Apr 05

Total Eclipse of the Sun 2024

The countdown is on. As of this morning, we are just 3 days away from a total solar eclipse here in west central Ohio.

By now, probably everyone has heard about the total solar eclipse that will occur this coming Monday, 8 April 2024. We are in the best viewing path of the eclipse, running from Mexico, Texas, and northeast through Maine. Communities such as ours have been planning and gearing up for the event for a couple years. Large numbers of people are expected to travel to areas such as ours, where the eclipse will be most visible.

This will be the longest and most visible eclipse to the U.S. in 100 years. In Celina it all begins at 1:53 p.m. The maximum view will be at 3:10 p.m. and it will end at 4:25. The duration will be 2 hours and 31 minutes, with totality for nearly 4 minutes.

My Aunt Ruth (1919-2020), my dad’s sister, once told me that she viewed an eclipse with her aunt, Clara (Miller) Reef, using a piece of smoked glass that Clara had made. Clara likely blackened the glass with lamp smoke, the safest way to view an eclipse then, probably sometime between 1925-1935. That smoked glass is what people used in their attempt to safely view the solar eclipse years ago, when solar protective gear was not available.

From the Van Wert Weekly Bulletin, 6 August 1869:

Get Your Glasses Ready
It is well known that the solar eclipse can be better observed through a piece of smoked glass than with the naked eye. Those, therefore, who are not provided with properly colored glasses for use with instruments, will do well to prepare in this way for a view of this most interesting phenomenon.

From the Van Wert Daily Bulletin, 29 Jun 1908:

Partial Eclipse of the Sun Viewed by Many Van Werters–Interesting Street Talk
Many Van Werters availed themselves of the opportunity of the witnessing the partial eclipse of the sun, Sunday morning. By the aid of smoked glass the phenomena was discerned and practically on the moment announced by the astronomers. The first contact occurred shortly after eight o’clock, within seconds of the predicted time, and the image of the sun was perfect at that time, there being no clouds to obstruct the view. The second or last contact, which marked the disappearance, took place twenty-three seconds ahead of the predicted time.

For the 2024 eclipse many local communities provided free eclipse glasses, approved to safely view the eclipse. We got ours at the Rockford Library and looking through them is like looking through thick black cellophane. You can’t see anything. That is evidently what you want because there are unapproved glasses out there, too.

Approved 2024 Solar Eclipse glasses.

The markings on these glasses show they are made in the U.S.A. and approved for safely viewing the eclipse. 

 

 

 

There are a number of solar eclipse events planned in this area for the historic eclipse, although officials are warning locals that there may be an influx of people into the area to view the event. We plan to watch it from home, but an eclipse party is nothing new. These young folks from Pleasant Township, Van Wert County, had a lunar eclipse party in 1889:

Pleasant Party
Twenty young men gave very enjoyable party to their lady friends Wednesday evening, in honor of the lunar eclipse. There were only twelve dances on the programme and the party consequently ended shortly before midnight. Heistand’s orchestra furnished the music. It was the most delightful event of the season. —Van Wert Times, 18 January 1889.

Hundreds of years can pass between total solar eclipses, but the most recent in the U.S. was 21 August 2017. Having two total solar eclipses in seven years is unusual. However, 2017 eclipse took a different path across the country, from Oregon to South Carolina, and lasted 2½ minutes. I remember how strange the afternoon looked during that eclipse. Monday’s eclipse should be even more dramatic, if the weather cooperates.

Historically, one of the most well-known total solar eclipses occurred in Ohio on 16 June 1806 and was predicted by Tenskwatawa, The Prophet, the brother of Shawnee chief Tecumseh. Tenskwatawa, residing near Greenville, Ohio, at the time, predicted that the sun would turn black on 16 June 1806. It did just that and his prediction greatly increased his credibility.

I looked through my family databases to see if anyone in the family was born on the day of an eclipse, but no one was.

So, on Monday, get your eclipse glasses out and enjoy the show in the sky. After all, most of us won’t be around for the next local total solar eclipse in 2099.  

Apr 02

Tombstone Tuesday-J Homer & Leona L (Baker) Carr

J Homer & Leona L (Baker) Carr, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of J. Homer and Leona Carr located in row 5 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed:

CARR
Leona L. 1898-1950
J. homer 1896-1990
1921-Mary K-1922

John “Homer” Carr was born in Mercer County, Ohio, 3 September 1896, the son of Jesse John (1864-1950) and Mary Effie (Pifer) (1869-1905).   

Jesse J. Carr, 34, his wife Mary E., 30, and their son Homer, 3, lived in Black Creek township in 1900. Their niece, Myrtle Pifer, 7, daughter of Mary’s widowed brother Thomas Jacob Pifer, was also enumerated with them in 1900. Myrtle’s mother Bertha had died in 1899. All members of the household were born in Ohio. Jesse and Mary had been married 5 years and only one child was born to the couple. Jesse was a farmer. [1] Later that year Jesse and Mary had another son, Charles M. Carr, born 7 December 1900.

Homer Carr’s mother Mary E. (Pifer) died 1 Feb 1905, likely during the birth of daughter Alzona Lavaun, who died the same day or who was stillborn.

In 1910, widower Jesse Carr, 45, was raising his two sons, Homer, 13, and Charles M, 9, on his Black Creek Township farm. [2]

Homer Carr married Leona Baker 14 March 1920 at Zion Lutheran Church, Chattanooga, Ohio. Witnesses to their marriage were Oscar Schaadt and Maria Baker.

Leona Louise Baker was born in Mercer County on 17 November 1898, the daughter of Theodore W. (1875-1932) and Mary H. (Bollenbacher) (1875-1961) Baker. 

The Theodore Baker family in 1900: Theodore, 24; Mary, 25; Alvera, 2; Leona, 1; and Marie, 4 months. Theodore and Mary were married 4 years and had 3 children, all living. All family members were born in Ohio and Theodore was a farmer. [3]

By 1910 the Baker family had grown to include daughter Luetta, born in 1902.

The 1920 census was taken in January in Mercer County, a couple months before the March marriage of Homer Carr and Leona Baker. When that census was taken they both were still single, living with their families.

Homer and Leona had a daughter, Mary Kathleen/Katherine Carr, born in Black Creek Township, on 20 November 1921. She was baptized at Zion Chatt 18 December 1921, with Theodore Baker and his wife Mary [maternal grandparents] serving as her sponsors. Mary Katherine died from a heart problem a couple months later. According to her death certificate, Mary Kathleen Carr died 25 January 1922, age 2 months and 4 days, and was buried in the Chattanooga Mausoleum on the 27th. [4] Zion Chatt’s records appear to be in error, recording that Mary died 13 March 1922, age 66 days, and was buried in the Chattanooga Mausoleum on the 14th. I believe the death certificate is correct. If Mary Katherine died in March she would have been older than 66 days. Mary’s name appears on the tombstone with the names of her parents. She may have been re-interred with them or she may still be interred in the mausoleum. Mary’s name appears several ways in various records: as Mary Catherine in Zion Chatt’s records; as Mary Kathleen on her death certificate; as Mary K. on her parents’ tombstone.

Homer and Leona Carr had two more children in the next few years, a son, Leland Muhrl Carr, born 14 January 1924, and a daughter, Dorothy Luetta Carr, born 26 January 1926.    

By 1930 Homer and Leona Carr had been married 10 years and resided in Black Creek Township with their two children: Leland, 6, and Dorothy, 4. They lived on Baker Pike, as reported in the census. Homer was a farmer. [5]

Leona’s father Theodore Baker died in 1932 and in 1940 Leona’s mother widowed Mary H. Baker, 65, resided with Homer and Leona and their two teen-aged children. [6]

By 1950, son Leland Carr had left home and daughter Dorothy had been married to Robert Humbert for 2 years and they had a son. Dorothy, Robert, their son, and Homer Carr’s widowed father Jesse resided with Homer and Leona in 1950: Homer, 53, head; Leona, 51, wife; Jesse J, 85, father; Robert Humbert, 26, son [sic]; Dorothy, 24, daughter; Larry Humbert, 1, grandson. Homer and Robert farmed. [7] Homer’s father Jesse resided with Homer and Leona until his death on 31 December 1950.

I remember Homer and Leona faithfully attending church at Zion Chatt. I also remember them attending the area Farm Council meetings, held in members’ homes several times a year.

Leona (Baker) Carr died 2 August 1980 at Swiss Village, Berne, at age 81. She was buried on the 5th. According to her obituary she was survived by her husband Homer Carr; son, Leland Carr, of Paulding; daughter, Mrs. Robert (Dorothy) Humbert of Rt. 1, Rockford; sister, Mrs. Oscar (Marie) Schaadt of rural Rockford, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters.

Homer Carr died 11 September 1990 at Jay County Hospital, Portland, Indiana, age 94. He was buried on the 14th. From his obituary: …On March 14, 1920, he married the former Leona Baker and she died in August of 1980. Survivors include a son, Leland of Paulding; a daughter, Mrs. Robert Humbert of rural Rockford; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, a brother, and a sister…

Homer and Leona (Baker) Carr had the following children:
Mary Kathrine/Kathleen (1921-1922)
Leland Muhrl (1924-2008), married R. Colleen Moore
Dorothy Luetta (1926-2004), married Robert Humbert

[1] 1900 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Black Creek, ED 74, p.9, dwelling & family 183, John H Carr; Ancestry.com.

[2] 1910 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Black Creek, ED 107, p.11B, dwelling 240, family 242, Jesse J Carr; Ancestry.com.

[3] 1900 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Black Creek, ED 74, p.9, dwelling & family 196, Dore W Baker; Ancestry.com.

[4] “Ohio Deaths, 1908-1953,”, Mary Kathleen Carr, 25 Jan 1922; FamilySearch.org.

[5] 1930 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Black Creek, ED 1, p.7B, dwelling & family 164, John H Carr; Ancestry.com.

[6] 1940 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Black Creek, ED 54-1, p.8B, household 175, Homer Carr; Ancestry.com.

[7] 1950 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Black Creek, ED 54-1, p.21, dwelling 192, J Homer Carr; Ancestry.com.

Mar 29

Good Friday 2024

Today is Good Friday, remembering the day Jesus suffered and died on the cross for us.

The cross is the Christian symbol of salvation, used often on tombstones years ago as well as today.

Here are a few crosses that remind us of Good Friday, inscribed on local tombstones.

A lot can happen in 3 days.

 

 

He is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Happy Easter, everyone!

Mar 26

Tombstone Tuesday-David J & Ida C (Sielschott) Schaadt

Schaadt, David J & Ida C (Sielschott), Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio

This is the tombstone of David J. and Ida C. (Sielschott) Schaadt, located in row 10 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed:

SCHAADT
Ida C.
1879-1960
David J.
1873-1964

David John Schaadt was born in Harrison Township, Van Wert County, Ohio, on 4 August 1873, [1] the son of Adam (1846-1895) and Mary Anna (Koch/Cook) (1850-1926) Schaadt.

The Adam Schaadt family in 1880, residing in Harrison Township, with 5 children: Adam, 34; Anna M, 28; Phebe, 8; David J, 6; Henry W, 4; Kathrine, 2; and Christina, 9 months. The father Adam, a farmer, was born in Germany and the others in the family were born in Ohio. [2]

David Schaadt married Ida C. Sielschott on 14 April 1898 in Mercer County, married by S. Egger. [3] His name is John David Schaadt on their marriage license.

David’s bride, Ida C. Sielschott, was born in Hopewell Township, Mercer County, Ohio, on 28 January 1879, the daughter of Philip John (1844-1894) and Matilda (Heffner) (1850-1930) Sielschott. [4] Ida’s mother Matilda was the daughter of Conrad and Margaret (Miller) Heffner and was from the Chatt area. Ida’s parents are also buried in Zion Chatt’s cemetery.

Most records I came across for research of this family spell the surname Sielschott, which is also the way it is spelled on the tombstone of Ida’s parents. I have also seen the name spelled Sealschott a few times, but for this blog post I am using the Sielschott spelling.

I am not sure where Ida Sielschott was enumerated in the 1880 census, or if she was overlooked in that census. She was not enumerated with her parents. There is an Ida Sealschott, age 1, nephew, living with George Sealschott, 63, and wife Louisa, 50, and their 7 children in Center Township, Mercer County. I am not convinced that this is the same Ida, but she may be. [5]

In 1900, two years after their marriage, David and Ida lived in Liberty Township, Mercer County, and had a daughter, Matilda M., age 1 year. [6] They lived south of Chatt.

Their daughter Matilda died in 1904.

The David Schaadt household in 1910: David, 36; Ida, 31; Henry, 8; Victor, 6; and Minnie, 3. All were born in Ohio. David and Ida had been married 12 years and three of their four children were living. David was a farmer. [7]

By 1920 David and Ida had 5 children: Henry, 18; Victor, 15; Minnie, 13; Glen, 6; and Edith, 3. [8]

In 1930 just 3 of their children lived at home: Minnie, 23; Glenn, 16; and Edith, 13. [9]

Their daughter Minnie Schaadt died in 1931 and is buried in Zion Chatt’s cemetery.

In 1940 and 1950, all of David and Ida’s children had left home and the couple lived by themselves in Liberty Township and David continued to farm. [10] [11]

Ida C. (Sielschott) Schaadt, 81, died from heart disease in Gibbons Hospital, Celina, on 23 May 1960. [12] Ida’s obituary:

Celina-Mrs. Ida Schaadt, 81, of Rt. 1, Celina, died at 8:30 p.m. Monday, at the Gibbons Memorial Hospital, where she had been a patient three weeks.

She was born Jan. 28, 1879, to Philip and Matilda (Heffner) Sielschott.

Mrs. Schaadt married David Schaadt in 1897 [sic] and he survives along with three sons, Henry of Geneva, Ind.; Victor of Akron; Glen of Willshire; a daughter, Mrs. Roland Lime of Celina; a brother, Jacob Sielschott of Celina; two sisters, Mrs. T.J. Smith and Mrs. William Schaadt, both of Celina; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Friends may call at the family home until services at 2:30 p.m. Thursday when the body will be taken to the church at Chattanooga. Rev. Waldo Byers will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. W.H. Dick and Sons are in charge of arrangements. [13]

David J. Schaadt, age 90, died 16 March 1964 in Celina. He died of old age, per Zion Chatt’s records. David’s obituary:

David J. Schaadt
Celina-David J. Schaadt, 90, Rt. 1, Celina, died at 11:55 p.m. Monday at Gibbons Hospital. He had been a patient three weeks.

He was born Aug. 4, 1873 in Van Wert County, the son of Adam and Mary Koch Schaadt. He married Ida Sielschott in 1897 [sic]. She died in 1960.

Surviving are three sons, Henry, Geneva, Ind.; Victor, Akron; and Glen, Willshire; a daughter, Mrs. Roland Lime, Celina; two sisters, Mrs. Otto Wendel, and Mrs. Gustave Klopfleisch Sr., both of Celina; six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

He was the oldest member of Zion Lutheran Church, Chattanooga.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Zion Lutheran Church, Chattanooga. Rev. Arnold Green will conduct, and burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the family residence until time for services. W.H. Dick and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. [14]

David and Ida (Sielschott) had the following children:
Matilda (1899-1904)
Henry (1902-1970), married Edna W. Dailey
Victor W. (1904-1995), married Opal Strabel
Minnie (1907-1931), not married
Glenn Cornelius (1913-1987), married Roxie Mae King
Edith Lawrena (1917-2005), married Roland Lime

[1] Ohio, U.S. Births and Christenings Index, 1774-1973, David John Schaadt, 4 Aug 1873; Ancestry.com.

[2] 1880 U.S. Census, Ohio, Van Wert Co, Harrison Twp, ED 148, p.309B, dwelling 152, family 155, Adam Schaadt; Ancestry.com.

[3] “Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2013,” Mercer Co, Vol. 7, p.316, John David Schaadt & Ida C. Sielschott, 14 Apr 1898; FamilySearch.org.

[4] “Ohio, County Births, 1841-2003,” Mercer, Vol. 1, p.258, Ida Sielschott, 28 Jan 1879; FamilySearch.org.

[5] 1880 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Center, ED 181, p.366D, dwelling 266, house 74, George Sealschott; Ancestry.com.

[6] 1900 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Liberty, ED 85, p.7, dwelling 132, family 137, David Schaadt; Ancestry.com.

[7] 1910 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Liberty, ED 119, p.10B, dwelling 191, family 196, David Schaadt; Ancestry.com.

[8] 1920 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Liberty, ED 140, p.6A, dwelling 110, family 118, David Schaadt; Ancestry.com.

[9] 1930 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Liberty, ED 20, p.2A, dwelling & family 43, Dave Schaadt; Ancestry.com.

[10] 1940 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Liberty, ED 54-22, p.7A, household 133, David Schaadt; Ancestry.com.

[11] 1950 U.S. Census, Ohio, Mercer, Liberty, ED 54-33, p.9, dwelling 71, David Schaadt; Ancestry.com.

[12] “Ohio Death Index, 1908-1932, 1938-1944, 1958-2007,” Celina, Mercer County, Ida C Schaadt, 23 May 1960; FamilySearch.org.

[13] FindaGrave.com, Ida C Sielschott Schaadt, Memorial no. 39968022, newspaper image of obituary, unidentified newspaper. 

[14] David J Schaadt obituary, The Lima News, Lima, Ohio, 18 Mar 1964, p.2; Ancestry.com.

Mar 22

The Merkles from Chattanooga

I appreciate when readers send me information about their family, especially when the family has a Chattanooga, Ohio, connection. Thanks to Doug Roebuck for sharing information and photos about his Merkle and Kantner family lines, which definitely have a Chattanooga connection. Perhaps this Merkle information connects with your family somewhere.

Merkle was sometimes spelled Merkley in some mid-1800 documents and Merkle family members also confirm that. The name was spelled Merkley on the 1860 marriage record of Joseph Merkle (1835-1901) to Lucinda Kantner (1843-1919), as Merkley when their daughter Anna Merkle (1867-1935) married Fred Heffner (1861-1918) in 1885, and when another daughter Emma Merkle married Conrad Heffner in 1897. There may be even more instances.

Doug said that the Merkle’s liked to play baseball, which was a very popular sport in Chatt years ago.

Joseph Merkle (1835-1901) was born in Germany and married Lucinda Kantner in Auglaize County, Ohio, on 29 January 1860. Lucinda Kantner (1843-1919) was born in Ohio and grew up in Auglaize County. She was the daughter of Elias and Elizabeth (Oswald) Kantner. Joseph and Lucinda Merkle lived in Auglaize County until about 1872, when they moved to Chattanooga, Ohio. Joseph was a blacksmith in Chatt and Lucinda ran a boarding house. Their family attended Zion Lutheran Church in Chatt.

This 1900 map of Chattanooga shows Lot 9, Lucinda Merkle and a hotel to the north:

Chattanooga, Ohio, 1900, Lucinda Merkle & Hotel, Lot 9

According to the 1900 census Joseph and Lucinda had 10 children, but only nine have been identified: Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, John Francis, Friedrich, Emma, William, Joseph “Edward”, and Leo.

How wonderful to have a photo of the Joseph & Lucinda Merkle family:

Joseph & Lucinda (Kantner) Merkle family. (photo courtesy of Doug Roebuck) 

Joseph and Lucinda both died in Liberty Township, Mercer County, and are buried in Zion Chatt’s cemetery.

A little about the children of Joseph and Lucinda (Kantner) Merkle:

  • “Mary” Magdalena (Merkle) FEGGER (1861-1954), born in Auglaize County, married Rev. Albert J. Feeger (1858-1941) in Chattanooga, Ohio, on 6 July 1882. Rev. Feeger was a Lutheran minister. They had two girls and seven boys: Luther Martin, Mabel Ida, Carl Herbert, Helen Emilie, Albert Julius, Paul George Henry, Theodore Franz, George Edward, and another who is not identified. Rev. Feeger and Mary died in the Dayon area and are buried in Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery.
  • Elizabeth H. “Lizzie” (Merkle) HEFFNER (1865-1924), born in Auglaize County, married “Jacob” Joseph Heffner (1861-1899) at Zion Chatt on 16 December 1884. Jacob was the son of Conrad and Anna (Miller) Heffner. Jacob and Elizabeth Heffner had three children: Carl, Leo C., and Ralph. Jacob and Elizabeth are buried in Zion Chatt’s cemetery.
  • Anna (Merkle) HEFFNER (1867-1935), born in Auglaize County, married Fred Heffner (1861-1918) on 1 October 1885 at Zion Chatt. Fred was the son of George and Sophia (Martin) Heffner/Haeffner. Fred resided in Chatt most of his life and ran a saloon there for several years. They had nine children: George “Rudolph,” Albert Conrad, Emma Elizabeth (marr. Bauer), Walter Herbert, Fredrich Oscar ”Brownie”, Maria Helena, Roman Edward, Verla Marguerite (marr. Roebuck), and Vernon Hugo “Cy.” Fred and Anna Heffner are buried in Zion Chatt’s cemetery. 

Vernon “Cy,” Fred, Margaret, Anna (Merkle) Heffner, c1913, in Chattanooga. (photo courtesy of Doug Roebuck)

  • John Francis MERKLE (1870-1895), born in Auglaize County, was a carpenter and contractor in South Chicago. He drown in the Calumet River there, when his rowboat capsized. He is buried in Zion Chatt’s cemetery. He was not married.
  • Frederick “Fred” Arthur MERKLE (1872-1947), probably born in Auglaize County, married Freda Slater (1877-1938) in Chicago on 30 November 1911. Fred moved to Chicago when he was 16 and worked for Cudahy [?] Packing Company, installing refrigerators in meat packing companies. Fred and Freda had three daughters, Irma (marr. Strutter); Bernice (marr. DuSan) and Myrtle (marr Masterton; marr. Hughes). Fred and Freda are buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Evergreen Park, Cook County, Illinois.
  • Emma (Merkle) HEFFNER (1874-1950), probably born Chattanooga, married Conrad Heffner (1867-1951) on 27 October 1897 at Zion Chatt. Conrad was the son of George and Sophia (Martin) Heffner. Conrad and Emma had two children, Walter Heffner and Bernice Heffner (marr. Victor Stucke). Conrad and Emma are buried in Zion Chatt’s cemetery.
  • William MERKLE (1877-1959), born in Chattanooga, married Bertha May Short (1884-1968) on 27 September 1903 in Shelby County, Ohio. William was a blacksmith. They had one child, Opal Merkle (marr. Dwight Franz). William and Bertha are buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua, Ohio. 
  • Joseph Edward “Ed” MERKLE (1882-1952), born in Chattanooga, married Nellie Dull (1882-1948) in Auglaize County on 28 January 1906. Nellie was the daughter of Elliott and Nettie Dull. Ed was a street commissioner in Celina and was a Deputy State Fire Marshal. They had a daughter, Pauline M. (marr. Stanley Bartholomew). Ed and Nellie Merkle are buried in Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys, Auglaize County, Ohio.
  • Leo “Lee” MERKLE (1888-1956), born in Chattanooga, married Clara Baker (1890-1955) on 30 June 1912 in Mercer County. Clara was the daughter of Henry and Mary Anna (Manche) Baker. Lee Merkle and Sam Egger ran a huckster wagon in the Chattanooga area and Lee later owned a produce company in Toledo, Ohio. They had one daughter, Mary Helen (marr. Bill Avery). Lee and Clara Merkle are buried in Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery, Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio.

Merkle & Egger, Chattanooga, Ohio. (photo courtesy of Doug Roebuck)

The photo below was taken between April & November 1919. Joseph Merkle was deceased but his widow, Lucinda (Kantner) Merkle, is in the center of the photo. She died later that year.

Joseph & Lucinda (Kantner) Merkle family, 1919. (photo courtesy of Doug Roebuck)


Front Row (L-R):  Edgar Monroe, Bernice (Heffner) Stuckey holding Mary Helen Merkle, Pauline (Merkle) Bartholomew, Luther Heffner, Vernon “Cy” Heffner, Fern (Bauer) Moore, Ruth Heffner, Mary Elizabeth Kauper, Gwendolyn (Bauer) Row and Mildred (Bauer) Fisher.

2nd Row (L-R):  Leo Merkle, Ed Merkle, Mary (Merkle) Feeger, Elizabeth (Merkle) Heffner,, Lucinda (Kantner) Merkle, Anna (Merkle) Heffner, Emma (Merkle) Heffner and Aunt Moll.

3rd Row (L-R):  Clara (Baker) Merkle, Nellie (Dull) Markle, one of Aunt Lizzie (Merkle) Heffner’s boys, Helen (Fegger) Kauper, Nellie (Dayo) Heffner hold Lois (Heffner) Koch, __?__, Mabel (Fegger) Kauper, Emma (Heffner) Bauer, Mary Monroe and __?__.

Back Row (L-R):  Rev. Albert Fegger ?, Albert C. Heffner, Oscar” Brownie” Heffner, _____Fegger, ____ Fegger, Jacob Bauer, Rudolph “Rude” C. Heffner, George Kauper, Conrad Heffner and Norris Monroe.

Thank you Doug for sharing these photos. I will post some more photos from this family in the future.

I have written several blog posts about this family, including Tombstone Tuesday-Joseph & Lucinda (Kantner) Merkle. Other posts about the Merkles can be found by using the search feature on Karen’s Chatt Home Page.