Adam Kerste, 1820-1862

According to the ERIE COUNTY, OHIO, CEMETERY CENSUS BEFORE 1909, Adam Kerste was born on February 9, 1820 and he died on November 7, 1862. His tombstone is located in Block 33 of Oakland Cemetery. A German inscription adorns his stone, but I was unable to decipher it at this time. Rest in peace, Adam Kerste!

William Wallace

William Wallace is buried in Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery. His tombstone inscription reads:

William Wallace
Born Feb. 10, 1852
In Cathcart, Renfrew
Scotland
Killed on Lake Shore Railroad
Sept. 23, 1881
Aged
29 years, 7 mos., 13 days

In the 1880 U.S. Census for Erie County, Ohio, William Wallace was living in Perkins Township; his occupation was listed as farmer. William's wife Anna was age 21. William and Anna Wallace were the parents of three children: Frank, Matthew, and Elizabeth, all under the age of five.

It is so sad to think of William Wallace losing his life at such a young age. He was brave enough to come to America from Scotland. He was probably full of hopes and dreams, which were all cut short due to his untimely death in a railroad accident.

Siblings Carrie and Adam Bishop

When George Bishop passed away in 1917, his obituary listed Adam and Carrie Bishop as his siblings. A brief article in the July 11, 1923 issue of the Sandusky Star Journal reported that Adam Bishop had died in Indianapolis, and burial was in Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery. He was forty nine years of age.

Miss Carrie Bishop was born in Germany in 1874, and she came to the United States when she was quite young. The 1900 U.S. Census lists 24 year old Carrie Bishop as the adopted daughter of Robert Banks, residing in Milan, Ohio. Carrie Banks lived until the age of 87. She passed away on July 17, 1961. She had been a very active member of the Edison Memorial Church in Milan, Ohio. Rev. Hubert Cobb conducted funeral services for Miss Carrie Bishop, and burial was in Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery. An obituary for Carrie Bishop appeared in the July 18, 1961 issue of the Sandusky Register.

The tombstones for Adam and Carrie Bishop are identical stones. Carrie Bishop's stone is inscribed with the maker's name, C. Keim. Monument maker Conrad Keim died in 1927, so most likely Carrie's tombstone was purchased long before her death, and was inscribed with her death date in 1961.

Jane E. Coan, 1833-1920

According to the book A Genealogical History of the Kelley Family, Jane Elizabeth Coan was the daughter of Daniel Camp and Lydia Frothingham, born in Connecticut on March 26, 1833. Jane's father died when she was only three years of age. Jane's sister Lydia became the husband of Sandusky resident George J. Anderson. In the 1880 U.S. Census, Jane E. Coan was residing with her uncle, Edward Jewett, in Margaretta Township, Erie County, Ohio. In 1900, she was still in Margaretta Township, living with her widowed aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth Jewett. By 1910, Jane E. Coan was listed in the census as a farmer in Margaretta Township, and she was the Head of the Household at that time. In 1920, census records show that Jane E. Coan had moved to Sandusky, Ohio, where she lived with the family of her nephew, George F. Anderson. On May 30, 1920, Jane E. Coan passed away at the age of 87. She lived her life as a maiden lady, often residing in the household of extended family members. Reading between the lines, I think she served as a helper to her family, sharing in their daily lives. Jane Elizabeth Coan was buried in Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery.

John Andrew and Rebecca Schott, Natives of Germany

John Andrew Schott was born Winsheim, Bavaria, Germany in 1822. He was a pioneer resident of Sandusky, Ohio. Records at the Erie County Probate Court show that John Andreas Schott was married to Rebecca Muller in Erie County on July 11, 1855 by Rev. Frank Seidel, minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In the 1860 U.S. Census, John Andrew Schott listed his occupation as baker. He was age 38 and stated that his birthplace was Bavaria. John's wife Rebecca was age 41, and her birthplace was Oldenburg. Their children were: Mary, age 3; Anna, age 2; and Babetta, age 1; all born in Ohio. Youngest daughter Babetta must have died very young, as her name does not appear in any future census records. Rebecca Schott passed away in 1887. John Andrew Schott died on November 20, 1902. Mr. Schott was survived by daughters, Mrs. John Kenne and Mrs. John Lester. Funeral services for John A. Schott were held at the Schott home at 430 Pearl Street. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery.

Fanny Griswold Lane

Fanny Griswold Lane was born in Sandusky on June 21, 1850, to Dr. Ebenezer Shaw Lane and Pallas Elizabeth Anderson Lane. Dr. Lane was the son of Judge Ebenezer Lane, and Pallas Lane. Pallas Lane was the only daughter of early Sandusky physician Dr. George Anderson. Fanny's middle name, Griswold, was the maiden name of her grandmother, Frances Ann Griswold Lane.

Fanny moved with her family to Chicago. The 1880 U.S. Census, available at FamilySearch, listed the Ebenezer Lane family as residing in Chicago, Illinois. Fanny was 29, and her father listed his occupation as retired physician. Fanny's brother, also named Ebenezer, was 32, and her sister Mary was 25. The ages of Fanny's parents, Ebenezer and Pallas were 60 and 55, respectively. After the death of Dr. Ebenezer Lane, Fanny and her brother, the third Ebenezer Lane, donated the Lane book collection to the University of Chicago. The Lane book collection had been started by Judge Ebenezer Lane, and was passed down to Dr. Ebenezer Shaw Lane.

You can read more about the Lane family history in the three volume book entitled LANE GENEALOGIES, by Jacob Chapman and James Hill Fitch, published between 1891 and 1902 by the Newsletter Press in Exeter, New Hampshire. Volume 2, which contains details about Judge Ebenezer Lane and his descendants, is accessible at the Internet Archive. Miss Fanny Griswold Lane passed away in Chicago on November 23, 1938, and she was buried at Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery.

Mrs. Martha A. Houpt

Mrs. Martha A. Houpt (spelled Haupt in her obituary) passed away on July 28, 1903, and she was buried at Oakland Cemetery. An obituary for Martha Houpt appeared in the July 31, 1903 issue of the Sandusky Register. It read:

Mrs. Martha A. Haupt

Mrs. Martha A. Haupt, wife of Geo. W. Haupt, died at her late home at Hull's Corners, Tuesday morning, after a long illness. The funeral services were held at the home Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. H. Oswalt. Mrs. J.D. Parker and Mrs. W. H. Oswalt sang "Nearer, My God, to Thee" and "Asleep in Jesus." The burial was in Oakland Cemetery.

Martha A. Turner, daughter of Rev. James Turner and Mary Turner, was born in Kenninghall Heath, Norfolk, England, Aug. 13, 1842. Died at Hull's Corners, Perkins Township, Erie County, Ohio, July 28, 1903, aged 60 years, 11 months and 15 days.

When 16 years of age, with her parents, she emigrated to America, and settled in Williams County, Ohio. On Nov. 18, 1866, she was married to Geo. W. Haupt. to them was born one child, a daughter, now Mrs. Clara I. Seitter, of New Washington, Ohio.

With the exception of a short time spent in Williams County, Mr. and Mrs. Haupt lived in Crawford County until about four years ago, since when they have lived in Erie County. Mrs. Haupt won the esteem of all who knew her by her pure, noble womanhood. In every relation as wife, mother, friend, and neighbor, she was good and faithful. On march 18, 1866, she united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in New Washington, Ohio and throughout her long illness she was wonderfully sustained by her Christian faith, and hope of immortal life. She expressed herself as prepared for the change, and peacefully fell asleep in her Lord.

Herman Knupke

Herman Knupke was born in Germany in 1881. In the 1900 U.S. Census for Erie County, Ohio, Herman was residing in Sandusky with Gustave and Johana Knupke, ages 60 and 58, and 17 year old Lizzie. The family's surname was spelled Kemupka in the census listing. Herman stated in the census report that he arrived in the United States in 1883.

On May 30, 1905, Herman Knupke married Mary Hager in Erie County. An abstract of their marriage record is available at Family Search Labs in the Ohio Marriages Collection. Herman listed his parents names as Gust Knupke and Johanna Eichman, and Mary's parents were listed as Joseph Hager and Lena Brower. Herman's birthplace was Berlin, Prussia, and Mary's birthplace was Germany.

Herman Knupke, whose occupation was carpenter, passed away on June 12, 1923 at his Taylor Street residence in Sandusky. Oakland Cemetery interment cards list the cause of death for Herman Knupke as tuberculosis. Herman Knupke was survived by his widow, two sons, and five daughters. His tombstone, which lies flat against the ground, is located in Block F of Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery.

The Four Young Daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Warnke

In Block 62 at Oakland Cemetery is a four sided monument which honors the memory of four young daughters of Carl/Charles Warnke and his wife, the former Elizabeth Steitz. Elmira Warnke was born in 1859, and died in 1861.

Cora Warnke was born in 1868, and she died in 1869.

Laura Warnke was born in 1862, and she lived only until 1863.

Caroline Warnke was born in 1865, and she survived until 1869.

It is hard to imagine the deep sorrow in the hearts of Mr. and Mrs. Warnke, when they had to bury four little girls between the years of 1861 and 1869. They did go on to have two more daughters who survived to adulthood, the Misses Alma and Clarissa Warnke. Carl/Charles Warnke died in 1928, and his wife Elizabeth died in 1925. Mr. and Mrs. Warnke are also buried in Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery.

Tombstone Tuesday: Henry Schlottag

According to the Ancestral File portion of Family Search, Heinrich Schlottag was born on May 27, 1853, in Pommern, Germany, to Ferdinand and Carolina (Barz) Schlottag. Heinrich eventually changed his name to Henry. Records at Erie County Probate show that Henry Schlottag married Minnie Keil on September 24, 1855.

Henry Schlottag died on April 13, 1898. The April 18, 1898 issue of the Sandusky Morning Star reported that Mr. Schlottag's funeral was at held at St. Stephen's Church, and a large number of family and friends were in attendance. Burial was at Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery.

William Hoffman, 1830-1894

William Hoffman and his wife, the former Elizabeth Ohlemacher, were natives of Germany. By 1880 they were residing in Sandusky, Ohio where Mr. Hoffman worked at a lime kiln. In 1880, the children in the Hoffman home were Dora, age 21, Lizzie, age 15, Willie, age 14, and Phillip, age 9. Daughter Hermine was already married by 1880, to Ernest Heyman. After being injured in an accident, William Hoffman died on April 7, 1894. An obituary which appeared in the April 9, 1894 issue of the Sandusky Register reported that William Hoffman died at the home of his daughter and son in law, James and Lizzie Turney. Sadly, two deaths took place at the James Turney residence within twenty four hours. The mother of James Turney, Mrs. Mary Turney, passed away on April 8, 1894. What a difficult time this must have been for the Turney family, to lose two loved ones at the same time. William Hoffman was buried at Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery next to his wife Elizabeth, who had passed away in 1890.

Mrs. Elizabeth Davis

Mrs. Elizabeth Davis passed away at a hospital in Lucas County, Ohio on August 8, 1914. According to her brief obituary which appeared in the August 11, 1914 issue of the Sandusky Register, she was the wife of Thomas W. Davis. Mr. Davis was a resident of the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in Sandusky, now known as the Ohio Veterans Home.

The heart shaped tombstone which honors the memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Davis at Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery, speaks even today of how much she was loved.

John Turk

John Turk was elected Judge of the Common Pleas Court for Huron County in 1832. He died in the fall of 1834 in Green Creek Township of Sandusky County, Ohio, according to a Rootsweb site. He was buried in Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery in Block 16.

John Turk was the father in law of Lucas S. Beecher, a well known lawyer and abolitionist in Sandusky, Ohio. According to the lineage books of the Daughters of the Revolution, John Turk Beecher was the name of the grandson of John Turk. Most likely John Turk Beecher was the namesake of his maternal grandfather.

Rev. Moses M. Marling

According to a biographical sketch found in the book BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL CATALOGUE OF WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON COLLEGE, Moses Morton Marling was born on November 5, 1835 to Samuel and Mary (Carter) Marling in Roney's Point, West Virginia. He graduated from the United Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1862, and he was ordained into the ministry on April 3, 1864. Rev. Marling served as a minister in the Presbytery of Kansas; Randolph County, Illinois; Roney's Point, West Virginia; Halsey, Oregon; and in Carlock, Illinois.

Rev. Moses M. Marling died on November 17, 1912 at the home of his nephew Arthur Terrill on Finch Street in Sandusky, Ohio. He was 77 years of age. Funeral services for Rev. Moses M. Merrill took place at his nephew's home, and burial was in Oakland Cemetery. So while Rev. Marling served as a minister in several areas all throughout the United States, he was laid to rest in Sandusky, Ohio, in a place where it appears he did not serve as a minister of the gospel. May he rest in peace.

Confida Textor

The Oakland Cemetery interment card for Confida Textor indicates that she died from a fever, at the age of two years and three months. Though the month of April was listed, the year of her death was not recorded. A search of birth, death, and census records yielded no results. Several other Textor family members are buried in Block 59 at Oakland Cemetery, but little Confida was buried in Block 59. Today, no stone remains at Oakland Cemetery for Confida.

Confida appears to be a feminine name based on the root word of confide. A quick search at Ancestry Library Edition for individuals with the first name of Confida showed several females of Italian descent, and one member of a religious order named Sister Confida.

Three separate Textor families appear on page 207 of SANDUSKY EINST UND JETZT, a book which chronicles the early German settlers in Sandusky, Ohio, and is accessible at Google Books.





Mostly likely Confida Textor was the daughter or granddaughter of one these early Textor residents of Sandusky. The little girl with the beautiful name remains a mystery. May she rest in peace.

Tombstone Tuesday: Edward Slackford, 1823-1875

This flat tombstone, which honors the memory of Edward Slackford, is found in Block 55 of Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery. According to Church of England records, found at Family Search, Edward Slackford was born on March 22, 1823 to Thomas and Ann (Sinnock) Slackford. He was christened in the Church of England in Playford, Suffolk County, England on April 27, 1823.

In the 1870 U.S. Census for Erie County, Ohio, Edward Slackford and his wife Ann were residing in Sandusky, Ohio. They have a large family in their household:

Edward, age 22
Thomas, age 16
Hattie, age 11
Clara, age 8
George, age 5
Kate, age 3

Edward Slackford, the father, was 47 years old in 1870, and both he and his son named Edward both listed their occupation as sailor. Edward Slackford died on September 2, 1875, and he was buried at Oakland Cemetery on September 5, 1875.

Cruser Sweet

Oakland Cemetery interment records indicate that an infant of Mr. and Mrs. J. Sweet was stillborn, and was buried at Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery on July 27, 1914. A quick search at FindaGrave located a John E. Sweet, Jr., who was born in Sandusky, Ohio to John Emmett Sweet and Julie Cruser Sweet. Most likely this little one who was stillborn was the older sibling of John E. Sweet, Jr., and his or her first name was the maiden name of Julie Cruser Sweet, the mother of the baby. Cruser Sweet, who was born and died in 1914, is buried in Block 99 at Oakland Cemetery.

Charles Glover and Ellen Glover Boor

The 1882 Sandusky City Directory lists Charles Glover as a dry goods merchant. Both his residence and business were located on Hancock Street. Though the tombstone reads that Charles Glover died in 1883, the Sandusky Register of September 29, 1884 indicates that Mr. Glover passed away on September 27, 1884. He was buried at Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery. Mrs. Ellen "Nellie" Glover wed William Boor on October 15, 1891, according to Erie County Probate Court records. Mrs. Nellie Boor died on March 30, 1904. Details from the will of Ellen "Nellie" Glover Boor were discussed in the Sandusky Star on April 2, 1904. Mrs. Boor requested that the remains of her first husband, Charles Glover, be re-interred in a vault along with her remains, and that a joint monument be erected at Oakland Cemetery. She left portions of her estate to two individuals in Sandusky, and a portion to Trinity Methodist Church. The monument which honors the memory of Charles Glover and Ellen Glover Boor is adorned with a wreath and two flowers. Though over a century old, the majestic Glover-Boor monument is still very legible.

Mr. and Mrs. Casper J. Parsons

Casper J. Parsons was born in the early 1820s in Baden, Germany. In the 1860 U.S. Census for Erie County, Ohio, Casper J. Parsons and his wife, the former Fredericka/Fridericka Boos were residing in Sandusky, Ohio with their four children, ranging in age from 2 to 14. The 1855 Sandusky City Directory lists Casper J. Parsons as a wholesale liquor dealer, in business with a Mr. Smith at 210 Water Street in downtown Sandusky. Casper J. Parsons was also a trustee for the Sandusky City Council in 1855. Casper J. Parsons died on January 13, 1873, as a result of consumption. He was buried in Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery. A masonic emblem is found at the top of the stone of Mr. Parsons. At the base of his tombstone is an excerpt from Psalm 23:

For though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Mrs. Fredericka/Fridericka Boos Parsons passed away on April 2, 1887. The tombstones of Mr. and Mrs. Casper J. Parsons are found in Block 62 of Oakland Cemetery.

Tombstone Tuesday: Franz J.M. and Sophia Otto

Franz J.M. Otto was born on March 14, 1824 in Hamburg, Germany. He married Sophia Priscilla Hutter in 1851, and emigrated to the United States soon after they married. After residing for some time in New York state, Franz and Sophia Otto came to Sandusky in 1868. Mr. Otto was a landscape gardener, and for several years he ran a greenhouse on South Columbus Avenue in Perkins Township in Erie County. An article in the March 14, 1909 issue of the Sandusky Register stated that many fruit and shade trees in Sandusky and Erie County were planted by Franz J.M. Otto. The article continued, "He was a great lover of bird and plant life and a great hunter until old age demanded him to hang his trusty gun upon the antlers and say 'Good night.'"

Franz J.M. Otto died on March 12, 1909 at his home in Perkins Township. His wife Sophia had preceded him in death in 1886. The Register obituary paid tribute to both Mr. and Mrs. Otto, saying that their lives "were lives of industry, frugality and good will towards God's creatures and their lives and their good deeds will not be forgotten by those who knew them best." Franz J.M. Otto and Sophia Otto were laid to rest in Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery. Their six children were Fredericka, Jennie, Clara, Herman, Franz, and Albert Otto. The tombstone of Franz and Sophia Otto is adorned with two scrolls, above which are the words Mother and Father. A fern is found at the bottom of their tombstone, which has survived so very well over a century after their passing.