MONTEREY
L. W. HECK MAN
Progress is the keynote of life. The experiences of the Past have been instrumental in shaping the Present, and under the guiding Hand of a Divine Providence, will determine the course of events which the Future holds in store for mankind. The deeds and motives of those early pioneers, whose perseverance, determination and willpoWer, in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, have borne fruit, which will stand forth a resplendent monument of their undying devotion to a cause.
Progress is the keynote of life. The experiences of the Past have been instrumental in shaping the Present, and under the guiding Hand of a Divine Providence, will determine the course of events which the Future holds in store for mankind. The deeds and motives of those early pioneers, whose perseverance, determination and willpoWer, in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, have borne fruit, which will stand forth a resplendent monument of their undying devotion to a cause.
The early history of Ottoville and Monterey Township follows a trend very, similar to that of any other settlement in Northwestern Ohio. The marshy region known as the “Black Swamp”, was mostly governmental land, which in its water-soaked condition could not be utilized for farming purposes, and was sold therefore at a ridiculously low price of $1.00 to $1.25 per aere. This, coupled with the potential possibilities locked in the soil served as a lodestone to a small number of thrifty farmers in 1845, mostly emigrants from various parts of Germany, to purchase for themselves tracts of from 40 to 80 acres. Bavarians, Alesatians, Tyrolese, Austrians, Luxemburgers, Low-Germans, Dutch and Wuertemburgers were mingled together, so that the picture presented a varied German speaking community.
In the midst of this toiling, unswerving group of early pioneers, there stands forth like a beacon light, Father John Otto Bredeick, who had come over with a number of his countrymen from Osnabrueck, Hanover, Germany. He was born near Biefeld. His undying devotion to his hock enabled them to fulfill their mission. Under his wise administration, unflinching courage and ardent zeal, this small but ever increasing group of early pioneers, constituted of excellent mettle, persevering, diligent, economical, shrewd, thrifty, and above all, God-fearing and religious, applied themselves to the task in hand, and lo! behold ! - out of the dismal swamp emerged in due time a garden spot of which the succeeding generations became the inheritors. Father Bredeick was truly their shepherd, their Confessor and Counsellor, fully entitled to the recognition. accorded him. As a fitting tribute to Father John Otto, the little community was named Ottoville.
Monterey Township was the thirteenth out of the fifteen Putnam County townships to be established, in 1848. The Ohio Legislature reduced the original area of the County from 576 to 480 square miles by first cutting off 114 sections and then adding eighteen from Van Wert County. These eighteen sections plus six of the original territory were organized in 1849 as Monterey township, literally meaning mountain of earth. In 1845, in the home of Harvey Bacon, the present John Plescher farm, the government established the first Postoffice, which at the request of Mr. Bacon was named Dog Creek. In 1858 the office was transferred to Sixteen, but the name Dog Creek was retained. However, in 1880 both names gave way to its present cognomen Ottoville. '
First Election
The hrst election in the township was held on January 19, 1850, in the home of Joseph Gruber. Eleven votes were cast. Bernard Esch, Henry Schroeder, and Joseph Gruber were elected Trustees; Jonas Dash, Clerk; and Harvey Bacon, Constable. The trustees met on March 7, 1850, and organized the township into two road and two school districts. The expenses the first year amounted to $5.25. From this time on the government of the township has at all times been in the hands of capable and efficient officers. The personnel at present consists of: Frank Ruen, Gerhardt Utrup and Charles P. Weber, Trustees; Arnold Lauer, Clerk; J. P. Studer, Constable; and George E. Altenburger and John H. Wannemacher, Justices of the Peace.
In 1845, Elias Everett, County Surveyor, platted for Father Bredeick a parcel of land in the northeast corner of Section 30. After retaining ample ground for church purposes, the remainder was sold in lots to the parishioners, the proceeds benefiting the Church. This early survey was later abandoned, and the land re-surveyed in 1873 by Charles Wannemacher. The present site of Ottoville is in the corners of four sections, Numbers 24, 25, 19, and 30. The odd numbering is due to the fact that the township was changed since the original survey. The following surveys of plats to the original were made: Part of Section 19 by Samuel Parker for Christ Martin in 1863; Part of Section 30 by George Skinner in 1865; part of Section 25 by Peter Wannemacher in 1874; resurvey of part of Section 19 by Aaron Overbeck for Max Winkleman in 1892; another addition to Section 19 by D. W. Seitz for Peter Wannemacher in 1894. These surveys are an indication of the rapid growth of the little community.
Town Incorporation
Monterey Township was the thirteenth out of the fifteen Putnam County townships to be established, in 1848. The Ohio Legislature reduced the original area of the County from 576 to 480 square miles by first cutting off 114 sections and then adding eighteen from Van Wert County. These eighteen sections plus six of the original territory were organized in 1849 as Monterey township, literally meaning mountain of earth. In 1845, in the home of Harvey Bacon, the present John Plescher farm, the government established the first Postoffice, which at the request of Mr. Bacon was named Dog Creek. In 1858 the office was transferred to Sixteen, but the name Dog Creek was retained. However, in 1880 both names gave way to its present cognomen Ottoville. '
First Election
The hrst election in the township was held on January 19, 1850, in the home of Joseph Gruber. Eleven votes were cast. Bernard Esch, Henry Schroeder, and Joseph Gruber were elected Trustees; Jonas Dash, Clerk; and Harvey Bacon, Constable. The trustees met on March 7, 1850, and organized the township into two road and two school districts. The expenses the first year amounted to $5.25. From this time on the government of the township has at all times been in the hands of capable and efficient officers. The personnel at present consists of: Frank Ruen, Gerhardt Utrup and Charles P. Weber, Trustees; Arnold Lauer, Clerk; J. P. Studer, Constable; and George E. Altenburger and John H. Wannemacher, Justices of the Peace.
In 1845, Elias Everett, County Surveyor, platted for Father Bredeick a parcel of land in the northeast corner of Section 30. After retaining ample ground for church purposes, the remainder was sold in lots to the parishioners, the proceeds benefiting the Church. This early survey was later abandoned, and the land re-surveyed in 1873 by Charles Wannemacher. The present site of Ottoville is in the corners of four sections, Numbers 24, 25, 19, and 30. The odd numbering is due to the fact that the township was changed since the original survey. The following surveys of plats to the original were made: Part of Section 19 by Samuel Parker for Christ Martin in 1863; Part of Section 30 by George Skinner in 1865; part of Section 25 by Peter Wannemacher in 1874; resurvey of part of Section 19 by Aaron Overbeck for Max Winkleman in 1892; another addition to Section 19 by D. W. Seitz for Peter Wannemacher in 1894. These surveys are an indication of the rapid growth of the little community.
Town Incorporation
In 1890 the town of Ottoville was incorporated with the following officers. Mayor, Joseph Wannemacher; Clerk, J. C. Wannemacher; Marshal, John Brandehoff; Treasurer, Matt Schulien; Councilmen: G. H. Otte, Peter Wannemacher, Benedict Wannemacher, J. J. Miller, J. B. Mersman, and William Gasser. The village lies in the midst of a prosperous farming community. The business interests of the town have always rested in the hands of progressive and capable men, who from the earliest days assisted the community materially, so that Ottoville was one of a few towns in Putnam County that could boast an increase in population in 1910 over that of 1900. The bank in the community is a sound and progressive institution, ever ready to serve the public. A fully equipped modern flour mill, one of the finest General Stores in rural Northwestern Ohio, a tile mill producing ware of excellent grade, a Quality Chick Hatchery, together with a varied array of up-to-date stores, that fully meet the demands of the buying public, are located in “old Sixteen on the Canal”. The village boasts fine streets, with towering shade trees flanking both sides of the streets, a modern fire department, and efficient electric light and power service furnished by The Ohio Power Co. The community has up-to-date modern school buildings serving the needs of a consolidated School System whose annual enrollment exceeds the 500 pupil mark. It maintains a First Class High School with a complete Commercial Department.
The management of the Corporation’s affairs has always been under the guidance of men with judgment and foresight. The present officials whose conduct of their respective offices has merited state approval are as follows: Mayor, L. W. Heckman; Clerk, Leander Wannemacher; Treasurer, Gerald Kromer; Marshal, Henry Perrin; Councilmen: George Rieger, Frank King, Ludwig Weber, J. P. Wurst, Adolph Miller, and Joseph Schwertner. These are men who are neither too radical nor too conservative. They are but representatives of the masses, a personnel alive to the community’s needs, and proud of the sterling worth of its ancestry.
The Great Canal
Among the many factors that have contributed in great measure to the material advancement of this pioneer community, was the Miami and Erie Canal. In 1818 Governor Brown of Ohio called attention to the need of public improvements. In 1820 a commission was appointed, which made a report to the legislative Assembly In 1821-1822 the subject of canals was taken into consideration, and on January 27, 1823, an Act was passed authorizing examination of the most practical and feasible routes for a canal from Lake Erie to the Ohio River.
Three surveys were made, one along the west bank of The Auglaize, one along the present site, and a third three miles further west. The surveyors were Col. Asa Moore, followed by Col. Howard Stansberry. The State of Ohio granted one-half of five sections in width on each side of the canal, a total of 1,230,512.92 acres, the proceeds of the sale thereof netting the sum of $2,257,487.32. Work on digging the canal was begun on July 21, 1825, but due to disease, chills, fever, and the ague it progressed very slowly indeed. These drawbacks, added to almost impassable conditions in the rainy season, postponed the completion date of the canal to June 1845, almost twenty years later, although it had been completed between Cincinnati and Dayton by 1835. All was not rosy in the building of the same. In the annual report dated January 2, 1843, the commissioners reported that for a period of fifteen months no money had been paid to the contractors, and that there was due about $500,000. The total cost of constructing the canal including the St. Mary’s Reservoir was $8,062,680. St. Mary’s Reservoir covering 15,748 acres cost $582,222.07.
The first canal boat named Marshal, owned by Kirk Lawlor and Company of Piqua, and loaded with furs and pelts, made the trip from Piqua to Toledo and Passed through Ottoville on July 4, 1845. Upon the authority of Mr. Oliver Seller, Who for years operated a State Boat and who is still living in Ottoville, the following pertinent facts inform us that in 1862, when a break occurred in Lock 16, it half day of repairing caused fifty boats to lie idle waiting their turn to ship through the lock. The boats were towed by horses and mules using from one to four to a boat. At feeding time or when a change was made, the animals were led into the boat by means of a drawbridge, where they were fed in quarters stationed in the middle of the barges. The canal was from sixty to seventy feet wide and from six to eight feet deep. Boats were permitted to load down to a depth of three feet, excess loading being punishable by a line. The lock lifts varied from six to sixteen feet. The trip from Ottoville to Toledo took from two and one-half to three days. In later days steam packets began to ply up and down.
The canal was a real lodestone for early pioneers, both because of the transportation facilities offered, and because its construction gave a most desirable opportunity for labor. The wages paid were twenty-five cents per day, which, though small, proved at times the difference between life and starvation. The lands of the pioneers were cleared of timber, which was shipped by canal and turned into Hoop-poles, Stave-bolts, Heading-bolts, Cordwood, Ship-timber, Saw. logs, and Railroad ties. Rentals for water-power privileges at times were sufficient to meet the general running expenses. One can get an idea of the magnitude of canal operations in its balmy days by stating that the citizens of Delphos, then a pioneer settlement, owned at least forty-four canal boats, besides about ten packet boats. Much grain and lumber was shipped for lake transportation. All the early manufacturers used the water-power of the canal. Every industry needed to supply the demands of pioneer days was to be found along its banks. Without attempting to cite all, the nature of a few might be interesting indeed: Sawmills, Stave and Heading factories, Excelsior Mills, Brickyards, Ashery, Grain Elevators, Cooperages, Shipbuilding Yards and Drydocks, Flour Mills, Hoop-pole yards, Packing Houses, Liquor Warehouses, Wagon Works, Woolen Mills, Shingle Factory, Shoe-peg Factory, Distillery, Paper Mill, Planing Mill and Lumber Yards. Unquestionably, the Canal proved the artery of life sustenance in pioneer times. The last boat to make the run through to Toledo was a pleasure boat called. “Marguerite”, of Delphos. For many years thereafter it was owned by a Delphos Stock Company, and lay moored, fast aground, between First Street and The Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge in that city.
Schools
The first officers of the township, it will be remembered, created two school districts. The first primitive log structure, rudely equipped, was erected on a lot west of the present cemetery. The first teachers engaged to serve the needs of the pioneer settlement were Messrs. Exener, Hohlbein, and Budendick, the latter also serving as organist and choir director. Mr. Reisfelder followed Mr. Budendick and taught here many years. On March 8, 1869, the village of Ottoville was organized into a special School District. The following year a new schoolhouse was erected on the present site of the Van Oss Blacksmith Shop by Mr. Bernard Helmkamp for the sum of $740. Mr. Reisfelder' taught the school at $40.00 per month. William Reckart, Mathias Wrocklage, and Charles Wannemacher comprised the Board of Education. The first local Board of Examiners consisting of Rev. Michael Mueller, Mathias Wrocklage, and Peter Wannemacher functioned in 1871. As the number of pupils had increased considerably, a second teacher was engaged; and the Sutter School, one and one-half miles south of town was started. This school was kept in operation from 1880 to 1920. The following teachers taught in these schools until 1895: Sam Fritz, Lee Taylor, Louis Odenweller, Adelbert Ehrnsberger, Emma Rekart, Anton Limbach, Ella Swyze, Theresa Wannemacher, J. C. Wannemacher, John B. Gard, Henry Brox, John Vollmeyer. John Odenweller, Lou Kimmerle, Oscar Peters, Hortense Metcalfe, W. J. LehmKuhle, Alois Gruber, G. A. Fink, Millie Schimmoeller, Anna E. Schirack, J. J. Falter, E. J. Kiefer, L. N. Wagner, and August Heckman. In 1895 the contract for a new schoolhouse of four rooms was let for $5884. Three of the rooms were in use at the time, August Heckman being the principal and L. N. Wagner and Mary Straman teachers. Doctor Felix Harman, now dev 9‘1 ed. taught the Sutter School at this time. Mr. Atke was principal of the 01’“, 1899, followed by Mr. Wagner in 1900. Mr. Benning became Superintendent in 1903. In 1902 the Board engaged the Sisters of the Precious Blood to teach the lower grades. The first Sisters were Sr. M. Magna, and Sr. M. Louise. Site, sisters took up the work and have been in. charge ever since. The good effects of their teaching soon manifested itself. Two rooms were added to the building and instruction in High School subjects was offered. Mr. Benning took charge of the higher classes until 1909, when he assumed the superintendency of the Glandorf Schools where he is at this writing. .
Following in the footsteps of Mr. Benning, Mr. F. J. Uhrich became superintendent. The High School was organized first as third grade in 1909, the following year a second grade, and in 1914 a first grade charter was granted. In 1910 Mr. Leo Gerken was engaged as high school principal, but was succeeded the following year by L. W. Heckman, who has served the schools in this capacity ever since. During this period, the following high school teachers have assisted ably to enable the schools to forge into the forefront of educational circles: J. P. Weninger, Norbert Lee, Edwin Bichler, Leo Walters, James C. Sexton, Sr. M. Simplicia, Sr. M. Feliciana, Sr. M. Lucina, Miss Kathryn White, and Miss Nora Quinn, who at present has charge of the Commercial Department. The enrollment for 1933-1934 was upwards of five hundred pupils, about ninety of them being in the High School.
Besides the Village School System there were established five rural schools as follows: Second Special District, maintaining the Eickholt School and the Brox School; the Antioch School, the Douglas School and the Muntana School. In 1926 these various school units were merged into the Ottoville School District, a new Parish Building erected, which together with the old building serve the needs of the entire community. The schools under the guidance and the supervision of able men and women have contributed immeasurably to the progress and uplift of the community at large.
Religious Worship
In portraying the inception, the rise, development and progress of any unit in our social life, a prominent position to the religious element is essential. There is no other force that is quite as potent in building up a sane and sound civilization as that of the Church. We of the Twentieth Century owe a great debt of gratitude to those early pioneers who preserved the Faith and gave it to their descendants as their most precious inheritance.
`The beginning of this little pioneer community was not very pretentious; for during the first three years the little flock formed only an outpost of Delphos, and their spiritual needs were administered to by Father Bredeick of that place. However, in 1848, the few families were constituted into a Parish of their own. To trace the course of events of this Parish to the present would fill a volume itself. However, as time and space forbid, we shall recount briefly the outstanding events of the Immaculate Conception Parish of Ottoville, which is inseparably linked with the progress of Ottoville and Monterey township.
The first church was erected in 1850 through the generosity of Father Bredeick, and was a two-story frame structure 36 feet by 20 feet. In 1863 this building was sold for $225 to Herman Frecker. After passing through various hands, it is now owned by F. F. Vincke, and still stands on his lot, undoubtedly the most venerable old building in Ottoville. Father Bredeick upon his death, August 19, 1858, was followed by Father Westerholt, who started the erection of the second church, a frame structure 80 by 40 by 26 feet with a spire 100 feet high.
With the removal of Father Westerholt to St. Peter’s, Cleveland, a transfer of the Ottoville mission was made from Delphos to Fort Jennings, whose resident Pastor, Father Goebbels, took over the new charge and completed the Work building the new church begun by his predecessor. He also engaged Mn Helmkamp to erect the first parsonage at a cost of $700. This wise move resulted in a change for Ottoville from a mission to an independent Parish unit. Rev. Anton J. Abel was the first resident pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. Best, both of whom, however, remained but a short time from December 1864 to February 1868. From 1868 when Rev. Michael Mueller assumed the pastorate up to his death on January 27, 1900, the entire history of this community is characterized and impressed deeply with the activity, inspiration, and ardent zeal of this great leader and shepherd whose memory still lives in our midst. Half of the present membership of this parish were either baptized by him, received First Holy Communion from his hands, or were united in holy wedlock by him.
Father Mueller’s personality served as a magnet to new and incoming settlers, so that in the short space of twenty years it became necessary to erect a new church in order to serve the needs of the peeple.
Father Mueller engaged Mr. Druiding of Chicago to draw the plans of the present Church, which he did for the sum of $8800. These were approved, work was begun, and progressed so rapidly that On June 7, 1885, the cornerstone was laid. The building was erected at a cost of $51,000, exclusive of labor and materials donated by the parishioners. The debt remaining at the time of dedication was $5900, which is ample proof that the people made great and heroic sacrifices. The building, of pure Gothic design, is a masterpiece, one of the two finest examples of Gothic architecture in the United States. As long as its imposing spires will rear their lofty heads in our midst, the name of Father Mueller will be revered.
It was a strange coincidence that the turn of the Century should mark also the closing career of the pioneer, Father Mueller, and that with the dawn of a new era, a new pastor in the person of Rev. J. B. Mertes should usher in a remarkable career of twenty years, filled with activities and events of far-reaching significance.
In 1903 the present parsonage was completed at a cost of $9874.01. In the same year Father Mertes engaged the present Sisters of the Precious Blood to teach in the grades. We shall probably never fully realize the countless blessings which have been brought upon us by bringing into our midst the example and the influence of these saintly women and entrusting into their charge the plastic minds and hearts and souls of the children of our community.
Father Mertes’ Pastorate also ushered in the period of Curates or Assistants which, due to the ever increasing numbers of parishioners, despite the separation of Cloverdale and Kalida as separate parishes, became an urgent necessity. Undoubtedly the list of our curates have played an important part in shaping our destinies and serving our needs.
During these years our parish property Was greatly improved within and without, which inspired the village in general to following the guidance and leadership of Father Mertes. It marks an era as it were, when the Parish became filled with a love of beauty and set out to carry their ideals into execution. The parsonage was built, lawns were laid out, sidewalks built, teachers’ house remodeled, new pews were placed, a new communion railing of brass and marble acquired; the Sisters’ residence was built; a new pipe organ installed, clocks Were placed in the steeples; electric lights installed; a community hall built; the interior of the Church frescoed and redecorated; twelve new Art Glass Windows were installed. These improvements besides a host of minor ones resulted in a transformation that might have seemed astounding even to Father Mueller, the builder of the Church, could he have returned.
In August 1920, good Father Mertes, weighted down by incurable afflictions, resigned his charge which was filled on October 28, 1920 by the present Pastor, Rev. J. S. Arnoldi, the lover of children. Father Arnoldi has done great and many things in the years he has spent in our midst, deeds that will fix their indelible marks on our future. The various Parish sodalities were canonically established, the Association of the Holy Children was formed, and a Council of the Knights of Columbus was established. His crowning work resulted in the movement which consolidated the many school units into the Ottoville School District, the pupils of which are housed in the new School Building, a structure built under his guidance for the intellectual, Social, and religious improvement of the youth of our Parish. Many and varied are the other activities which Father Arnoldi’s vision constantly foresees, each one of which adds a new charm or fills a gaping need in our midst. His latest is the enlarging, laying out, and landscaping of the Parish cemetery, which promises to be a beauty spot of which his parishioners may well feel proud.
Due to the limited space allotted this phase of our history, the writer is compelled to bring it to a close. We have observed how the tiny acorn grew into a mighty oak; amidst poverty, sickness, and hardships, the leaders of pioneer life toiled indefatigably. It was their good fortune that there were some maladies from which they kept aloof, namely every hatred and pride, the bane of every community. Peace, harmony, and brotherly love, combined with a genuine lively faith, were the common characteristics of all, which if zealously guarded by the present and future generations, will redound. to the well being of the community at large.
The management of the Corporation’s affairs has always been under the guidance of men with judgment and foresight. The present officials whose conduct of their respective offices has merited state approval are as follows: Mayor, L. W. Heckman; Clerk, Leander Wannemacher; Treasurer, Gerald Kromer; Marshal, Henry Perrin; Councilmen: George Rieger, Frank King, Ludwig Weber, J. P. Wurst, Adolph Miller, and Joseph Schwertner. These are men who are neither too radical nor too conservative. They are but representatives of the masses, a personnel alive to the community’s needs, and proud of the sterling worth of its ancestry.
The Great Canal
Among the many factors that have contributed in great measure to the material advancement of this pioneer community, was the Miami and Erie Canal. In 1818 Governor Brown of Ohio called attention to the need of public improvements. In 1820 a commission was appointed, which made a report to the legislative Assembly In 1821-1822 the subject of canals was taken into consideration, and on January 27, 1823, an Act was passed authorizing examination of the most practical and feasible routes for a canal from Lake Erie to the Ohio River.
Three surveys were made, one along the west bank of The Auglaize, one along the present site, and a third three miles further west. The surveyors were Col. Asa Moore, followed by Col. Howard Stansberry. The State of Ohio granted one-half of five sections in width on each side of the canal, a total of 1,230,512.92 acres, the proceeds of the sale thereof netting the sum of $2,257,487.32. Work on digging the canal was begun on July 21, 1825, but due to disease, chills, fever, and the ague it progressed very slowly indeed. These drawbacks, added to almost impassable conditions in the rainy season, postponed the completion date of the canal to June 1845, almost twenty years later, although it had been completed between Cincinnati and Dayton by 1835. All was not rosy in the building of the same. In the annual report dated January 2, 1843, the commissioners reported that for a period of fifteen months no money had been paid to the contractors, and that there was due about $500,000. The total cost of constructing the canal including the St. Mary’s Reservoir was $8,062,680. St. Mary’s Reservoir covering 15,748 acres cost $582,222.07.
The first canal boat named Marshal, owned by Kirk Lawlor and Company of Piqua, and loaded with furs and pelts, made the trip from Piqua to Toledo and Passed through Ottoville on July 4, 1845. Upon the authority of Mr. Oliver Seller, Who for years operated a State Boat and who is still living in Ottoville, the following pertinent facts inform us that in 1862, when a break occurred in Lock 16, it half day of repairing caused fifty boats to lie idle waiting their turn to ship through the lock. The boats were towed by horses and mules using from one to four to a boat. At feeding time or when a change was made, the animals were led into the boat by means of a drawbridge, where they were fed in quarters stationed in the middle of the barges. The canal was from sixty to seventy feet wide and from six to eight feet deep. Boats were permitted to load down to a depth of three feet, excess loading being punishable by a line. The lock lifts varied from six to sixteen feet. The trip from Ottoville to Toledo took from two and one-half to three days. In later days steam packets began to ply up and down.
The canal was a real lodestone for early pioneers, both because of the transportation facilities offered, and because its construction gave a most desirable opportunity for labor. The wages paid were twenty-five cents per day, which, though small, proved at times the difference between life and starvation. The lands of the pioneers were cleared of timber, which was shipped by canal and turned into Hoop-poles, Stave-bolts, Heading-bolts, Cordwood, Ship-timber, Saw. logs, and Railroad ties. Rentals for water-power privileges at times were sufficient to meet the general running expenses. One can get an idea of the magnitude of canal operations in its balmy days by stating that the citizens of Delphos, then a pioneer settlement, owned at least forty-four canal boats, besides about ten packet boats. Much grain and lumber was shipped for lake transportation. All the early manufacturers used the water-power of the canal. Every industry needed to supply the demands of pioneer days was to be found along its banks. Without attempting to cite all, the nature of a few might be interesting indeed: Sawmills, Stave and Heading factories, Excelsior Mills, Brickyards, Ashery, Grain Elevators, Cooperages, Shipbuilding Yards and Drydocks, Flour Mills, Hoop-pole yards, Packing Houses, Liquor Warehouses, Wagon Works, Woolen Mills, Shingle Factory, Shoe-peg Factory, Distillery, Paper Mill, Planing Mill and Lumber Yards. Unquestionably, the Canal proved the artery of life sustenance in pioneer times. The last boat to make the run through to Toledo was a pleasure boat called. “Marguerite”, of Delphos. For many years thereafter it was owned by a Delphos Stock Company, and lay moored, fast aground, between First Street and The Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge in that city.
Schools
The first officers of the township, it will be remembered, created two school districts. The first primitive log structure, rudely equipped, was erected on a lot west of the present cemetery. The first teachers engaged to serve the needs of the pioneer settlement were Messrs. Exener, Hohlbein, and Budendick, the latter also serving as organist and choir director. Mr. Reisfelder followed Mr. Budendick and taught here many years. On March 8, 1869, the village of Ottoville was organized into a special School District. The following year a new schoolhouse was erected on the present site of the Van Oss Blacksmith Shop by Mr. Bernard Helmkamp for the sum of $740. Mr. Reisfelder' taught the school at $40.00 per month. William Reckart, Mathias Wrocklage, and Charles Wannemacher comprised the Board of Education. The first local Board of Examiners consisting of Rev. Michael Mueller, Mathias Wrocklage, and Peter Wannemacher functioned in 1871. As the number of pupils had increased considerably, a second teacher was engaged; and the Sutter School, one and one-half miles south of town was started. This school was kept in operation from 1880 to 1920. The following teachers taught in these schools until 1895: Sam Fritz, Lee Taylor, Louis Odenweller, Adelbert Ehrnsberger, Emma Rekart, Anton Limbach, Ella Swyze, Theresa Wannemacher, J. C. Wannemacher, John B. Gard, Henry Brox, John Vollmeyer. John Odenweller, Lou Kimmerle, Oscar Peters, Hortense Metcalfe, W. J. LehmKuhle, Alois Gruber, G. A. Fink, Millie Schimmoeller, Anna E. Schirack, J. J. Falter, E. J. Kiefer, L. N. Wagner, and August Heckman. In 1895 the contract for a new schoolhouse of four rooms was let for $5884. Three of the rooms were in use at the time, August Heckman being the principal and L. N. Wagner and Mary Straman teachers. Doctor Felix Harman, now dev 9‘1 ed. taught the Sutter School at this time. Mr. Atke was principal of the 01’“, 1899, followed by Mr. Wagner in 1900. Mr. Benning became Superintendent in 1903. In 1902 the Board engaged the Sisters of the Precious Blood to teach the lower grades. The first Sisters were Sr. M. Magna, and Sr. M. Louise. Site, sisters took up the work and have been in. charge ever since. The good effects of their teaching soon manifested itself. Two rooms were added to the building and instruction in High School subjects was offered. Mr. Benning took charge of the higher classes until 1909, when he assumed the superintendency of the Glandorf Schools where he is at this writing. .
Following in the footsteps of Mr. Benning, Mr. F. J. Uhrich became superintendent. The High School was organized first as third grade in 1909, the following year a second grade, and in 1914 a first grade charter was granted. In 1910 Mr. Leo Gerken was engaged as high school principal, but was succeeded the following year by L. W. Heckman, who has served the schools in this capacity ever since. During this period, the following high school teachers have assisted ably to enable the schools to forge into the forefront of educational circles: J. P. Weninger, Norbert Lee, Edwin Bichler, Leo Walters, James C. Sexton, Sr. M. Simplicia, Sr. M. Feliciana, Sr. M. Lucina, Miss Kathryn White, and Miss Nora Quinn, who at present has charge of the Commercial Department. The enrollment for 1933-1934 was upwards of five hundred pupils, about ninety of them being in the High School.
Besides the Village School System there were established five rural schools as follows: Second Special District, maintaining the Eickholt School and the Brox School; the Antioch School, the Douglas School and the Muntana School. In 1926 these various school units were merged into the Ottoville School District, a new Parish Building erected, which together with the old building serve the needs of the entire community. The schools under the guidance and the supervision of able men and women have contributed immeasurably to the progress and uplift of the community at large.
Religious Worship
In portraying the inception, the rise, development and progress of any unit in our social life, a prominent position to the religious element is essential. There is no other force that is quite as potent in building up a sane and sound civilization as that of the Church. We of the Twentieth Century owe a great debt of gratitude to those early pioneers who preserved the Faith and gave it to their descendants as their most precious inheritance.
`The beginning of this little pioneer community was not very pretentious; for during the first three years the little flock formed only an outpost of Delphos, and their spiritual needs were administered to by Father Bredeick of that place. However, in 1848, the few families were constituted into a Parish of their own. To trace the course of events of this Parish to the present would fill a volume itself. However, as time and space forbid, we shall recount briefly the outstanding events of the Immaculate Conception Parish of Ottoville, which is inseparably linked with the progress of Ottoville and Monterey township.
The first church was erected in 1850 through the generosity of Father Bredeick, and was a two-story frame structure 36 feet by 20 feet. In 1863 this building was sold for $225 to Herman Frecker. After passing through various hands, it is now owned by F. F. Vincke, and still stands on his lot, undoubtedly the most venerable old building in Ottoville. Father Bredeick upon his death, August 19, 1858, was followed by Father Westerholt, who started the erection of the second church, a frame structure 80 by 40 by 26 feet with a spire 100 feet high.
With the removal of Father Westerholt to St. Peter’s, Cleveland, a transfer of the Ottoville mission was made from Delphos to Fort Jennings, whose resident Pastor, Father Goebbels, took over the new charge and completed the Work building the new church begun by his predecessor. He also engaged Mn Helmkamp to erect the first parsonage at a cost of $700. This wise move resulted in a change for Ottoville from a mission to an independent Parish unit. Rev. Anton J. Abel was the first resident pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. Best, both of whom, however, remained but a short time from December 1864 to February 1868. From 1868 when Rev. Michael Mueller assumed the pastorate up to his death on January 27, 1900, the entire history of this community is characterized and impressed deeply with the activity, inspiration, and ardent zeal of this great leader and shepherd whose memory still lives in our midst. Half of the present membership of this parish were either baptized by him, received First Holy Communion from his hands, or were united in holy wedlock by him.
Father Mueller’s personality served as a magnet to new and incoming settlers, so that in the short space of twenty years it became necessary to erect a new church in order to serve the needs of the peeple.
Father Mueller engaged Mr. Druiding of Chicago to draw the plans of the present Church, which he did for the sum of $8800. These were approved, work was begun, and progressed so rapidly that On June 7, 1885, the cornerstone was laid. The building was erected at a cost of $51,000, exclusive of labor and materials donated by the parishioners. The debt remaining at the time of dedication was $5900, which is ample proof that the people made great and heroic sacrifices. The building, of pure Gothic design, is a masterpiece, one of the two finest examples of Gothic architecture in the United States. As long as its imposing spires will rear their lofty heads in our midst, the name of Father Mueller will be revered.
It was a strange coincidence that the turn of the Century should mark also the closing career of the pioneer, Father Mueller, and that with the dawn of a new era, a new pastor in the person of Rev. J. B. Mertes should usher in a remarkable career of twenty years, filled with activities and events of far-reaching significance.
In 1903 the present parsonage was completed at a cost of $9874.01. In the same year Father Mertes engaged the present Sisters of the Precious Blood to teach in the grades. We shall probably never fully realize the countless blessings which have been brought upon us by bringing into our midst the example and the influence of these saintly women and entrusting into their charge the plastic minds and hearts and souls of the children of our community.
Father Mertes’ Pastorate also ushered in the period of Curates or Assistants which, due to the ever increasing numbers of parishioners, despite the separation of Cloverdale and Kalida as separate parishes, became an urgent necessity. Undoubtedly the list of our curates have played an important part in shaping our destinies and serving our needs.
During these years our parish property Was greatly improved within and without, which inspired the village in general to following the guidance and leadership of Father Mertes. It marks an era as it were, when the Parish became filled with a love of beauty and set out to carry their ideals into execution. The parsonage was built, lawns were laid out, sidewalks built, teachers’ house remodeled, new pews were placed, a new communion railing of brass and marble acquired; the Sisters’ residence was built; a new pipe organ installed, clocks Were placed in the steeples; electric lights installed; a community hall built; the interior of the Church frescoed and redecorated; twelve new Art Glass Windows were installed. These improvements besides a host of minor ones resulted in a transformation that might have seemed astounding even to Father Mueller, the builder of the Church, could he have returned.
In August 1920, good Father Mertes, weighted down by incurable afflictions, resigned his charge which was filled on October 28, 1920 by the present Pastor, Rev. J. S. Arnoldi, the lover of children. Father Arnoldi has done great and many things in the years he has spent in our midst, deeds that will fix their indelible marks on our future. The various Parish sodalities were canonically established, the Association of the Holy Children was formed, and a Council of the Knights of Columbus was established. His crowning work resulted in the movement which consolidated the many school units into the Ottoville School District, the pupils of which are housed in the new School Building, a structure built under his guidance for the intellectual, Social, and religious improvement of the youth of our Parish. Many and varied are the other activities which Father Arnoldi’s vision constantly foresees, each one of which adds a new charm or fills a gaping need in our midst. His latest is the enlarging, laying out, and landscaping of the Parish cemetery, which promises to be a beauty spot of which his parishioners may well feel proud.
Due to the limited space allotted this phase of our history, the writer is compelled to bring it to a close. We have observed how the tiny acorn grew into a mighty oak; amidst poverty, sickness, and hardships, the leaders of pioneer life toiled indefatigably. It was their good fortune that there were some maladies from which they kept aloof, namely every hatred and pride, the bane of every community. Peace, harmony, and brotherly love, combined with a genuine lively faith, were the common characteristics of all, which if zealously guarded by the present and future generations, will redound. to the well being of the community at large.
My gggggrandfather was Harvey Bacon.
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