Name	Contributor
Stephen Armstrong	Linda Bright
Neil Alden Armstrong	Linda Bright
Ambross Campbell	Sharon Welton
Squire W. Dowty	Carylon Viuhkola
Blazius Fisher	Ken Kohnen
Christian Holtkamp	Myra
Family of Richard Jones and Rachel Swisher	Richard Nelson Jones
Johann Nikolaus Knerr	Larry Knarr
William M. Linn	Linda Dietz
Charles P. McKee	Mary Ann Hetrick
R.A. Rulmann, M.D.	Lucy (Rulman) Marckel
Rev. James Spray & Sons	Arthur J. Spray
Johann Michael Zwiebel	Gary Carlsen

Our first Family History begins

Neil Aleden Armstrong

Neil Armstrong was the first child born to Viola Engel and Stephen Armstrong. He arrived during the Great Depression on August 5, 1930, on his grandfather’s farm located southwest of Wapakoneta, Ohio. He would also have a sister, June, and a brother Dean.

Neil’s childhood was modest and unconventional in that the family lived in 16 cities by the time he was in early teens. The moves throughout Ohio were due to his father’s work. They returned to Auglaize County between 1938-1940 to the St. Marys’ area. About four years later the family relocated to Wapakoneta between 1944-47, where Neil graduated from Blume High School.

Neil showed a keen interest in flying even as a young child. His father took him to the Cleveland Air Races, when he was 2 years old. His first flight was in a Ford Trimotor (known as ‘Tin Goose’) at age five or six. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable. He became a licensed pilot on his 16th birthday and a naval air cadet in 1947.

Neil attended Purdue University, where he studied aeronautical engineering and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1955. His education was interrupted by the Korean War, during which he served as a Naval Aviator from 1949 to 1952. Flew 78 combat missions and earned three Air Medals. He later finished his master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California in 1970. He also held honorary doctorates from six universities.

He was a civilian research pilot for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which became NASA in 1958. As a test pilot, he logged more than a thousand hours testing supersonic fighters and the experimental X-15 rocket plane, pushing the limits of speed and altitude.

In 1962, Neil was selected to join NASA’s astronaut corps as one of the “new nine” – notably one of only two civilians in the group. He made history again in 1966 as command pilot on Gemini 8, becoming NASA’s first civilian astronaut to fly in space while successfully completing the first docking of two spacecraft in orbit.

Of course his most historic mission came in July 1969, when he commanded Apollo 11 and became the first human to walk on the moon. His now famous words – “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” – became iconic. Armstrong later modestly acknowledged he may have intended to say, “one small step for a man.”

From all accounts and talking with Neil’s parents, he was an ordinary ‘guy’ just doing his job. Yes, he was fascinated and loved flying; the exploration of space in combination with science always intrigued him. After Apollo 11, he neither expected nor wanted the notoriety that followed. He simply wished to continue as an ordinary private citizen. He regularly turned down public events and appearances, choosing to avoid the limelight that appeared to follow him throughout his life.

At the University of Cincinnati as Professor of Aeronautical Engineering, he could do just that, blending in as best he could with the faculty and students. He loved teaching and UC was a good choice for many reasons, it was close to his hometown, Wapakoneta; had a national reputation in aerospace engineering — the country’s second oldest aeronautical engineering program, started in 1929; and the first to establish a co-op program in which Orville Wright had been consulted. Armstrong wanted to develop his own courses, two of which focused on experimental flight mechanics and on aircraft design. The intelligent scholar thrived on the engineering components of air and space travel. He had the desire to share this with his students.

He enjoyed the kids often saying they were smarter than him, which made it a challenge. He taught his students that if you have the desire, anything is possible. He was always willing to sit down with them and answer any questions… comfortable making paper airplanes… enjoyed having beers with students after final exams.

Armstrong was considered the “easiest” faculty member by UC’s police chief, Bridgeman. “He was a true gentleman and a servant of his profession.” Armstrong was simply an instructor whom students loved and faculty respected. Further saying “he was a good teacher because he was an engineer at heart.” His colleagues and students respected him as a bright scientist in serious pursuit of knowledge, a man with nerves of steel and an extraordinary ability to adapt and learn with incredible speed.

Neil held the belief, through his experiences, man was capable of solving age-old problems of environment, hunger and health. He fervently believed that everyone — regardless of trade or education — still in this age of science has a part to play in determining the future of this planet.

He believed skilled trades were as important as college degrees, often credited with the following paragraph being visible in the classroom.

“In very few places is the master craftsman accorded the stature that his abilities deserve. It has not been demonstrated to my satisfaction that the creative skills of a fine machinist or cabinet maker are any less demanding than those of a fabric designer or ceramic artist knighted with a baccalaureate degree.”

Neil was one of the strongest boosters of scientific space exploration. He felt that space research would eventually eliminate human damage from natural devastations through an early warning system and would help take the guesswork out of much of our earthly toil.

During his time at UC, from 1971-80, Armstrong directed the Institute of Engineering and Medicine, collaborating with George Rieveschl, Henry Heimlich, and Edward Patrick. The team attempted to apply NASA advances to develop a miniature human heart-lung implant.

Jan. 1, 1980 he resigned from UC having been there for almost a decade. Stating that he had stayed in that job longer than any job he’d had, and it was time to go on and try some other things. Besides, he had his 163-acre farm where he could pursue his childhood dream of farming, having already accomplished his other dream of flying. Those dreams were the passions that had shaped his life — one leading him to Apollo 11, the other keeping his feet firmly on the earth even as his eyes stayed on the sky.

He thought of himself as just a farmer who loved to fly and space. Quoted as saying: “Satellites can tell us more about a 10-acre field than the farmer who works the soil.” While thinking of himself as: “I am, and ever will be, a white-socked, pocket-protector, nerdy engineer…”

In 1985, President Ronald Reagan named him to a commission to devise a space agenda for the 21st century, and the next year, he was named vice chairman of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident. Following his academic career, Armstrong entered the business world, serving for 10 years as chairman of Computing Technologies for Aviation and later as chairman of AIL Systems.

Armstrong was honored worldwide. A fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, he was decorated by 17 countries. Internationally, he received the Royal Geographic Society’s Gold Medal, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale’s Gold Space Medal, and the Harmon International Aviation Trophy.

In the U.S., he received the first Congressional Space Medal of Honor, presented by President Jimmy Carter; the Congressional Gold Medal, presented by President Barack Obama; the Presidential Medal of Freedom; and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.

When Neil died at age 82 on Aug. 25, 2012, the University of Cincinnati lost its most famous faculty member, as well as its most humble. The professor of aeronautical engineering from 1971-80 was both the first man to walk on the moon and a “reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job,” his family announced in a statement following his death.

“For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request,” the family asked in its statement. “Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”

So when we look up at the moon, we can remember Neil and think he’s still flying high.

 

Contributor: Carylon Viuhkola

Squire W. Dowty

Portrait And Biographical Record of Auglaize, Logan And Shelby Counties, Ohio;
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens – Chicago:
Chapman Bros. 1892, Pages 489-490
Has mention of Hamilton Major and Charity Updike.

SQUIRE W. DOWTY is honored as a pioneer farmer of Auglaize County, who has met with merited success in his calling, which places him among the most substantial citizens of St. Mary’s Township, where he has valuable farming and gas interests, and one of the most comfortable homes, pleasantly situated on section 27.

Mr. Dowty is of pioneer parentage, and was born November 26, 1820, amid primitive environments, in one of the early frontier homes of Wayne County. His father, whose given name was Joseph, was born in South Carolina in 1786. He came to Ohio in the early part of this century, and engaged in farming in Vinton County, near Athens County, for some time. He subsequently settled in Wayne County, where he lived until he came in 1826 to what is now Auglaize County, which then formed a part of Mercer County. There were only a few families living within the borders of this county, which was mostly covered with forests, in which the Indians lived, subsisting mostly on the game that was so plentiful.

The father of our subject was one of the first to locate in St. Mary’s Township, where, in the course of time, he cleared a goodly farm by dint of hard labor, although he underwent many hardships and had but few compensations. He had to pound corn in a log, hollowed for the purpose, to obtain meal when he was too busy to go to the mill, which was a long way off. He rounded out an honest upright life in 1866, in his eightieth year. He was a man of true piety, and a faithful member of the United Brethren Church. His wife, Elizabeth Jones, died several years before he did, at the age of fifty-six. Of their twelve children, but two are living.

He of whom we write was six years old when his parents sought a new home in this county, and he was reared here under pioneer influences to a stalwart, vigorous manhood. There were at first no schools for him to attend, but after a while a log cabin was built on the Dowty place, in which to hold a subscription school. It was heated by a rude fireplace, and the furniture was made of slabs. Our subject saw many an Indian in his boyhood, as the red men were frequent callers at the Dowty home. Among his chief pleasures, when he was young, was hunting, and he has killed a good many deer, and one bear fella victim to his true aim on one of his expeditions.

In 1847, he began life for himself, and farmed the old home place for a few years. He always lived in this vicinity, except one year, when he dwelt in Shelby County. He has done a great deal of clearing, has helped raise many a log house and barn in the early days, and has attended many log-rollings. When he entered upon his career, his only capital was brain and muscle, but he used them to such good effect that he was greatly prospered in his undertakings, and he collected a valuable property. He has one hundred and forty acres of land in his homestead on section 27, and has three or four other farms, making three hundred and fifty-five acres in all. His home farm, which is highly improved, is situated within the gas belt, has a good gas well, and is leased to the Lima Natural Gas Company. He has other land in the oil region, and drilling is now going on, on one of his farms.

In 1847, Mr. Dowty was married to Miss Rachael MAJORS, a native of German Township, and to her untiring assistance and watchful care of their household interests he owes much. They began housekeeping with roughly-contructed, homemade furniture, and lived in true pioneer style. Her father was Hamilton Majors, who was born in New Jersey in 1802. He married Charity Updike, who was also a native of New Jersey, and early in the ’20s they became pioneers of this county. Later in life, they removed to Iowa, and there died.

Mr. And Mrs. Dowty have been blessed in their marriage with two children, William A. and Elizabeth. Both our subject and his wife are consistent Christians, who are kind, considerate and neighborly with all about them, and are held in the highest esteem by the entire community. They are among the leading members of the United Brethren Church, have been influential in its upbuilding, and Mr. Dowty is serving it ably as Stewart and Trustee. In politics, he is strict adherent of the Democratic party.

Transcription 10/20/2000 – Carylon Viuhkola;
Hamilton Major is the father of Margaret Jane Major, my GGreat Grandmother.

Contributor: Ken Kohnen,

Biography of Blazius Fisher and Descendants

First Generation
1. Blazius Fisher was born on 17 Dec 1801 in Baden, Germany. He died on 26 Apr 1889 and was buried in 1889 at St. John’s Cemetery, Fryburg, OH.
He was married to Anna Marie Christina Wiemann on 29 Apr 1837 at St. Peter and Paul Church, St. Petersburg, OH (located south of Fryburg, OH). Anna Marie Christina Wiemann was born on 22 May 1814 in Enigerloh, (Prussia) Germany. Birth records were found in Salt Lake City, as reported by The Wapakoneta Daily News on November 24, 1993. She was baptized on 23 May 1814. She died on 31 May 1864.
Children of Blazius Fisher and Anna Marie Christina Wiemann:
• i. Catherine Fisher
• ii. Joseph Fisher, born 4 Jul 1842; died 4 Dec 1859 from complications of a broken leg after being kicked by a horse.
• iii. John B. Fisher
• iv. William Henry Fisher
• v. Rosina Fisher

He was married second to Margaretta Shaefer Lang on 21 Feb 1865. Margaretta Shaefer Lang died on 24 Jul 1872. Blazius Fisher and Margaretta Shaefer Lang had no known children.
Second Generation
2. Catherine Fisher was born on 18 May 1838. She died in 1910. She was married first to ? Werling, who drowned a couple of years later. Catherine Fisher and ? Werling had no known children. She was married second to George Kohler. Catherine Fisher and George Kohler had no known children.

4. John B. Fisher was born on 7 Mar 1844. He died in 1927 and was buried in 1927 at St. John’s Cemetery, Fryburg, OH. He was married to Rosana Hufman, born 1849, died 1927, buried 1927 at St. John’s Cemetery, Fryburg, OH. John B. Fisher and Rosana Hufman had no known children.

5. William Henry Fisher was born on 15 Jul 1846 in Pusheta Township, Auglaize County. He died on 22 Jun 1935.

William made his mother’s coffin from a hewn log when he was 17 years old, during the Civil War. Blazius was a very strict man. He didn’t want William to go to school in Fryburg, to which he walked. The teacher didn’t always show up for class (coming from Wapakoneta on horseback), so Blazius told Bill he could put his time to better use by clearing the woods to make fields. Bill regretted this lack of schooling much of his life.

He was married to Wilhelmina Veit on 3 Jan 1871 at St. John’s Church, Fryburg, OH, by Rev. Gerk Blackhaus. They lived on the Blazius Fisher farm for 12 years (1871 to 1883). About this time, Bill fell out of a hickory tree and hurt his leg, so he went to Wapakoneta and ran a grocery store for about a year. This broke him up financially, so he returned to the farm again.

In 1883 they purchased the Peter Brosher farm, one-half mile east of Wapakoneta, and lived there for 23 years (1883 to 1906). In 1906 Bill and Minnie moved to the Walter’s Grove which had been a dance hall, and they remodeled it into a house. Later they moved to 504 East Pearl Street in Wapakoneta, where they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on January 3, 1926. After Wilhelmina’s death in October 1929, William moved to his daughter Alma’s home until his death in June of 1935.
Wilhelmina Veit was born on 6 Sep 1852. She died on 17 Oct 1929.
Children of William Henry Fisher and Wilhelmina Veit:
• i. Mary Anna Fisher
• ii. William Albert Fisher
• iii. Katherine Fisher
• iv. George Nicholas Fisher
• v. John Charles Fisher
• vi. (Brother) Frank Lawrence Fisher C.P.P.S., born 14 Nov 1880; died 27 May 1923. Baptized Franz Laurence, he was professed in C.P.P.S. December 3, 1921.
• vii. Wilhelmina Susana Fisher
• viii. Ferd Gustave Fisher
• ix. Edith Rosaina Fisher
• x. Harry Edwin Fisher
• xi. Caroline (Carrie) Fisher
• xii. Cora Isabel Fisher
• xiii. Alma Matilda Fisher

6. Rosina Fisher was born ______. She died ______. She was married to Adolf Nester. Their first children died at birth or very shortly thereafter. Their parish priest told them to make a pilgrimage to Maria Stein. Adolf didn’t want to go, so Rosina and her brother William (16 at the time) went on the pilgrimage, leaving Wapakoneta at two in the morning and arriving at Maria Stein about eight o’clock — having walked all the way. At Maria Stein they attended Mass and the sacraments. After this, Rosina and Adolf were blessed with two children.
Children of Rosina Fisher and Adolf Nester:
• i. Nester
• ii. Nester
Third Generation
7. Mary Anna Fisher was born on 16 Oct 1871. She died on 25 Dec 1965. She was married to George Albert Wehrle on 27 Jan 1891. George Albert Wehrle was born on 28 Aug 1864. He died on 22 Jul 1946.
Children of Mary Anna Fisher and George Albert Wehrle:
• i. William Jacob Wehrle
• ii. Minnie Elizabeth Wehrle
• iii. Franklin Joseph Wehrle
• iv. Leona Kathryn Wehrle
• v. Regina Margaret Wehrle

8. William Albert Fisher was born on 11 Mar 1873. He died on 13 Apr 1957. He was married to Catherine Margaret Wagner on 15 Sep 1896. Catherine Margaret Wagner was born on 11 Apr 1874. She died on 28 May 1937.
Children of William Albert Fisher and Catherine Margaret Wagner:
• i. Edward William Fisher, born 24 Sep 1905; died 31 Dec 1921.
• ii. Fredonia Josephine Fisher
• iii. Alvina Marie Fisher
• iv. Franklin John Fisher

9. Katherine Fisher was born on 13 Dec 1874. She died on 24 May 1960. She was married to Edward Kohler in 1895. Edward Kohler died in 1914.
Children of Katherine Fisher and Edward Kohler:
• i. Carolyn Margaret Kohler, married Emil Lutegenaw on 24 Oct 1921. No known children.

10. George Nicholas Fisher was born on 11 Oct 1876. He died on 11 Jan 1965. He was married to Florentine Teresa Schneider on 22 Sep 1903. Florentine Teresa Schneider was born on 8 Feb 1882. She died on 13 Jul 1949.
Children of George Nicholas Fisher and Florentine Teresa Schneider:
• i. Clarence George Fisher
• ii. Fredrika Catherine Fisher
• iii. Bernard Joseph Fisher
• iv. Linda Mary Fisher
• v. Marie Alice Edith Fisher
• vi. Florence Irene Fisher
• vii. Erma Magdalen Fisher
• viii. Frances Elnora Fisher
• ix. Alberta Rose Fisher
• x. James Eugene Fisher

11. John Charles Fisher was born on 6 Sep 1878. He died on 10 Dec 1966. He was married to Stella Mary Klein on 25 Jun 1907. Stella Mary Klein was born on 26 Nov 1881. She died on 18 Sep 1959.
Children of John Charles Fisher and Stella Mary Klein:
• i. Dorothy Rose Fisher
• ii. Rita Stella Fisher
• iii. James Francis Fisher
• iv. Ralph Augustine Fisher
• v. Ruth Cecelia Fisher
• vi. Martha Ann Fisher

13. Wilhelmina Susana Fisher was born on 2 Sep 1882. She died on 20 May 1979. She was married to Frank Joseph Oen on 22 Sep 1903. Frank Joseph Oen was born on 29 Dec 1878. He died on 19 Apr 1961.
Children of Wilhelmina Susana Fisher and Frank Joseph Oen:
• i. Leonard Francis Oen
• ii. Alodia Marie Oen
• iii. Richard Ferd Oen
• iv. (Sister) Ruth Oen C.P.P.S., born 30 Sep 1909; professed in C.P.P.S. August 15, 1930.
• v. Marvin Theodore Oen
• vi. (Sister Dolorosa) Monica Oen C.P.P.S., born 25 Dec 1912; professed in C.P.P.S. August 15, 1939.
• vii. Wilbur Joseph Oen
• viii. Leo Anthony Oen Sr.
• ix. Mary Agnes Oen, born 6 Jul 1921.
• x. Dorthy Marie Oen
• xi. Kathryn Ann Oen

14. Ferd Gustave Fisher was born on 23 Mar 1884. He died on 17 Feb 1953. He was married to Lucy Gertrude Higgins on 18 May 1909. Lucy Gertrude Higgins was born on 27 Jul 1891. She died on 26 Dec 1947.
Children of Ferd Gustave Fisher and Lucy Gertrude Higgins:
• i. Agnes Mary Fisher
• ii. Helen Magdalen Fisher
• iii. Clem Ferdinand Fisher
• iv. Earl Henry Fisher
• v. Louise Mae Fisher
• vi. Harold Joseph Fisher
• vii. Paul John Fisher
• viii. Leroy Edwin Fisher
• ix. William Joseph Fisher
• x. Betty Rose Fisher
• xi. Richard Thomas Fisher Sr.
• xii. Robert Louis Fisher

15. Edith Rosaina Fisher was born on 2 Apr 1886 in Pusheta Township. She died on 4 Oct 1978. She was married to Henry Oen on 22 Jun 1909. Henry Oen was born on 3 Aug 1885. He died on 30 Sep 1968.
Children of Edith Rosaina Fisher and Henry Oen:
• i. LaVere Marguerite Oen
• ii. Colette Alberta Oen
• iii. Louis Justin Oen
• iv. Ursula Catherine Oen
• v. Daniel Anthony Oen
• vi. Bonnita Angela Oen Sr.
• vii. Adrian Oen, born 21 Sep 1928; died 23 Nov 1929.
• viii. Shirley Ann Oen
• ix. Mary Ann Oen

16. Harry Edwin Fisher was born on 18 Sep 1888 in Wapakoneta, OH (Auglaize County). He died on 2 Dec 1984 in Wapakoneta, OH (Auglaize County) and was buried on 6 Dec 1984 at St. John’s Cemetery, Fryburg, OH.

A 90th birthday celebration was given in honor of Harry E. Fisher, of Rt. 5, Wapakoneta, whose birthday was September 18. The celebration took place at his home with a covered dish supper and refreshments.

Those attending were: the honored guest, Harry E. Fisher; Frederick W. Fisher; Don and Jinny Combs; Henry and Joan Kohnen; Nick Jurosic; Bruce and Clara Zwiebel and sons, Mathew and Adam; Tony Kohnen and Cathy Pummell; and David and Judy Kohnen, all of Wapakoneta. Charles and Milly Park; Andy and Ruth Strominger; Joe and Edna Miller, all of Lima. Robert and Elinor Jurosic and Louise and Bill, of Rhine. Vernon and Sylvia Heitkamp, of Maria Stein; Fred Heitkamp, of Celina; Vickie Heitkamp, of Dayton and friend Tim. Mike and Judy Jurosic and Darla, of Sidney; Steve and Evelyn Jurosic and sons, Nathan and Ryan, of New Knoxville; Joe and Carol Kohnen and Scott, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Dan and Carla Kohnen and Mathias, of Cincinnati.

He was married to Clara Elizabeth Strominger on 18 Oct 1916. Clara Elizabeth Strominger was born on 20 Feb 1894 in Botkins, OH (Shelby County). She died on 6 Feb 1957 at St. Rita Hospital, Lima, OH (Allen County) and was buried on 9 Feb 1957 at St. John’s Cemetery, Fryburg, OH. A Solemn Requiem High Mass was held at 9:30 a.m. by Rev. (Fr.) Lawrence Tebbe, Celebrant.
Children of Harry Edwin Fisher and Clara Elizabeth Strominger:
• i. Esther Pauline Fisher, born 25 Jan 1918; died 27 Jan 1918.
• ii. Fredrick William Fisher
• iii. Virginia (Jinny) Elizabeth Fisher
• iv. James Anthony Fisher, born 24 Nov 1923; died 24 Nov 1923.
• v. John Henry Fisher, born 12 Jun 1925; died 12 Jun 1925.
• vi. Mildred Marie Fisher
• vii. Frank George Fisher, born 22 Jun 1928; died 22 Jun 1928.
• viii. Elinor Mae Fisher
• ix. Sylvia Ann Fisher
• x. Mary Fisher, born 19 Nov 1932; died 19 Nov 1932.
• xi. Joan Martha Fisher

17. Caroline (Carrie) Fisher was born on 9 Apr 1891. She died on 28 Dec 1978. She was married to Theodore E. Fisher on 20 Apr 1909. Theodore E. Fisher was born on 23 Jan 1890. He died on 28 Jan 1948.
Children of Caroline (Carrie) Fisher and Theodore E. Fisher:
• i. Regina Fisher
• ii. Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Fisher

18. Cora Isabel Fisher was born on 22 Aug 1893. She died on 29 Jun 1926. She was married to Anthony Lawrence Heinl on 12 May 1914. Anthony Lawrence Heinl was born on 10 Aug 1890. He died on 14 Apr 1977.
Children of Cora Isabel Fisher and Anthony Lawrence Heinl:
• i. Hilda Mary Isabel Heinl
• ii. Joan Callista Heinl
• iii. Alice Margaret Heinlz
• iv. Charles George Heinl

19. Alma Matilda Fisher was born on 14 Mar 1897. She was married to Robert Joseph Wahrer Sr. on 15 Jun 1920. Robert Joseph Wahrer Sr. was born on 28 May 1895. He died on 31 Oct 1971.
Children of Alma Matilda Fisher and Robert Joseph Wahrer Sr.:
• i. Robert Joseph Wahrer Jr.
• ii. Anna Marie Wahrer, born 19 Jul 1922.

Contributor: Myra, LBettis443@aol.com

Descendants of Christian Holtkamp

1. Christian Holtkamp. He married Hana ?.

Children of Christian Holtkamp and Hana:

• i. Jacob Holtkamp
• ii. Anna Christina Lisabeth Holtkamp, born November 2, 1708.
• iii. Maria Agnes A. Holtkamp, born July 31, 1709.
• iv. Christina Maria Holtkamp, born February 12, 1712/13.
• v. William Henrich Holtkamp, born February 6, 1714/15.

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Generation No. 2

2. Jacob Holtkamp (Christian). He married Elsabein Boelter, December 3, 1733.

Children of Jacob Holtkamp and Elsabein Boelter:

• i. Cathari Elsabein Holtkamp, born March 30, 1735.
• ii. Joseph Herman Holtkamp, born September 16, 1736.
• iii. Christina Liesabeth Holtkamp, born May 18, 1739.
• iv. Anna Charlotte Holtkamp, born April 23, 1741.
• v. Johann Henrich Holtkamp, born April 19, 1744.
• vi. Johann Gerd Holtkamp, born April 25, 1751, Ladbergen, Westfalen, Germany.

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Generation No. 3

3. Johann Gerd Holtkamp (Jacob, Christian) was born April 25, 1751 in Ladbergen, Westfalen, Germany. He married Anna Maria Liesabeth Nussmeier, daughter of Henrich Nussmeier and Christina Wellemejers.

Child of Johann Holtkamp and Anna Nussmeier:

• i. Johann Herman Holtkamp, born June 12, 1797, Ladbergen, Westfalen, Germany.

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Generation No. 4

4. Johann Herman Holtkamp (Johann Gerd, Jacob, Christian) was born June 12, 1797 in Ladbergen, Westfalen, Germany. He married Elsenheim Anna Christine Koenigs.

Children of Johann Holtkamp and Elsenheim Koenigs:

• i. Heinrich Herman Holtkamp, born May 1, 1824, Ladbergen, Westfalen, Germany; died February 1, 1908, Pea Ridge, Brown Co., Illinois.
• ii. Ernst Holtkamp, born 1838; married Sophia Katterjohn, April 5, 1862.

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Generation No. 5

5. Heinrich Herman Holtkamp (Johann Herman, Johann Gerd, Jacob, Christian) was born May 1, 1824 in Ladbergen, Westfalen, Germany, and died February 1, 1908 in Pea Ridge, Brown Co., Illinois. He married (1) Anne Christina Elisabeth Koenig, daughter of Johann Koenig and Anne Rutermeiers. He married (2) Hilka Johanna Willms, June 1869.

Children of Heinrich Holtkamp and Anne Koenig:

• i. Sophia Holtkamp, born January 15, 1860; died October 8, 1862.
• ii. Wilhelm Holtkamp, born 1867, Indiana.

Children of Heinrich Holtkamp and Hilka Willms:

• iii. Louisa Holtkamp, born March 30, 1862, Indiana.
• iv. William F. Holtkamp, born December 2, 1862; died May 7, 1946; married Frances Neeland.
• v. Franz Henry Holtkamp, born May 14, 1870, Illinois; died 1956.
• vi. Heinrich Holtkamp, born September 4, 1871; died August 11, 1872, Illinois.
• vii. Gerhard Holtkamp, born December 29, 1872.
• viii. Anna Elizabeth Fredericka Holtkamp, born March 30, 1874, Mound Station, Mt. Sterling, Illinois; died January 7, 1951, Elvaston, Illinois.
• ix. Herman Holtkamp, born September 13, 1875; died February 12, 1876, Illinois.
• x. Frieda Holtkamp, born January 29, 1877; died 1953.
• xi. Maria Holtkamp, born February 11, 1879.
• xii. Hilka Holtkamp, born November 17, 1880.
• xiii. Rosette Holtkamp, born September 26, 1882; died July 22, 1898, Brown Co., Illinois.

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Generation No. 6

6. Franz Henry Holtkamp (Heinrich Herman, Johann Herman, Johann Gerd, Jacob, Christian) was born May 14, 1870 in Illinois, and died 1956. He married (1) Nora Upchurch. He married (2) Blanche E.

Child of Franz Holtkamp and Nora Upchurch:

• i. Lloyd Holtkamp, born 1908.

7. Anna Elizabeth Fredericka Holtkamp (Heinrich Herman, Johann Herman, Johann Gerd, Jacob, Christian) was born March 30, 1874 in Mound Station, Mt. Sterling, Illinois, and died January 7, 1951 in Elvaston, Illinois. She married John Oscra Swenson, July 23, 1894, in Mound Station, Mt. Sterling, Brown Co., Illinois, son of August Svensson and Greta Carlsdotter.

Children of Anna Holtkamp and John Swenson:

• i. Greta Johanna Swenson, born December 8, 1895.
• ii. Earl Ernest Swenson, born May 21, 1897.
• iii. Herman Harold Swenson, born June 5, 1899, Macomb, Illinois; died April 17, 1960, Kansas City, Wyandotte Co., Kansas.
• iv. Goldie Nell Swenson, born March 1, 1901.
• v. Orville Oren Swenson, born December 19, 1902, Swans Creek, Illinois; died August 2, 1972, Sedalia, Pettis Co., Missouri.
• vi. Edna Elizabeth Swenson, born December 19, 1904.
• vii. Rolland Roy Swenson, born June 18, 1907; married Dollie Howes, December 5, 1942, Wayland, MO Methodist parish.
• viii. Dorothy Marie Swenson, born February 24, 1911.
• ix. Leonard Lee Swenson, born September 13, 1914.

8. Frieda Holtkamp (Heinrich Herman, Johann Herman, Johann Gerd, Jacob, Christian) was born January 29, 1877, and died 1953. She married John Hill.

Children of Frieda Holtkamp and John Hill:

• i. Floyd Hill.
• ii. Melvin Hill.
• iii. Daughter Hill, born 1910.

Contributor: Richard Nelson Jones | rjones@erinet.com

Family of Richard Jones and Rachel Swisher

Auglaize County, Ohio

All of this information is verified by the following records: census, birth, death, marriage, and military. Additional information is available on some of the families, including the Zerkle family back to 1600 in Germany.

Note: Asterisks (* ** *** ****) mark the contributor’s direct ancestral line through this family.

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Richard Jones and Rachel Swisher

Richard Jones (great-great-great-grandfather) was born ca. 1788 in Pennsylvania. He died after October 1864 in Auglaize County, Ohio. Burial place unknown. His father and mother were born in Pennsylvania.

He married March 3, 1812, in Wayne Township, Champaign County, Ohio, to Rachel Swisher, born ca. 1795 in Pennsylvania, died ca. 1873 in Auglaize County, Ohio. Burial place unknown. Her father and mother were born in Pennsylvania.

They moved to the Allen/Auglaize County area ca. 1835.

Children of Richard Jones and Rachel Swisher:

• 1. Huldah, born ?, died ?; married Carter.
• 2. Sarah, born December 18, 1817; died March 19, 1889, Auglaize County; buried Bethel Cemetery. Married February 6, 1835, Allen County, to Mathias Emmet Spees. Children: Frances, Rachel, Albert, Sarah, Mary, and Richard.
• 3. Elizabeth, born 1818; died February 1, 1894, St. Marys, Auglaize County; buried Bethel Cemetery. Married February 15, 1836, Auglaize County, to Alfred Logan. Children: Elizabeth, Roda, Rachel, Margret, Daniel, and Nancy.
• 4. Benjamin, born June 17, 1822; died January 1, 1893, Auglaize County; buried Bethel Cemetery. Married August 1, 1850, to Mary Bumgarner. Children: Jacob, Martha Ellen, Alice, Anna, and Jermaim.
• 5. Ira, born October 25, 1824, Champaign County, Ohio; died December 29, 1875, Auglaize County; buried Bethel Cemetery. Married May 1, 1851, to Mary Ellen Worthington. Children: unknown.
• 6. Phebe, born 1826, died ?; married December 4, 1851, to George Sifert. Children: unknown.
• 7. * Nancy Elizabeth, born January 18, 1831; died November 9, 1860, Auglaize County; buried Bethel Cemetery. Married March 20, 1853, to Charles W. Thompson. Children: Richard Nelson, Charles W., and Mary Josephine. (Note: The contributor’s father and mother’s families are related through Nancy.)
• 8. Richard (great-great-grandfather), born August 22, 1833; died July 16, 1921, Allen County, Ohio (at daughter’s home); buried Fairmount Cemetery. Civil War, Company I, 34th OVI. See detail below.
• 9. Jonathan M., born October 28, 1835; died January 21, 1861; buried Bethel Cemetery. Married March 13, 1856, to Pammilia Runyon, born 1837. Children: (1) Ira F., born January 20, 1857, died September 24, 1903, married March 3, 1876, to Adaline Fisher. (2) Henry, born 1861, married Julia Hussey.

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Richard Jones (great-great-grandfather) — Detail

Richard Jones was born August 22, 1833, and died July 16, 1921, in Allen County, Ohio, at his daughter’s home. He is buried at Fairmount Cemetery. He served in the Civil War, Company I, 34th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

First wife: married June 3, 1855, to Malinda Runyon, born January 25, 1840, died May 5, 1857. Child: Francis Marion Jones (great-great-grandfather — see below).

Second wife: married April 30, 1861, to Elizabeth Fisher, born April 7, 1834, died April 4, 1869. Child: Warren E., born 1866.

Third wife: married November 18, 1869, to Lizzie Shaffer, born February 28, 1836, died January 6, 1912. Child: May Emmie, born September 12, 1873, died December 17, 1966, married December 23, 1894, to William Ohler Jr.

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* Nancy Elizabeth Jones and Charles William Thompson

Nancy Elizabeth Jones (born January 18, 1831; died November 9, 1860, Auglaize County) married March 20, 1853, to Charles William Thompson.

Children of Nancy Elizabeth Jones and Charles William Thompson:

• Richard Nelson Thompson, born December 12, 1854, Auglaize County; died April 18, 1908, Mercer County, Ohio. Married December 16, 1875, to Louisa Alice Zerkle (parents: Jonathan Zerkle and Elizabeth Gentis), born April 15, 1852, Champaign County, Ohio; died February 20, 1908, Mercer County, Ohio.

Children of Richard Nelson Thompson and Louisa Alice Zerkle:

• Nancy Elizabeth Thompson, born December 2, 1878, Hume, Allen County, Ohio; died December 9, 1959, Celina, Mercer County, Ohio. Married August 29, 1897, Mercer County, to Henry Chris Stein (parents: George Stein and Wilhemena Nagel), born April 4, 1874, Auglaize County; died June 1, 1948, Mercer County, Ohio. Both buried North Grove Cemetery, Mercer County, Ohio.

Children of Nancy Elizabeth Thompson and Henry Chris Stein:

• 1. Fredrich Lurinie, born June 19, 1898, Mercer County; died March 12, 1979; married Frances Robbins.
• 2. Lela Eldona, born April 7, 1900, Mercer County; died 1996, Texas; married Virgil Hover.
• 3. Mary Margaritte (contributor’s mother).
• 4. Joseph Dalton, born June 19, 1910, Mercer County; died February 18, 1988; married 1937, first wife Frances Waterman; second wife Esther Snyder.
• 5. Walter Richard, born July 15, 1915, Mercer County; died 1979, Mercer County, Ohio; married 1941 to Wanda Coile.

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Direct Ancestral Line of Contributor

The following traces the contributor’s direct line from Richard Jones forward.

** Francis Marion Jones (great-great-grandfather)

Francis Marion Jones was born April 25, 1856, and died October 16, 1923, in Auglaize County, Ohio. He is buried at Keller Cemetery. He married January 25, 1876, to Philanena Kolter, born June 17, 1854, in Germany; died December 30, 1928, in Auglaize County, Ohio; buried Keller Cemetery.

Children of Francis Marion Jones and Philanena Kolter:

• 1. *** Henry Richard Jones (grandfather) — see below.
• 2. Milanda, born May 9, 1879; died 1968, Auglaize County. Married 1901 (1st) Charles W. Snyder; married 1925 (2nd) Thomas Patty.
• 3. Margaret, born August 6, 1882; died December 9, 1960, Auglaize County. Married November 20, 1900, to Marion L. Myers.
• 4. Emma Jane, born May 10, 1888; died August 19, 1956, Auglaize County. Married October 3, 1908, to John Keyser.
• 5. Elizabeth, born May 5, 1885; died ?; married Edward Fisher. Lived in Onalaska, Washington.

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*** Henry Richard Jones (grandfather)

Henry Richard Jones was born October 18, 1876, in Auglaize County, and died February 23, 1957, in Auglaize County. He is buried at Keller Cemetery. He married January 14, 1904, to Rosa Luella Snyder, born July 29, 1880, in Auglaize County (parents: Michael Snyder and Sarah Ann Harruff); died January 7, 1911, in Auglaize County; buried Keller Cemetery.

Children of Henry Richard Jones and Rosa Luella Snyder:

• 1. **** Robert Henry Jones (father) — see below.
• 2. Girl, born February 23, 1908; died February 23, 1908.
• 3. Girl, born October 20, 1910; died October 20, 1910.

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**** Robert Henry Jones (father)

Robert Henry Jones was born January 8, 1905, in Anna, Shelby County, Ohio, and died August 8, 1980, in Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio. He married June 7, 1924, in Mercer County, to Mary Margaritte Stein, born May 18, 1906, in Mercer County, Ohio; died November 26, 1992, in Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio. Both are buried at Forest Hill Cemetery, Vandalia, Ohio.

Children of Robert Henry Jones and Mary Margaritte Stein:

• 1. Marjerie Elizabeth
• 2. Virginia Lou
• 3. Richard Nelson (contributor)

Contributor: Larry Knarr | LXKNARR@aol.com

Descendants of Johann Nikolaus Knerr

Auglaize County, Ohio

Coordinator's Note: Numbering sequences in this chart are preserved as submitted in the original document. Gaps in numbering may reflect individuals outside this direct line and have not been altered.

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Generation No. 1

1. Johann Nikolaus Knerr (Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born February 2, 1785 in Walshausen, and died after 1833. He married (1) Maria Margaretha Freyer, May 30, 1811, in Gross-Steinhausen. He married (2) Susanna Margaretha Freyer, ca. 1821, in Bottenbach.

Children of Johann Knerr and Maria Freyer:

• i. Johann Adam Knerr, born March 15, 1812 in Hornbach; died ca. 1855 in Auglaize County, Ohio.
• ii. Johann Nikolaus Knerr, born 1819 in Hornbach; died after 1848.

Children of Johann Knerr and Susanna Freyer:

• i. Louisa Knerr, born January 7, 1823.
• ii. Georg Jacob Knerr, born May 19, 1825 in Bottenbach; died after 1857.
• iii. Elisabetha Knerr, born September 29, 1827.
• iv. Johann Paul Knerr, born September 22, 1831 in Bottenbach; died after 1867.

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Generation No. 2

2. Johann Adam Knerr (Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born March 15, 1812 in Hornbach, and died ca. 1855 in Auglaize County, Ohio. He married Wilhelmina Albront, August 1, 1837, in Allen County, Ohio.

Johann Adam Knerr emigrated to Ohio before 1837 and settled in Pusheta Township, Auglaize County, Ohio.

Children of Johann Knerr and Wilhelmina Albront:

• i. Adam Knarr, born September 21, 1838 in Ohio; died February 9, 1922 in Wapakoneta, Ohio.
• ii. Jonathan F. Knarr, born 1840 in Ohio; died 1893.
• iii. Philip Knarr, born December 1842 in Ohio; died April 12, 1933 in Fryburg, Ohio.
• iv. Henry Knarr, born May 6, 1845 in Fryburg, Ohio; died January 3, 1929 in Fryburg, Ohio.
• v. Jacob Knarr, born October 1847 in Ohio; died July 18, 1929 in Wapakoneta, Ohio.
• vi. Wilhelmina D. Knarr, born 1849.

3. Johann Nikolaus Knerr (Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born 1819 in Hornbach, and died after 1848. He married (1) Elisabetha Knerr, ca. 1837. He married (2) Anna Dorothea Hofmann, March 24, 1838, in Allen County, Ohio.

Nikolaus Knerr came to Ohio with his brother Adam around 1836.

Children of Johann Knerr and Anna Hofmann:

• i. Elisabetha Knerr, born 1843.
• ii. Lucinda Knerr, born 1846.
• iii. Catherine Knerr, born 1848.

5. Georg Jacob Knerr (Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born May 19, 1825 in Bottenbach, and died after 1857. He married Elisabetha Schmidt, May 19, 1849.

Children of Georg Knerr and Elisabetha Schmidt:

• i. Karolina Knerr, born January 18, 1857 in Bottenbach.
• ii. Ludwig Knerr, born July 31, 1859 in Bottenbach.
• iii. Christian Knerr, born November 21, 1867 in Bottenbach.

7. Johann Paul Knerr (Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born September 22, 1831 in Bottenbach, and died after 1867. He married Friederica Philippina Gross, December 23, 1857, in Bottenbach.

Children of Johann Knerr and Friederica Gross:

• i. Friederika Knerr, born August 1, 1858.
• ii. Ludwig Knerr, born November 15, 1859 in Bottenbach.
• iii. Jacob Knerr, born March 6, 1863 in Bottenbach.
• iv. Heinrich Knerr, born April 24, 1864 in Bottenbach.
• v. Louisa Knerr, born March 21, 1865.
• vi. Paul Knerr, born March 25, 1867 in Bottenbach.
• vii. Johann Nikolaus Knerr, born July 31, 1871 in Bottenbach.
• viii. Adam Knerr, born January 1, 1874 in Bottenbach.

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Generation No. 3

8. Adam Knarr (Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born September 21, 1838 in Ohio, and died February 9, 1922 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He married (1) Addie Henriette Geyer, ca. 1858, daughter of Henry Geyer. He married (2) Mary Ann Busch, August 29, 1859, in Auglaize County, Ohio.

Child of Adam Knarr and Mary Busch:

• i. Henry Cicero Knarr, born August 20, 1879; died July 5, 1924.

9. Jonathan F. Knarr (Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born 1840 in Ohio, and died 1893. He married Sarah Rosetta Gray, August 17, 1863.

Children of Jonathan Knarr and Sarah Gray:

• i. Charles Knerr, born June 1864 in Fryburg, Ohio; died January 16, 1940 in Lima, Ohio.
• ii. Mary Knerr, born 1866.
• iii. John William Knarr, born May 28, 1868; died September 14, 1914 in Lima, Ohio.

10. Philip Knarr (Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born December 1842 in Ohio, and died April 12, 1933 in Fryburg, Ohio. He married Elizabeth Helmilinger, December 6, 1868, daughter of Louis Helmilinger and Christina Muench.

Children of Philip Knarr and Elizabeth Helmilinger:

• i. Ludwig Ferdinand Knerr, born April 16, 1871; died March 10, 1960 in Findlay, Ohio.
• ii. Philip Adam Knerr, born November 15, 1873 in Clay Township, Auglaize County, Ohio; died January 26, 1931 in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
• iii. Samuel Henry Knerr, born March 6, 1876; died January 20, 1945.
• iv. Albert M. Knerr, born 1882; died 1888.
• v. Gilbert Edwin Knerr, born April 2, 1893; died July 26, 1894.

11. Henry Knarr (Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born May 6, 1845 in Fryburg, Ohio, and died January 3, 1929 in Fryburg, Ohio. He married (1) Catherine E. Sammetinger, January 31, 1875. He married (2) Catherine Hollobacher, April 7, 1890, daughter of John Hollobacher and Kunegunde Meier.

Children of Henry Knarr and Catherine Sammetinger:

• i. George Lorenz Knarr, born December 21, 1875 in Fryburg, Ohio; died February 3, 1953.
• ii. August Philip Knarr, born August 14, 1877; died May 5, 1962. Married Rosa M. Kaeck, January 1935.
• iii. Caroline Rosalinde Knarr, born February 17, 1881 in Fryburg, Ohio; died April 26, 1951.
• iv. Christian Knarr, born January 18, 1885 in Fryburg, Ohio.
• v. Wilhelmina Knerr, born January 18, 1885 in Fryburg, Ohio; died 1972 in Wapakoneta, Ohio.
• vi. Philip Adam Knarr, born 1887.

Child of Henry Knarr and Catherine Hollobacher:

• i. Malinda Hilda Knerr, born May 3, 1893; died June 5, 1980 in Cridersville, Ohio.

12. Jacob Knarr (Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born October 1847 in Ohio, and died July 18, 1929 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He married Erimma Heddish, June 16, 1872.

Child of Jacob Knarr and Erimma Heddish:

• i. Minnie Knarr, born October 10, 1877.

21. Ludwig Knerr (Johann Paul, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born November 15, 1859 in Bottenbach.

Child of Ludwig Knerr:

• i. Ludwig Knerr, born April 1, 1887 in Bottenbach; died July 4, 1960 in Pirmasens.

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Generation No. 4

28. Henry Cicero Knarr (Adam, Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born August 20, 1879, and died July 5, 1924. He married Della Moneysmith, ca. 1904, daughter of William Moneysmith and Sarah Blackley.

Children of Henry Knarr and Della Moneysmith:

• i. Margaret Marie Knarr, born May 9, 1905; died March 20, 1991 in Sidney, Ohio.
• ii. William Henry Adam Knarr, born August 1, 1906 in Wapakoneta, Ohio; died October 13, 1973 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Married (1) Elda Moorman, ca. 1930. Married (2) Thelma Marie Covert, May 28, 1965.
• iii. Eugene Knarr, born August 13, 1912 in Wapakoneta, Ohio; died June 13, 1963 in Wapakoneta, Ohio.

29. Charles Knerr (Jonathan F. Knarr, Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born June 1864 in Fryburg, Ohio, and died January 16, 1940 in Lima, Ohio. He married Eliza Louise Kaeck, ca. 1893, daughter of George Kaeck and Sophia Siebold.

Children of Charles Knerr and Eliza Kaeck:

• i. Franklin George Knerr, born June 20, 1894 in Lima, Ohio; died September 28, 1955 in Lima, Ohio.
• ii. Carl Philip Knerr, born February 1896 in Lima, Ohio; died August 10, 1973.
• iii. Edwin Louis Knerr, born February 11, 1898; died December 16, 1961.
• iv. Rosetta Anna Knerr, born February 9, 1901 in Lima, Ohio; died September 12, 1973.
• v. Edna Amelia Knerr, born May 10, 1903 in Lima, Ohio; died February 1974.
• vi. Alvina Margaret Knerr, born May 16, 1905 in Lima, Ohio; died October 16, 1991 in Lima, Ohio.

30. Mary Knerr (Jonathan F. Knarr, Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born 1866. She married Frank Xavier Sieber, ca. 1887, son of Frank Sieber and Caroline Elsass.

Children of Mary Knerr and Frank Sieber:

• i. Carrie Sieber, born ca. 1888.
• ii. Rose Sieber, born ca. 1890. Married (1) Unknown Scanland, ca. 1911. Married (2) Roy Sealtz, ca. 1920.
• iii. Emma Sieber, born ca. 1892; married Unknown Conroy.
• iv. Charlotte Sieber, born ca. 1894; married Kenneth Kerr.
• v. John Xavier Sieber, born ca. 1896; married Evelyn Unknown.
• vi. Eleanor Sieber, born ca. 1898.
• vii. Minnie Sieber, born ca. 1900.

32. Ludwig Ferdinand Knerr (Philip Knarr, Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born April 16, 1871, and died March 10, 1960 in Findlay, Ohio. He married Veronica Katherine (Fran) Kaeck, ca. 1894, daughter of George Kaeck and Sophia Siebold.

Children of Ludwig Knerr and Veronica Kaeck:

• i. Raymond Carl Lawrence Knerr, born March 4, 1895 in Wapakoneta, Ohio.
• ii. Earl George Knerr, born September 18, 1899; died May 24, 1981.
• iii. Elmer Adam Knerr, born June 12, 1902 in Wapakoneta, Ohio; died June 26, 1964 in Lima, Ohio. Married Irene Rita Sodders, November 13, 1926.
• iv. Marion Samuel Knerr, born May 8, 1905 in Wapakoneta, Ohio; married Ada Roth.

33. Philip Adam Knerr (Philip Knarr, Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born November 15, 1873 in Clay Township, Auglaize County, Ohio, and died January 26, 1931 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He married Rosa M. Kaeck, ca. 1899.

Children of Philip Knerr and Rosa Kaeck:

• i. Irvin Elmer Knerr, born September 9, 1900 in Fryburg, Ohio; died May 2, 1962 in Wapakoneta, Ohio.
• ii. Wilbur Henry Knerr, born June 27, 1910 in Fryburg, Ohio.
• iii. Leona Sophia Knerr, born June 3, 1905; died August 30, 1984 in Lima, Ohio.

34. Samuel Henry Knerr (Philip Knarr, Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born March 6, 1876, and died January 20, 1945. He married Caroline Elsass, February 12, 1903, daughter of George Elsass and Mary Hansel.

Children of Samuel Knerr and Caroline Elsass:

• i. Ivena Knerr, born December 15, 1903; died August 25, 1969.
• ii. Oscar E. Knerr, born October 19, 1908 in Pusheta Township, Auglaize County, Ohio; died May 22, 1950 in Lima, Ohio. Married Mabel Elizabeth Briggs.

37. George Lorenz Knarr (Henry, Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born December 21, 1875 in Fryburg, Ohio, and died February 3, 1953. He married Lucinda Klopfenstein, November 6, 1924, daughter of Michael Klopfenstein and Elizabeth Uphouse.

Children of George Knarr and Lucinda Klopfenstein:

• i. George Henry Knarr, born 1927; died 1927.
• ii. Infant Knarr, born 1927.
• iii. Elsie Knarr, born 1930; died 1930.

39. Caroline Rosalinde Knarr (Henry, Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born February 17, 1881 in Fryburg, Ohio, and died April 26, 1951. She married William M. Lunz, February 15, 1900.

Children of Caroline Knarr and William Lunz:

• i. Walter Heinrich Lunz, born January 9, 1902 in Fryburg, Ohio.
• ii. Theodore Karl Lunz, born December 13, 1903 in Fryburg, Ohio; died December 25, 1993 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Married Viola Ruck, April 25, 1927.
• iii. Elmer August Lunz, born December 14, 1907 in Fryburg, Ohio; died July 24, 1973 in Wapakoneta, Ohio.
• iv. Frieda Wilhelmina Lunz, born November 14, 1910 in Fryburg, Ohio.
• v. Delbert Eldon Lunz, born April 17, 1919 in Fryburg, Ohio.

41. Wilhelmina Knerr (Henry Knarr, Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born January 18, 1885 in Fryburg, Ohio, and died 1972 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. She married Richard F. Gohlke, August 19, 1909, in Auglaize County, Ohio.

Children of Wilhelmina Knerr and Richard Gohlke:

• i. Erma Gohlke, born ca. 1911; married Fred Arend.
• ii. Henry R. Gohlke, born December 28, 1914 in Lima, Ohio; died August 8, 1985 in Xenia, Ohio.

43. Malinda Hilda Knerr (Henry Knarr, Johann Adam Knerr, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born May 3, 1893, and died June 5, 1980 in Cridersville, Ohio. She married William S. Helmilinger, April 10, 1917.

Children of Malinda Knerr and William Helmilinger:

• i. Florence Catherine Magdaline Helmilinger, born April 23, 1918 in Auglaize County, Ohio.
• ii. Henry Helmilinger, born September 21, 1919 in Auglaize County, Ohio; died September 20, 1920 in Auglaize County, Ohio.
• iii. Homer William Helmilinger, born January 3, 1922 in Auglaize County, Ohio.
• iv. Howard James Helmilinger, born June 20, 1925.
• v. Doris Mae Helmilinger, born January 12, 1935 in Auglaize County, Ohio.

45. Ludwig Knerr (Ludwig, Johann Paul, Johann Nikolaus, Johann Friedrich, Johann Jacob, Johann Friedrich, Johann Nikolaus, Theodor) was born April 1, 1887 in Bottenbach, and died July 4, 1960 in Pirmasens. He married Julie Hofmann.

Children of Ludwig Knerr and Julie Hofmann:

• i. Johannes Knerr, born 1922; died 1986.
• ii. Gertrud Knerr, born October 13, 1923; died June 22, 1981.

Contributor: Linda Dietz

William M. Linn

Biography of William M. Linn, Page 316 - 1892
Portrait & Biographical Record of Auglaize, Logan & Shelby Co., Ohio

The Democratic Times, published in Wapakoneta, is a journal well known in Auglaize County and the adjoining country as a medium of information regarding the news of the day, affairs in which the people of the locality are especially interested and various matters which pertain to the good of all humanity. Of this sheet Mr. Linn is proprietor and editor-in-chief, and in its control he is adding to an already established reputation as a newspaperman. Although quite a young man, he has had some years’ experience in the fields of journalism and knows well how to handle the enterprise he has in hand.

Our subject was born in Greenfield, Highland County, this state, August 5, 1857, and is the son of William S. and Mary Linn. His educational advantages were very limited, he never having entered a schoolhouse for the purpose of studying since twelve years of age. By careful observation, however, and strict attention to business, he has acquired a good practical education, which has made him a successful businessman.

In 1870, Mr. Linn, in company with his parents, moved to Indiana, where he served as “printer’s devil” in the office of the Union City Eagle. In 1877, in partnership with Cal Bidlack, he established the Versailles Policy, which they published for a short time. In 1883, Mr. Linn left that city and going to Greenville, this State, started the Greenville Advocate, which he sold out five years later, and locating in Wapakoneta, began the publication of the Democratic Times. It is one of the leading papers in the county, and has a large circulation, finding its way into the homes of the best people in this section, and is well deserving of the patronage which it receives. Mr. Linn is a self-made man in the true acceptance of that term, as he started out in life with no capital whatever, and is now at the head of a growing business.

While residing in Versailles, Mr. Linn, September 29, 1878, was united in marriage with Miss Isabella, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Radabaugh, and to them have been born four sons, namely, Willie J., Ernest Lee, George Ward, and Edward R. Our subject is a genial, quick-witted man, whose keen observation and habits of thought afford him much pleasure as well as form a lever to advance his financial interests. He is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias, and votes the straight Democratic ticket, having cast his first Presidential vote for Winfield S. Hancock.

Contributor: Mary Ann Hetrick

Charles P. McKee

Portrait And Biographical Record of Auglaize, Logan and Shelby Counties, Ohio
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens
Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892, Pages 136-137

CHARLES P. McKEE is the fortunate proprietor of the best oil farm in Auglaize County, situated on section 16, St. Mary's Township, with whose interests his own have been closely interwoven for many years, as it has been his home from early childhood, and he has aided in its advancement materially, educationally, socially and religiously. He is a farmer of sound principles, and advanced views in regard to agriculture, and he is an exemplary, public-spirited citizen, whom it gives us pleasure to represent in this biographical work.

A native of Ohio, Charles McKee was born in Athens County, September 17, 1833, but the month following his birth his parents removed to St. Mary's, therefore the most of his life has been passed in this county. His father, Thomas McKee, was a native of Pennsylvania but came to Ohio when very young with his parents, which were early settlers of this State. His father was John McKee, who was of Irish birth. Thomas McKee was a farmer in Athens County until his removal to this county in October 1833.

He resided in St. Mary's two years and then purchased land a half-mile south of town, which he developed into a substantially improved farm. He was prominent and well known as a pioneer and a farmer and was held in high regard by the entire community. For many years he was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and actively aided in the advancement of religious interests in this section.

He departed this life in 1874, in his seventy-fourth year. His first wife, mother of our subject, was Annie Reynolds, who died in 1839. They had seven children, of whom three are living. His second wife was Sarah Armstrong, a daughter of one of the first settlers of this section. She died in 1879. Five children were born of that marriage, of whom three are living.

In his boyhood days, Charles McKee attended school in a log schoolhouse, and in that humble institution of learning laid the foundations of a sound education, that was completed in the excellent Union School at St. Mary's. He had a bright mind and scholarly tastes, which led him to adopt the profession of a teacher, at which he was very successfully engaged some twenty terms, his experience in school teaching being confined principally to two districts, except during one winter, when he taught elsewhere.

In the summer seasons, he devoted his time to farming, remaining an inmate of the parental home until nearly thirty years old that he might assist his father. He began farming for himself during the war and has lived on the farm he now occupies in St. Mary's Township for nearly twenty years.

He first bought eighty acres of land, to which he has added by subsequent purchase until he has a good-sized farm of two hundred and twenty acres, which is in fine condition, and is amply supplied with modern improvements, and everything about the place bears evidence of careful and judicious management. Oil was discovered here in December 1891, and now there are fifteen flowing wells and one gas well. The farm was leased for oil purposes after the important discovery and has been developed by others who have sub-leased it.

Mr. McKee and Miss Jane Smith were united in marriage in 1864, and theirs is a congenial union, as he is a model husband, always thoughtful of her welfare, is generous and considerate with her, and does not forget the important part she has played in the making of their home, while she is in every sense a true wife, who sympathizes and contributes greatly to his comfort and wellbeing by her wise and firm guidance of household matters.

Mrs. McKee was born near St. Mary's, and is a daughter of Aaron Smith, an early settler of the county, who is still living here at a venerable age. Mr. and Mrs. McKee have had six children, namely: William, who is finely educated, and has taught school several terms; Edward; Ada J., deceased; Charles P., Jr.; Eliza and Jennie. The McKees are prominent and well known in church and social circles, their integrity in all things and their pleasant personal attributes marking them greatly esteemed as members of the Presbyterian Church and attracting to them many friends.

Contributor: Lucy (Rulman) Marckel

R.A. Rulmann, M.D.

Page 762 — History of Northwest Ohio, Published ca. 1916/17

R.A. RULMANN, M.D. — In point of years of consecutive and continuous service, Doctor Rulmann of Minster, is now the oldest practicing physician and surgeon in Auglaize County. His skill and ability in the profession, his fine character and standing as a citizen, have given him a position in the community such as any ambitious man might envy.

He was born in Westphalia, Germany, January 19, 1860, a son of Herman B. and Augusta (Mueller) Rulmann. His father was born in Hanover in 1833, and the mother was born in Westphalia in 1837. She died in 1874. In 1864, the family came to the United States, first locating in New York. The father was a miller by trade, and moving out to Indiana, he settled in Franklin County, lived there for many years, and in 1896 came to Minster, Ohio and bought the mill with whose operation he was identified for several years.

At the time of his death, he was living retired. By his first wife, he had two children, Dr. R.A. and Herman B., the latter now an electrician living in Chicago. Herman Rulmann, Sr., married for his second wife, Mary Hackman, and there are three children of that marriage: Anthony, railway station agent at Paulding, Ohio; Frank, in the cigar business at Minster; and Belle, wife of Arthur Johnson, who is in the foundry at Minster. The parents were active in the Catholic Church, and the father was a Democrat. Though he came to America poor, he succeeded in life and did well by every member of his family.

Doctor Rulmann received his early education in Oldenburg, Indiana. In 1881, he was graduated from the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, and soon afterward, located at Minster, where he has continuously practiced for thirty-five years. The profession of medicine represents to him not only a gainful occupation, but also an opportunity for service, and he has given the best of his skill and energies to a volume of professional work which has been practically without remuneration. He enjoys a large practice, has served several years as president of the Auglaize County Medical Society, and is a member of the Ohio State Society and the American Medical Association.

In 1881 Doctor Rulmann married Miss Belle Schmeider, who was born in Minster, Ohio, of an old family there, and died in 1886. Of her two children, only one is now living, Albert H., who is employed in the automobile works at Flint, Michigan. In 1888, Doctor Rulmann married Josephine Vogelsang, who was also born at Minster. There are four children of this union: Dr. Clarence F., who attended medical college in Cincinnati, the Northwestern University Medical School at Chicago, and in 1915, was graduated from the Ohio State University and has since been in active practice with his father; Herbert H. and Oscar, who are in the billiard hall and restaurant business at Minster; Roy B., who is at home.

The family are members of the Catholic Church. Doctor Rulmann as a Democrat has served on the city council and board of education, and so far as his busy professional career permitted, he has always closely identified himself with movements for the public welfare of the community.

(Note: Dr. Clarence F. Rulmann, mentioned in the article above, contracted influenza during the 1918 flu epidemic and died.) — Lucy

Contributor: Arthur J. Spray at sprayaj@worldnet.att.net

Biography of Rev. James Spray

John C Spray, my Grandfather, was the son of James M Spray and Hannah Jackson. James M Spray was a Civil War veteran and the son of the Rev. James Spray and Jane Huey. The Rev James Spray was the son of James Spray and Naomi Hollingsworth of Warren County, Ohio.

The Rev James Spray and two of his wives are buried in Shinbone Cemetery, his second wife Jane Huey is buried in Shanahan Cemetery. James M Spray is also buried in Shinbone Cemetery, but I have never found where his wife Hannah (Jackson) Spray is buried. She died in Shelby County.

The Spray family has resided in Auglaize County since it was established and has many ties to this county. I have the Civil War records of the three sons of Rev. James Spray who served in the 71st Ohio Regiment. Ebenezer Spray- James M Spray- Joseph C Spray. They all were married in Auglaize County. Ebenezer moved to Paulding County, Joseph C moved to Van Wert County and James M stayed in the Shelby-Auglaize County area.

Ministers License Record 1 - page 19
Rev James Spray this day presented to me a license from the Court of Common Pleas of Allen County, Ohio being dated 10-19-1847 authorizing him as a minister of the Gospel of the United Brethren Church to solemnize marriages with in the state of Ohio so long as he continues such minister. Recorded Shelby County Ohio 01-01-1858. Licensed Allen County Ohio 10-19-1847 James Spray was also a Justice of the Peace for Allen County, Ohio.

Auglaize Annual Conference Church History First Year
The first session of this young conference was held in Pleasant Hill Chapel, Mercer county, Ohio, convening on the 9th of September, A.D. 1833. Dr. L Davis, late of union biblical seminary, Dayton, Ohio, was the presiding Bishop. The following named preachers composed the conference at that time: James Spray is one of those named. The average salaries of the Preachers was $132.00

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Rev. James Spray - Obit

Rev. James Spray died of consumption at his residence near Wapakoneta, Auglaize, County, Ohio. Brother Spray was born December the *16th 1806 and departed this life December the 24th 1860. He embraced Christianity and united with the church of the United Brethren in Christ in 1834. He had labored in the itinerancy about sixteen years, the greater portion of that time in the frontier, in the swamps and wilderness. He was also elected as one of the Delegates to general conference from the Auglaize annual conference. His Labors now are over, and he is at rest. He said that the hope he had contended for was stronger than death. He left a wife and six children, and a numerous circle of friends, to mourn their loss, but their loss is his eternal gain. May the Lord help them all to be prepared to meet him in glory. Funeral services by the writer, to a large and weeping congregation.

S.S. Holden
Montezuma, Mercer Co, OH
February 12, 1861
*Date in question

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As a Circuit riding preacher, some of his circuits listed below:

1852-1853 Ft. Recovery 14 meetings 10 churches
1853-1854 Van Wert 12 meetings 9 churches $48.56 annually
1856-1857 Mt. Pleasent Mission
1858 Laramie
1860 Middle Creek Circuit $137.07 annually

History of Western Ohio and Auglaize County by C.W. Williamson
Press of W.M. Linn & Sons, 1905, page 772

United Brethren Archives
Church of the United Brethren in Christ
302 Lake Street, Huntington, IN 46750
Huntington College Library

United Brethren in Christ Archives

Source: "History of the 5th Session of the Auglaize Conference"
Convened at Olive Branch (Shinbone) church, 11 Sept. 1857
Written by Rev. J.L. Luttrell of Shelby Co., Ohio

Reverend Spray is mentioned as being member of the fifth session of the Auglaize conference of the E.U.B. Church. The conference was held this session at the Olive Branch Church, Auglaize Co. on 11th day Sept. 1857.

The Reverend James Spray invited us to take Sabbath dinner at his house, telling us he wanted to invite us into the itinerancy. We must be pardoned for giving the reader a full benefit here. We do so that those who live now may know that some, yea many, lived in the earlier history of our Conference life and especially do we record it that the young men who enter the ministry now may see something of what it cost someone before them to break ground to their hand. Services are out" - that's the way we used to say it-and we hear a stentorian voice calling, "Come on, boys" and we follow. The voice belongs to our host. Now we are at his home, just a few rods from the church.

The house was after the fashion of the day, in part, it was built of large logs hewn on both sides, and was two stories high. It had a large fireplace in one end, with a stick and mud chimney on the outside, which acted as though it had been built wrong end up, as the building was painted a beautiful black by the friendly smoke which persisted in claiming its place within the building, rather than out and above it. Windows were not necessary as light had free course through the cracks in the logs.

Well, in due time dinner was served-not such as now no napkins, no silverware, no dessert dishes, no pie plates, we did not need them. Again the voice that called us to dine, called us to a leafy shade, and our host leads the way, and soon, by his direction, we are all seated on the ground, with the master of ceremonies, James Spray, in the center of the circle and then follows a scene worthy of the painters skill.

The dinner itself not digested, was an old fashioned one, after the manner of rural life, and was so well spiced with touches of sparkling wit and clerical good humor from the head of the house that we were in fine condition to receive what awaited us on the green afterward. I think that all who were present can say that one hour spent in hearing that man of God relate his experience in the work of the ministry, and the incidents of his life, was the one hour of all others in which they were made wiser, sadder, happier and better.

To the writer the picture of that hour hangs in the hall of memory as brilliant in all it's colors as when it was painted thirty-five years ago. James Spray was about six feet in height and well built, his skin was fair. His hair was light, almost red, his eyes were blue. His cheekbones were prominent and the nose sharp, which indicates a quick, penetrating mind. Brother Spray was given to eccentricities, as the following incidents will show.

Riding through a long lane one day, a large porker jumped up before him, and took off in fright down the lane with the preacher after him hollowing "Boh, Boh" imitating the hog when he came across two or three men, putting an end to his fun. In another incident, he staid overnight in a hotel in Indiana and the landlord feigned great piety, but Brother Spray suspected great fraud and contrived a test. His horse was trained to bite, so Reverend Spray gave the horse a punch causing the horse to give the pious landlord a bite, causing him to cry out "You'll bite will you?" This satisfied the preacher who rode off, laughing at the discomfort of the pious (?) host.

Another time he purchased a horse out on his field and not having saddle or bridle he peeled bark and constructed a bridle out of that and started for home. All went well enough until he came to the tollgate west of St. Mary's, Ohio, when he suddenly came to grief, if not to shame. On riding up to the gate he was confronted by a woman who demanded the fee. Money he did not have, and to say he was a minister seemed hardly the thing to do at the time and pass he could not unless he paid. Well he summons the courage and asks the lady if the clergy did not go free, and receives the reply, "Yes, sir" and looking him full in the face, she said "Are you a preacher?"

The people he served were poor and few in number, and could not pay much for support of the Gospel, and Brother Spray would take any thing anyone would give him and pack it home a hundred miles or more on horseback - coonskins, a piece of meat, a little corn, no difference what.

At one time someone, who made a chair or what passed for one, proposed he would make him two for Quarterage, if he could get them home any way. He was told to make them which he did and the preacher carried them home on his horse. In many respects James Spray was a remarkable man. Careless as to dress, indifferent to censure or praise, he could be himself and suffer no loss of independence.

At times he excelled in oratory, many of his day. His perceptibilities were keen, and on questions of church laws he had no peers. When he rose in the conference room to speak on Questions of law, all wanted to hear, and when he died the question was asked "Who will fill his place?" He died in great peace at his home in Auglaize County, Ohio in the year 1861.

By Rev. J.L. Luttrell
A Member of the Conference for Thirty-Five Years
Published for the Author by the
United Brethren Publishing House

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Contributor: Arthur J. Spray, sprayaj@worldnet.att.net

Biography of the Sons of Rev. James Spray

Auglaize County, Ohio

The Rev. James Spray had three sons: Ebenezer L. Spray, James M. Spray, and Joseph C. Spray. All were born in what is now Auglaize County. His three sons all joined the 71st Ohio Infantry and served in the Civil War.

Ebenezer L. Spray was born in 1827 in Allen County (before Auglaize County was established), the son of Rev. James Spray and Nancy Lucas, the Rev. James's first wife. He married Hannah D. Montgomery, daughter of Shadrach Montgomery and Isabella McCullough, on June 30, 1850, in Auglaize County. The marriage was performed by Rev. Thomas Reed. Ebenezer died in Paulding County, November 11, 1875, and is buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Paulding County, Ohio.

James M. Spray was born December 30, 1840, in Allen County (before Auglaize County was established), the son of Rev. James Spray and Jane Huey, his second wife. He married Hannah Jackson, daughter of John Jackson and Rachel Chambers, on March 8, 1864, in Wapakoneta, Ohio. James died July 1, 1884, and is buried at Shinbone Cemetery in Washington Township, Auglaize County, Ohio.

Joseph C. Spray was born February 4, 1842, in Allen County (before Auglaize County was established), the son of Rev. James Spray and Jane Huey, his second wife. He married Tamzon Shinn, daughter of Thomas Shinn and Rebecca Roberts, on March 18, 1864. Joseph died June 21, 1909, and is buried at King Cemetery, Van Wert County, Ohio.

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Sergt. Joseph C. Spray

Van Wert County History

Sergt. Joseph C. Spray of Washington Township, Van Wert County, Ohio, is a veteran of the late Civil War who lost his good right arm in the service. He came from an old North Carolina family of English-Irish extraction, and was born in Shelby County, seven miles south of Wapakoneta, in Auglaize County, Ohio, February 4, 1842.

James Spray, father of Sergt. Spray, was reared a farmer in Warren County, Ohio, his father having first emigrated from North Carolina to western Pennsylvania, and thence came to Ohio, being among the pioneers of Warren County. James was still a young man when he went to Auglaize County, Ohio, and there married Nancy Lucas, daughter of Ebenezer Lucas, to which union were born five children, of whom two died young and three reached adult age: Ebenezer, Hester, and Naomi. Mrs. Spray died in Auglaize County, and Mr. Spray took for his second wife, in the same county, Jane Huey, daughter of John Huey, a native of Scotland, and this union was blessed with two children: James M. and Joseph C.

Mr. Spray was one of the original pioneers of Auglaize County, and settled four miles south of Wapakoneta, when the country thereabout was all a wilderness, and assisted the United States authorities to remove the Indians west. He was an expert marksman and hunter, shot many a deer and wild turkey, and enjoyed life in the forest. The United Brethren Church was the first religious denomination in Auglaize County, and Mr. Spray was one of the earliest converts. He ardently espoused its cause, eventually became an ordained minister, and for twenty-two years was an itinerant preacher of acknowledged eloquence and power. The second wife of Mr. Spray was also called away by death, and his third marriage was with Harriet Givens, of Hardin County, Ohio; to this marriage were born four children: Jane, Mary, Nancy, and Helen.

Mr. Spray gave three sons to the service of his country during the late Civil War, who served as follows: Ebenezer L., three years in Company G, Seventy-First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, returned without wounds but with shattered health, and died in November 1876, as a result; James M., served four months and ten days in Company K, Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and then three years in Company G, Seventy-First Regiment, then veteranized for three years, February 1, 1864, and was honorably discharged in June 1865; was shot through the right hip December 16, 1864, and died July 3, 1883, near Wapakoneta, from the effect of the wound. The father himself died December 15, 1860, at the age of fifty-five years, on his farm, in politics a Jacksonian Democrat and a greatly respected citizen.

Sergt. Joseph C. Spray was educated in an old log cabin frontier schoolhouse, learned to read and write, became quite thorough in arithmetic, and was reared on a farm. At the age of about nineteen years he enlisted at Wapakoneta in Company K, Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three months, under Capt. George W. Andrews, served four months and ten days, and was honorably discharged August 28, 1861. He re-enlisted at the same place September 1, 1861, this time in Company G, Seventy-First Ohio Infantry, under Capt. John W. Moody, for three years or during the war, filled out his term and was honorably discharged and mustered out at Gallatin, Tennessee, February 1, 1864, and veteranized the same day for three years longer, or during the war, and was finally again honorably discharged May 17, 1865, at Cincinnati, with the rank of duty sergeant.

During this long and faithful service Sergt. Spray took part in the following principal engagements, which list is not entirely completed: Red House, W.Va.; Columbus, Ky., 1862; Shiloh; Fort Donelson; Clarksville, Waverly, Tennessee; several fights with Wheeler's cavalry; the second fight at Fort Donelson, 1863; Flint Lick, Hartsville, Tennessee; all through the Atlanta campaign, being nearly four months under fire; Dalton, Resaca, Big Shanty, Snake Creek Gap, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station; on the march to Nashville with Gen. Thomas; at Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin, November 30, 1864; then for two weeks on skirmish around Nashville, and then the siege, December 15 and 16, 1864. On the 16th he was shot through the right arm while carrying the regimental colors as a volunteer, two of his comrades having already fallen while performing this duty. After our subject fell, his own brother, James M. Spray, fell shot through the hip, with the flag in his hands. Sergt. Spray was confined in Cumberland Hospital two weeks and in the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, two and a half months, and here the arm was twice amputated before it would heal, the second amputation being made January 22, 1865, close to the shoulder.

The marriage of Sergt. Spray took place, while he was home on a furlough, March 6, 1864, near Wapakoneta, to Miss Tamzon Catherine Shinn, who was born in Warren County, Ohio, November 17, 1844, a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Roberts) Shinn. The father was a farmer in Warren County, moved to Auglaize County in 1848, and settled on 160 acres in the woods, and died June 19, 1855, aged about thirty-seven years, the father of the following children: Robert, Franklin, Tamzon C., Martha, Ruhamie, Andrew, and George. Mrs. Shinn, the mother, lived to be over eighty years of age and died at the home of our subject. The son, Franklin Shinn, served in the Civil War in Company G, Seventy-First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and also in the Seventeenth Indiana Volunteers, making a total of four years.

After the war Mr. and Mrs. Spray settled in Paulding County, on thirty acres of land, all in the woods, resided there eleven years, the Sergeant teaching school thirty-seven months of the time, and then came to Van Wert County in August 1879, and bought a home in Middlepoint and other valuable real estate in the town. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Spray has been blessed with seven children, now living, and named as follows: Arthur A., Jane, Martha G., Emma, Laura, Joseph S., and Blaine.

Mr. and Mrs. Spray are consistent members of the United Brethren Church, in which he is a trustee, and in politics he is a Republican. He is very popular with his party, and under its auspices has served as mayor two terms, and town marshal, six years as city councilman, and as president of the school board for six years; also as assessor two years, and is now a notary public. He also served four years as postmaster of Middlepoint under the Harrison administration. He was one of the charter members of the Zeller-Hamilton Post No. 260, G.A.R., has served as post commander two and one-half years, and is now filling the office of quartermaster. As a citizen, the Sergeant holds a most enviable position in the esteem of the community, and his military record shows that he was one of those grand soldiers never to shrink from duty in time of action, and his bravery at Nashville will make him for all time an honored man.

References:
Company G, 71st Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Van Wert County History

Contributor: Gary Carlson

Johann Michael Zwiebel

Johann Michael Zwiebel was the second child born to George Zwiebel and Katherine Salome Metz, and the first of four sons. Born on Christmas Day in 1806 in Lichtenberg, he would be the first Zwiebel to leave.

As a young man, he relocated to Rothbach, a small town just south of Lichtenberg, where at the age of 23 he would marry Magdalena Schneeberger on 9 July 1829. The second daughter of Johann Ludwig Schneeberger and Maria Magdalena Koll, Magdalena was born in Rothbach on 14 January 1810. Her family is well known in the area and dates back to the 17th century when her great great grandfather, Hannss Michael, was born on 20 September 1671.

Johann Michael and Magdalena would begin their family in Rothbach with the birth of their first daughter, Magdalena Lana, in 1830. Magdalena would be followed by two sons and three more daughters over the next 15 years. Shortly following the birth of their daughter Christine in 1845, the family would make a move that would change their lives forever.

Michael's exact reasons for leaving France are unknown, but the pioneer spirit and his quest for a better life for his family led them on their journey to America. Like so many immigrants of the time, the promises of freedom and land in the new frontier seemed to provide more than he could ever attain in his homeland.

It is uncertain as to exactly when they arrived in America, but the birth of Catherine in France in 1845 and their first son, Michael, in the new country in 1848, places their arrival around 1846. A check of the indexed passenger arrivals for all U S ports at the time shows no Zwiebels arriving prior to 1846. Family members have indicated that they settled in a place called Pendicost, Pennsylvania, prior to their arrival in Ohio. Though several attempts have been made to locate this town, it does not appear anywhere in Pennsylvania in this time period. There was a Penticost in Susquehanna County in northern Pennsylvania, but it was not established until 1879 and changed its name to Forest City in 1886

The first recorded reference to Michael was found in a land record dated 16 February 1848 in Allen County, Ohio. According to the record, Michael and Magdalena purchased a piece of land from George Delong near Lima, Allen County for $280.00. The sale was officially recorded on 21 April 1848 and witnessed by Daniel Bitter and Ludwig Helmlinger.

It is uncertain how long the Zwiebels stayed at this location, but Auglaize County birth records and St. Marks Lutheran Church records show their son Michael was born in Clay Township, Auglaize County on the 24th of June 1848, and christened at St. Marks on 30 July 1848. The U S Census for Ohio in 1850 shows Michael Swivel, age 43, living in Clay Township with his wife Magdalena and six children. Michaels occupation is listed as farmer, and the value of his property was $1200.00. Catherine and Christina do not appear in this census, and no record has been located as to their deaths or burial in France or Ohio. Several people died on the trying journey across the Atlantic, and this may be what happened to the two young daughters. The possibility that the Zwiebel family did stop in Pennsylvania and the children died there is still unproved.

On the 18th of February 1851, Michael and Magdalena purchased another piece of property from Jacob Helmlinger in Auglaize County for $70.00. It is uncertain exactly where the property was located, but it consisted of ten acres and was recorded on 18 February 1851. On the 7th of September in that same year, Auglaize County birth records show the couples last child was born in Clay Township. Louis Arthur Zwiebel was christened at St. Marks Church on 7 October 1851.

The following year, tragedy struck the family on the 16th of May 1852 when Michael passed away. While the new country had been good to him, he never really had the opportunity to experience what he had strived for. To date, no actual record of his death has been located in Auglaize or Shelby Counties, but several family members have visited his grave in the cemetery next to St. Marks Church.

Magdalena was left with four young children to raise, as Philip was only 16 at the time of his fathers death. It is uncertain if George, who was 20 when his father died, was still at home to help his mother. On the 18th of December in that same year, the first daughter of Michael and Magdalena would marry, and two years later, in 1854, their son George married.

A strange event occurred in 1856, and the records do not show what may have led to the situation. On the 7th of February, Magdalena, acting as guardian to Philip, Michael, and Louis, filed a petition with the Court of Common Pleas in Auglaize County against her son George and his wife Sophia Zwiebel. The petition asked the court to force the sale at auction of property in George’s name in Auglaize County. On 28 June 1856, the court ordered the sheriff to sell at public auction the property located on Pusheta Creek, and it was sold to Christain Elsass for $1500.00. Somewhere between the sale of the property and March of the next year, George and his wife and one son relocated to Papillion, Nebraska.

In February, 1858 Michael and Magdalenas daughter Sophia married; two months later, in April, their son Philip married and joined his brother George in Papillion. Magdalena, with two young sons to raise, appears to have gone to work as a governess in Clay Township. The 1860 U. S. Census shows her living in Clay Township with Michael, age 12, and Louis, age 7. At age 50, her occupation was governess. Her real estate was valued at $1300.00 and her personal property at $75.00.

In 1867, according to another land record, Magdalena appears to have sold the balance of the Zwiebel property in Clay Township. The record filed on the 8th of October shows Magdalena Zwiebel, wife of Michael Zwiebel, received from Christian Elsass the sum of $400.00 for eighty plus acres bordering on Pusheta Creek. Sometime between the sale of the property in Clay Township and 1870, Magdalena moved to her sons home in Port Jefferson.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on August 2nd shows Magdalena enumerated with Michael, his wife Sophia, and one son, Lewis. Before the census taker could reach Pusheta Township on the 24th of that same month, Magdalena had moved in with her daughter Sophia, her husband, and five children. The same census shows her oldest daughter living on the next farm with her second husband and seven children. Her age is shown as 60, and she is still working as a domestic servant.

Magdalena apparently remained with Sophia until her death in 1894, as she was enumerated there in the 1880 U. S. Census. Auglaize County death records show she passed away in Pusheta on the 24th of August 1894 at the age of 84 years 6 months and 16 days. Her body was laid to rest in St. Marks Cemetery, thus bringing to a close the eventful journey that started across the Atlantic some 44 years previous.

For more information on the descendants of Johann Michael Zwiebel, contact Gary Carlsen – gkc@redshift.com

Contributor: Gary Carlson

Children of Johann Michael Zwiebel

Magdalena Lana Zwiebel

Magdalena Lana Zwiebel was the first of six children born to Johann Michael Zwiebel and Magdalena Schneeberger in Rothbach, France. Born in 1830, she came with the family on the voyage to America, and at age 21, she married Louis George Koch in Auglaize County Ohio on the 18th of December 1851.

It is uncertain what became of Louis or exactly how many children the couple had. St. Marks Church records show a Ludwig Koch dying in 1859, and Auglaize County birth records only show one child born to the couple in that same year. Magdalena appears in the 1860 U. S. Census as head of household living in Pusheta Township, Ohio, and working as a farm governess. She apparently owned property in Pusheta, as her real estate value at the time of the census was $3000.00 and her personal property was valued at $400.00. This same census shows her with four children, Lewis age 7, George age 5, Sophia age 4, and Magdalena age 1, all born in Ohio and all having Koch as their surname.

In 1861, Magdalena married George Mann, and the 1870 U. S. Census shows George born in Baden, Germany, and the family living in Pusheta Township. George was listed as a farmer and Magdalena as a housekeeper. It is uncertain whether they owned property, as no value was given for real estate, but their personal property was valued at $795.00. The census shows four children with the last name of Mann living with the parents, ranging in age from 8 years to 6 months and all born in Ohio. Also enumerated with George and Magdalena are George Koch, age 16, and Magdalena Koch, age 11. These two children appear to be from Magdalena's marriage to Louis Koch.

5 Magdalena Lana Zwiebel (79) Born 13 Nov 1830 Rothbach, Bas-Rhin, France, Died 1894 Auglaize, OH, Married (1) 18 Dec 1851 Auglaize, OH
Louis George Koch (83) Born 1823, Died 1859

Descendants of Magdalena Lana Zwiebel and Louis Koch
6 George Koch (2324) Born 1855 Auglaize, OH, Died Auglaize, OH
6 Magdalena Koch (1782) Born 10 Apr 1859 Auglaize, OH

Magdalena Lana Zwiebel (79) Married (2) 11 Mar 1861
George Mann (2331) Born 1828, Died 1920

Descendants of Magdalena Lana Zwiebel and George Mann
6 William Mann (2505) Born 6 Sep 1861 Auglaize, OH, Christened 2 Feb 1862 Clay, Auglaize, OH
6 Ludwig Mann (2506) Born 9 Mar 1864 Auglaize, OH, Christened 8 May 1864 Clay, Auglaize, OH
6 Maria Dorothea Mann (2507) Born 7 Oct 1865 Auglaize, OH, Christened 1 Jan 1866 Clay, Auglaize, OH
6 John Frederick Mann (2508) Born 22 Oct 1869 Clay, Auglaize, OH, Died Jackson Center, Shelby, OH
6 Louis Mann (2509)

George William Zwiebel

The first of four sons, George William Zwiebel was born on the 13th of September 1832 in Rothbach to Johann Michael and Magdalena. George grew to manhood living with the family in Auglaize County until 1854 when he married Sophia Elsass from the same area. Six months after the birth of their first son, Michael, in April of 1856, the couple left Ohio and headed for a new frontier in Nebraska.

Traveling by train to St. Louis and then up the Missouri River by steamboat, the couple landed in a small trading post known as Bellevue. George located a piece of land about eight miles southeast of Papillion, Nebraska in Sarpy County, and here the family set up housekeeping. He soon erected a stone house for the family and set to work farming.

In the next six years, three more sons, George in 1857, Philip in 1860, and John in 1863, were born at the farmstead. Following George's death in 1878, his four sons continued working the farm until 1884, when it was divided between them. Sophia lived with her son Philip in the stone house until 1890, when she moved into Papilion. She remained there until her age forced her to return to the old homestead where she died on the 19th of February 1921 at the age of 86 years.

5 George William Zwiebel (36) Born 13 Sep 1832 Rothbach, Bas-Rhin, France, Died 19 Feb 1878 Papillion, Sarpy, NE, Married 21 Oct 1854 Auglaize, OH
Sophia Elsass (84) Born 26 Apr 1835 Montra, Auglaize, OH, Died 19 Feb 1921

Descendants of George William Zwiebel and Sophia Elsass
6 Michael Zwiebel (56) Born 14 Apr 1856 Clay Township, Auglaize, OH, Christened 26 May 1856 Clay Township, Auglaize, OH, Died 16 Dec 1938 Papillion, Sarpy, NE
6 George Zwiebel (57) Born 7 Mar 1857 Papillion, Sarpy, NE, Died Feb 1943 Topeka, Shawnee, KS
6 Phillip Henry Zwiebel (58) Born 24 Jan 1860 Papillio

Philip Zwiebel

Born in Rothbach in 1836, Philip came with the family to their home in Ohio where he grew to manhood. At age 22, he would leave home for the new frontier in Nebraska, staying only six months before returning to Ohio, where he would marry Anna Barbara Elsass, who was born in Auglaize County in 1841. In April of 1858, following their marriage, the couple would return to Nebraska, settling southeast of Papillion where they lived until 1892.

After arriving in Nebraska, the couple would have four children, the first, a son George, being born in 1859 in Sarpy County. He would be followed by another son and two daughters in the next six years. Records are unclear, but show the couple adopted three more children, following the birth of their last daughter. Two of the children, Caroline and Benjamin, were born in New York, and the third, Tilda, was born in Nebraska.

Between 1858 and 1892, Philip would amass several acres of land in Sarpy County, purchasing his first 160 acres for $150.00. He soon followed with the purchase of another 160 acres in sections 19 and 20 in the LaPlatte precinct. This was followed by the addition of 371 acres from J. F. Payne, and the total farm consisted of over 1000 acres at one time. Sarpy County Court records show Philip and Anna separated in 1892, and the land was divided between the both of them. Philip does not appear in the 1900 or 1910 Census for Sarpy County, but does reappear living with his daughter, Caroline, in 1920 in Omaha. Anna Barbara apparently remained in Papillion, as she appears in the 1900 census with two daughters, and in 1910 with her oldest daughter.

Philip and Anna Barbara would become just two of the pioneers who would help develop the new frontier and see it grow from immense prairies to the towns and cities it is today. Philip died in 1921 on the 9th of January in Omaha, and exactly three years later on the same day in 1924, Anna passed away at the home of her son, Frank, in Waco, Nebraska.

5 Phillipe Zwiebel (47) Born 13 Apr 1836 Routhbach, Bas-Rhin, France, Died 9 Jan 1921, Married 16 Apr 1858 Auglaize, OH
Anna Barbara Elsass (48) Born 1841 Auglaize, OH, Died 9 Jan 1924 Sarpy, NE

Descendants of Philip Zwiebel and Anna Barbara Elsass
6 George Zwiebel (49) Born 1859 Sarpy, NE, Died Aspen, Colorado
6 Henry Frank Zwiebel (50) Born 1861 Sarpy, NE
6 Catherine Christine Zwiebel (51) Born 1863 Sarpy, NE
6 Sophia Zwiebel (52) Born 1866, Married 1 Feb 1886 Papillion, Sarpy, NE
6 Caroline Zwiebel (53) Born 7 Nov 1871 NY, Died 24 Jan 1941 Omaha, Douglas, NE
6 Benjamin Zwiebel (54) Born 1873 NY
6 Tilda Zwiebel (55) Born 1880 NE

Sophia Zwiebel

Born in France in 1838, Sophia was the fourth of the six children to leave the country with her parents and make the journey to the new world. Growing up in Ohio, she married Christopher Klopfenstein in 1858, and the couple settled in Pusheta, Ohio.

Records regarding Sophia's family are somewhat confused, and it is not certain exactly how many children she had. The 1860 U.S. Census shows her and Christopher Klopfenstein farming in Pusheta Ohio, he at age 39, and her at age 22. Enumerated with the couple are two children, Sarah Klopfenstein, age 11, and Christian H. Klopfenstein, age 9 months. Auglaize County records show no birth for Christian or Sarah, and the first child to appear in these same records is John Adam, born to Christopher Klopfenstein and Sophia Zwiebel in 1860.

The 1870 U.S. Census for Pusheta Township lists a Christopher and Sophia Klopfenstein still farming on real estate valued at $2000.00, having personal property valued at $635.00, and both born in France. Listed with the couple are 5 children ranging in age from 10 years to 4 years, and a Magdalena Swivel, age 60, born in France and working as a domestic servant. With the exception of the son Christian, now 10, the other four children listed match both Auglaize County and St Marks Church records for children born to the couple. The census does not show Maria Elizabeth, who was born in 1866, and since a record of her death has not yet been located, she may have died prior to the census being taken.

5 Sophia Zwiebel (80) Born 19 Feb 1838 Rothbach, Bas-Rhin, France, Died 25 May 1881 Clay, Auglaize, OH, Married 28 Feb 1858 Clay, Auglaize, OH
Christopher Klophenstein (85)

Descendants of Sophia Zwiebel and Christopher Klopfenstein
6 Christian A. Klopfenstein (3724) Born 1859
6 John Adam Klopfenstein (3169) Born 9 Oct 1860 Pusheta, Auglaize, OH
6 Michael Klopfenstein (3168) Born 27 May 1862 Clay, Auglaize, OH
6 Magdalena Sophia Klopfenstein (3165) Born 14 Apr 1864 Clay, Auglaize, OH
6 George William Klopfenstein (3166) Born 1 Mar 1865 Clay, Auglaize, OH
6 Maria Elizabeth Klopfenstein (3167) Born 13 Feb 1866 Clay, Auglaize, OH
6 Carolina Katherina Klopfenstein (3246) Born 30 Mar 1876

Michael Zwiebel

Michael was the first child born to Johann Michael and Magdalena after their arrival in Ohio. Auglaize Country birth records show he arrived on the 24th of June 1848 in Clay Township, and was christened at St. Marks Lutheran Church in July of that same year. Following his father's death in 1852, he lived with his mother until his marriage to Sophia Scherer in 1868.

By 1870, the U. S. Census shows Michael had moved to Montra, Jackson Township, in Shelby County with his wife and only son, Lewis, age one. At age 23, his occupation was dry goods merchant, and his personal estate was valued at $2300.00. The same census shows he and his wife Sophia, age 20 and a housewife, were both born in Ohio. By the 1880 Census, Michael Zwiebel had moved to Dinsmore Township in Shelby County and was working as a saloon keeper. Michael and Sophia had added four daughters and another son to the family, bringing the number of children to six.

Sophia would have three more children, the last one born in 1893, bringing the total number to nine. By the 1900 Census, Michael and Sophia had moved back to Jackson Center, where they owned their own home on Pike Street. Michael was still working as a saloon keeper, and the couple had been married 32 years. Michael was well known in the area and, apparently, was quite involved in real estate dealings. Shelby County land records show fifteen land transfers between Michael and other members of the community prior to 1900.

William Ambos, one of Michael's grandsons, relates how in later years Michael sold Raleigh products, driving throughout the area with his team and wagon. Sophia died in 1912, and it is uncertain when Michael retired, but when he did he moved to Ralston, Nebraska where he lived with his daughter, Anna Ambos. Shortly before his death in 1932, he moved back to Ohio, where he lived with his daughter, Emma Adelaide, near Dayton. It was here, on the 2nd of June, that he passed away during the night. In his obituary it was noted that Michael was a progressive citizen and one who took a keen interest in civic matters. He was a good neighbor and friend, generous to a fault, and never refused help to an unfortunate friend.

According to arrangements he had made with undertaker Charles Snyder at Jackson Center some years past, no matter where he died Mr. Snyder was to bring his body back to Jackson Center for burial. His service was held the following Tuesday morning at the Montra Lutheran Church, and his body laid to rest in the family plot in the Montra Cemetery.

5 Michael Zwiebel (24) Born 24 Jun 1848 Clay Township, Auglaize, OH, Christened 30 Jul 1848 Clay Township, Auglaize, OH, Died 3 Jun 1932 Dayton, OH, Buried Geyer, Auglaize, OH, Married 29 May 1868 Auglaize, OH
Sophia Scherer (25) Born 15 Jan 1851 Shelby, OH, Died 12 Apr 1912

Descendants of Michael Zwiebel and Sophia Scherer
6 Louis Zwiebel (1281) Born 28 May 1869 Shelby, OH
6 Anna Elizabeth Zwiebel (1282) Born 22 Feb 1871 Montra, Shelby, OH, Died 10 Sep 1946 Ralston, NE
6 Sophia Magdelena Zwiebel (1284) Born 30 May 1874 Montra, Shelby, OH, Died 16 Feb 1941 Walters, OK
6 John W. Zwiebel (1285) Born 27 Mar 1875 Shelby, OH, Died 23 Feb 1955 Omaha, Douglas, NE, Buried Papillion, Sarpy, NE
6 Christine Barbara Zwiebel (1283) Born 7 Apr 1878 Montra, Shelby, OH, Died 19 Sep 1974 San Pablo, Contra Costa, CA
6 Louisa Caroline Zwiebel (1287) Born 5 Mar 1880 Jackson Center, Auglaize, OH, Died 10 Mar 1971 Maplewood, OH, Buried Port Jefferson, OH
6 George Michael Nicholas Zwiebel (1286) Born 25 Dec 1883 Auglaize, OH, Died 29 Aug 1936 Jackson Center, Shelby, OH, Buried Jackson Center, Shelby, OH
6 Carl Clemens Zwiebel (26) Born 19 Apr 1890 Shelby, OH, Died 13 Nov 1966 Dayton, OH
6 Emma Adelaide Zwiebel (1288) Born 27 Sep 1893 Montra, Shelby, OH, Died 5 May 1937
For more information on the descendants of Johann Michael Zwiebel, contact Gary Carlsen – gkc@redshift.com