VHS CLASS OF 1910: I thought some of this interesting – getting to know what became of all these young faces. Time stands still for no one – including each of us.

EDWIN GEORGE MCCONNELLEY: (B.1892 - D.1977) Became a meat cutter in a chain Safe-Way store market in Pasadena Cal.

GEORGE ANDERSON KLAAR: (B.1892 – D.1926) Became a clerk for a metal products company in Cleveland.

LINDA EVA KOBS: (B. 1893 – D. 1973) Married a school teacher named Burl S. Brown who became a minister in the Methodist church in Claiborne and Lewistown Ohio

LAWRIE CLYDE JOHNSON: (B. 1893 – D. 1961) Became a mail-clerk for the Steam Railway Co.

JAMES (ALFRED) SMITH: (B. 1893 – D. 1966) Became a Mason-Contractor by trade. Later owned and operated several businesses in Vermilion.

ALICE M. MEHNERT: (B.1893 – D.1927) Married a chemist named Orlow Bois and lived in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

ROBERT W. PARSONS: (B. 1892 – D.1968) Became a sailor – Steamboat Mate, Pilot and Captain.

WILLIAM TRINTER: (B.1891 – D.1956) Owned and farmed his own place in Brownhelm Township.

BESS L. MORSE: (B-1889 – D.1968) Married a fellow named Emerson J. Andrews (a draftsman) and lived in Lakewood, Ohio.

JAMES MCGINNIS NIEDING: (B.1891 -1983) Became a Cleveland banker (Cleveland Trust) and passed in Florida.

EVA MAY MALCOMSON: (B. 1892 – D.1918) Married a fellow named Albert Haley who was a school teacher. They had a son also named Albert.

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VFD CHIEF “DAD” TISCHER: I have often thought of making a list of persons that in my view were the “Most Influential Vermilionites of the 20th Century”. It’s a novel idea but, in truth, there are so many persons from which to choose the task is practically, and realistically speaking, impossible. For instance, a list might include the industrialist-inventor F.W. Wakefield, local insurance-real estate executive C.A. “Charlie” Trinter, attorney - Mayor H.R. “Squire” Williams, the banker E.L. Coen, pharmacist – businessman A.D. Baumhart, Lester Kishman, Nelson Parsons, barber-photographer Jake Abell, school superintendent C.K. DeWitt, newspaper publishers Pearl and Elizabeth “Bessie” Roscoe – and the potential list goes on ad infinitum. I have in the past researched and written about many of these persons. But among all the personalities of yesteryear there is one person who should never be forgot. His name is William Adam Tischer. Most folks about town just called him “Dad”.

“Dad” was the son of Conrad (1826-1883) and Wilhelmina (1831-1917) Tischer. Both parents had migrated from Hessen, Germany to Vermilion sometime during the first decades of the 19th century. There was an influx of persons of German descent to America during those years as a result of extreme political turmoil in their homeland. I have been told that the reason many of these families came to Ohio and then on to Vermilion was because both the climate and landscape were reminiscent of the homelands they had fled.

Conrad, by the way, later served as a private with Co. B. 125th O.V.I. during the American Civil War. The regiment was organized at Columbus, Johnson’s Island and Camp Cleveland from Dec. 7, 1861 to Jan. 8, 1864, to serve for three years. The regiment was principally engaged in guarding Confederate prisoners at Ohio’s Johnson’s Island. But back to “Dad”:

“Dad” was born December 7, 1860 in Vermilion. He had an older sister, Catherine (b.1853), who married a local carpenter-contractor named Jacob Schade (1850-1932). Unlike his father who had worked as a farmer and sailor during this lifetime “Dad” followed in his brother-in-law’s footsteps and distinguished himself as both a local carpenter and a contractor during his lifetime. His work is contained in numerous homes and buildings about our community. The former First Congregational Church on Main Street next to the old Vermilion Town Hall, currently known as the Millet Auction House, as well as the former Vermilion Library building on Grand Street, currently the home of The Old Vermilion Jail Bed and Breakfast are two great examples of “Dad’s” professional expertise. But these things were only a part of his life’s labors.

On the 22nd day of October in 1885 “Dad” married a girl named Alice Moulton (1866-1941) of Rugby. The couple had a daughter, Floy (Parsons), and four sons, Lee, Frank, Harold and Lyle. Lee died as a child. The rest of the children (and their children) became rather well known Vermilionites during their lifetimes. Lyle’s son Earl, for instance, was a member of city council for a number of years. And like his father and grandfather he was a very good carpenter. But, again, back to “Dad”:

For fifty-four years “Dad” served as a faithful member of the Vermilion Volunteer Fire Department. For forty-nine of those years he served as Chief. During his lengthy tenure he oversaw the departments growth from “bucket brigade”, to horse drawn steam pumper, to a highly trained motorized department. Vermilion trivia buffs might take note that “Dad” Tischer was singularly responsible for bringing the department into the 20th century by actively seeking and acquiring their very first motorized fire engine.

“Dad” died on the 12th day of May in 1945. He was 84 years, 5 months and 5 days old. For the last four years of his life he had served the town as “Honorary Chief” of the VFD. For most his life he’d lived on Exchange Street just a block or so away from the firehouse. He’d fought large fires that unchecked might have decimated Linwood Park and, several times, the town’s business section. And he’d fought small ones that nobody remembers. But one thing for sure whenever the fire alarm is sounded you can bet that the very spirit of “Dad” Tischer is there and ready to go.

_{Ref: The Sandusky Star-Journal 04/30/1941; The Sandusky Star-Register News 05/12/1945; Vermilion History Museum Photo archives; Written 10/23/2018.}

Vol. XIV, No.22 . - VERMILION, OHIO THURSDAY, November 3, 1910

Cleveland Priest Dead

Rev. John J. Powers, 48, died Sunday night at Toledo after a lingering illness. His Funeral takes place Thursday morning at 9 o’clock, from St. John’s Cathedral, this city.

Rev. Mr. Powers attended the parochial schools here and subsequently St. Mary’s College at Cincinnati, and St. Charles college at Ellicott city, Md. He was ordained a priest by the late Bishop Gilmore in 1889, and from 1892 1892 was assisted at Holy Name Church this city. He was then transferred to Vermilion and Huron, later to Wellington. He built a new church at New London, but on account of failing health, resigned his charge in 1904, since which time he has never been able to resume active work.

Rev. John M. Powers, a cousin, will celebrate mass at the Cathedral Thursday morning. The sermon will be delivered by Rev. Thos. F. Mahon, a schoolmate of Father Powers. –Tuesday’s Plain Dealer.

Father Powers is probably remembered and revered by many Vermilion people, especially by those to whom he ministered.

Important Notice

The NEWS was an error last week in regard to a business change. Mr. Schaffer asked us to publish the following:

C. S. Shaffer has not sold out his insurance business to J. S. Champeon of Berlin Heights. Only sold him eight risks and two of them was his own property. Two risks were in the Fire Association and I got Mr. Champeon to meet the State Agent of the Fire Association at my house and had him appointed agent for the Berlin Hts. for the Fire Association Co. of Philadelphia only.

C. S. Shaffer, Agent By C. S. Schaffer’s request, J. S. Champeon, Berlin Heights.

PASSED NINETIETH MILE STONE

Mrs. Mary Crosier celebrated the ninetieth anniversary of her birth at her home west of town Tuesday. In honor of the event she entertained Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Case, Mr. Maholm Crosier and daughter of Euclid, Mr. J. B. Chapman, of Cleveland and Mr. and Olney Crozier and daughter of Nottingham. Mrs. Crosier at 90 is hale and hearty and has the appearance of one much younger. She received many beautiful presents and postcards as souvenirs of the occasion. The NEWS joins her many friends in congratulations.

News of Nearby Towns

AMHERST

An Auto Club is being formed at Amherst.

John Lapp has been drilling a gas well for Alfred Standen. The well is a good one.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Bartner of East Quarry last week.

Bernard Stolz has returned from the state hospital at Massillon.

This Eliza case who died at the home of relatives in Cleveland last week was born in Amherst 91 years ago and resided here until about 10 years ago.

Two quarry trains collided late Saturday afternoon and the crews were badly shaken and bruised. A wrecker soon cleared away the debris.

There are several cases of diphtheria at South Amherst. Cases are all mild ones but it was thought let best to close the schools for the week.

Gustav Schaack was taken to the hospital at Lorain Thursday for treatment. He has been ill for some time and Thursday became delirious.

Mrs. Raab reported ill.

Milk was raised to seven cents a quart this week.

Mrs. Crombie is reported quite ill at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C.R. Miller.

Miss Edna Menz received a badly sprained ankle Monday during the drill at the High School.

Two boys, Paul Kendig of Elyria and Hugh Schubert of near Oberlin are brought before Justice Schuler Monday charged with purloining articles from the home of Chas Griffin jr. of Russia Township. The boys plead guilty and were fined $10 and costs.

BIRMINGHAM

Claire Gerber is recovering from an attack of pneumonia.

Mrs. David Bonnett is suffering from a severe attack of lumbago.

Wakeman carpenters are at work on Prince’s new barn.

Miss Daisy Spratt who is been ill for the past two weeks with typhoid fever is on the gain.

Mrs. Dalia Pelton is seriously ill with congestion of the brain at her sisters Mrs. Hattie Baker at Florence. Miss Edna Beckett is her nurse.

HURON

Fred Shepard is employed at the electric light planet Milan.

The water mains are being extended to the Taylor Allotment.

E. J. Meyers, 33, son of Dan Meyers of Huron died in his home in Toledo last week.

The sun was born to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Scott, Tuesday, October 25th.

FACTS WORTH KNOWING

The first paper Mill in America was erected and operated in Pennsylvania. This was in the 1690.
The first piano ever made in United States was manufactured in Pennsylvania. Invention of the piano– forte is claimed by a Father Wood, an English monk at Rome, and 1711. The Earliest appearance of the instrument in England was at Covent Garden Theatre in 1730.

In Memoriam

Miss Margaret Nieding was born Jan. 26, 1843 and Hermes Hirschfield District Hessia, Germany, where she was baptized and confirmed. After confirmation at the age of 14, she with her parents, emigrated to America. They landed in New York in 1857. They found their first home in the new world at Amherst, Ohio. At Amherst she met Mr. Anthony Dellefield to whom she gave her heart in marriage, Dec. 25, 1861. On the town Lane Road between Elyria and Amherst they purchased 119 acres of wood land which the husband began to clear. The pioneer life of 9 years here can be better imagined than penned. In 1870 they moved on a farm on the Butler Road. Twelve years of joy and sorrow were lovingly at this place. In 1881 they came to their last home on the Telegraph Road, one and one-half miles west of Birmingham. In this home twenty-seven years bear witness to the successful laborers of heart and hand.

When living at Amherst they helped build the church. Upon moving to Florence township they joined the Birmingham Reformed church. Twelve children were born them. 9 daughters and 3 sons. One son daughter of six months preceding mother to the better world.

Monday, October 17th, her long, useful film pilgrimage came to an end, too soon for her feeble husband, the 11 children, 1 sister, 2 brothers, 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was a most devoted companion, and ardent loving mother, a good friend and a good church worker. She has now entered upon her reward. Her age was 67 years nine months 21 days.

The funeral was conducted in both languages by the pastor, Rev. H. Hilgenmann at the church at Birmingham, where interment took place.

The flowers were photographed before the lowering of the casket. For a copy of the same the pastor is affectionately thankful. The Lord comfort the bereaved.

Locals and Personals

Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Buell of Cleveland have rented Mrs. Naegele’s house on South Street and will move here next week. Mr. Buell has accepted a position at the Wakefield Brass company.

Vote early.
Score cards are available at NEWS office

Capt. Fred Bailey visited home this week.

Don’t forget that C. A. Trinter as a candidate for Auditor.

One day, recently, Dr. Bond brought to this office a beautiful pink rose in perfect bloom. This is the third time this rose bush has bloomed this year.

Henry Sprankle, prominent German farmer of the Milan died at his home Friday, aged 78. He was the father of Mr. Sprankle of Brownhelm.

RUGBY

George Skinn lost a $250 horse this week. He has our sympathy.

The people here are not much pleased over the raising rates for telephone service. Some that had planned to put in phones have changed their minds and some who have them will have them taken out when the raise is made, so we can’t see where they gain. They think they might be better keep a horse and buggy and deliver their own messages.

A covered wagon containing two men and two women came into the neighborhood one day last week and camped in a neighbor’s barn yard. It is alleged that Sunday witnessed some interesting shows. Monday, Mr. Cooper came over and arrested one of the men. He said he did not have money with which to pay his fines so the occupant of the property furnished the necessary cash. Some of the citizens are greatly incensed at such proceedings and do not feel very good toward the party who allowed such proceedings on his premises.