This post was contributed to the Crawford County Chapter of OGS by Kristina Stearley as part of the Florence Siefert Scrapbook in 2010.
The scrapbook is compiled from undated, unidentified newspaper clippings involving events in the lives of Crawford County citizens living in or having connections to New Washington, Tiro, Shelby, Sulphur Springs, Chatfield, Bucyrus, Ashland, Mansfield, and other areas. Only minimal spelling or punctuation corrections were made. Unreadable areas are shown by underlines, dots &/or question marks. This collection has been scanned, “optical character recognized” (OCR’d), proofed, then coded for HTML by volunteers of the Crawford County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society. Since the copies are not of the best quality errors may have been made. Please contact us if you find corrections needing to be made or can verify any missing dates which could be added.
OVER THE MYSTIC RIVER
The Angel of Death Summons the Spirit of Charles Donnenwirth
The shadows of the weird valley are cleared away, the surging waters of the dark river are safely crossed, and the spirit of Charles Donnenwirth is at rest. The brave struggle against the insidious attacks of disease and suffering ended last Saturday morning at 8:30 o’clock, and he sleeps the eternal sleep. Wife and friends were with him as he awaited the last great change, and quietly and peacefully he responded to the summons “like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.”
The funeral was held from the late residence of the deceased, No. 847 East Mansfield street, at ten o’clock Monday forenoon, and in accordance with his wish was in charge of the Masons, and the remains were committed to their kindred dust in the hallowed shades of Oakwood cemetery.
Charles Donnenwirth was the fifth son of George and Sophia Donnenwirth, and was born at New Washington on September 20, 1841, being aged at the time of his death 55 years, 2 months and 29 days. His youthful education was secured in the schools of that village. In 1856, when his father, as county treasurer, removed to Bucyrus, he came with the family, and was for a time a pupil in the public schools of this city.
Upon leaving school he entered the shop of J. G. Birk and learned the trade of harness making and saddlery. After completing his apprenticeship he worked at his trade for Mr. Birk and also in the Hufnagle shop. Later he engaged in the saloon and restaurant business, in which he continued for many years. In 1886 Mr. Donnenwirth was elected councilman, and served until he declined a re-election. He was the first president of the council after Bucyrus became a city. He was a careful, judicious and efficient member of that body, and it was during his service that our most valuable public improvements were made. In the spring of 1894 Mr. Donnenwirth was elected mayor of the city, an office which his father had filled with honor for two terms about a quarter of a century before. In this office he made a clean and honorable record, retiring last April with the respect and esteem of the entire community. The strict integrity and scrupulous honesty which characterized his every act, whether personal or official, was well illustrated upon his retirement from office. An item was introduced in the pay ordinance to renumerate him for about two weeks of extra service. When it was read Mr. Donnenwirth, who was present, arose and stated that he was elected for a definite term at a specified salary. He thought he was not lawfully entitled to further pay, and he would not accept it.
When Mr. Donnenwirth was a boy of about sixteen years he suffered a prolonged illness, being afflicted with a white swelling on his left leg. He finally recovered, but never entirely overcame the effects of that attack. Of late years the limb has troubled him more and more, and was probably the cause of the visible decline in health from which he has suffered the past year. During his recent illness abscesses appeared upon that leg, and last Sunday the thigh bone broke under his weight as he was being assisted between his bed and invalid chair. That was the beginning, of the end, and his decline was rapid until death relieved his suffering. Mr. Donnenwirth was well known by everybody in the community, and was universally esteemed. His sturdy manhood, uprightness, and good business sense made him a valuable citizen, as well as a good neighbor and loving husband. His wide influence was the result of personal worth. He was a warm friend, and faithful to every obligation.
He was a member of Trinity Lodge, F. & A. M., of Bucyrus chapter, R. A. M., and was also an Elk and a member of the Deutche Gesellshaft. He was a member also of the German Lutheran church. The orders to which he belonged, the city officials, police force and council attended the funeral in a body. A good man has been called from among us. May we cherish his memory and emulate his virtues.
Death of C. A. DONNENWIRTH.
Charles Adam Donnenwirth died at his home in New Washington at two o’clock Friday morning. Though he had been in feeble health for a number of years he kept about until near the end, his final illness being only a week in duration. His age was 34 years, 11 months and 12 days. The funeral was held at New Washington, from the residence Sunday afternoon at one o’clock, Rev. D. Ph. Ebert conducting services. Interment in the Union cemetery at that place.
Charles A. Donnenwirth was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Donnenwirth, who reside on a farm south of New Washington. His entire life was passed in New Washington and Bucyrus. He was married a number of years ago to Miss Katie Volk, of this city, who, with one child about four years of age, survives him. Mr. Donnenwirth’s ill health dates from about eight years ago, when he suffered a severe attack of pleurisy. While a resident of Bucyrus, his condition was several times, very critical, and he was compelled to submit to a surgical operation. His nerve and iron will were demonstrated at that time. He assisted in the preparations, placed himself upon the table, and bore the operation without flinching, refusing to take an anaesthetic.
While in business in this city Charlie made many warm friends, all of whom of remember him with kindly regard, and will regret to learn of his death. He was open and fair in all his dealings, and endured the sufferings of years without a murmur. His memory will be treasured by many relatives and friends through all the years until they join him on the farther shore.
You must log in to post a comment.