Frank P. Donnenwirth
FRANK P. DONNENWIRTH, Bucyrus, George and Magdalena (Ruch) Donnenwirth grandparents of this gentleman were natives of France and removed from that country to the United States: in 1827 and settled in Stark Co., Ohio. where they remained until the year 1834, when they came to this county and entered land in Cranberry Township. They were the parents of seven children: five of whom now living and all except one sister who resides in Columbus, Ohio, live in and near New Washington this county. George One of the seven children and father of Frank P., was born Sept. 7, 1810, near Strasbourg, France. He was educated in the common schools of his native country, and when 15 years, of age, was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade. After serving about eighteen months his parents came, to the United States, and he accompanied them. They stopped in Buffalo. N. Y. sometime where the son found employment at his trade. After the family resided in Stark Co., this State, the son was variously employed. He worked at his trade and on the Ohio, Canal. In the spring of 1830, he went to Pittsburgh, Penn., and there worked in a machine - shop and at his trade for some time. In 1836, he come to Crawford Co., which he has since made his home. He has been twice married. The first was to Miss Sophia Anthony in 1834. She was born in Lorraine, France, in 1809, and died in Crawford Co., in 1849. The second marriage was to Mrs. Caroline Derr. Oct. 22, 1850. She was born in Bavaria, Germany, Sept. 12, 1819. By the first marriage, there were ten children, viz.: George, Adam, Jacob, William, Magdalena, Charles and John living: John, Susan and Mary, are deceased. Four children were the fruits of the second marriage, viz.: Lewis C., Franklin P., Sophia M. and Caroline M. After Mr. Donnenwirth came to this country, and until 1856, he was engaged in the mercantile business and worked at his trade in New Washington. In the fall of 1853 he was elected to the responsible position of County Treasurer, and the following year removed to Bucyrus, where he has since resided. In the winter of 1846-47, he represented Crawford and Wyandot Co., in the State Legislature. Besides this, he has held other positions of honor and trust in the county, he was twice elected Mayor of Bucyrus and is highly spoken of as an official. He has always voted with the Democratic party and his judgement in the political councils of his own party are considered sound. He is one of the prominent men of the county and has aided not a little in advancing the best interests of its people and industries. Frank P. Donnenwirth was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, May 24, 1853. When 3 years of age. his parents removed to Bucyrus where he was raised and educated. When 20 years of age, he went to St. Louis, and there found employment in a brewery for two years, when he returned to his home in Bucyrus he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Birk, Oct. 30, 1877. She was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, Oct., 18, 1856. They have one child, Gertrude. Soon after his return from St. Louis, he purchased his fathers interest in the brewery, and has, in connection with his brother George, since been engaged in that business. They are intelligent, enterprising gentlemen, respected by all who know them.
From History of Crawford County and Ohio, Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, Chicago, 1881