Joseph Wannemacher

Joseph was oldest son of Johann and Theresa. He attended the common schools of Prussia until the age of 8, where he received a very good education. While growing up he learned the trade of a locksmith, likely through his father Johann who was also a locksmith.

On May 1, 1847, at the age of 20, he set sail from Antwerg Berguim aboard the Omaha en route to New York, a 36 day trip. He preceded his family to America by five years.

On July 1, 1847 he left New York for the west, reaching Tuscarawas County, Ohio where he worked for a year in the iron works. From there, he traveled to Newcastle, Pennsylvania and worked in a nail factory for a year.

In 1851, he came to Ottoville, Ohio (Putnam County) via the canal packet line from Cleveland. He was a pioneer of Ottoville, Montery Township, Putnam County, Ohio and is one of the best known and honored citizens of the town and county. Here, he bought 80 acres of land in the woods, in section 26, one and half miles west of Ottoville. He cleared 50 acres, on which he resided until 1868. He then erected a dwelling in Ottoville which functioned as his house and business where he engaged in general merchandising for 22 years. After the 22 years, he rented his business place fora drug store and retired to a private life.

Joseph played a major role in the politics of Ottoville. He was a democrat and was elected the first mayor of Ottoville. He was the first notary public in Monterey County. He served as the township clerk from 1855 to 1866. In 1887, he made a 5 month trip to his old home in Europe; upon his return he was elected a justice of the peace, a position he still holds, thus showing the high esteem in which he is held by is fellow citizens. As a squire, he has probably married more couples than any other justice in this part of the country, having always been a very popular citizen as well as official. He also served for 6 years as a member of the school board.

In religion, he was a true Catholic and assisted liberally in building the first Catholic church in Ottoville and in the erection of the present stately pile.

Through his business successes, Joseph was able to acquire large amounts of land, a majority of which he passed down to his sons: John - 80 acres, Adam - 40 acres, Godfried - 40 acres. He retained 139 acres for himself. His successes have left him a man of sterling worth and unspotted integrity.