This is the full picture added to the last post. To see it better, click on the picture and it should open for a larger view.

45,600 Gal After Half A Century, New Pumps. West Alexandria, May 1--The two old steam-operated pumps shown above at the left are to be replaced with new electrically operated pumps. This apparatus is located in the waterworks here. George Winkelman is shown as he works on the pump that is to be replaced first, probably this week. In 1897, these two pieces of equipment were installed. The new equipment is to be paid for with mortgage revenue bonds.
The photo at the right shows the water tower which has become too small for the town's needs. It too is to be replaced. This one holds 60,000 gallons. The new one will hold 150,000 gallons of water. The new tower and tank is to cost about $26,000. Fifty years ago, according to Winkelman, the entire plant, pumps, tower, tank and boilers cost $14,000.


I think it's time now to add another entry from George's journal. The first entry was for January, 1943 and now I'll add February, 1943.

Mon. Feb 1; Temp 20-30; 56,000 Gal:  Yep, 55 today. Son-in-law F. Virgil Keltner of Ft. Lewis, Washington came home for a 10 day furlough. He looks good. Received 170 lb. G. K. compound via CCC truck. Charles bought it at Dayton for me.  Yesterday's rain sure brought a lot of grey (?) to disposal plant.

Tues Feb 2; Temp 18-42; 56,000 Gal:  Well the groundhog saw his shadow for we sure have had a day of sunshine. Worked a little on tip protectors. Young Evans was here, toilet stopped up in his home. W. Dayton St.  Supt. W. M. Derby called up and asked me to take some boys to the basketball game at Farmersville.  I promised.

Wed Feb 3; Temp 32-40; 52,000 Gal:  Cloudy this morning. Started to snow then turned to rain. Mother & I took Nina down to Keltners near Hamilton nearly 32 miles from here.  Mr. Derby was here. Sewer from girls toilets in Schoolhouse was stopped up.

Thurs Feb 4; Temp 32-48; 55,200 Gal:  Cloudy but also some sunshine.  Had Electro Sewer Service out from Dayton to clear schoolhouse drain. Charged $35.00 Mary was home today sick with her vaccination.

Fri Feb 5; Temp 20-48; 50,400 Gal:  Another nice day. Worked a little for Sight Feed.  Helped Charles at Mrs Borgwort's place, a chunk of lead in soil pipe caused stoppage. I sure have a sick headache.

Sat Feb 6; Temp 30; 54,000 Gal:  My old engine got a little too tired, reason for headache. Was in house all forenoon. Versae mopped floor for me at station. Rained this morning turning cold down to 30 at 5 P.M., wind blowing.

Sun Feb 7; Temp 20-36; 53,600 Gal:  Cooler but nice day. Good attendance at S. S. and church. Boy Scouts were there in a body with their scoutmaster, Mr. Benjamin. Dedication of service flag with 21 young men in service and six more entering. Mr. Peeling visited at station this P. M. also. My son-in-law George Carico (Mrs. Ed Sweeney 72 dies) Some one moving into Roberts house in front of station. (Mrs. Mary Fudge 75 dies)

Mon Feb 8; Temp 18-48; 53,600 Gal:  Fine day but not much ambition.  Two members of boy scouts were here selling tickets for the scout supper for Thur. evening. Nina and Gary came home yesterday after spending several days with Virgil near Hamilton (Virgil's folks) Finished pumping at 6 P. M.

Tues Feb 9; Temp 35-56; 52,800 Gal:  Cloudy this morning but turned out to be a fine day. Cora and George took Tommy to Good Samaritan Hospital. His foreskin was growing fast. Had it taken care of. Made 12-100# tips today

Wed Feb 10; Temp 35-60; 54,400 Gal:  Cloudy and rain in afternoon.  West Alex Hi beat Lanier basketball 34-36.  Mrs. Fudge and Mrs. Sweeney were buried today. Made six 100# tips today. Helped Chas. to clean Mrs. Roselius' drain A. M.

Thurs Feb 11; Temp 18-24; 48,000 Gal:  Cloudy and colder, took some clothes to Mary last night. Assisted Charles this morning at Geo. Coffman's putting in sink drain.  Made six more 100# tips today. Wm. Koontz 86 dies.

Fri Feb 12; Temp 23-33; 55,200 Gal:  Abraham Lincoln's 134th birthday.  Cloudy most of day, otherwise nice.  Attended boyscout banquet last night 38 present. fine time. Made 9-100# tips today.

Sat Feb 13; Temp 18-28-16; 54,400 Gal:  Snow and colder.  Clara Rink married Conrad Roth this A. M. at church by Rev. Bradow.  Made 12-100# tips today.

Sun Feb 14; Temp 4-14-11; 55,200 Gal:  St. Valentine's day. Brrrr it's cold & windy.  High school chorus sang two anthems at church services this A. M.  Mary Steward (Smith) was married this P. M. to Cpl. Edward Heisel of Camp Maxey, Texas. Mr. Wm. Koontz was buried.

Mon Feb 15; Temp 2-15; 56,000 Gal:  Still cold and more snow.  A pipe froze in school building this morning, faucet busted. Cloe Meyers' Duro  pump froze & busted. Made 9-100# tips today.

Tues Feb 16; Temp 4-20; 69,600 Gal:  Still cold, wind rising now at 6:30 P. M.  Someone broke a rule in about 3 pieces and put them in a toilet as it was flushed, in the boys landing. got 2 pieces out today. Made 6-100# tips and fixed George Jr bicycle. Charles Mause brought part of the packing I had ordered from Garlock.

Wed Feb 17; Temp 19-34; 55,200 Gal:  Fine day. Tried to unstop toilet at schoolhouse. no success. will take it up tonight.  Brought Cora and children down from Lewisburg. Took Thomas to Dr. Hearst. Made 9-100# tips today.

Thurs Feb 18; Temp 12-38; 52,800 Gal:  Another fine day. Opened up toilet at schoolhouse last night without taking it up. Another one in girls room was stopped up with an apple.  Helped Chas at Pat Dillons' change a sink.  Made 6-100# tips today.

Fri Feb 19; Temp 24-52; 52,000 Gal:  Another fine day. Hung toilet tank at Paul Fox's for Ed Rinck A. M. also looked after stoppage in Sanitary sewer on W. 2nd St.  Hole in South Smith st reported by Jim Zimmerman. Delivered 63 tips today.

Sat Feb 20; Temp 39-55; 62,400:  Went to basketball game at Monroe last night.  Lewisburg defeated W. Alex Hi.  Omar (Peach) Bickel helped to unstop the sewer on W. 2nd St between main holes 88 to 89 about 140' from MH 88.  7 1/3 hrs @ 45 cents per hour.

Sun Feb 21; Temp 33-50; 48,000 Gal:  Cloudy A. M. sunshine P. M. Change of time from Eastern War time to Central War time. Quite a bit of confusion at church but worked out alright.  Amos Eby was here to see about water tap and sewer connection. Alan Glander and son were also visitors.

Mon Feb 22; Temp 20-58; 52,000 Gal:  Washington's Birthday. Extremely find day. Took Mary J back to work last night.  Assisted Charles this A. M. at Dillars. Ernest Deem was here this P. M. He has started on his sewer ditch again after laying off during cold weather.

Tues Feb 23; Temp 40-60; 56,000 Gal:  Board met this P.M.  Ordered gravel for driveway and it was delivered this P. M. Can't find anyone to dig.

Wed Feb 24; Temp 37-34; 78,400 Gal:  Flushed fire hydrants and Sanitary Sewer 7 places. 5 dead ends. Wayne Bennett helped after noon (4 hrs) David H. Harker and Mr. Bernhagen representing Ohio Water Supply Board and Mr. Flory of west of Eaton were here getting data on the water works wells.

Thurs Feb 25; Temp 26-40; 51,200 Gal:  Trouble this morning at telephone bldg. Heater coil limed shut. Could find coils to replace. Wayne Bennett dug out the place on Smith St, could find nothing wrong so filled it up again.

Fri Feb 26; Temp 26-14; 59,200 Gal:  Cleaned east boiler today but did not fill.  Weather too bad to dig outside this morning. Thermometer stood at 26, noon 27--2:00 32, 4:15 at 20 and at 6 it was 14 brrrrrrrrrr snow and wind.  Clyde Glander with his 2 children was here. Gilbert & Fred Ehler also.

Sat Feb 27; Temp 8-38; 45,600 Gal:  Cold this morning, fairly brisk wind from south west in evening. Amos Eby applied for water tap. Personal property of Mrs. Sweeny were sold this P. M.

Sun Feb 28; Temp 35-42; 47,200 Gal:  Windy today but temperature not bad.   George Carico and Frank Miller were here also son George Jr. and  Jerry Minnich.

Today I'm adding a couple of articles written after Grandpa (George Winkelman) passed away. The first is from The Register-Herald of Eaton, Ohio and the second is from The Twin Valley News, West Alexandria. Also I have an excerpt from an article about the various saw mills in Preble County. I'm not sure exactly what book this article is from but as soon as I find out I'll post it here. I'm going to post the saw mill article first, then the newspaper articles.

Another mill that continued in operation for over a century at the same location in Twin twp. was a sawmill that stood along the east side of Twin Creek at what is now the Steiner Gravel plant, the large shed standing there now being one of the former mill buildings. This mill had a varied career, being built in 1808 by John Van Winkle who had emigrated to the region four years previously with his parents and family, the Simeon Van Winkles, the first settlers in the township.

John Van Winkle acquired itching feet and sold out to John Mumma who was always buying and selling, and moved on to Missouri. Mumma, in turn, sold to Solomon Meckley, and Meckley to Winkelman & Wick; Wick being a son-in-law of Meckley's, and this partnership ran the mill until it was badly damaged in the 1913 flood after which it was sold and moved to Lewisburg. Winkelman & Wick cut out and supplied the hard lumber that E. S. Sherman used in building the covered bridge east of New Lexington in 1888.

The well known Geroge Winkelman, Sr., of West Alexandria is a son of the above mill owner and he and his brothers worked at the mill in their younger days.

This picture of the Winkelman  Wick sawmill comes from the collection of George Winkelman of West Alexandria. Those in the picture, left to right, are: John F. Winkelman, John Kiger, Wilson Cox, the sawyer, Leonard Winkelman, George E. Winkelman, and John Winkelman, Sr.

The first mill here was water powered and the saws were the up and down kind. About 1880 the old mill sounded its death knell when it cut out boards and timbers for the mill shown here after which it was torn down, the mill-wheel removed and a new steam powered plant erected.

Showing in the picture is the largest log, right, ever run through this mill. A Sycamore, it contained 1587 feet, board measure. The log on the left contained 1261 feet, and a third log, not shown, about 1400 ft. George says his father fashioned extensions to an eight foot cross-cut saw to fell the tree and cut it up. The butt log was partly sawed lengthwise by hand, then split into sections, before it could be taken through the doorway into the mill.

Community Loses Lifelong Resident--The Register-Herald, Eaton, Ohio, October 14, 1970--Written by Audrey Patrie.

The Death of George Winkelman leaves the West Alex community without one of its beloved senior citizens, and we wonder how the noble gentleman can ever be replaced. Those of us who knew and respected George were saddened by his passing on Saturday, October 10th, and a bit of the gaiety vanished from the Oktoberfest.

But George would not have liked this reaction...had he known. An honorary life-long member of Twin Valley Chamber of Commerce, George always wanted to see any community project become a smashing success...and he never missed one of them...up to the 3rd annual Oktoberfest.

During the 1969 Oktoberfest, it was George who supervised the wood sawing and nail driving contest; and it was George who did more than his share of physical labor getting the 'Fest in operation. Fellow workers far younger than George had trouble keeping pace with the vibrant, hardworking gentleman.

His total recall for names, dates and places was often the reason why I turned to him for help while preparing historical articles for the newspaper. Chatting with George and his wife, Mary, about "old times" was one of my greatest pleasures. Because of their little visits, I could not help but experience the feeling of "belonging" to the West Alex community. His hospitality, friendliness and genuine interest in everyone-natives and newcomers-was always appreciated.

George loved to recall life on the farm when he was a boy; operation of the Winkelman Saw Mill at New Lexington; his years as Water Works Superintendent; early school houses and operation; homes and homeowners in the New Lexington and West Alex communities; the 1913 flood; traction line; early days of the volunteer fire department; and "jollifications" held in the village.

Never will I pass Peace Park and not think of the man who tirelessly helped Garden Club members plant and tend the beautiful flower gardens therein. Nor will I ever pass the water spigot adjacent to the little white building at the northwest corner of Peace Park which he installed almost single-handedly, although his health was rapidly failing; it was his last project.

George Winkelman's gait was as fast-paced as his train of thought. But it is now time for him to rest in peace...while the entire community mourns one of its beloved citizens.

From the Twin Valley News, Thursday, October 15, 1970

Although it didn't rain on the Oktoberfest this year, spirits were dampened considerably by the great loss to the community of George Winkelman. His roots in the community were as deep as the water wells he looked after as Superintendent of Water Works for West Alexandria. And his love for the Twin Valley where he grew up and lived his life to its end was abundant as the water that flows in its mysterious path underground our village.

His knowledge of so much of our local history is now gone, but his memory in the hearts of those who knew and loved him will never die. Matched with his knowledge, was a keen sense of humor, a good and kind reverence for his fellow man. He was a man who was untiring in any effort that he put forth, even up into his final years. We can all take a lesson from the life that George lived and hope that we can take good care of his community while he is gone. JMK

Today I"m adding and article written by Audrey Patrie for the Twin Valley News October 3, 1968. As before, I'm going to edit and correct as I go along.

   Married Mary McGregor on June 4, 1911 in the parsonage of the Eaton Christian Church. George E. Winkelman, Sr., born in New Lexington in the first house south of the Township House on Rt. 503, north.
"Part of the house was log, and Elmer Hoffman lived in that part; but we lived in the other half of the house", he began as we chatted in the back yard of the Winkelman residence at 72 South Main St., West Alexandria. George, seated on an overturned five gallon can; me atop a square metal box...on a delightful early autumn afternoon.
   Summers found young George herding cows along Twin Creek on his father's thirty acre farm, which, to the west, joined the old Markey farm. The Winkelman farm and sawmill stood just south of Steiner's Gravel Washer.
   When I asked George how long it took to saw through one of those huge logs, he answered: "Well, you know that it was all done by hand...there were not even chain saws then...and it depended upon the kind of wood. If it was soft wood, like sycamore, or cottonwood (which was used for framework) it would take about 20 minutes to saw through a 2 ft. log."
   This feat sounded incredible to me, and when I mentioned that, George added, "But if it was hard wood, like oak, ash, birch or hickory, it would take a time longer."
   An amusing (though frightening) incident George enjoyed telling me was that he remembered a time when he was about 17 or 18 years old. He was bending down on his hands and knees, head flush with a log being sawed. His father, who always sawed the knots off the logs to make them even, almost scalped him...but not quite.
   Learned that elm wood was used for making cornerstrips for tobacco boxes. City slicker that I am, I wondered what a tobacco box was (?) There happened to be one right there in the yard near where we were were seated, so he pointed to it and explained "Chester Bickle and father made those boxes in New Lexington, and they were used to press tobacco in. And do you know that sometimes they pressed as much as 300 lbs. of tobacco in one box!" It was George's job to saw off the strip corners for the boxes.
   This astute man with the perceptive mind remembered the time when a huge tree was cut down on his father's farm. "Because it was hollow inside, it was cut down with a hand saw... and a 6'7" man could stand in the base of it...that's how broad it was at its base."
   Hills of potatoes were grown in this old stump, and he recalled that this particular variety of potato--Queen of the Valley, "--grew so big that you carried them on the crook of your arm, and that three potatoes, set up on end, filled a gallon bucket."
   "Now George, you're putting me on," I ventured to say, but he assured me that this was the truth.
   "The ashes left from fires burned to make steam at the sawmill provided fertilizer for the common clay soil which lay under the bridges on the Lexington Road. Father called that 'new' ground; and it produced 400 bu. of potatoes on an acre and a half of this ground, back then when I was about 10 or 11 years old," he said.
   When the sawmill was operated by steam power, there had to be a licensed engineer to operate the mill. "The head sawyer was a better engineer, but was not too good at figuring, so father got a temporary license. Then, when I was 21 years old, I got my license; then brother John got one," he recalled. And George has carried his license for 52 years!
   This is how Mr. Winkelman became associated with the Water Works...because he was a licensed steam engineer. The Water Works was operated by steam until as late as 1948, at the same location where it now is; only that the pumps were then in the building...now they're in wells.
   Speaking of the Water Works, George fondly remembers when and why it was built and hopes someday that we can sit down together to write the complete history of its founding.
   "There was a tobacco warehouse east of the elevator near the tracks which burned to the ground because of a lack of sufficient water supply. Three enterprising men formed a committee (board of trustees) and did something about it, by working to get a Water Works Plant. They were: George Ehler, C. I. Stoner, and Dave Wampler. "There's a plaque in the building now, with their names inscribed upon it as being the founders," George said.
   At about this point in our conversation, Roy Hoops, present Waterworks Supt., drove up in his truck to ask George if he could help him the next day with a non-functioning meter at Dale Unger's. Roy stayed but a few moments, which was just as well, or perhaps here and now I would be writing all about the operation of the waterworks and its history; having these two dedicated citizens relating all the details...
   Although semi-retired, George still helps Mr. Hoops when needed, and always manages to keep busy with the many handyman jobs required in and around his own home, and for others.
   As a matter of fact, when I arrived at the Winkelman residence, George was out back sawing some boards that were going to be placed at the foundation of his house (where a porch has been removed). A cement patio was near completion, also. "Most of the wood there was rotten anyway, so I'm fixing it up...and we poured that cement just last evening...it's right over where the cistern used to be," he told me.
   When I asked George about some of his fondest childhood memories, he quickly answered: "Oh, we swam in, and went boating on Old Twin Creek. There were three of four boats there all summer long, belonging to the Chester Bickle family and our family. In the winter we skated on the ice of Old Twin. But, in those days, there was an ice house at that spot, owned first by Henry Fadler; later by Levi Baker (The saloon keeper) and Jack Findlay. From the frozen waters of this bayou they cut their ice."
   George attended school in New Lexington through the 8th grade.
   "After graduating, I had to go to Eaton at the courthouse for an examination to prove that I was smart enough to attend high school," he mused. "Martha Beneke's father, Frank Rinehart gave me that exam. It was either the Boxwell or Patterson exam, I recall; and I failed that darned exam three times before passing...so that I could attend the High School" he jokingly added.
   Most of his childhood was spent taking care of the cows; feeding and bedding them, and occasionally helping to milk them. "But there was fun, too, like when my brothers and I used to coast on our sleds in the wintertime, hooking on to buggies...then later hooking on to autos...until we were warned that this practice was too dangerous."
   His brother, John, now living in Middletown, was responsible for the hogs and horses at the Winkelman farm, and taking care of the stable; while Leonard drove the team part of the time. "Leonard didn't finish high school, but later went to Miami-Jacobs Business College," George added with pride.
Pride also reflected in his voice when he related that his father, John, was president of the Preble County Lumber Co., and was also one of the stockholders. Others included: Win Brubaker, Will Windle, John Farenholz, Sr., and Sherman Mills. George's mother's name was Sarah Hoops before her marriage to John Winkelman.
   Although George will be busy supervising the nail drivers and sawyers at the Oktoberfest this weekend, he might just mosey over to the spot where Sue Kinney will be tallying up the scores for the horseshoe ringing contest, because pitching horseshoes is one of his favorite pastimes.
   "When we were kids, we had a horseshoe court at the northwest corner of the school yard and we even had lights!" Then added, "...there was a bunch of other kids not in our 'club' who used to come at night and pull up the stakes...but we laid in wait for them a couple nights...guess they knew it...and they never returned." "So there were vandals in the good old days, too?" I questioned.
   "Oh, sure...but we took care of them," he answered.
   When asked about additional hobbies, George replied: "If I wasn't so nervous, I'd love to be doing woodworking." But he does enjoy bowling and is in the church league. "And I've been working Crowell's truck patch now for four years, because I really enjoy gardening, and although it seems as though I don't know a weed from a plant anymore," he said, smiling with that infectious grin.
   His love for gardening was evident as soon as I joined him in his back yard for our chat. For there were dozens of rosy tomatoes ripening on a long wooden table nearby. He said that he had also put out two rows each of peas, beans, and corn...so they had all they could eat. "But I was a little disappointed in the potatoes this year. I planted them early...the last week in June, and the first week in July..but they're still green!"
   Our conversation about garden produce reminded him of the "lean" years around 1919. He was employed at the Water Works, and money was hard to come by. With a wife and ten children to feed, he was grateful to Scott Wetzel (who lived in the house later owned by Arline Vogue) because the Wetzels had cherry trees, and George picked cherries on shares. Along with the cherries, George was also able to pick bushels and bushels of apples from the trees in the fields just north of Wetzel's, along Rt. 503 (which was then a dirt road).
   "Mary used a 12 qt. kettle for cooking those apples right here in this house where we now live, and all that fruit was good food to keep our family fed. There must have been at least 700 quarts of fruit to eat about that time," he reflected. Then added, "But when the road was widened and the highway built, the apple trees had to come down." That's progress...I guess.
   The Winkelman's have always been grateful to all the friends and neighbors who have helped them in so many ways over the years. Like when they used up 3 qt. cases of milk a week and wondered how they could afford it!
   This reminded him of how his mother, Sarah, sold milk for 4 cents a quart. "Oh boy, how we could have used the cows when Mary and I were raising our family," he said.
   "Mother saved milk from one certain Jersey cow for two ailing babies, because their doctor said that the milk must not be mixed," recalled George. "And do you know...those two babies grew up so strong and healthy, and are still living!"
   Realizing that with such a large family it must have been difficult to ever get away for any vacations, I wondered if they ever did much traveling away from Preble County. "When Mary and I were younger, and most of the children were grown, and our health was better, we used to enjoy taking short trips to southern Indiana and around southern Ohio; and sometimes visited Charles, when he lived in Wapakoneta."
   Mary and George have worked hard; had a full life raising their children to adulthood, and now have 35 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. The proud great-grandfather beamed as he boasted that his oldest great-grandchild is 9 years old.
   The names of their children, and the towns where they reside in Ohio are as follows: Charles, Columbus; Wilbur, West Alexandria; Cora Carico, Ingomar; Nina Keltner, Hamilton; Donald, Dadsville; Sarah Brock, Miamisburg; Mary Crauder, Dayton; Versae Moore, West Alexandria; Harry, Kettering; George,Moraine City. Mary and George also lost two boys in infancy.
   Working for the Water Works, George became interested in pipe-cutting and fitting, so he took a correspondence course in Sanitary Engineering. "Never finished the course, but I gained a lot of knowledge and experience by getting into the plumbing business; working at that for many years," he said.
   George would like to help Roy Hoops more than he does, but doesn't trust his driving anymore, and declared: "I'm not going to get my driver's license renewed when it expires, because of my health." Then added, "but then I was told back in the days of the first World War that I had a heart condition. I tried to enlist in the army, but was denied that privilege...and they wouldn't even accept me when I was one of the first 100 called on draft! We had our examinations over in Eaton in the building just east of the courthouse (now Moysey Bros.) and Dr. Hunter said I wasn't fit for service." Then he chuckled when he recalled that the floors were so dirty when they were examined that there was no problem detecting flat feet!
   When George's father, John, died in 1918, the Wineklman farm in New Lexington was sold. It was then that George and his brother John kept the Water Works going; despite the fact that John also taught school and at one time was the superintendent. George himself was on the school board for years, and he clearly remembers the time when he made a motion to add Twin Township to the school district.. "Charles Storer seconded the motion...and that was it! No debate, no discussion...and the motion passed," he exclaimed.
During these days, when the traction served West Alex, George said that a half a carload of students from Johnsville and New Lebanon came here to attend school.
   George, too, had entertained the thought of becoming a teacher. "But on the day I was supposed to complete the teacher's exam, I had to take care of my brood sows instead," he said.
   As it happened, George had a runt pig which he sold to buy three others. These three were the brood sows that he cared for more than he cared about taking the exam. "It paid off at the time, however, because I ended up with 35 head hogs!"
   When I arrived for our chat, George had several pictures of the sawmill and the sawyers ready to show me. I discovered that many of these pictures were taken by Mr. Diefenbach, who had a photography shop in a building at the northwest corner of the community park where the 1968 Oktoberfest is to be held this Sunday, October 6th. I also learned that this building was torn down, replaced by the little building which now stands on that spot. This was a monument shop, owned by Foutz and Sons. Mr. Diefenbach, the photographer, by that time had moved his business across the street above the Railroad Grocery. George said that the photographer was quite modern for the times-having big lights in the ceiling for his photographic work.
   I called on George a few days later, so that he could identify the persons in some pictures. He showed me two maps of Preble County. One was dated 1858, the other, 1897. The oldest one, though tattered and torn, shows all the correct names of landowners in the county; while the 1897 map (in perfect condition) lists a multitude of misspelled surnames. This upset me, because it is my belief that the correct spelling of Preble County settlers' names should be sustained and proudly used by their descendants. It would behoove some dedicated citizens to work on this 1858 map and restore it before framing it under glass, to help preserve the history of Preble County and its first settlers.

Today I'm adding a narration that Uncle John (John Winkelman, Jr.) told to someone in the family (I don't know who) about his family. Although the article is about Uncle John's parents, it's written by one of their grandchildren, so where the person speaking says "grandpa and grandma", Uncle John would have used "father and mother". I'm going to edit as I go along and correct some things that I have discovered since this article was written.

Grandpa (John Winkelman) was born in Teddinghausen, in the State of Brunswick, Germany, on October 2, 1845. His father's name was Cordt. Never knew his mother's name (Rebecca Wendt). Grandpa came to this country in April, 1865 (actually March, 1865). He was on the train in Buffalo, New York on his way to Cincinnati, Ohio, when he got the word that President Lincoln had been shot. He worked in Cincinnati several years, then came to West Alexandria, Ohio. The Shoemaker and the Oclschlager boys who lived there had gone to school with him in Germany. So had the Bohlman boys. He lived with and worked for Dietrich Glander, who had a distillery, farm and sawmill about 1.5 miles south of West Alexandria.
Grandma (Sarah Hoops) was born on the Licking river between Covington and Newport, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hoops. Her name was Sarah. Her mother died when she was small. Her father married again. She was born October 21, 1853. She had two brothers, John and Henry and a sister Kate. John died when he was a young man. He was never married. Henry married Maltie Kesling. They lived in Eaton, Ohio. He drove the log wagon for Heistands sawmill for many years. They had two girls and three boys. Only one of the boys married.
Grandpa and Grandma met at choir practice held by Ed Schlingman at the old Lutheran Church (where Peace Park is now located). They were married in 1872 by Rev. Baugerman.
When they married they moved into a tenant house on the Glander farm. They then moved north of Dayton where they ran a dairy on the Old Troy Pike. They then bought the sawmill east of New Lexington, Ohio, and moved into a log house across the road from the sawmill where John was born. The house is gone now. They then moved to New Lexington in the first house south of the old school house, on the north side of town. While living there they built the house west of the railroad which we called the "old home place" (1889).
There were two girls. Caroline died as a young girl from typhoid fever. Esther married Elmer Loxley. They had one son, Paul. He died from appendicitis at about 9 or 10 years of age. Esther died January, 1953 of arthritis and complications.  William died young. Leonard was struck and killed by an automobile while crossing the street in New Lebanon, July 29, 1932. John married Hazel Ozias December, 1908. They had three girls; Mildred, Juanita and Marjorie. Marjorie is deceased. Juanita married Frank Duvall and had one daughter, Karen. Mildred never married. They had one son, Richard, who never married.
After all the children were married, Grandpa and Grandma moved to West Alexandria, Ohio, where they lived for a few years. Aunt Esther lived in the home place. They moved back to the home place in New Lexington. Grandpa died September, 1918, and Grandma died in November, 1924.
Grandpa had two brothers, Henry and Herman. Louise and Charles Winkelman were the children of Herman.

The following was written by the same person who wrote Uncle John's story.

George was born February 1, 1888, in New Lexington, Ohio. He married Mary McGregor on June 4, 1911. (Mary was born November 4, 1892 at Clinton County, Ohio) They had twelve children. The different occupations that he had during his life (as Charles can remember) were; he worked in his father's sawmill; he worked for Kemper Furniture Store in Dayton; he was a farmer living on several different farms, at different times; he worked at the Water Works in the village of West Alexandria; was a plumber in West Alexandria for many years; he was a fireman at Johnsville-New Lebanon school; then went to the Preble County Home in Eaton for several years; then to the Sight Feed Generator Co., and last back to the Water Works.
They lived in New Lexington, in the house south of the schoolhouse, when Charles was born, then moved to Richmond, Indiana, where Wilbur was born, then back to New Lexington where Cora was born in the house across from the schoolhouse. Then up on Rt. 503 across from No. 8 schoolhouse where Nina was born. Donald, Sarah, and John were all born when they lived at 72 South Main Street. They moved to the country in Lanier Twp., where Mary was born and John died at the age of two. They moved to the cement block house east of West Alexandria, where Ralph was born. He died at birth. They lived in the second house from the firehouse on Second Street, then moved to Dewey Street where Versae and Harry were born. They moved to the house next door and that is where George was born. From there they went to Johnsville-New Lebanon, then to the Preble County home, then to the little house on Central Ave. Then they moved back to the house at 72 South Main Street where George died October 10, 1970, and Mary died August 4, 1971.

The children as of June 1974--

Charles married Evelyn Crauder. They had three daughter; Joan, Marjorie, and Barbara, and they live in Columbus, Ohio.
Wilbur, never married, lives in West Alexandria.
Cora married George Carico and they had six children; Tom, Ruth Ann, Joyce, Judy, Stanley, and Janet. Cora died September 10, 1973.
Nina married Virgil Keltner and they had five children; Gary, John, Lloyd, Sharon, and Robert and they live in New Miami, Ohio.
Donald married Laura Lore and they had three daughters; Donna, Gloria, and Janet. They live in West Alexandria.
Sarah married Eugene Brock and they had four sons; Wesley, Donald, Richard, and Roger. Gene died in November, 1961, Sarah lives in Miamisburg.
Mary married Eugene Crauder and they have three children; Michell, Shirley, and David. They live in Dayton.
Versae married Gene Moore and they have six children; Kathy, Patty, Connie, Jackie, Ella Mae, and Buddy (Gene, Jr.). They live in West Alexandria.
Harry married Norma Hobbs and they have three children; Bob, Mike, and Kim. They live in Kettering, Ohio.
George married Freda Lanthrop and they have two children; Diana, and George. They live in West Carrollton, Ohio.

My next post will be an article written by Audrey Patrie for the Twin Valley News in 1968.

Before I enter any more of Grandpa's journal, I thought I should provide a little history. I'm going to use the article from the History of Preble County, Ohio published in 1915.



John Winkelman



The history of the Buckeye state dates officially from 1803, in which year it was admitted to the Union. It is a record of the steady growth of a state which in the beginning was a wilderness. Each county has its share in the story of Ohio's growth and progress and every county can lay claim to some incident or transaction which goes to make up the history of the commonwealth. After all, the history of a state is but a record of the doings of its people, among whom the pioneers and their sturdy descendants occupy places of no secondary importance. The story of the plain, common people who constitute the moral bone and sinew of the state should ever attract the attention and prove of interest to all lovers of their kind. In the life story of John Winkelman, there are no striking chapters nor startling incidents, it being merely the record of a life true to its highest ideals and fraught with much that would stimulate the youth starting in the world to an industrious and prudent career.

John Winkelman was born October 1, 1845, in Brunswick, Germany, the son of Cordt and Rebecca (Wendt) Winkelman, who were the parents of seven children, all of whom are deceased except the subject of this sketch. Cordt Winkelman was born in 1812 in Germany and remained in his native land as a farmer until his death in 1892. His wife, the mother of John Winkelman, was born in Germany and died when John was about eight years old. She was about forty years old at the time of her death. John Winkelman left Germany March 12, 1865, and was seventeen days making the voyage across the Atlantic. He came at once to Preble County, Ohio, and engaged in saw-mill work in Lanier Township. He worked at this for seven years for one man and then rented land and started farming. In 1878 he purchased a steam saw-mill located in Twin Township a mile and a half north of West Alexandria and operated it until 1914. He has handled vast quantities of lumber in Preble County. He furnished lots of lumber for bridges, and it was said that what he furnished was the best furnished in the county. He now owns sixty-two acres of land in Twin Township and, in connection with his son-in-law, A. E. Loxley, is farming twenty-four acres of land, upon which they raise tobacco. It may be said that Mr. Winkelman and his son-in-law produced the largest crop per acre of tobacco that was raised in Preble County in 1914. They attribute their success to rotating crops and fertilizing both with barn-yard manure and commercial fertilizer, keeping the soil built up. John Winkelman is a prominent stockholder and director in the Farmers and Citizens Bank of West Alexandria. What education Mr. Winkelman received, he received in the schools of his native land.

John Winkelman was married in 1872 to Sarah J. Hoops, who was born October 20, 1853, in Kentucky, the daughter of William and Anna (Tabelman) Hoops, natives of Germany, who came to Preble County from Kentucky when she was only three or four years old. To Mr. and Mrs. John Winkelman six children have been born; William C. and Caroline, deceased; Leonard, a farmer of Twin Township; Esther, the wife of Elmer Loxley, who lives with her parents; John, who is a school teacher of West Alexandria; and George E., a farmer of Twin Township. Leonard married Ida Clemmer and has one daughter, Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Loxley have one little son, John Paul. John married Hazel Ozias and has a son and a daughter, Mildred and Richard. George married Mary McGregor and has two sons, Charles and Wilbur.

Mr. Winkelman for years has been prominent in the affairs of Twin Township and served as township trustee for a period of twelve years and served nearly as long on the school board. Politically, he is identified with the Democratic party. Religiously, Mr. Winkelman is a member of the Lutheran Church and is an elder of that denomination and, therefore, active in the affairs of this faith. Throughout his life, John Winkelman has been a hard working, industrious citizen and is honored by the people of his community for his industrious habits.



One comment I want to add: I have a copy of the passenger list for the ship America which sailed from Bremen, Germany to New York and arrived March 27, 1865. Listed in the passenger list is Johann Winkelman, aged 19, M, Farmer, from Thedinghausen, Germany.



That's all I'm adding for today. My next entry will be a couple of articles about George Winkelman.

The last post didn't look too good. Guess I'm going to have to find another format. Oh well, that's what happens when you're a beginner.

Today I'm going to start entering Grandpa Winkelman's journal. This journal starts in 1943 and ends in 1945. I'm probably going to enter just a few pages at a time until it's all in here, so this may take a while. I'm going to do a little editing as I go along. For instance he spelled Eugene Crauder's name as Crouder. I'm not going to change any wording unless I can't decipher what he's written. To explain to those who don't know what line of work Grandpa was in, he was the manager of the West Alexandria Ohio water works. He also had his own plumbing business, along with his oldest son Charles. So, here is the first installment of Grandpa Winkelman's journal.

1943

Jan 1-Temp 33-38; 42,400 gal:     Attended Mary's wedding to Eugene Crauder, junior choir sang before ceremony.   Freda Mae Habekost played the organ, first wedding for the new organ.  I rang the church bell, the old year out and the new year in, during which time Rev. Bradow performed the ceremony. Attended services at 10 o'clock.  Pumped as usual in the afternoon.  Art Creagor was buried today.

Jan 2-Temp 32-54; 48,800 gal:  Sun is really shining today.   Followed the usual routine.

Jan 3-Temp 34-43; 43,200 gal :  More rain again. Children were all home except Donald and Virgil celebrating Mary's marriage to Eugene Crauder.  Jesse Hasten visited station today.  Good attendance at church today.

Jan 4-Temp 26 all day; 51,200 gal:   Sarah 21 today. Made my usual rounds today. Tried to clean Roselius' drain A.M, also after dark. Seems to be stopped up at or near main sewer.

Jan 5-Temp 12-26; 50,400 gal: Couldn't get anyone to dig this kind of weather. Went after tank pump
 at the Shaffers property west of town.

Jan 6-Temp-16-29; 49,600 gal: Same as yesterday helped Chas. a little at Dr. Hearst on heater (water),
 Visited at Mary's folks last night with Mary J and Gene.   Now it's snowing again.

Jan 7-Temp 26-36; 48,000 gal: Still more snow and I feel a little bit down and out.

Jan 8-Temp 20-28; 47,200 gal: Not much to say today.   Ordered a disc for 2" Lambert meter from Neptune Motor Co Louisville Ky.

Jan 9-Temp 14-28; 49,600 gal: Took pump out for Miss Hurt to pump water out of her cellar. Gran. Dafler in trying to shut off the water at Probst (Josiah Miller) place he got to side of valve causing meter to fall out had to dig down to valve to cut water off (21 hrs.)  And it's snowing and blowing again.

Jan 10-Temp 28-33; 52,000 gal: Sunday, and a lot of snow made plenty of work at the church. Gene Crauder left this morning to go back to Camp Swift Texas.  Headache all P.M. yet finished pumping a few minutes after 5 o'clock Expect to take Mary to Dayton so she can go back to work tomorrow.

Jan 11-Temp 24-38;52,600 gal: Cldy turned clear with some wind. With Charles assistance I finally cleared Connie Roselius' drain which was clogged with roots were lateral, entered main sewer.  At Stanley Johnson's property Herschal Waggoner tenant, drain was also stopped, Walter Marker cleared it without much trouble.  Quite a lot of snow melted today.

Jan 12-Temp 14-20; 45,600 gal: Cool today, or rather, cold, otherwise good.  Made 50# tips for Sight Feed the A.M.  John B Glander and his uncle Geo. B. Glander were here this afternoon.

Jan 13-Temp 4-25; 52,000 gal:   Received a letter from Donald last night, first in over two months, he is a sergeant in Northern Africa.  Weather was cold to partly cloudy, other wise fine.

Jan 14-Temp 26-33;52,400 gal:  Snow again almost all day, made more 50# tips for Sight Feed.

Jan 15-Temp 28-38;48,000 gal:  Softer weather, soldered wash boiler for Russell Suman.  Received a cable from Donald that he had arrived in Africa with his Christmas and New Years greetings, received his letters before his cable.

Jan 16-Temp 42-46; 60,800 gal:  Took cheer leader and five other girls to the basketball game at Verona.

2nd team OK--1st??  Weather mild but getting cooler. I hope it doesn't snow tonight.  Getting late so will do my floor mopping.

Jan 17-Temp 28-29; 46,400 gal: Sunday Holy Communion at church morning and evening. Sarah, Eugene & Wesley were at home for dinner. Some sleet today but no snow.

Jan 18-Temp 27-33; 52,800 gal:  Icy this morning, some one lost control of car and broke off fire hydrant at corner of Oak and Main St near Mrs Mary Fudge property. Mrs Mary Fudge said about 3:30 AM.  I worked some down at church basement.  It is now foggy and ice is most all gone.

Jan 19-Temp 2-12-2; 52,800 gal:  Cold, a little snow. Strong wind.  I worked some at church, put up water line to coal bin.  Started to clean water heater at station this afternoon, try and finish it tomorrow.

Jan 20-Temp 1-6-19; 51,200 gal:  Colder but not so much wind.  At church a little, tried to find some one to dig at Kenneth Moury, no success so far. Still cleaning water heater (electric hammer is just the thing).

Received another letter from Donald.  Doesn't say very much.  F. Roaches meter frozen up. No, it was his hydrant.

Jan 21-Temp 19-34; 59,200 gal:    Alex Fudge began to dig for sewer tap at Kenneth Moury place east of Lumber yard. Still working on heater.  Chas. Jordan, Supt of Lewisburg Water Works visited with us this afternoon.

Jan 22-Temp 16-44;56,000 gal:   Alex Fudge still digging, didn't find sewer yet.  Another fine day, hope it continues.  Found a small purse last night, it had 90 ct in it.

Jan 23-Temp 33-44; 56,000 gal:   Clear, foggy then cloudy.  Alex Fudge still digging, found sewer 10'-1" from alley level to top of sewer.  Put in lateral to property line, had a little cave in, bottom of ditch is coarse gravel which however was not fault or cause of cave in. Didn't get to pump till late today finished at 7:05 PM. Then cleaned up floor. John B. Glander was here. David Benson, Harry and Gary also. Place 1" elbow-10' of 6" sewer. I return to Moury place.

Jan 24-Temp 34-64; 48,000 gal:     Fine day. Army plane over station today making smoke screen.  Good attendance at church this morning.

Mon Jan 25-Temp 27-20; 52,000 gal:  Received sheets for wayside pulpit at church.  Some men worked at church today.  Alex Fudge still on job at K Moury place.  Board met this afternoon with Suman and Vogue present, just routine business.  I run 8' of 4" sewer for Moury place.

Tues Jan 26-Temp 15-18; 52,000 gal:   Finished our part on K. Moury sewer 4' of 4" L.A. Block connecting sewer for Mrs Rebecca Roselius.  Cold wind today.

Wed Jan 27-Temp 12-32; 56,000 gal:    W.A.H.S. basketball squad lost by 1 basket to Lanier, however the second team won by 1 point.  Colder today than yesterday but wind was quiet, received another letter from Donald and Mary J was home today, took her to Dr Nisbet for her throat.  Worked at church till 11+

Thur Jan 28-Temp 20-33; 50,400 gal:   Cloudy all day, routine work today.  Worked a little at church.

Fri Jan 29-Temp 26-33; 49,600 gal:    H. Reigel put in sewer for K Moury up to house. L.A. Block finished connecting Mrs Roselius drain.  Chas. J Carr salesman for Garlock Packing Co was here, gave him a small order.

Sat Jan 30-Temp 30-37; 55,200 gal:     Snow this morning turned to rain this P.M.  Received disc for 2" meter from Neptune Meter Co Lousville Ky. Repaired chair  for house. Ben Locke was here did some soldering for him. Was in Eaton this A.M. got Geo. Jr a suit also paid off my obligation at the City Loan.

Got copy of Mary & Eugene's marriage license.  Was at basketball game last night. W Alex lost to Gratis.

Sun Jan 31-Temp 26-39; 55,200 gal:    Icy this morning, raining this P.M.   Our children except Sarah and her family and the boys in service were home today celebrating my birthday which is tomorrow.

Dr Nisbet is 55 today, me tomorrow.

That's Grandpa's journal for the month of January, 1943. I'll try to enter a full month at each posting.

August 17, 2009

I'm not sure exactly what's going to happen with this blog, but I've had friends tell me I should start one. I had no idea what to do with it, or what subject to pursue until I went to my family reunion yesterday. My cousin Shirley gave me a journal that our grandfather kept and it suddenly came to me that maybe writing about my family would be as good a place to start as any. So here goes.
My grandparents were George and Mary Winkelman. They lived in or near West Alexandria, Ohio most of their lives. Being the parents of 12 children, you would assume there would be a lot to write about. Obviously, I can't possibly know everything, so I'm inviting all members of the family to share their thoughts and memories.
Since I have Grandpa's journal, I think I'm going to start there. I also have a scrapbook that belonged to my Great-Grandfather McGregor. What I plan to do over time is include any journals, newspaper articles, letters, geneology, and anything else that seems to be appropriate. This part of the blog will be for memories, and I will add places to put the other additions.