Our monthly program was presented by Jeff Hubschman, a Northmor teacher and pastor at Bryn Zion Baptist Church, who portrayed Rev. James Wheeler. Born in 1801, Wheeler was the last missionary to the Wyandot Indians ministering to them first in Ohio and then traveling with them when they were relocated to Kansas. Important events during his time with them there included a measles epidemic resulting in many deaths and a Camp Meeting which lasted for nine days and included members of other tribes.
After returning to Ohio, Wheeler served as a Methodist pastor in several area churches, including Chesterville. In retirement he resided with his daughter, Myrtle Page Filmore, the founder of the Unitarian Church. He died in 1873 from injuries received in a buggy accident on his way home from Bucyrus. He is buried in Rivercliff Cemetery in Mt. Gilead.
Following his Wheeler presentation, Hubschman spoke about his own genealogical search, relating that he and his mother had recently traveled to Prague. Working with his grandmother’s birth record and her baptismal certificate, they were able to locate her native village and her burial place.
Business meeting included a report from President Ann Artrip that she had obtained plaques for the three winners of the 4-H genealogy projects and would present them during the Morrow County Fair’s awards program. The Uffermans and the Millers will host at the Log House during Senior Day at the fair.
Dan Rhodebeck reported on the progress of work on estate records and cemetery restoration in Fredericktown.