed.
Mr. and Mrs. F. F. Vincke left Tuesday morning for the State Fair, at Columbus, O.
Mrs. J. F. Singer, of Defiance, is visiting her parents here.
9-12-1899 DH
Hotz – Wannemacher
Joseph F. Hotz, of the firm Hotz and Bros., of this city, was married at the Cathoilic Church in Ottoville, this
morning, to Miss Anna Wannemacher, of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Hotz will visit Toledo and Fremont before
returning to Delphos to their home. The HERALD extends congratulations.
9-13-1899 DH
A Good One
Driller Think the Ottoville Well Will Be.
They are Leasing Land – Oil Market Up – Lause Farm Well Shot This Afternoon
THE LAUSE WELL—The Jameson well on the Lause farm was to have been shot this morning, but up to
noon the shhoter had not arrived from Spencerville, and up to the hour of going to press no one has returned
with information concerning the result of the 180 quart shot.
At 62 feet in the sand the well showed over 800 feet of oil, when drilling was suspended and arrangements
made to shoot it. Tankage was provided, in case the well made a flow.
OTTOVILLE WELL – The third Ottoville oil well, on the Miller farm, about 1 mile south of that town, will drill
in about Saturday. A fishing job delayed the drilling three days and the casing not being put in tight caused
another delay of a day and a half. The limestone was found to be from 18 to 20 feet thinner in this well than in
either of the other two, which is accepted by oilmen as a good indication. An Ottoville gentleman informs the
HERALD that the drillers employed by J. J. Gayer have sufficient confidence in their belief that the well will be a
good one that they are endeavoring to lease land in the vicinity, and that he understood that they had
succeeded in leasing a piece of land from Otto Kortokrax. If this is true some encouraging news may be
expected from Ottoville before the week is over. Since writing the above it was learned that the drill was lost in
the hole, the rope breaking off just above the drill stem, at 6 o’clock this morning.
9-18-1899 DH
The Ottoville oil well is about completed. It is expected that the oil producing rock will be reached this
evening. Several accidents have caused vexatious delays.
9-21-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., September 19, 1899
A crowd of young folks spent Sunday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Byrne who lives 2½
miles from town. The evening was spent with much pleasure.
Mr. C. Allemeyer and Miss Carlin Perrin were married Tuesday morning at Ft. Jennings. Mrs. Perrin is a
widow and lives about 2 miles north of here, and Carlin is the last of her daughters married.
Mr. Jacob Krebs and Miss Martin, of Cloverdale, were married here Tuesday morning.
Mr. Straman, of Ottawa, was here on business Tuesday.
Mr. Charles Sellet and Leo Otte enjoyed a trip driving to Defiance where they spent a few days last week.
9-28-1899 PCS
Ottoville Items
The citizens of this burg and especially the directors of the “oil syndicate” do not feel quite so jubilant as
they did last Tuesday when the Ed Miller well came in and promised to be a gusher. After the shot it proved to
far less than a gusher, in fact scarcely paying. There is a heavy flow of gas however, which will probably be
utilized. It has nevertheless proven that this is an oil field and the probabilities that several more wells will be
sunk before long.
Our dear Republican friends must be very vociferous taxationers. Not satisfied with custon tax, trusts, state
tax and war tax, they even try to dictate the Democratic Primary for land appraiser. Such was the case here
last Saturday. Mr. G. H. Otte, Sr., was nominated for land appraiser receiving 154 votes against 72 cast for Mr.
Peter Wannemacher.
Rev. Weichman was at Delphos last Friday and Saturday, assisting at the forty hours devotion.
Many of our citizens are attending lecture given by Rev. Kress, at Sheeter Opera House, every evening of this
week except Saturday.
The probabilities are that geese will be very dear this year. The ladies need the quills for their hats you
know.
J. B. Mersman is busy building a new parsonage at Ft. Jennings.
September 26, 1899 Dora Gale
9-30-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., September 28, 1899
Last Friday some unknown person poisoned two dogs owned by Charles Bildstien.
Born, Tuesday, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bonifas, a pair of twins, a boy and a girl.
G. Otte was nominated Land Appraiser Saturday, of Monroe Township.
Lewis Otte who formerly was employed by A. Kehres is now employed by Charles Bildstein.
Mr. J. B. Mersman and Jacob Wannemacher drove to Ottawa Sunday morning.
Mr. George Halter, a well-known farmer who lives about 7 miles from town went to Canton about a month ago
and Wednesday the report came that he had died. The corpse will be brought to Ottoville where interment will
be made. Mr. Halter had been ill for some time and was about 65 years old.
10-21-1899 DH
Sudden Death
While Conversing, Mrs. Joseph Meyer Fell Dead
Putnam County Lady Succumbed to Paralysis of the Heart at the Home of H. H. Shabbing.
Joyful anticipation over a visit to the home of her daughter was cut short by death this morning for Mrs.
Bernadina Meyer, wife of Joseph Meyer, and a gloom was suddenly cast over the hearts of husband and
children, which only a few moments before were filled with happiness and contentment.
Mr. and Mrs. Meyer drove to Delphos this morning from their home just east of Douglas and stopped at the
home of their daughter, Mrs. B. H. Shabbing, on Franklin Street. They were going to the home of another
daughter, Mrs. Edward Zink, wife of an oil well pumper, living on the Wilson farm, seven miles south of
Delphos. Mrs. Shabbing and children took the early train to Spencerville, to go to the home of Mr. Zink and
await the coming of her parents, intending to visit there together.
Mr. and Mrs. Meyer arrived here a few minutes before the train departed and were at the home of Mr.
Shabbing, about 20 minutes after 6 o’clock, awaiting his return from the train. Mrs. Meyer was standing at the
partition fence, conversing with Mrs. John Stegeman. Mr. Meyer was on the sidewalk and was soon joined by
Mr. Shabbing, his son-in-law. While they were talking, Mrs. Stegeman suddenly called to them that something
was wrong. They turned and saw Mrs. Meyer lying on the ground. They rushed to her side, and after gasping
a few times she died.
She was carried into the house and it was ascertained beyond all doubt that life had fled. Deceased was
55 years old and was Mr. Meyer’s second wife. She leaves behind a husband and six children.
The last words she spoke were addressed to Mrs. Stegeman. She said: “well, I must go and see Ben and go
on to Spencerville.”
She turned around took one or two steps and fell to the ground and died almost without a struggle. D. E.
Baxter, Jr., Justice of the Peace, was called and viewed the remains as acting coroner, and will conduct an
inquest at his office Monday. Death was probably due to paralysis of the heart, as Mrs. Meyer had been
complaining of pains in her side for several weeks. However, she seemed to be feeling well this morning and
drank generously of warm coffee from a jug, just before reaching Delphos. She relished the coffee and so
remarked to her husband.
The remains of the deceased lady were prepared for burial and taken to her late home near Douglass this
afternoon. The funeral will be held from the Catholic Church in Ottoville, the time not having been decided
upon.
10-23-1899 DH
The funeral of Mrs. Joseph Meyer occurred from the Ottoville Catholic Church at 8 o’clock this morning.
The attendance was usually large.
11-2-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., November 1, 1899
One of the children of Joseph Martin, who have been sick with diptheria, died and was buried Tuesday.
Mrs. H. Grewe, of Frankfort, is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Ed Mersman.
Peter Kramer, of Ft. Jennings, and Mr. Wilhelm, of Defiance, were here on business today.
Lenhart Rust, who died from typhoid fever, was buried Monday.
It is known girls cannot keep a secret. They could not keep it to themselves where they were going on
Halloween night. They went to the residence of Joseph Otte, and from there went to G. W. Kieffer’s to spend
the evening. Those present were Lizzie Miller, Anna Helmkamp, Clare Wannemacher, Katie Kortokrax, Regina
Kehres, Anna Wurst, Louis Otte, Emillia Eickholt, Josephine Doepker, Francis Zahner, Fanny Wannemacher,
Rosa Wannemacher, Miss Frederick, Miss Berry, from St. Henry, O., Peter Ockule, Walter Mersman, Lewis
Sellet, Alex Wannemacher, John Kieffer, Henry Krebs, Bert Green, Jim Hubbard, C. B. Wannemacher, Leo
Otte, Alex Miller and Henry Otte.
11-24-1899 DH
The Canal craft of B. Wannemacher, of Ottoville, brought in a load of Elm timber for the Wheel Factory this
morning.
11-30-1899 PCS
Ottoville Items
Since nearly all of the quarterly meetings of the Putnam Co., Teachers Association are held at such a
distance from this place, that it is almost a physical impossibility for our teachers to attend. The teachers of
Ottoville and vicinity, have last Saturday organized an association of their own, which promises to become a
little more than a mere sideshow, since the teachers of Ft. Jennings have already signified their intention to
join. The next meeting will take place at the public schoolhouse, on Saturday, Dec. 16th, 1899. Quite a number
of teachers, school directors and citizens, are expected to be present. Several of the teachers will prepare
papers for that day, and there will be a good musical program.
The Democrats of Ottoville are getting ready for a fight to the finish next November. Old Monterey feels like
“The Old Posy on the Stem,” on account of the Democratic gain of 83 at the last election.
November 28, 1899 Cora Gale
12-21-1899 PCS
Ottoville Items
Last Thursday morning, little Nora, the 10-year-old daughter of Nicholas Lauer, died of membranous
croup. She was a promising child, beloved by all who knew her. She retained her senses until the last, and
strange she died without a struggle. We extend our sincere sympathy to the bereaved family.
Last Saturday, the teachers of southwestern Putnam County, met at the public shool building at this place,
and organized a society for the purpose of holding conference at least once a month. Prof. Bovy, ct Ft.
Jennings, was elected chairman, and Miss Amelia Eickholt, of Ottoville, Secretary. The chair was instructed to
appoint a committee on schoolbooks, to consist of one member from each district. School Directors were voted
exofficio members of the organization, with a voice in its deliberation. The following teachers took an active
part in the exercises: J. T. Ottke, A. D. Birkmeyer, L. N. Wagner, Miss Owens and Miss Anna M. Jerwers. It was
argued that the exercises in the future should consist of papers on education, pedagogical, and literary topics,
essays and declamations. The following volunteered to take active part whenever called upon: J. J. Bovy, J. T.
Ottke, Agatha Owens, Nona Hauck, Amelia Eickholt, Ella Sietz, Regina Alt, A. S. Birkmeyer, John
Wannemacher, L. N. Wagner, Anna M. Jerwers, John Leinenwehr, C. F. Franzer and Clara Wannemacher.
The music rendered by the choir was excellent, but worthy of special mention is the masterly rendition by Miss
Clara Wannemacher, of the classical soprano solo by Bagliole, entitled “Adoramus Te.” The next meeting will
take place at Ft. Jennings, on Saturday, January 27, 1900. With the following program: Prof. J T. Ottke, school
discipline; L. N. Wagner, abuses in the profession; Amelia Eickholt, declamation; and Agatha Owens, essay.
Mr. Geb. Gmeiner, who for several years was a citizen of Raab, Ohio, has returned to this place and
intends to enter into business later on.
A Merry Christmas to all!
December 19, 1899 L.
12-28-1899 DH
Ottoville Items Ottoville, O., December 27, 1899
J. F. Ockule, of Cincinnati, is home during the holidays.
John S. Otte, Al Berkmeyer, L. N. Wagner and Nick Gillen went to Coldwater to spend the holidays.
Lewis Sellet and William Rekart went to Bellevue to spend a week.
Rev. H. Weichman went to Delphos to celebrate the church day.
Dr. Stephans from Cincinnat was here yesterday looking for a location.
Leo Otte and Jacob Studer returned from Chicago.