Re: WITTERSTAETTER

Joanie, Here is some information I have on the Witterstaetter family. The Witterstaetter name is first amoung Delhi(Ohio)florists. From the family came many other greenhouse families. Deller, Maddux, and Brozterman. The patiarch of this family was Ignatz Witterstaetter, who came to the United States in 1832. With his wife, Mary Elizabeth, and at least two children. Ignatius and Mary Ann. They were livingon their Delhi farm by 1837, as they appear as members of St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Society (Our lady of Victory) in that year. They lived on 22 acres at the corner of Fedretti and Foley Roads. The elder Ignatz, died in the 1940's his wife, Elizabeth around 1857.
Their son Ignatuis born c. 1822 and died 1874 married Louisa Kuperfeil, born 1827 and died 1916 at Our Lady of Victory Church in 1847. To this marriage was born 8 Children; William (1847), Frank (1848), Charles (1855-1894), Richard (1859 - 1933), Albert (1861 -1935), Caroline Deller, Louise Deller, and Maria (1862 -1886). Ignatuis evidently worked as a printer for some time on one of the German papers in Cincinnati, Ohio. He probably also farmed his fathers land. By his death in 1874 he had constructed what is thought to be the first greenhouse in Delhi, Ohio. After his death Louisa continued to operate the greenhouse until her own death in 1916. Her son Richard helped her in her endeavors and he became one of the wealthest Delhi, Ohio florists. In 1893 Richard received first place for the "most perfect carnation, from the Society of American Florists. Richard was married at one time although his wife died sometime before 1900. Living with him in that year, were his mother, and Frank Deller, son of Richard's sister, Louise. Richard Witterstaetter in died in 1933, leaving the business to his 3 nephews, Edward Witterstaetter, Ed,and William Deller. His will made news as his estate was valued at $300,000, quite a hefty sum for the great Depression Years. Richard left $14, 000. to Mt Alverno St. Frances Hospital. and St Mary's Hospital. He also left $5,000 to the American Carnation Society. By 1943 William Deller was operating the greenhouse by himself, and had changed the name to William H. Deller and sons. Richard Witterstaetter's brothers were farmers and florist also. He died at the age of 39 in 1894, leaving a widow, Mary Hautz, who was born 1855, and died 1937. They had 8 Children. The eldest son, Richard C. Witterstaetter was 13 at the time. The youngest child, Joseph Aloysius, was probably born after his death. Joseph, and Charles Witterstaetter operated separate greenhouses on Anderson Ferry Road betweenDelhi and Foley road . Richard C. married Twice, his secound wife,Agatha was his wife for 59 years, and raised 3 sons and 4 daughters, Agatha, died in 1975. Richard's sons continue running the Witterstaetter Greenhouse today.