OTTAWA COUNTY OHIO *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in the Ohio Biographies project by Joyce Godfrey JoyGod@aol.com 13 October 1999 *********************************************************************** * SANDUSKY & OTTAWA COUNTIES OF OHIO COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, J.H. Beers & Co.: Chicago, 196, pages 624-625. WILLIAM ERNSTHAUSEN is the owner of one of the fine farms of Ottawa County - a tract of land 100 acres on which stands a comfortable and commodious brick residence, and substantial barns and outbuildings for the care and shelter of stock and grain. Well-kept fences divide the land into fields of convient size, and the place is under a high state of cultivation and improved with all modern accessories. The owner of this durable farm is recognized as one of the most successful agriculturists of the community, and is well deserving mention i this volume. He was born in Genoa, Ohio, December 31, 1862, and is the son of Casper and Dorotha (GERWIN) ERNSTHAUSEN. The father was born in Germany, June 15, 1826, and was the son of Henry ERNSTHAUSEN, who was born in the same land in 1790, and was by trade a carpenter. The great-grandfather, Fred HUNTER, was born in 1779, and his wife Sophia, was born in 1786. He served in the German army from 1803 until 1812, and was instrumental in saving the life of Prince Bismark, the father of Germany's late chancellor, and in recognition of this service was presented with a tea-set by the Prince. The ancestry of the GERWIN family can be traced back in the following manner: The grandfather of our subject, Lewis GERWIN, was born in Germany, August 15, 1798, and was a wagonmaker by trade. In 1826 he married Sophia HUNTER (who was born in Hanover, Germany, March 11, 1803), and to them were born seven children, of whom five are living, all residents of America. His father, Henry GERWIN, was born in Germany, in 1762, and wedded Clara BRIGHTHOLDT, who was born in 1767. The mother of our subject was born in Germany, November 12, 1827, and there resided until she was nineteen years of age; when in 1847, she crossed the Atlantic to the New World, and after two years spent in New York became a resident of Toledo, Ohio, where her marriage with Casper ERNSTHAUSEN was celebrated. We now take up the personal history of teir son William, in whom the citizens of Ottawa county are deeply interested. When he was a year old his parents removed to Ohio, where they lived five years, when they came to the farm which is now his residence. His youth, therefore, was largely passed within its boundaries, and he early became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of agricultuist. To his father he continued to give the benefit of his services until twenty years of age, when he started out in life for himself. He is now the owner of one hundred acres of the old home place, and is surrounded by all the comforts and conviences that go to make life worth living. In addition to his own farm he controls and operates sixty acres of land belonging to his sister-in-law. He employs two hands upon the place to aid him in cultivation of the various crops adapted to this climate, and his average yearly yield of grain is one thousand bushels of wheat, one thousand six hundred bushels of corn, and seven hundred bushels of oats. He also deals quite extensively in stock, making a specialty of raising horses and hogs. The excellence of his farm, its highly- cultivated appearance and the modern accessories, all together make it one of the most valuable places in the county, and give the owner rank amongst the most promnent agriculturists. An important event in the life of Mr. ERNSTHAUSEN occurred on December 8, 1886, when was celebrated his marriage with Miss Carrie E. OTTO, daughter of Ludwig and Margaretta (SCHAFER) OTTO. Her father lost his parents during his early life, so we have no account of his family. He was reared in Germany, became a shoemaker by trade, served one year and six months in the war of the Rebellion. He was married January 16, 1856, to Miss OTTO, whose father was born in Germany in 1803, and whose mother Margaret KORB, was born i the same year. They have had five children, three of whom are now living. Great-grandfather SCHAFER was born in Germany in 1770, and his wife was born about the same time. Mrs. OTTO was born in Prussia April 12, 1832; at the age of nineteen years came to America, locating in Clyde, Ohio, which was her place of abode for twelve years. Mr. OTTO died in 1864, leaving three children - Mary Jennie, born August 14, 1859; Matilda, born July 26, 1861; and Claire E., born February 2, 1864. The last named is now the wife of our subject. Her birth occurred in Elmore, and she acquired her literary education in its public schools, and also received superior instruction in instrumental music. She is a lady of culture and refinement, presiding with grace over her home, which is noted for its hospitality. Four children bless this union: John F., born January 15, 1888; Bertha E., born August 8, 1889; Clarwnce W., born October 11, 1891; and Mabel M., born july 21, 1894. In political views Mr. ERNSTHAUSEN is a Republican, taking an active interest in the growth and success of his party, and doing all in his power to advance its interests. For some time he has been president of the school board of his district, and the cause of education and all other interests calculated to promote the general welfare find him a warm friend. Submitted by Joyce Godfrey Oct. 13, 1999 _______________