Selected Families and Individuals

Notes


Henry Smith

Sources conflict on parents of Henry Smith (1831-1862), husband of Catherine Gertrude Dimmerling:
According to Dolores Snider, Henry is the son of immigrant Joseph Smith (1800-1866) and Katharina Schaad (1802 -?). Henry's siblings were Michael, Francis, John and Theresa, according to Ms. Snider. Delores Snider lists two Henry Smiths, both with fathers named Joseph Smith, both died in 1862. The only difference is the year of birth -- 1831 for one, and 1835 for the other. The dates of birth come from two different sources: the gravestone for the 1831 date, and the 1880 census for the 1835 birthdate.

Researcher Roger Schockling states that Henry is the son of a Joseph Smith who remained in Germany. His sources state that Henry's siblings were Ambrose Smith and Mary Ann Smith Kinnen. Mr. Schockling gathered this information from conversations with his grandparents.

Neither of these families have been found in the 1850 census. Records from the 1860 and subsequent censuses do not provide sufficient information to make a conclusive determination.

In 1860, 25 year old farmer Henry Smith lived in Enoch Twp., Noble County, Ohio with his 22 year old wife Gertrude and their three children Augustine (5), John (3), and Gertrude (1). Henry was born in "Wertemburgh" (Germany).

Delores Snider, In "St. Mary's -- 150 Years -- Fulda, OH" states that Henry Smith and his wife died in the same year (1862) at the ages of 27 and 24, respectively. In addition, two other men named Smith (Michael and Francis Smith) also died in 1862. The relationship between these men and Henry Smith is unproven, although Ms. Snider believes them to be brothers of Henry Smith.

Family historian Roger Schockling states that Henry Smith, his wife, and children John and Elizabeth all died of diptheria in 1862. The two surviving children, August and Gertrude, initially went to live with their maternal grandparents, August and Elizabeth Blake Dimmerling. (Roger Schockling obtained this information from conversations in the 1960s with Leo Jake Gerst, the youngest child of Philip and Mary Dimmerling Gerst.)


Catharina Gertrude Dimmerling

The 1850 and 1860 census entries for Catherine Gertrude (Dimmerling) Smith state that she was born in Pennsulvania.


John Smith

The 1910 census shows a 53 year old John E. Smith living with his 49 year old wife Sevilla A. in Noble Co., OH (ED 0122, visit 0156). Both John and Sevilla were born in Ohio. It is not known if this is the same John Smith.


Elizabeth Smith

Elizabeth died in childhood


Joseph Helfenbein

In 1870, 32 year old stone mason Joseph Helfenbein lived in Enoch Twp., Noble County, Ohio with his wife Mary (24) and twins Henry and Mary (5 mos). Although the census taker usually wrote down specific areas for German birthplaces (e.g., Hesse Cassel or Wurtemburg), only "Germany" is written for Joseph's birthplace. Everyone else in the household was born in Ohio. Joseph was not a citizen. He was able to read and write, although his wife could not. Joseph did not own any real estate; his personal possessions were valued at $900. Adjacent households in the census belonged to Leonard Hill and Joseph's brother-in-law Philip Gerst.

At the time of the 1880 census, widower Joseph Helfenbein (43) lived in Enoch Twp. with his five daughters: Mary Ann (10), Marda (8), Mary (6), Barbara (5), and Josephine (3). Also living in the household was a 10 (or 16?) year old Esta Fogle. Joseph was a stone mason. The adjacent farm in the census belonged to G. W. Addlesparger.

On 22 Mar 1883, the "Fulda" column of The Caldwell Citizens' Press reported:
Joseph Helfenbein's residence in Enoch township was destroyed by fire
on Sunday. The fire was communicated to the adjoining woods and quite
an amount of fences was destroyed. The wind was high and the fire was
extinguished with difficulty.


Elizabeth Dimmerling

In 1860, 15 year old Elizabeth Dmmerling lived and worked with her parents and siblings on the family farm in Enoch Twp., Noble County, Ohio. She attended school during the previous year.


Henry Joseph Dimmerling

In 1880, 28 year old farmer Henry Dimmerling lived in Enoch Twp., Noble County, Ohio with his wife Rosina (22) and their son Aloysious (1). Adjacent households in the census were those of Michael Blake and Jasper Harper.


Rosina Schwallie

In 1900, 40 year old widow Rosan Schwallie Dimmerling lived in Enoch Twp., Noble County, Ohio with her six children: Louis (21), Clemence (illeg.) (19), Milda (16), Celia (12), Charley (9), and Adam (7). The census states that all six of Rosan's children were living in 1900, but this conflicts with church records (Snider) which indicate that Rosan's first child, Ceceila, died shortly after birth in 1878. Rosan was born in Ohio to German-born parents. She could read and speak English, but could not write it.

In 1910, Roanna Schwallie Dimmerling lived with her three unmarried sons: Lewis (31), Clemence (29), and Charles (20).

On 1930, 73 year old widowed Rosina Dimmerling lived with her unmarried sons Luis (51) and Clem (49) on a farm she owned (value $1000) in Enoch Twp., Noble Co., Ohio. Also living with them was Rosina's daughter Mildred (47) and Mildred's husband Emil Miller (41). The occupation for all 3 male members of the household is listed as farmer. All members of the household were born in Ohio, Rosina's parents were born in Germany. The family did not own a radio set.

Rosina (Rose Ann) Schwallie Dimmerling's obituary appeared in The Zanesville (OH) Signal newspaper on January 13, 1933.
Mrs. Rose Ann Dimmerling, 75, widow of Henry Dimmerling,
Caldwell Rt. 1, died at the family home Wednesday evening at 8
o'clock after a heart attack. She had been out in the yard and
died shortly after coming into the house.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Celia Straus, Lebanon,
and Mrs. Mildred Miller of the home, and two sons, Lewis and
Clement of the home. The father and two sons preceded her in
death several years ago.
Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 9 o'clock at
Catholic church at Fulda in charge of Rev. Father Mattes.


Records conflict on date of birth: 12 Mar 1857 (Snider) vs. Oct 1859 (1900 census)


Lewis G. Dimmerling

In the 1880 census, Lewis was called Aloysius Dimmerling. In 1900, 21 year old Lewis Dimmerling lived and worked on his mother's farm in Enoch Twp., Noble County, Ohio.

Thirty one year old unmarried Lewis Dimmerling was listed as the head of household in the 1910 census. Other household members were his widowed mother and two younger brothers.

Louis Dimmerling's death certificate indicates that he was epileptic. This may be the reason he never married... the Catholic Church did not allow epileptics to marry.


Clemence P. Dimmerling

From the "Fulda" column of The Caldwell Citizens' Press on 31 Mar 1881:
Births:on the 24th, to Henry and Rosina Dimmerling, a son.

In 1900, 19 year old Lewis Dimmerling lived and worked on his mother's farm in Enoch Twp., Noble County, Ohio. Twenty-nine year old Clemence Dimmerling lived in the home of his older brother Lewis at the time of the 1910 census.

FARMER DIES OF CRASH INJURIES
CALDWELL, Aug 3 - Clem Dimmerling, 72, of Caldwell Rt. 4,
died at 3 p.m. today at St. Francis hospital of injuries sustained Sunday
when the auto in which he was riding was struck in the rear by another
car on U.S. Rt. 40 at Old Washington Sunday morning. He received severe
chest injuries in the crash.
Dimmerling, a farmer, was riding with a brother-in-law, Emil
Miller, 64, of Caldwell Rt. 2. Miller escaped injury.
Rauel Rangwirtz, 48, of New York city was charged with failing
to stop in an assured clear distance and released on $25 bond pending
arraignment on Aug. 25.
The son of Henry and Rose Ann Dimmerling, Mr. Dimmerling
lived his entire life in the Caldwell community. He was a member of St.
Mary Catholic church at Folda (sic).
Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Mildred Miller of Caldwell Rt. 4,
and Mrs. Cecilia Strous of Loveland, I.
Funeral services will be held at 9 o’clock Thursday morning at St.
Mary's Catholic church with Rev. Fr. B. J. Mattes officiating. Burial will be
in the church cemetery at Folda (sic).
The body is at the Estadt funeral home in Caldwell where friends
may call.


Charles F. Dimmerling

Twenty year old Charles Dimmerling (unmarried) lived with his older brothers Lewis and Clemence, and widowed mother at the time of the 1910 census.

Records conflict on year of birth: Jan 1891 (1900 census) vs.3 Jan 1890 (Snider).

At the time of his death in 1923, 33 year old Charles Dimmerling had been a resident of the Athens State Hospital for 1 year and 10 months.


Jean George Schwallie

Alt. date of birth 4 Apr 1804. Alt surname: Chevalier (sound-alike)

According to researcher Roger Schockling. George and Catherine Schwallie raised their family near the Henry Kinnen farm near Carlisle.

In 1850, 43 year old German-born farmer "George Swalley" lived in Malaga Twp., Monroe County, Ohio with his wife Catherine (40) and children John (22), George (20), Francis (18), Catherine (15), Michael (13), Mary (11), Christina (9), Lany (7), Peter (4), and Barbara (3 mos). Michael, Mary, Christina and Lany attended school. George's farm was valued at $500. Adjacent households in the census belonged to Henry Baw Jr. and Lewis Waller.


Catherine Weisend

Rough translation of text of French marriage record (courtesy of Gordon Schwallie and his Family History Center librarian):

Record of marriage, celebrated in the town hall of Obersteinbach, department of Bas-Rhin, by the mayor, at 4 p.m. on the 27th of February 1827.

GROOM: Jean George Schwalié, also called Chevalier, of age, born of legitimate marriage on 10 floreal year XII [30 Apr 1804] of the Republic, at Obersteinbach, living at Obersteinbach. Occupation: farmer.

Father of the groom: Bernard Schwalié, died in this village 12 December 1824
Mother of the groom: Christine Weber, died in this village 22 December 1813

BRIDE: Catherine Weisent, minor, born of legitimate marriage on 30 Jun 1809 at Obersteinbach, living at Obersteinbach

Father of the bride: Jacques Weisent, farmer at Obersteinbach
Mother of the bride, Marguerithe Kreuter, in this village, father and mother here present and consenting

Publication of banns having been made in this village, in the required form, and without any opposition, at the hour of noon, on Sundays 4 and 11 February last.

Witnesses:
Vanein Jochum, farmer, 28, non-relative
George Weick, farmer 60, non-relative
George Frédéric Bauer, 27, farmer, non relative
Nichoas Bauer, 36, farmer, non-relative

All four living in this village.


Emil Joseph Miller

Served in WWI:
Name: Emil J. Miller Serial Number: 3532356 Race: W
Residence: R. F. D. 1, Caldwell, O. Enlistment Division: National Army
Enlistment Location: Caldwell, O. Enlistment Date: 22 Jul 1918
Birth Place: Caldwell, O. Birth Date / Age: 29 Oct 1889
Assigns Comment: Co D 333 Infantry to 5 Oct 1918; Co A 140 Infantry to Discharge
Private Meuse-Argonne. American Expeditionary Forces 1 Sept 1918 to 28 Apr 1919.
Honorable discharge 9 May 1919.

In 1930, Emil and Mildred Miller lived with Mildred's widowed mother, Rosa Dimmerling, and two older brothers, Louis and Clem on Rosina's farm in Enoch Twp., Noble County, Ohio.

On 4 May 1953, 38 year old Raymond Kress was driving a tractor on Emil Miller's farm. Raymond was killed when the tractor struck a large rock and overturned, crushing him. Emil discovered Raymond's body several hours after his death.

Tragedy continued to haunt Emil Miller that year. On 3 Aug 1953 Emil and his brother-in-law Clem Dimmerling were riding in a car on Route 40 when the car was struck from behind. Clem suffered severe chest injuries and was killed. Emil escaped with minor injuries.


August W. Strauss

In 1910, August W. Strauss (28) and his bride Cecilia (22) lived on Oak Grove Road in Muskingum Twp., Washington County, Ohio. Both were natives of Ohio. The couple had no children. August's occupation was given as "gardener" in a "garden farm." Several men on the same page of the census had the same occupation, but others were called "farmers" on a "general farm."

By 1920, August and "Cheilia" had moved to California Twp., in Campbell County, Kentucky. August was a farmer on a general farm, according to the census. There were no children living in the household.

At the time of the 1930 census, August (49) and Celia (42) owned a farm worth $6000 on Union Cemetery Road in Symmes Twp., Hamilton County, Ohio (near Cincinnati). They had no children, but August's mother, Carie (76) and his unmarried sister, Mary (46) lived with him. Everyone in the household was a native of Ohio, according to the census. Carie Strauss' parents were from Germany. Next door was the family of Rudolph Strauss (60). The relationship between the two Strauss men is not known. August Strauss owned a radio set.


Maria Cecilia Dimmerling

Living in Loveland, Cleremont County, Ohio in 1953. She was still a resident of Loveland at the time of her death.


John Henry Hohman

In 1900, 19 year old John Hohman lived and worked on his parents farm in Enoch Twp., Noble County, Ohio. He was able to read, write, and speak English.

In 1910, 29 year old John Hohman lived in a home that he owned at 409 Seddon Ave. in North Braddock, PA with his 28 year old wife Lizzie and three children: Violet (5), James (2), and Gertrude (8 months). He was a self-employed contractor and carpenter.

After moving from Noble County, John H. Hohman built houses in Braddock, PA. John was a strict disiplinarian to his 11 children. The family was not well off Their neighbor Ed Schweinberg remembers that the children really didn't have much of a childhood. They worked hard constantly, and the older children took care of the younger ones. The Hohmans had a large plot of land on which they grew vegetables -- including lettuce, beans, carrots, and tomatoes -- which they sold to raise money.

At the time of the 1920 census, John Hohman (38) still lived at 409 Seddon Ave. Other members of the household were his wife Elizabeth M. (37) and children Violet H. (14), James B. (12), Gertrude A. (10), Alice M. (8), Adeline A. (6), Regis B. (4 yrs 3 mos), and Elmer M. (2 yrs 6 mos.). The oldest five children attended school. John's occupation was house carpenter. Adjacent homes belonged to Harry Good and fellow Fulda native and carpenter Ben Noll.

John Hohman died in a fall from a roof of a house he was working on. John H. Hohman's tombstone gives his year of birth as 1885. All other sources indicate that he was born in 1880.


Mary Elizabeth Dimmerling

Eighteen year old unmarried Mary Elizabeth Dimmerling is not listed with her parents and siblings at the time of the 1900 census.

According to the 1910 census, all three of Lizzie Dimmerling Hohman's children were still living.

Tombstone inscription:
Elizabeth M. Hohman 1882-1957

She is buried near her brothers, Urban and Edward Dimmerling and sister, Mary Rose Dimmerling Miller


Elmer J. Hohman

Born at hom: 409 Seddon Ave., North Braddock, Allegheny Co., PA. Died in WWII.

Sources conflict on date of death:
Apr 1943 -- Rick Schoen
6 Feb 1946 -- Ed Miller, citing the info below, found on the web

Elmer J. Hohman Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Forces Service # 0-743785 822nd Bomber Squadron, 38th Bomber Group, Medium</H3< td> Entered the Service from: Pennsylvania Died: February 6, 1946 Missing in Action or Buried at Sea Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery Manila, Philippines Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart

2/Lt Elmer J. Hohman was the navigator on a Mitchell plane whose squadron made a bombing run on Japanese in the Holladia area (north coast of New Guinea) on 12 Apr 1944. Following the mission, the planes returned to Markham Field, Nadzab, New Guinea. About an hour after the mission, Lt. Hohman's plane, piloted by Math. L. English, crash landed on a kunai flat at Bima village. All of the crew climbed out on the wing and appeared to be uninjured. No damage to the airplane could be observed and the plane did not radio what its trouble was. Another plane circled and dropped such supplies as it had. Another plane later flew up with supplies and reported that the actual position of the plane was about 4 miles north of Charapa, New Guinea. (Source: <http://www.aerothentic.com/history/MIA/B25EnglishcrewMIA.htm> )

It appears that Elmer Hohman's plane went down on 12 April 1944, at which time the crew was still alive on the wing of the plane and they were all declared as MIA. After the war when he wasn't located in a Japanese prison camp, he and the rest of the crew were declared KIA. This date would be the 6 Feb 1946 date given on the memorial in the Manila American Cemetery (World Ward II Missing in Action or Buried at Sea, National WWII Memorial, Manila American Cemetery).


Edward Herbst

According to neighbor Edward Schweinberg, Edward Herbst was an ice man. Although Ed Herbst never drove, his home had a three car gargae. Neighbor John Hohman kept his Model T car in that gargare.

In 1910, Edward Herbst 28 year old Edward Herbst lived in a mortgaged house at 519 Stokes Ave. with his 26 year old wife Clara. Edward was employed as a laborer in a shop.

In 1918, 36 year old Edward Herbst filled out a draft registration card in Allegheny County, PA. His address was 521 Stokes Ave. in North Braddock. He worked as a self-employed ice merchant. He was described as a tall, large-built man with light eyes, blond hair and a scar on his abdomen.

In 1920, 38 year old Edward Herbst lived with his wife, Clara (35) in a home they owned at 521 Stokes Ave., North Braddock Borough, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Living with them were their children Margaret (8), Mildred (8), Urban (6), and Raymond (3). Also living in the house with them as a boarder was Fulda native 35 year old Andrew J. Hupp. Three older children attended school. Edward, Clara and Andrew were born in Ohio as were their parents. The children were born in Pennsylvania. Edward worked as a Borough policeman (presumably in North Braddock) and Andrew worked as a carpenter in a carpentry shop.

In 1930, 47 year old Edward Herbst lived with his wife, Clara (45) in a home they owned (value $3800) at 521 Stokes Ave., North Braddock Borough, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Living with them were their children Margaret (19), Mildred (19), Urban (16), and Raymond (13). Only Raymond attended school. Edward and Clara were born in Ohio as were their parents. The children were born in Pennsylvania. Edward worked as a watchman at Diamond Ice, Margaret and Mildred as file clerks in an electric plant, and Urban as a messenger in an electric plant. The family owned a radio.


Clara Mary Dimmerling

The 1910 census shows that Clara Dimmerling Herbst had given birth to only one child, who did not survive.


Edward August Dimmerling

In 1910, 23 year old unmarried Edward Dimmerling and his brother Ernest lived at 421 Stokes Ave., North Braddock, PA with the family of his sister, Mary Miller. Edward was employed as a laborer in a shop.

According to his World War I Draft Registration Card (June 5, 1919), Edward August Dimmerling was employed as a carpenter by John Hohman in Braddock, Pennsylvania. (John Hohman was a Fulda native and the husband of Edward's sister Mary Elizabeth.) Edward Dimmerling was described as being of medium height and build, with blue eyes and light brown hair.

At the ime of the 1930 census, Edward Dimmerling (43) owned a home worth $3100 at 418 Stokes Ave. in North Braddock. Edward and his wife Amelia (41) lived with their children Helen (14), Agnes (12), Carl (8), Wilma (6), Violet (2 yrs 8 mos.) and Vera (2 yrs. 8 mos.) All the children attended school except the twins.

Tombstone inscription:
Edward Dimmerling 1887-1965
Amelia Dimmerling 1888-1971

Edward is buried near his sisters: Mary Rose Dimmerling Miller and M. Elizabeth Dimmerling Hohman.


Amelia Weisent

In 1900, 11 year old Amelia lived with her widowed father and siblings on the family farm in Enoch Twp., Noble County, Ohio. She attended school for five months that year.

Twenty two year old unmarried Amelia Weisent did not live with her widowed father and siblings at the time of the 1910 census.


Harold Joseph Dimmerling

Harold did not live with his family at the time of the 1930 census. He would have been about 15 years old at the time and may have already entered the seminary. Harold J. Dimmerling was ordained into the priesthood at age 25 on 2 May 1940 in St. Cloud, MN. In 1969 he was ordained bishop of Rapid City, SD. (source: http://www.rc.net/org/ccita/bishop/bdimmerling.html)

The following appeared in The Times Recorder (Zanesville, OH) newspaper on May 6, 1940: FORMER RESIDNET OF NOBLE COUNTY SINGS FIRST MASS
CALDWELL, O. -- Harold Joseph Dimmerling, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Edward Dimmerling, formerly of the Dexter City and Fulda
communities sang his first solemn high mass Sunday, May 5, at
St. Joseph's Catholic church in Braddock, Pa. The young man was ordained to the priesthood Thursday
morning, May 2, in the cathedral at Altoona, Pa. He received his
elementary education in the Braddock schools, later attending
seminaries in Columbus, O., and Loretta, Pa., graduating from
the latter. His mother was the former Amelia Weisant. He has
many relatives and friends in this community. Among those who attended the ceremonies from Noble county
were William Schockling and family, Mrs. Elizabeth Michael and
family, Mrs. Mildred Miller and family and Mr. and Mrs. Walter
Weisant.


Helen Dimmerling

Helen Dimmerling joined the Sisters of Divine Providence and took the name Sister Mary Adrian. She lived in Wakefield, RI in 2002.