Selected Families and Individuals

Notes


Jesse R. Howell

At the time of the 1920 census, Jesse R. Howell (27) and his wife Regina E. (24) rented a home at 176 Alley 16 (near 18th St.) where they lived with their children Donald J. (5), Robert C. (3 yrs 6 mos), and Syvilla M. (4 mos). None of the children attended school. According to the census, Jesse was born in Pennsylvania; Regina and the children were from West Virginia. Jesse's father and mother were natives of Ohio and West Virginia, respectively. Regina's parents were German.

In 1930, Jesse (38) and Regina (35) Howell rented a house for $10 a month at 179 Alley 16 (near 18th St.) in Wheeling's Fourth Ward. Living with them were their children, Robert (13), Savilla (10), Clarence (3) and Flora (3 mos). The two older children attended school. Jesse was employed as a general hauling driver. Jesse was a native of Pennsylvania, as was his father. Everyone else in the home was born in West Virginia, as was Jesse's mother. Regina'sthe parents were German, according to the census.


Donald J. Howell

died at age 6 or 7


Charles Frederick Gruber

On June 5, 1917, 28 year old Charles F. Gruber of 14 Alley 3, Wheeling, W. Va. registered for the U.S. military draft. His draft registration card indicated that he was born in Wheeling on Oct. 12 1888 and that he had a wife and two children. Charles worked as a photographer for the Wheeling Mould Foundry Company. He claimed exemption from the draft on the grounds that he suffered from asthma. Charles was described as being of medium height and build with brown eyes and brown hair.

In 1920, Charles F. Gruber (31) and his wife Bertha O. (27) were renters at 409 Warwood (?) Ave. in Richland, part of Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia. The owners of the home, who also lived there, were William (62) and Emma (48) Gruber. These may have been Charles' parents. Also living in the home were Charles' sons, Wilbert C. (4 yrs 9 mos) and Charles F. (2 yrs 9 mos.). Everyone in the home was a native of West Virginia except William, who was from Pennsylvania. The parents of William, Emma and Bertha were German. Charles' father and mother were from Pennsylvania and West Virginia, respectively., which supports the theory that William and Emma were his parents. Charles worked as a photographer in a shop. William was employed as a stogie maker in a shop.


Wilber C. Gruber

Wilber Gruber never married.


Harry Byerly

According to Thomas Singer, Harry Byerly was a widower with children when he married widow Ottilia Singer Gruber. Together, they had one child. This information is not supported by the 1930 census.

In 1930, Harry Byerly (40) and his wife Bertha (38) rented a home for $20 a month at 76 Main (?) St. in Wheeling, WV. Living with them were Bertha's children from her first marriage, Wilbur Gruber (15), Charles Gruber (13) and Catherine Gruber (9). All of the children attended school. According to the census, Harry was 38 years old when he was first married, and Bertha was 21 at the time of her first marriage. This indicates that this was the first marriage for Harry, but not for Bertha. Harry was from Pennsylvania, as were his parents. Everyone else in the household was a native of West Virginia, as was the children's late father. Harry was employed as a worker in a glass factory.


William Joseph Watson

On 5 Jun 1917, 26 year old William Joseph Watson of 1442 High, Benwood, Mashall County, West Virginia registered for the US military draft. His registration card stated that he was born on Dec 5, 1890, in Benwood. He was not married. William was employed as a machinist at an Engineering and Equipment Co. in Wheeling. He was described as being short and stout with dark eyes and light hair.

At the time of the 1930 census, Willaim J. Watson (39) and his wife Clara (39) owned a home worth $3800 at 439 Main St. in Benwood, Marshall County, West Virginia. Other members of the household were their children, June (9) and Jack (7) and Clara's widowed mother Elizabeth Singer (76). Both of the children attended school. Everyone in the home was a native of West Virginia except Elizabeth, who was Geman. William's parents were English. William worked as a repairman in a shoe shop.

On 27 Apr 1942, 51 year old William Joseph Watson registered for the US military draft a second time. He lived at 2707 Chapline St. in Wheeling and stated that Mrs. Clara Watson of the same address was the person who would always know his whereabouts. William was employed by the Benwood Mill of Wheeling Steel. William was 5'6", 140 lbs., with blue eyes, brown hair and a ruddy complexion.

Later, the family lived in Elm Grove, WV.


Clara Philomena Singer

Clara told her daughter about her childhood when she lived with some of her 16 siblings in a small house that consisted of two rooms on the ground floor and a sleeping loft. The floor of the loft had a hole in it, and one time when Clara was dancing about in the loft, she fell through the hole on to her parents' bed below. No injuries resulted.

In early 1920, Clara Singer (29) lived in Wheeling, WV with her widowed mother, brother John, and step-nephew Clarence. Clara was not employed outside the home.


George Emmert Rose

In 1910, George Rose (22) lived with his wife Frances (23) and son Charles M. (1 yr 1 mo.) in the home of his mother, Kate Rose (53) at the rear of 113 Elizabeth St. in Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia. George worked as a bottler for a brewery. George's brother Frank (18) and step-sister Irene (26) also lived in the house. Everyone in the household was a native of West Virginia except Kate, who was born in Ohio. Although Kate was listed as being married (for 23 years) her husband is not enumerated in the census with the family. According to the census, Frances had given birth to one child, and that child was still living.

On 5 Jun 1917, 30 year old George Emmert Rose of 1520 Warren, Wheeling WV registered for the US military draft. His draft registration card stated that he was born on Apr 23 1887 in Wheeling. George was employed as a truck driver for the Paul O. Reymann Co. in Wheeling. He stated that he was married with three children and that he had never been in military service. George was described as being of medium height and slender build, with brown eyes and black hair. He stated that he had previously had a broken collar bone.

By 1920, the family had purchased a house on Cedar Rocks in Triadelphia, Ohio Co., WV. The household consisted of George E. Rose (32), his wife Francis A. (32), and sons Charles M. (10), Lawrence J. (8), George J. (6), and Paul E. (3 years 5 mos). The three oldest boys attended school. George worked as a trick driver for a packing house.

At the time of the 1930 census, George (42) owned a farm worth $7500 on Valley Grove east of National Pike in Liberty District, Ohio County, WV. Also living in the household were his wife Francis (42), sons Charles (20), Lawrence (18), George (16), Paul (12), and Walter (10), and his widowed mother Katherine (74). The two youngest boys attended school. According to the census, everyone was a native of West Virginia. George worked as a farmer, and his three oldest sons were all dairy laborers. The family owned a radio set, unlike most of their neighbors.

On 27 Apr 1942, 55 year old George Emmert Rose of Valley Grove, Ohio Co., WV registered for the US military draft a second time. He stated that he had been born in East Wheeling on Apr 23 1887, and that Mrs. Frances Rose of Valley Grove WV would be a person who would always know his whereabouts. George was employed by William Wright of Short Creek, WV, but his occupation was not given. He was described as being 5'9", 190 lbs, with brown eyes, black hair and a ruddy complexion.


Paul E. Rose

Paul Rose never married.


John Michael Singer

In early 1920, John M. Singer (37) lived with his widowed mother, Catherine Singer (65). Other members of the household were John's sister Clara (29) and his step-nephew, Clarence Singer (15). John worked as a machinist in a iron mill.

At the time of the 1930 census, John Singer (50) and his wife May (40) owned a house worth $10,000 at 93 Lynnwood Ave. in Wheeling. Living with them were their daughter, Sylvia (8), son Theodore (6) and a 68 year old widowed servant named Elizabeth Blatt. The children both attended school. Everyone in the house was a native of West Virginia, as were May's parents. John and Elizabeth's parents were German. John worked as a cook in a restaurant; May was the manager of a studio (no details provided about the nature of the studio). The family of Oakford Gerald rented a portion of the house for $30 a month.

Notes of Thomas Singer of this couple state: "They were photographers in Wheeling. He was a grocery clerk at death."


Sylvina Singer

Entered the order of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Wheeling and took the name Sister Mary Daniel.


John Kuntz

In 1900, John (26) and Rosie (23) Kuntz rented a home at 121 Alley 16 in the Union district of Wheeling, WV. Living with them was their daughter Clara (3). Another child was deceased. John worked as a matcher in a sheet mill, but he had been unemployed for six months during the previous year. Rose's half-brother Joseph Singer lived next door. Many other relatives lived nearby.

In 1910, John (36) and Rosa (33) Kuntz owned a home at 1822 Woods St. in Wheeling. Living with them were their children Clara (13), Loretta (9), Catherine (7), Raymond (5), and Leonard (2). The three girls attended school. According to the census, Rosa had given birth to six children, one of whom was deceased. John worked as a heater in a tin mill.

On 12 Sep 1918, 44 year old John Kuntz of 1822 Woods St., Wheeling, WV registered for the US military draft. His draft registration card stated that he was born on 16 Mar 1874. John worked as a heater at Whitaker Glessner Co. in Wheeling. His nearest relative was his wife, Mrs. John Kuntz of the same address. John was described as being of medium height and stout with light hair and blue eyes. He had no obvious physical disabilities.

At the time of the 1920 census, John Kuntz (45) still owned the home at 1822 Woods St. in Wheeling. Other members of the household were his wife Rose C. (43) and children Loretta (18), Catherine (16), Raymond (14), Leonard (11), Lillian (8), Bernard (6), Rose Marie (4), and Imelda (1). All of the children attended school except Loretta, Rose Marie and Imelda. John was employed as a mill worker. Everyone in the house was a native of West Virginia except John, who was from Ohio. John and Rose's parents were German.

The family has not yet been found in the 1930 census.

From death certificate:
Name: John Kuntz
Residence: #159 - 18th Street, Wheeling, Ohio, West Va.
Age: 68 years 4 months 17 days
Occupation: Janitor High School
Birth: 16 Mar 1874, Ohio
Marital status: Married
Spouse: Rose Singer
Father: Joseph Kuntz, Germany
Mother: Catherine Knauer, Germany


Helen Kuntz

died in infancy


Lillian M. Kuntz

From the Wheeling Intelligencer, Friday 23 Dec 1932
LILLIAN KUNTZ AND LOUIS HOCHEVAR GUN VICTIMS
East Wheeling Girl and Ohio Man Found Dead in Parked Car
Tragedy Believed to Have Taken Place Thursday Afternoon on Rural Road Near Woodsfield, Ohio
Monroe County Officials Work on Theory Hochevar Killed Girl and Suicided Because of Spurned Love

The bodies of Miss Lillian Kuntz, 21, of 158-18th Street, Wheeling, and Louis Hochevar, 22, of Stop 23, Lansing, Ohio were found late Thursday afternoon in a parked auto on a remote rural road in Monroe County, Ohio. Both had died from similar gone wounds in the left temples. Officials declared the tragedy apparently was a murder and a suicide.

While there was no note found in the car, it is believed that unrequited love prompted the tragedy. Hochevar is said to have been infatuated with Miss Kuntz, an unusually attractive young woman. He is believed to have driven her to Woodsfield on the hope of influencing her to agree to securing a license to marry.

Miss Kuntz, unawares of the motive in the trip until they reached Monroe Co., is thought to have demurred and the tragedy followed. Though the tragedy is believed to have taken place early Thursday afternoon, it was not discovered until 4:30 o’clock. Investigation launched by Monroe County officials last night disclosed that the 1930 coupe, bearing license Ohio 982-031, had been seen at noon at Lewisville, Ohio.

BODIES TO WOODSFIELD

The bodies of the victims were removed to Woodsfield where identification was made. Later the remains of Miss Kuntz were brought to Altmeyer and sons, here, while the remains of Hochevar remained at the Galbraith funeral home at Woodsfield.

Hochevar was a truck driver for the home Pearl Laundry, while Miss Kuntz for the past five years had been employed in the office of the company.

The tragedy was discovered by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Shell, residents of near Lewisville. Mr. and Mrs. Shell, accompanied by Lee Shell, passed the couple parked at the edge of the road on the Woodsfield-Lewisville road about three miles from the latter place and some seven miles from Woodsfield at a place known as Middle Creek Thursday afternoon. They noticed the couple engaged in conversation in their car. The shells drove on to Woodsfield, looked after their business there and started home. About 4:30 o’clock they came across the car, sill parked just off the road. A glance indicated that something was wrong.

AUTHORITIES NOTIFIED

Mr. Shell went to the home of Frank Young, nearby and told him of the parked car. The latter, with his brother and sons, joined the Shells in an investigation. They in turn notified Sheriff W.J. Crawford. The latter with his brother, Deputy Clarence Crawford, went to the scene, and after an examination had the bodies removed to the Galbraith funeral home at Woodsfield. In the meantime, Prosecutor J. R. Sawyer, Jr. of Woodsfield and Coroner C.J. Feist of Clarington were called.

An examination disclosed that a revolver lay in the lap of Hochevar, while on the car floor under the feet of the pair were found two empty 32-caliber shells.

A bullet had entered the left temple of Miss Kuntz and emerged at the right ear. She sat the right of Hochevar, who was behind the wheel. Apparently he had ejected the cartridges that were found and then placed the gun to his own left temple and fired. The bullet also came out the right ear.

Neither apparent moved after being shot, but remained erect in the car.

ESTABLISHED IDENTIFICATION

Identification of the pair was established by letters to Miss Kuntz from Hochevar that she carried in her purse. There was no other note or paper, save for a copy of a song, “I’m yours for tonight”.

Prosecutor Sawyer, who with Coroner Feist opened the investigation last night, expressed the opinion that it was a case of murder and suicide, though formal will not be launched until today.

Hochevar is a son of Andrew Hochevar of Stop 23, Lansing, and left home as usual Thursday morning for work. The family were not aware of the tragedy until identification of the victims had been made at Woodsfield. Hochevar had apparently met Miss Kuntz at her lunch hour and induced her to take a ride with him in the hope of having her agree to a wedding.

In addition to his father, Hochevar is survived by his stepmother, and two sisters, Mrs. Alex Kaminsky of Wheeling and Mrs. Thomas Mercink, of Athens, Ohio. Andrew Hochevar, Democratic county commissioner-elect of Belmont county, is an uncle.

MISS KUNTZ POPULAR

Miss Kuntz was born in Wheeling December 27, 1910, a daughter of John Kuntz, custodian of St. Alphonsus church and Rose Singer Kuntz. She was unusually popular and particularly attractive. She would have celebrated her twenty-second birthday next Tuesday. She was a graduate of St. Alphonsus school and for the five years since her graduation she had been employed as a stenographer at the Pearl Home Laundry.

She was a member of St. Alphonsus church and of the Blessed Virgin Mary sodality. In addition to her parents, she is survived by 5 sisters: Mrs. Joseph Nolty of Proctor, W. Va.; Mrs. William Detwiller and Mrs. Harry Grob, both of Wheeling; the Misses Rosemary and Imelda Kuntz at home; four brothers, Raymond Kuntz of Steubenville; Leonard, Bernard and John Jr. at home; by her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Katherine Singer of Wheeling.

The body will be removed to the family home, 159-18th Street today from the Altmeyer and Sons funeral home. Private services will be conducted at the convenience of the family and interment will be made in Mt. Calvary cemetery.

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A follow-up notice appeared in the Wheeling Intelligencer on Monday, Dec 26, 1932

MISS LILLIAN KUNTZ BURIAL THIS MORNING

Private funeral services will be conducted this morning at 8:30 o’clock from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kuntz, 159-18th Street for Miss Lillian Kuntz, 21, victim of a suitor who killer her and then suicide last Thursday in an automobile in Woodsfield, Ohio.

A mass of requiem will be solemnized at 9 o’clock in St. Alphonsus church of which she was a devout member.

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From death certificate:
Name: Lillian Kuntz
Residence: 159 18th St., Wheeling, V. Va.
Age: 21 years 11 months 25 days
Occupation: Bookkeeper, Home Pearl Dry Cleaning, W. Va.
Birth: 27 Dec 1910Wheeling, W. Va.
Marital status: Single
Father: John Kuntz, W. Va.
Mother: Rose Singer, W. Va.
Informant: Mr. John Kuhntz, Wheeling W. Va.