Frank and Julia Van Blarcum

Frank Van Blarcum was born in Sandusky, Ohio in 1870 to Aaron and Laura Van Blarcum. In 1892, he married Julia E. Ernst, the daughter of Conrad and Philipena Ernst. Frank worked as a foreman for a local building contractor, G.W. Doerzbach. On  October 12, 1915, Frank Van Blarcum died as a result of an accident in which an elevator cable snapped in the elevator of the Rieger Hotel, which was being renovated. Frank fell five stories, and it is believed that he died instantly. Also injured in the accident was Edward Rieger, the proprietor of the Rieger, but Mr. Rieger did recover from his injuries.  Frank Van Blarcum was survived by his wife Julia, four children, and two brothers. Funeral services for Frank Van Blarcum were held at the family residence on McKinley Street, and burial was at Oakland Cemetery. Mrs. Julia Van Blarcum lived to the age of 74. She passed away from heart disease on May 11, 1939.

Hummel Monument at St. Mary's Cemetery

August Hummel was born in Germany in 1854, according to U.S. Census records. His wife, Mary J. Hummel, was born in Illinois in 1863. They had two sons, Charles and George Hummel. August Hummel was a saloon keeper. In 1906, both the business and the residence were located on Decatur Street in Sandusky. On July 29, 1915, August Hummel died from cancer. His wife Mary survived him. Mrs. Mary Hummel died on November 13, 1939. A beautiful monument at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sandusky, Ohio honors the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Hummel. Created by Conrad Keim, the monument features lilies lying across the cross, with a fern.