"The Meyerhofer Family of Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio"
Chapter 4
HENRY JOHN MEYERHOFER JR
Also Known As:
JOHN HENRY MEYERHOFER
DECEMBER 15, 1871 - APRIL 22, 1938
HENRY JOHN MEYERHOFER JR
Also Known As:
JOHN HENRY MEYERHOFER
DECEMBER 15, 1871 - APRIL 22, 1938
Henry John Meyerhofer Jr. probably went from Toledo, Ohio to Sandusky Ohio to work and met Bertha Kaufman. Henry John Jr. was twenty-seven and Bertha was nineteen when they married. They were married in Sandusky Ohio April 12, 1899 at the home of the bride.39
Their first son, Edward Henry Meyerhofer was born May 04, 190040 at home, 412 South Depot Street, Sandusky, Erie County, Ohio. Henry John Jr. and Bertha moved back to Toledo after the death of his mother and moved into his father's home at 313 Field Ave.
Their first son, Edward Henry Meyerhofer was born May 04, 190040 at home, 412 South Depot Street, Sandusky, Erie County, Ohio. Henry John Jr. and Bertha moved back to Toledo after the death of his mother and moved into his father's home at 313 Field Ave.
Bertha, Harold, Edward, and Henry John Meyerhofer Jr.
Between 1901 and 1915 they had five more children. All were born at home, 313 Field Avenue. Harold August was born September 27, 190141, Russell Francis August 28, 190342, Between 1901 and 1915 they had five more children. All were born at home, 313 Field Avenue. Harold August was born September 27, 190141, Russell Francis August 28, 190342, Florence Bertha April 28,190643, Henry John October 17, 191144, and Robert Clarence March 12, 1915.45Florence Bertha April 28,190643, Henry John October 17, 191144, and Robert Clarence March 12, 1915.45
Russell Francis, Florence Bertha, and Edward Henry Meyerhofer
Harold August
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Henry John and Robert Clarence
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Henry Jr. continued to work for B. A. Stevens as a "tinner" until 1903 when he went into business for himself. He opened a Tin, Copper, and Sheet Metal Work Shop, doing repairs of all kinds, at 1532 Broadway Ave. near South Street in Toledo. In 1914 he moved his shop to the rear of his home at 313 Field Ave.6
The church was very important to Henry John Jr. and Bertha. They were members of the same Zion German Methodist Episcopal Church as his father and mother on Segur Ave. The period just preceding and during World War 1 was a difficult time for the members of a German-speaking congregation. On April 6, 1917 the United States declared war on Germany. Anti-German sentiment ran high and although there was some uneasiness the work of the church continued. It was about this time that some children were finding it difficult to understand the language and often the sermons were repeated in English.
The church was very important to Henry John Jr. and Bertha. They were members of the same Zion German Methodist Episcopal Church as his father and mother on Segur Ave. The period just preceding and during World War 1 was a difficult time for the members of a German-speaking congregation. On April 6, 1917 the United States declared war on Germany. Anti-German sentiment ran high and although there was some uneasiness the work of the church continued. It was about this time that some children were finding it difficult to understand the language and often the sermons were repeated in English.
Robert Meyerhofer Confirmation-Palm Sunday 1927
Edward and Harold joined the church in 1914, Russell in 1917, Florence in 1918, Henry John in 1924, and Robert in 1927. It was around 1925 that the transition from German to English was completed and the last sermon was delivered in German. In 1933, Henry Jr. was a church steward and Robert was president of the Young Peoples Society.10 All of the children of Henry Jr. and Bertha could speak at least a little of the German language.
Russell Francis Meyerhofer
This article appeared in the Toledo Blade, dated Feb. 24,1920. This event probably caused a few heartaches in the family at the time.
HARDWARE THEFT LAID TO A CLERK
A youth and three men are under arrest charged with participating in the theft
of $750 worth of revolvers, knives and other stock from the Simmons Hardware
Company during the last month. They are Russell Meyerhofer, 16 hardware clerk of
313 Field Ave: A.E. Warning, florist, 1217 Broadway; William H. Fox, 1126
Broadway, and Michael Renieris, Waldorf hotel cigar store manager, living at
1387 East Broadway. The young man is charged with having given guns to
Warning, who it is alleged, passed them to Fox to be sold. Fox, who says he was
ignorant of the source of the property, sold them, but later at the order of the police
bought them back from the purchasers at the same price. Detectives Eaton and
Salhoff arrested the four.
In 1923 the family moved to 575 Western Avenue, Toledo, Ohio. Henry kept his business at the rear of 313 Field Ave until November 22, 1935. They sold their property at 313 Field Avenue to the Toledo Board Of Education for $2,150.00. The house was torn down and a school now occupies the land where so much family history took place.
HARDWARE THEFT LAID TO A CLERK
A youth and three men are under arrest charged with participating in the theft
of $750 worth of revolvers, knives and other stock from the Simmons Hardware
Company during the last month. They are Russell Meyerhofer, 16 hardware clerk of
313 Field Ave: A.E. Warning, florist, 1217 Broadway; William H. Fox, 1126
Broadway, and Michael Renieris, Waldorf hotel cigar store manager, living at
1387 East Broadway. The young man is charged with having given guns to
Warning, who it is alleged, passed them to Fox to be sold. Fox, who says he was
ignorant of the source of the property, sold them, but later at the order of the police
bought them back from the purchasers at the same price. Detectives Eaton and
Salhoff arrested the four.
In 1923 the family moved to 575 Western Avenue, Toledo, Ohio. Henry kept his business at the rear of 313 Field Ave until November 22, 1935. They sold their property at 313 Field Avenue to the Toledo Board Of Education for $2,150.00. The house was torn down and a school now occupies the land where so much family history took place.
Florence Bertha
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Henry John
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Robert Clarence
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Libby High School Senior Pictures
Libby High School was opened in 1922 for students on the South Side of Toledo. Florence Bertha was the first Meyerhofer to graduate from high school. She graduated in 192546 followed by Henry John in 192947, and Robert Clarence in 193348. All graduated from Libby High School. Libby High School was located at 1250 Western Avenue, a few blocks from their house at 575 Western Avenue. Edward, Harold, and Russell were too old to attend Libby High School. A check of Central and Scott High School (opened in 1912) records failed to show their attendance at these schools. Jones Junior High was located at the corner of Field Ave and Broadway. They probably all attended this school.
This Ad for Henry John Meyerhofer Jr. business appeared in the Zion Methodist Episcopal Church Diamond Jubilee Booklet published in 1933.
Edward Meyerhofer was a chauffeur for Charles A. Russell a wealthy Toledo Banker from 1922 to 1937.6 On 20 May 1937 Edward signed a contract to care for Charles until his death. He received room and board and $25.000 per week.49 When Charles Russell died he left Edward $5,00050. This was a considerable amount of money in those days.
In 1918, Harold begins to work as a clerk for Simmons Hardware Company and lived at home. He probably left home in 1928 to get married. Russell had many different jobs while living at home. From 1923 to 1930 he was a Clerk for Toledo Telephone, Telegraph & Messenger Company. In 1930 he was a sailor on a merchant ship on the Great Lakes. 1932 through 1950 he worked in various Toledo factories as a laborer. Florence was an Assistant Typesetter / Clerk for Superior Typesetting Company, 120 Erie Street, between 1922 and 1933 and lived at home.6 She left home in 1943 when she married.
Edward Meyerhofer was a chauffeur for Charles A. Russell a wealthy Toledo Banker from 1922 to 1937.6 On 20 May 1937 Edward signed a contract to care for Charles until his death. He received room and board and $25.000 per week.49 When Charles Russell died he left Edward $5,00050. This was a considerable amount of money in those days.
In 1918, Harold begins to work as a clerk for Simmons Hardware Company and lived at home. He probably left home in 1928 to get married. Russell had many different jobs while living at home. From 1923 to 1930 he was a Clerk for Toledo Telephone, Telegraph & Messenger Company. In 1930 he was a sailor on a merchant ship on the Great Lakes. 1932 through 1950 he worked in various Toledo factories as a laborer. Florence was an Assistant Typesetter / Clerk for Superior Typesetting Company, 120 Erie Street, between 1922 and 1933 and lived at home.6 She left home in 1943 when she married.
Henry (Hank) John Meyerhofer
Henry John was the first Meyerhofer to attend college. He attended the University of the City of Toledo in 1930 through 1932. Henry John left school after completing his junior year. He was a member of the Varsity Basketball Team, "Toledo "Rockets" his junior year.51 He studied Architectural Engineering. He was employed as an Architect for the firm of George B. Rheinfrank, Britsch & Munger, Peterson, Hoffman & Associates when he married.
Robert was also a good student. He was a member of the Ohio, National Honor Society his senior year. He left home when he got married.
Robert was also a good student. He was a member of the Ohio, National Honor Society his senior year. He left home when he got married.
Henry John Meyerhofer Jr.
Henry John Meyerhofer Jr. died April 22,1938 of pneumonia, at the age of sixty-six, at his home, 575 Western Avenue.52 His funeral was held at the Zion Methodist Church.53 He is buried (section 29, lot 307, grave #3) at Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo.30 His grave-site is unmarked.
The family moved to 913 Geneva Ave, Toledo, Ohio after his death. Edward, Russell, Florence, and Henry John, all lived there with their Mother, Bertha until they all eventually married.6
On December 08, 1941 the United States entered World War II. The United States declared war on Japan after their attack on Pearl Harbor. Edward, Harold, and Russell were too old to be drafted into the military. Henry John and Robert were both married, had children, were classified 2-A, and did not enlist.
In 1944 Bertha went to Temperance Michigan to live with her daughter Florence and her husband Raleigh Poindexter. Her son Edward purchased the house at 913 Geneva Street and lived there for about eleven years.
The family moved to 913 Geneva Ave, Toledo, Ohio after his death. Edward, Russell, Florence, and Henry John, all lived there with their Mother, Bertha until they all eventually married.6
On December 08, 1941 the United States entered World War II. The United States declared war on Japan after their attack on Pearl Harbor. Edward, Harold, and Russell were too old to be drafted into the military. Henry John and Robert were both married, had children, were classified 2-A, and did not enlist.
In 1944 Bertha went to Temperance Michigan to live with her daughter Florence and her husband Raleigh Poindexter. Her son Edward purchased the house at 913 Geneva Street and lived there for about eleven years.
Robert, Hank, Florence, Harold, Bertha, Russell , and Edward Picture Taken Mothers Day 1944 at 913 Geneva Street, Toledo Ohio
Bertha and her husband were married thirty-nine years. Bertha lived thirty-eight years after her husband death and never remarried. All her children and their families would visit her in Temperance Michigan, especially on Holidays. Her children took her to Sandusky Ohio to visit her sisters. She was a very beautiful, proper, and sophisticated woman.
Bertha Florence Meyerhofer
Bertha Florence Meyerhofer [KAUFMAN] died July 07, 1976 of a heart attack, at the age of ninety-six, at the Beach Nursing Home, Monroe, Monroe County, Michigan54. She was buried (section 29, lot 307, grave #4) at Woodlawn Cemetery. Her grave-site is unmarked.
Bertha's sister Theresa wrote this postcard in 1910. She addressed it to Mrs. Henry Meyerhofer Jr.
1.) 1910 to 1923
Henry John Jr and Bertha's 1st House- 313 Field Avenue
Birthplace of: Harold August,Russell Francis,
Florence Bertha,Henry John (Hank),and
Robert Clarence Meyerhofer
1914 to 1935
Location of Henry John's Tin Shop
Rear of 313 Field Avenue
2.) 1923 to 1938
575 Western Avenue
Henry John Jr and Bertha's 2nd House
3.) 525 Segur Avenue
Zion German Methodist Episcopal Church
4.) 1903 to 1914
1532 Broadway Avenue
John Henry Jr. (orginal ) Tin Shop
Henry John Jr and Bertha's 1st House- 313 Field Avenue
Birthplace of: Harold August,Russell Francis,
Florence Bertha,Henry John (Hank),and
Robert Clarence Meyerhofer
1914 to 1935
Location of Henry John's Tin Shop
Rear of 313 Field Avenue
2.) 1923 to 1938
575 Western Avenue
Henry John Jr and Bertha's 2nd House
3.) 525 Segur Avenue
Zion German Methodist Episcopal Church
4.) 1903 to 1914
1532 Broadway Avenue
John Henry Jr. (orginal ) Tin Shop
Notes:
6 1859-2001 Toledo City Directory
10 Zion M.E. Church Record.
38 Steamship Weimar March 30,1892 Passenger List, Allen Co., Library, Fort Wayne, IN.
39 State of Ohio, Affidavit for Marriage License, No. 47.
40 Record of Birth, Probate Court, Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, Page 320.
41 Record of Birth, Probate Court, Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, Page 326.
42 Record of Birth, Probate Court, Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, Page 324.
43 Date of Birth on Certificate of Death, Florence Poindexter [MEYERHOFER] State of Michigan, File No. 0568595.
44 State of Ohio Certificate of Birth for Henry John Meyerhofer, State File No. 79179, Registrar's No. 2912.
45 State of Ohio Certificate of Birth for Robert Clarence Meyerhofer, State File No. 21166, Registrar's No. 896.
46 1925 Edelian, Libby High School Year Book, page 52
47 1929 Edelian, Libby High School Year Book, page 56
48 1933 Edelian, Libby High School Year Book, page 43
49 Agreement Record, No. 598779 Vol. No. 935, Page No.350 Deed Office Toledo Ohio.
50 Florence Poindexter [MEYERHOFER] Diary
51 1933 "Blockhouse", City of Toledo University, Year Book.
52 Registration of Death for John Henry Meyerhofer, State of Ohio, Bureau of Vital Statistics, CERTIFICATE OF DEATH, State File No. 23784.
53 Zion M.E. Church Record.
54 Registration of Death for Bertha Meyerhofer [KAUFMAN], State of Michigan, Bureau of Vital Statistics, CERTIFICATE OF DEATH, State File No. 42339.
55 Per daughter, Ann Meyerhofer
- There are two documents that specify Henry John Meyerhofer Jr was also known as John Henry Meyerhofer. One is the certificate for transfer of real estate #653215 volume 1010 page 197 Recorders Court, Toledo, Ohio. Second were the estate papers that list his heirs. This explains why his son Henry John listed his father as John Henry on his family tree and Edward listed him as John Henry on his father's death certificate. Many other documents list him as Henry John, such as, all Federal Censuses, all his children birth records and his marriage license. Henry John Meyerhofer Jr. son, Henry John, was never referred to as Henry John Meyerhofer III.55 Somehow they managed to keep track of who was who.
- There are three documents that specify where the Kaufman sisters lived in Germany. Robert Meyerhofer Sr. birth certificate list his mother, Bertha Kaufman birthplace December 10, 1879 as Klein Selka, Germany. Theresa Kaufman marriage certificate list her birthplace April 3, 1886, as Stolfs, Germany. The index to the ships record March 30, 1892 specifies last resident was Kreislav Germany. Can't find any of these towns on a German map.
6 1859-2001 Toledo City Directory
10 Zion M.E. Church Record.
38 Steamship Weimar March 30,1892 Passenger List, Allen Co., Library, Fort Wayne, IN.
39 State of Ohio, Affidavit for Marriage License, No. 47.
40 Record of Birth, Probate Court, Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, Page 320.
41 Record of Birth, Probate Court, Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, Page 326.
42 Record of Birth, Probate Court, Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, Page 324.
43 Date of Birth on Certificate of Death, Florence Poindexter [MEYERHOFER] State of Michigan, File No. 0568595.
44 State of Ohio Certificate of Birth for Henry John Meyerhofer, State File No. 79179, Registrar's No. 2912.
45 State of Ohio Certificate of Birth for Robert Clarence Meyerhofer, State File No. 21166, Registrar's No. 896.
46 1925 Edelian, Libby High School Year Book, page 52
47 1929 Edelian, Libby High School Year Book, page 56
48 1933 Edelian, Libby High School Year Book, page 43
49 Agreement Record, No. 598779 Vol. No. 935, Page No.350 Deed Office Toledo Ohio.
50 Florence Poindexter [MEYERHOFER] Diary
51 1933 "Blockhouse", City of Toledo University, Year Book.
52 Registration of Death for John Henry Meyerhofer, State of Ohio, Bureau of Vital Statistics, CERTIFICATE OF DEATH, State File No. 23784.
53 Zion M.E. Church Record.
54 Registration of Death for Bertha Meyerhofer [KAUFMAN], State of Michigan, Bureau of Vital Statistics, CERTIFICATE OF DEATH, State File No. 42339.
55 Per daughter, Ann Meyerhofer
