John Wenzel - Biography & Obituary
The subject of this narrative was born June 24, 1837, in Jagst Haisen, Wurtumburg, Germany. a small Prussian village, which assumed its name from Jagst, a creek that partly surrounded the town. He was the son of Christian and Hanna Wenzel. His father was a locksmith by trade and often after having a supply of locks on hand, he, with his son, John, would travel from village to village, in an effort to sell them. In 1843 his father disposed of his smithy and desiring to come to America they procured a conveyance. Leaving their native town, they drove in a covered wagon to Bremer Hafen, Germany, and at this place they took a Hamburg-New York ship for this country from their native city to the latter place. Mr. Wetzel states that the peasants raised abundant supplies of poppies, which were used in the manufacture of opium and often while traveling along the roads they saw acre after acre of these flowers nodding their acknowledgements to the conqueror of the field-the peasant.
It was in the month of October they embarked, and he stated that their voyage was one of peril for they encountered many storms. One evening he stated, the occupants of the ship were deck enjoying the delicious breezes, which brought in fresh and exhilarating perfumes from the sea, when the sound of a coming storm was heard. As the storm advanced the night became obscure and they all repaired to a place of safety. The ship was tossed in numerous ways, the masts were demolished and the main boom broken, but from some miraculous event, the ship did not sink, but many times it was submerged in water and many days they drifted along, until repairs were made. After a voyage of 107 days-which perhaps was the longest time any German immigrant was on the water, now living in Vernon-they landed at New York City on New Years eve, where they stayed until the next March. They then went to Albany N. Y., where the son learned the barber trade being then 13 years old. It was at this place that Mr. Wenzel's mother died. The father and son then went to Cincinnati, O., the year 1853. Six years later on August 4, 1856, the son came to Vernon, where he became acquainted with Kate Wagner and shortly afterward they were married, occupying property, now owned by Ed Welker. Mr. Wetzel then abandoned the barber trade and sought employment with Philip Hoehler, who at this period, conducted a tin shop in the building where Henry Hengstler's meat shop is now located, learning the tinners trade.
On October 19, 1859, shortly after his marriage he saw the public square being blackened by smoke of a conflagration. It will be remembered that this fire started in a stable. Mr. Wenzel informed the writer that he saw the blaze when it first ascended from this edifice, and that he immediately sounded the alarm, being about the first one to give the warning.
In 1875 Mr. Wenzel engaged in the hardware and tin business for himself, conducting this enterprise on Pike street, near the flouring mill. Five years later he purchased the tin ware and stove department of James Hutchings, and moved with his other stock into the store building now occupied by Roe Thomas. Later he sold out to his son William, and two years afterward he sold out to Wagner & Morris.
Mr Wenzel is often seen wending his way out the road to his farm comprising 250 acres, where he enjoys indulging in farm work. Although he has passed nearly seven decades, he is well preserved, full of vigor and vim. His eye sight and hearing are slightly impaired but other wise his health is exceedingly good. We know of no other man here who can manipulate an accordion any better than he. His musical inspirations were derived from hearing his fellow countrymen sing and from occasional visits of a brass band to his native home when a boy in Germany. Mr. Wenzel is a pious and exemplary man, and a good citizen. F. L.
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North Vernon Plain Dealer & Republican
November 3, 1921
November 3, 1921
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PROMINENT VERNON CITIZEN CALLED BY DEATH
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John Wenzel Succumbs After Long Illness
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John Wenzel, died at his home in Vernon on Tuesday morning at three o'clock at the age of 84 years.Mr . Wenzel was born June 24th 1837, in Jagesthausen, a small Prussian village at Wurtenbery, Germany. He embarked with his father and mother for the U. S. in October 1842. They landed in New York City on New Year's Eve after a voyage of 107 days on the water. Mr. Wenzel has been an honored citizen of Vernon for 65 years. In his earlier life he learned the lock smith trade with his father and yet there remains in several state prisons in New York locks that were made by Mr. Wenzel and his father. In after years Mr. Wenzel learned the tinner's trade. In the year 1859 he sold and superintended the putting on of the present tin roof on the Court House, which is of the finest grade of imported tin. Mr. Wenzel was a successful business man, having been in the hardware business here for years. He was also a successful farmer, an energetic and a reliable citizen. He has held various offices of trust. Also was president for a number of years of the First National Bank of Vernon. Mr. Wenzel possessed a wonderful musical talent and was a lover of good music. Thus Vernon loses a valued citizen, the family a loving father and husband. A widow, one son William Wenzel of Vernon and three daughters, Mrs. John Kotheder, of North Vernon, Mrs. E. P. Trapp and Miss Katheryn Wenzel of Vernon are the surviving members of the immediate family. Twelve grandchildren also survive. The eldest daughter Mrs. Nicholas Eitel and one infant son have preceded their father in death.
The funeral services will take place from the residence at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Interment in Vernon Cemetery. Find A Grave Link
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