Obituary: William P. Wehrly (1845-1909)

Source: The Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, Wednesday, June 16, 1909, page 1.

PROMINENT MEN CALLED

Death Lays His Icy Hand on Two Well Known Citizens of This County

W.P. WEHRLY AND DANIEL WILT

Progressive and Leading Residents of Salamonia and Redkey Many Years.

W.P. Wehrly, one the oldest residents of Salamonia, and one of the best known men in Jay county, died at his home Wednesday morning at 7:05, of stomach trouble.  For several years, he has been a sufferer, but his condition became critical but a few days ago.  Until but a few days before his death, he was able to be out of the house.  Hemorhages were the immediate cause of his death.

William P. Wehrly was born in Preble county, Ohio, November 3, 1845, being the son of John S. and Barbara Wehrly.  He was a lad of but nine years of age, when his parents moved to Madison township, where practically all his life was spent.  When less than 18 years of age, he enlisted as a member of Company I, 130th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which, in the Army of the Cumberland, he participated in many of the important battles of the Civil War.  He was with Sherman on his march to the sea.  Following the close of the war and the grand review in Washington he returned to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he was assigned to guard duty for a time, before being finally discharged at Indianapolis, in September, 1865.  In 1866, he was married to Miss Olive Smith.  To their union 15 children were born, of whom eleven, 6 boys and 5 girls, are still living, as follows: Martin, now in the U.S. navy, Henry, of Woodburn, Allen county; William H., at Portland; Blaine, Hartford City; Alva, of Salamonia; Harvey, at New Castle; Kate, wife of A.H. Andrews, of Hamilton, Ohio; Prudence, wife of Delbert Jackson, of Portland; Ida, wife of Ed Scholer, of New Castle; Ethel, wife of William Shreeves, four miles east of Portland; Barbara, wife of Cooper LeMasters, of near Salamonia.  Two sons, Benjamin F. and Garfield, are dead.  In 1876, he purchased the sawmill, in Salamonia, which he managed for several years.  To his enterprise and manifestation of public spirit, is due more than one-third of the present buildings of the town, many of them being built under his personal supervision.  For many years he was treasurer of the school board of the town and otherwise took a lively interest in its affairs.  He was a member of the Christian church, where he always attended services whenever his health permitted.

The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church at Salamamonia.  Interment will be in the Salamonia cemetery.


Comment: William P. Wehrly was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.

Family Milestones: November 20th

My paternal 5th-great grandfather, Michael JACOBS, was born on this date in 1772, probably in York County, Pennsylvania. Michael was the son of Johan Michel and Maria Catherine (CHERDRON) JACOBS. Michael married Margaret ________ before 1794, and fathered 8 children. Margaret was born October 23, 1769 and died February 23, 1864. Michael died January 23, 1846 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania and is buried in the Bender Burial Ground.

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Barbara Helen HALEY, was born on this date in 1835 in Goshen County, Ohio. Barbara was the daughter of George J. and Rachel (GARY) HALEY, and the older sister of my George Washington HALEY. Barbara married Christian EASTERDAY on April 25, 1853 in Marion County, Ohio. Christian was born February 1831 in Ohio. Barbara died March 28, 1908 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Rachel HAINES, was born on this date in 1779 in Burlington County, New Jersey. Rachel was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES. Rachel married Japeth BISHOP on April 12, 1840 in Burlington County, New Jersey. Japeth was born September 18, 1870 in Burlington County, New Jersey and died July 18, 1825 in Burlington County, New Jersey. Rachel died October 31, 1849 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Joel PHILBRICK, married Carrie E. BROWN on this date in 1855. Joel was the son of Joel and Sally (FOX) PHILBRICK, and the older brother of my Emeline PHILBRICK. Joel was born May 29, 1813, probably in Ohio. Carrie was born July 31, 1824. Nothing further is known about the family.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Margaret KIMMER, was born on this date in 1807. Margaret was the daughter of Nicholas and Sarah (FAYLER) KIMMER, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth KIMMER. Nothing further is known about her.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Sarah PIERCE, was born on this date in 1767. Sarah was the daughter of Seth and Bethiah (FIELD) PIERCE, and the older sister of my Gordon PIERCE. Sarah married Royal STORRS. Nothing further is known about the family.

Marriage: John Adam Metzner to Clara Moulton

From my visit to the Jay County, Indiana clerk's office, I obtained this copy of the marriage license of my paternal 2nd-great grandparents, John Adam METZNER and Clara MOULTON.  Their marriage occurred November 13, 1864 in Jay County, although the return is not dated!

John Adam was born August 23, 1840 in Licking County, Ohio, the son of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER.  Clara was born September 1843 in Licking County, Ohio, the daughter of Albert and Emeline (PHILBRICK) MOULTON.

John Adam was a Civil War soldier in Company G, 40th Ohio Infantry and later the 51st Ohio.  He must have been home on furlough when they were married.

John Adam died December 4, 1895 in Westchester, Jay County, Indiana and Clara died July 2, 1899 in Westchester, Jay County.  Both are buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery.