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.
Translated from German obituary read at Columbus, Ohio:
John George Schwemley, son of John George Schwemley and his wife, Dorothy, nee Kugele, was born on the 10th of March, 1831, at Ebersbuehl, Wurtemberg, Germany. When he was two years old his parents immigrated to America and settled down in Crawford county, O. There he was instructed and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
In the course of time the deceased was joined in holy wedlock with Miss Matilda Hesse. From this union there were eight children, only one of these, a son, survives. July 14, 1870, his wife died, three of her children having preceded her into eternity. On the 15th of April, 1875, he married Miss Caroline Haug. In this union four children were born, of which 3 are yet living. After the death of his first wife, the deceased studied theology at Columbus, O. Having finished the course, he served congregations in Mercer and Medina counties. February 14, 1879, he with his family moved to Ford county, Kansas, where he served congregations belonging to the Missouri synod. After resigning his office with these congregations he remained yet a while in Kansas. Upon his return to Ohio he settled down in Grove City. His expectation to be again called for ministerial work was not fulfilled.
While waiting, he resorted to divers means to support his family. Last fall he already began to complain about not feeling well. His condition evidently grew worse. Several weeks ago he moved to the city. Here, as also in Grove City, physicians were consulted but nothing would help. The departed saw whither he was hastening. He “set his house to order” and was ready to depart. The end came gently and quietly about 2 o’clock on Wednesday morning, the 25th of May.
He was faithful to his Savior to the end. We therefore may also hope that the Lord has given him the crown of life. He reached the age of 67 yrs., 2 mos. and 15 das. Peace unto his ashes.
Short funeral services were held at the family residence, 24 West Columbus street, Friday morning, May 27, by Revs. Schneider and Rohe, after which the remains were taken to Grove City, Ohio, where services were held in the Lutheran church by Revs. Willert and Schmidt, interment in cemetery adjoining. There remain to mourn his departure his widow, 2 sons, 2 daughters, 2 full brothers, 2 half brothers and 3 grand-children.
Deceased was well and favorably known at this place and Chatfield, having formerly resided at these places.
