John M. Preisendorfer - Boot and Shoe Merchant in Defiance

John M. Preisendorfer was a noted Defiance businessman for many years, owning a boot and shoe business, as well as selling insurance.  Born in Bavaria, Germany in 1838, he came to American in 1960.  He stayed in New York for awhile, and then proceeded to Defiance where he found work in the store of A. Dolke.

 In January, 1863, he opened his own boot and shoe shop in a frame building at the corner of Clinton and First Streets. Five years later, in 1867, he built a new store on Clinton Street, just south of Second Street.  In that same year, according to the Defiance Express of June 17, 1897, he bought the stock of John Weisengerber who also had a boot and shoe store.  His sons helped him in the store and two eventually took it over after their father's retirement.





In 1889, Preisendorfer built a business block at the corner of Clinton and Fifth Street which brought to four the number of business buildings he owned in Defiance, along with some rental homes.

In 1900, he and Christ Diehl, Sr. took a trip back to Germany.  His passport application gave great detail about his appearance and immigration.

John eventually retired and his sons, Alphonso and Tony (Anthony), took over the business.  That very summer he died, and his obituary appeared in the Crescent-News on August 17, 1903.

 "J. M. PREISENDORFER PASSES AWAY.

Pioneer Merchant and Citizen Goes to his Last Reward.  End Came on the Sabbath Morn.

John Michael Preisendorfer has passed to his reward.  Dissolution came at his home on Jefferson street on Sabbath morning at the hour of 10:30 o'clock.  With his death, Defiance county lost one of its best known citizens and the business world of Defiance is minus one of its most successful members.





Mr. Preisendorfer was one of the few early settlers of this vicinity who remained to be known in active life by the present generation.  Possessing a hardy and vigorous constitution, he withstood the ravages of disease until Saturday, August 8th, when he was seized with an attack of apoplexy (stroke, cerebral hemorrhage) from which he could not recover.  The death blow came while he was following out his ideals of a Christian gentleman, being stricken while getting in his buggy after attending mass at St. John's Catholic church.  In just eight days, his soul was called from its earthly house of clay.

Not only in business but in public life, the deceased took an active interest.  He was a Democrat of the straight laced type, and his labors for the party will be missed.  He has honorably served his fellowmen in various offices.  Elected corporation treasurer in 1870, he served his party for eight years.  Since that time, he represented his ward in the council, was a trustee of Riverside cemetery and formerly was a member and an active worker in the fire department.  

J. Michael Preisendorfer was born Obersinn, Bayernn, Germany, October 22, 1838, and died Sunday, August 16, 1903, being nearly 65 years of age.  He was a son of Adam and Agnes Preisendorfer who had a family of five sons and one daughter, only one son now living, he being John Preisendorfer, living in Germany.  His father died in 1846, the mother in 1881.

Michael came to this country in 1860, remaining in New York until February 1861, when he came to Defiance, working eleven months for A. Dolke, at the boot and shoe trade.  In January 1862, he went into business with his brother, Joseph, but after five years, bought out the latter.

In 1867, he built at a cost of $4,200, the present place of business now occupied by his sons, 304 Clinton Street.  In connection with his shoe store, he represented a large number of European and American Life and Fire insurance companies.  This branch of the business was turned over to his son, A. R., several years ago who still conducts the same over the shoe store.  He retained his interest in the shoe business until last January, when two other sons, A. F. and Francis, took control of it and Mr. Preisendorfer prepared to live a retired life.

On November 24, 1865, the deceased was married in Henry county to Elizabeth Wilhelm, by whom he had twelve children.  The living are Mary A. Rauh, of Ottawa; Mrs. Agnes E. Sheibley, of Ottawa; Alphonse R., Anthony F., Frank S., Adam, Louis, and Frances of this city.  Those who have preceded their father are John J., Adam, Frederick, and Huburt.  The three last named died in infancy.  The aged widow survives.

The deceased was an ardent member of the Catholic Knights of America, Catholic Knights of Ohio, St. Boniface Society and the German Aid Society.  these orders will attend the funeral in a body.  He was a devoted and consistent Catholic and for 25 years served as trustee of St. John's Catholic church.  He was also vice president of the Security Building and Loan Association.  In the Catholic societies and Insurance companies, he represented he held policies to the amount of $8000 on his life.

His family has lost an indulgent  and devoted husband and father. All were present when the final summons came which symbolical to the recognized for a peaceful transition of the soul from earth to its last and long home with its Maker.

The funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock at St. John's Catholic church when requiem high mass will be read.  Rev. Father Gloden will officiate and the remains will be laid to rest in Riverside cemetery.  All the shoe stores will close during the funeral services out of respect to the deceased."

 

Defiance Crescent-News, May 31, 1922