Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1869-01-14
Mr.. THORNHuL said:

general sentiment of this House, and the
feelings of every member on this occa-
sion, when / say that each one of us in
his heart regrets the loss we sustained in
the death of the Hon. Henry j. Beh-
mer.
For myself, I can only say that my
long and intimate intercourse with him
has tended to continually increase my
high appreciation of him as gentleman
of high moral culture, of unhinching in
tegrity, of large and noble views of men
and things, of warm heart, and whose
acts were characterized by honesty of
purpose. r,s ,9- lsg
We all remember his healthy expires,
sion at our meeting here in November
last, and none of us thought then, that
death, ere we should meet again, would
single him out as its victim. Behmer
returned from here, and arrived at his
home in Fort Jennings, Putnam county,
on the 9th day of November. A slight
indisposition that he felt when leaving
here, and which increased on his jour
ney home, compelled him, Immediately
upon arriving at home, to take his bed.
He regarded the attack as slight cold,
which would soon pass off by rest and a
little care. But contrary to his expecta-
'tions, the evil increased to such an ex.
tent that medical aid was called to his
assistance. All that a devoted wife,
loving children, sympathizing friends
and neighbors, together with medical
aid could do, was promptly and faith.
fully done.
The symptoms of the disease increased
hourly, and developed its nature, which
was acute inflammation of the lungs. On
the third of December the attending
physician became convinced that the at
tack would terminate fatally. Mr.. Beh-
mer then arranged his earthly business,
and after an illness of only eight days,
fully conscious of his approaching disso
luton, and calmly resigned to the will
of God, he breathed his last on the 5th
day of December, 1868.
A few data in the life of Mr.. Boehmer
may notbe amiss.
He was born on the 18th day of No
vember, 1907, at Beohta, small town
in the Grand Duchy of Odenburg, in Ger
many. While yet a boy, and after hav-
ing served some time as clerk in the
office of justice of the peace, he attend
ed the Normal Schools at Minister, in
Westphalia, for the purpose of becoming
a teacher. There he pursued his studies
with that close application and industry
that was characteristic of him through
life. ...---....4 ,r.,..
His principal, professor at Minister
was the celebrated Bernhart Overburg,
After graduating with distinction, he
was employed as teacher in the town
of Steinfeld, until the year 1888, when
he emigrated to the United States, and
landed in Baltimore the same year. Full
thirty-f five years have fled to the ocean
of time since the deceased first set his
foot on the land of his choice. In the
following year, he located at Fort Jen-
nings, in Putnam county, then only
known as an old military station on the
Auglaze river.
Through his influence many families
of his native country settled about him
and contributed largely to subject the
then bowling forests to the inevitable
results that follow the ever onw ard
march of our own race. He was regard
ed as the pioneer and founder of Fort
Jennings.
Disregarding personal sacrifices, he was
ever ready to assist the new corners with
material aid and counsel, which very just
ly made our lamented friend the mos
popular and most beloved man in the
country around him.
; He first devoted himself to agriculture
With his farm he connected mill and {
country store, and as time passed on &C.
cumulated a handsome competency fol
numerous family He served as justic,
of the peace for twenty-four years, always
endeavoring to reconcile contestants anG
prevent litigation.
In the year 1855 he first appeared il
; the field of politics, and the people o
the counties of Putnam and Henry elect
ed him to represent them in the Hous'
of Representatives during the years, 1S5t
and 1857. In 1860 his party gave hin
the nomination for the Senate in his dis
: trict, but he suffered the fate of his part,
5 at the election, and was defeated.
He was again returned to this House
served during the session of 1864 am
i 1865, and was reelected in the fall @
1867 to serve for two years. l will her
add that Mr.. Behmer, from 1912 to 1851
served his county as county commissioner
In every position in life he enjoye
that respect and confidence that hi
sound judgment and truly disinterestet
fidelity in the discharge of every trust
: has SO well entitled him to. In his pri
:, vate life, and in his intercourse with hi
fellow men, he was transformations, kind
courteous, ever ready and anxious t
relieve distress and to be useful an
> render others happy. Unfinching i
. his principles, true to his convictions
l. religious or political-he has fnishe
u his course and gone, we hope, to tha
brighter and better world above, wher
the weary rest from their labors, an
Is receive the reward of the just made pei
9 feet.
e While we deeply sympathize with hi
family and relatives. let us, as hi
% friends, cherish his memory in ou
n hearts, and through life emulate his nj
i merous manly virtues.
h Mr.. WOLF said:
i Mr.. SPEAKER:-Itis is meet and proper ths
[ should say few words in memory of OF
departed friend.
l. 1t must always be a source of regret [
n | those whom we have learned to regar
and respect; although in this ipstance "
have the consolation OF knowing that OF
u departed friend had nearly reached the as
is that is generally allotted to man.
70 My acquaintance with the deceased b.
:, gan since the time that have had the hor
:, or of occupying a eat in this House. l a
"a ways found him the perfect gentleman.
h Mr.. Behmer was true prototype of I'll
~ German character; cool in debate, slow
/, come to conclusions, but steadfast in opir
- ions once formed, honest Of purpose al