William Hugo DENZER

  General Notes:

WILLIAM HUGO DENZER, a trustee of Waldo township, owns a valuable farm of 105 acres, situated in section 11. Mr. Denzer was born on his father's farm in Waldo township, April 27, 1863, and is a son of Bernhard and Henrietta (Waller) Denzer.

Bernhard Denzer was born in Germany, but his father was a native of France, who had become a rifleman in the German Army. He married in Germany and had four children: Augustus, Charles, Bernhard and Louisa. His wife died in Germany and his death occurred at sea when on his way to America. Bernhard Denzer, the third son, learned the tailoring trade and after coming to America, about 1845, worked at his trade in New York.. He then went to the State of Delaware, where he obtained a chance to assist In the building of a canal, His wife in the meantime keeping a boarding-house. During the three years they lived there they saved some money and with this they came to Ohio and located it Columbus. where they remained a few months. As other Germans had settled in Richland township, Marion County, they decided to, also make their home here. Upon coming here, Bernhard Denzer worked by the day for George Retterer, renting a place on the State road in Richland township. Later he bought a small farm of 22 acres on this road on which property stood all old log house, with floor so full of holes that when Mr. Denzer worked at tailoring, his thimble would often be lost through the cracks. He took in tailoring, besides attending to regular farm work. After clearing a portion of this farm, he sold it and bought one of 40 acres in Richland township, the greater part of which he had under cultivation when he sold it and bought a 92-acre farm in Waldo township. In the frame house standing on this property, William Hugo Denzer was born. Later, Bernhard Denzer added to his possessions by purchasing a 102-acre farm in Waldo township, which was encumbered with a dowery right, the owner of which, Catherine Smith, resided with the Denzer family for 20 years. Mr. Denzer then bought from James Downing 115 acres, 10 of which were deeded to one son and 105 to William Hugo, which constitutes the latter's farm at the present time. Still later, he bought 66 acres, under the condition that an aged lady, Mary Smith, should have a home on it. Thus from a very small beginning, Bernhard Denzer became one of the well-to-do men of Marion County. In all his efforts he was helped by his capable, industrious wife, who still survives, aged 80 years. Bernhard Denzer died May 26, 1902, at the age of 75 years. They had six children: namely: Amelia, born in New York City, who married Alexander Briggs; Ferdinand, who died aged 44 years; Charles, who died aged 44 years: David; William Hugo; and Albert Charles.

William Hugo Denzer grew up on the home farm and from boyhood did his full share of the hard work, only attending school when his tasks, were finished. His farm was deeded to him by his father. When he took possession, No improvements had been made. In 1894 he built a large, substantial barn and in 1903 erected his comfortable seven-room frame residence. He carries on general farming and has some full-blooded stock-cattle, sheep and hogs.

On November 2, 1887, Mr. Denzer was married to Margaret Vaughan, who was born on a farm in Morrow County, Ohio, November 1, 1866, and is a daughter of Lindley and Laura (Benedict) Vaughan. The father of Mrs. Denzer was born near Mount Gilead and the mother near South Woodbury, Morrow County, coming from pioneer families. They had 11 children: Clinton; Herbert; Robert; Joseph; Elizabeth, who married Henry Schultz; Margaret; Rhoda, who married John Hickman; Mary, who married William Loren; Johanna, who married Harry Hull; Laura, who married Bert Bending; and Thaddens. The father of Mrs. Denzer died in February, 1900, at the age of 65 years, but the mother still survives and resides on the old homestead. Her youngest son, Thaddeus, went as a missionary to India, in the fall of 1905, under the auspices of the Society of Friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Denzer have three children: Alice, who is at home; Ralph, who is employed in The Marion Steam Shovel Works; and Harold, who is also at home. Mrs. Denzer was reared in the religious faith of the Society of Friends. All the Denzers are Lutherans and William Hugo Denzer has served as one of the church trustees. Politically, he is a Democrat and is serving in his sixth year as township trustee; he has also filled the office of supervisor. On January 5, 1907, he was nominated for membership on the board of managers of the Marlon County Agricultural Society and on the 12th of the month was elected. He is a representative member of a very fine family which is known and respected all over Marion County.

William married Margaret A. VAUGHAN, daughter of Lindley James VAUGHAN and Lura H. BENEDICT, on 2 Nov 1887. (Margaret A. VAUGHAN was born on 1 Nov 1868 in Morrow Co., Ohio, died on 16 Dec 1941 in Marion Co., Ohio and was buried in Marion Cem., Marion, Ohio.)