RESEARCH
FAMILIES V-Z: WEISS ~ William F. Weiss
WILLIAM FREDERICK WEISS
(1886-1939)
Some family members believe this Is the wedding photo of William Frederick Weiss and Frances (Bufler) Weiss. However... a handwritten note at the bottom of the photo carries the name "Goldsberry and Knowles, Port Arthur, Texas," which presumably was the name of the photography studio in Port Authur, where this photo was taken.
It seems likely that this photo was taken after William and Frances were married in Ohio and moved to Texas - where William was employed at the time.
Their Ohio marriage license is shown at the link above/right.
Unless indicated otherwise, all news clippings and photos on this page were acquired from scrapbooks and photo albums preserved by Bernice (Weiss) Lindley, daughter of William and Frances Weiss.
News articles related to the marriage of William F. Weiss and Frances M. Bufler
(From the Hamilton Journal News (news clipping dated 1908)
"Licensed to Wed
Will F. Weiss, 21, gauger, Port Authur, Texas [1] and Frances M. Bufler, 22, clerk Hamilton."
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The following comes from a news clipping dated as 1908. There are two references to Oxford, Ohio in this article, so this clipping may be from an Oxford newspaper.
"Bufler - Weiss Engagement
William Weiss, a former resident of Darrtown [2], a very popular young man who is well known in Oxford, having graduated at the Oxford Public High School and attended Miami University, for a number of years, will be united in marriage next Monday, to Miss Frances Bufler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bufler of Hamilton. Miss Bufler is also known by Oxford people as she had charge of the Darrtown telephone exchange [3] for a number of years.
About two years ago, Weiss went to Texas [4] and after trying his luck in several towns finally settled in Port Arthur, where he secured a very fine position in an oil refining plant in the employ of the Standard Oil Company. He returned home about one month ago on a visit and as soon as they are married, they will leave for Texas, where they will make their home." [5]
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From the Hamilton Journal News (news clipping dated as 1908)
"Miss Bufler Marries Mr. Weiss
Rev. H. A. Dickmann yesterday morning at eleven o'clock, united in marriage at the St. John's parsonage, Miss Frances M. Bufler, of this city, and William F. Weiss, of Darrtown. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bufler.
The bride worn a tan tailored suit, with hat and gloves to harmonize. Mr. Weiss wore a grey coat suit, with hat and gloves to match.
Both young people are well and favorably known. The happy bride and groom will reside in this city." [6]
Webmaster Notes:
We know that Will Weiss grew up in Darrtown; so the Port Arthur, Texas address [1] and items [2] and [4], in the column at the left, confirm that Will went to Texas as young man and found work with Standard Oil.
[3] This reference to Frances Bufler being associated with the "Darrtown telephone exchange for a number of years" strengthens the belief that she is one of the two young women seen in a photograph at the Darrtown Telephone Company. Note the similarity in the two photos below.
Items [5] and [6] conflict. No. 5 reports that the married couple will live in Texas and No. 6 reports that the bride and groom planned to live in Hamilton, Ohio.
Could this be the same person? Is this Frances Bufler?
The left photo (above) shows a switchboard operator at the Darrtown Telephone Company and the right image (above) shows Frances Bufler, bride of William F. Weiss, who is linked to the phone company in item No. 3, left and above.
ABOVE: Frances (Bufler) Weiss, wife of William F. Weiss, appears at the left, with daughter, Bernice Frances Weiss (circa 1920)
ABOVE: The photo above shows the William F. Weiss farmhouse at 3361 Shollenbarger Road in 1922.
ABOVE: Bernice Weiss ~ Grade School (circa 1925)
ABOVE: Best Friends Forever:
Bernice Weiss and Jean Bradbury (circa 1928) Photo taken at Darrtown School
ABOVE: This foursome gathered on June 2, 1930 to celebrate the 11th birthday of Bernice Weiss. Left to right: Bernice Weiss, Jean Bradbury, Faye Bufler, and Mildred Propst.
LEFT: This photo shows the barn at the William F. Weiss property. This photo was taken looking east; the house sat to the west of the barn (and behind the person who took this picture). The trees in the background line the north side of Four Mile Creek.
Bill Bowers (in 2008) recalled visiting the Weiss farm and said that the milking stable was located beneath the bank that runs up to the barn's second level. The milking stable was accessed through the open door, below where the persons are sitting in this photo. Note the two white milk cans standing in barnyard, between the open door and the silo.
LEFT: William and Frances Weiss; standing on the Darrtown Road bridge that spanned the Four Mile Creek,
RIGHT: The Weiss Family (circa 1932)
Standing: Frances and William
Seated: Bernice and Paul
BELOW: Paul and Bernice Weiss, with their dog "Ranger," in front of the Weiss family home (circa 1930)
BELOW: This article appeared in the Hamilton Journal News
(circa November, 1926)
"Big Sale of Cattle at Weiss Farm
One of the best cattle sales ever conducted in Butler County occurred at the farm of William F. Weiss, near Darrtown, Friday.
Mr. Weiss had collected a fine herd, and when the sale was advertised, it drew good buyers, not only from Butler County, but from adjoining counties and Indiana. One farmer near Richmond, purchased six head of good milch cows at $225 a head, as fast as they were led from the stable.
Three cows averaged $245 a head, while not one of the 22 head that was offered brought under $100.
J. B. Foley was auctioneer. Mr. Foley says that demands for good milking cattle was never better than it is at the present time."
The following item was taken from a newspaper clipping that was found in a scrapbook preserved by Bernice Frances (Weiss) Lindley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William (Frances) Weiss. A handwritten note dated the article as "1933."
The following three items were taken from newspaper clippings that were preserved in a scrapbook by Bernice Frances (Weiss) Lindley, daughter of Mrs. William (Frances) Weiss. A handwritten note dated the articles as "Feb. 1935."
"Death has Claimed
Mrs. William Weiss
Mrs. Frances M. Weiss, age 49, wife of William F. Weiss and a life-long resident of Darrtown, died at her home Sunday at 9 p.m. of heart disease after a two week illness. She was the daughter of Frank and Ella Bufler of Darrtown. She was married to William Weiss , January 20, 1908. Surviving are the widower; one son, Paul; one daughter, Bernice; her father, Frank Bufler; five sisters, Mrs. Joseph Grau and Mrs. Charles Aebi, of Hamilton; and Mrs. Guy Dynes, Mrs. Clyde Wagonfield, and Mrs. Stanley Alston, all of Darrtown; and three brothers, Joseph and Richard Bufler of Darrtown, and Ben Bufler of Hamilton. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. from the residence. Reverend H. A. Dickman, pastor of the Bethel Church in Hamilton. Burial, Darrtown."
"Funeral Services for
Mrs. William Weiss
Funeral services for Mrs. William Weiss were held at the home Wednesday afternoon and were largely attended. Many called Tuesday afternoon and evening. Many beautiful floral tributes were in evidence attesting to the esteem of the deceased. Rev. H. A. Dickman, of Bethel Church, Hamilton, who performed the marriage ceremony of Mr. and Mrs. Weiss, officiated and delivered a comforting message.
The pallbearers were Sam Bufler of Liberty, Ind.; Paul Bufler of Hamilton, John Kane, Oxford, Raymond Kane, Charles Hansel, and Clem Pfaff of the community. The burial was made on the family plot in the Darrtown cemetery."
Frances (Bufler) Weiss
1886-1935
"Death of Mrs. Weiss
The entire community was saddened and shocked Sunday night when it learned that Mrs. William Weiss had passed away. While Mrs. Weiss had been bedfast for several weeks, from time to time gratifying reports came from the sick room and it was hoped that Mrs. Weiss would regain her health; but, God willed otherwise and surrounded by loved ones, she fell asleep. Mrs. Weiss was formerly Miss Frances Bufler and resided here and in Hamilton until January 21, 1908, when she was united in marriage with William Weiss and they then resided in Port Neches, Texas for several years. A few months ago, Mr. and Mrs. Weiss enjoyed a motor trip to Port Neches. Two children were born to the union, Paul and Bernice. Besides the widower and children, she is survived by her father, Frank Bufler; five sisters, Mrs. Joseph Grau and Mrs. Charles Aebi, of Hamilton; and Mrs. Guy Dynes, Mrs. Clyde Wagonfield, and Mrs. Stanley Alston, all of Darrtown; and three brothers, Joseph and Richard Bufler of Darrtown, and Ben Bufler of Hamilton."
RIGHT: These two photos show Mr. Weiss with some of his co-workers at an unidentified function. In the top photo, the person to the immediate left of Mr. Weiss is Dot Grau. The others are unidentified.
This news clipping (circa 1937) was found in a scrapbook maintained by Bernice Weiss Lindley.
William Weiss is the Chairman of the Butler County Agricultural Conservation Committee
"Salyer-Weiss Announcement
Friends are congratulating William F. Weiss, Darrtown, chairman of the county agricultural conservation committee and prominent otherwise in rural organizational activities, with announcement Saturday of his marriage February 14 at Covington, Ky., with Mrs. Sarah Salyer, Cincinnati, a former resident of Hamilton. They are at home at Darrtown."
The following news item appeared in the Hamilton Journal News in December, 1939.
"William F. Weiss, Chairman of Farm Group, Is Dead;
Darrtown Man Handled Agricultural Adjustment Administration in County
William F. Weiss, age 55, Darrtown, chairman of the Butler County Agriculture Conservation association, died of complications at 10:00 Sunday morning in his home. He had been ill 10 days.
Mr. Weiss, whose offices were in the post office building, was considered one of Butler County's foremost authorities on agricultural problems, and this ability was recognized three years ago, when he was appointed chairman of the conservation association, which administers the Agricultural Adjustment administrations in Butler County.
Under Mr. Weiss' direction, the A.A.A. program flourished in Butler County and at the time of his death, about 80 percent of the farmers in the county were affiliated in some capacity with the federal farm program.
Mr. Weiss possessed a pleasant personality, but was firm in his convictions. He never became ruffled, when there were disagreements over the administration of the A.A.A. program here.
He also took part in other farm organizations in the county and cooperated to the best of his ability with the Butler County Farm Bureau in promoting the welfare of farmers in this vicinity. He always kept well posted on the trend in agricultural affairs and attended meetings in all sections of the state, where farm problems were the chief topics of discussion.
Mr. Weiss had been in ill health for the last year, but seldom missed a day at the association headquarters, room 212 of the Hamilton post office building. He came to the office for the last time on Thursday, December 21; but, until last Friday kept in touch with his office, although bedfast. His condition became critical Friday night, when members of his family were called to his bedside.
He leaves his widow, Sara; on son, Paul Weiss; one daughter, Mrs. Albert Lindley; two step-sons, Auval and Dal Saylor; his mother, Mrs. Louisa Weiss; one sister, Mrs. Luima Bowers; a grandson, Freddie Lindley, and a host of friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock, Wednesday afternoon at the David Webb and Sons funeral home, Ross Avenue and D Street. Burial will be in the Darrtown cemetery."
"William F. Weiss Rites on Wednesday
Funeral services for William F. Weiss, age 55, chairman of the Butler County Agricultural Conservation Association, who died Sunday morning at his home in Darrtown, will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon in the David Webb and sons Funeral Home, Ross Avenue and D Street, with Rev. H. A. Dickman, pastor of the Bethel Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Darrtown cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Offices of the Conservation Association and the Butler County Farm Bureau in the Hamilton post office building will be closed Wednesday afternoon to permit staff members to attend the funeral."
This news item appeared in the Hamilton Journal News in December, 1939.
Chronology of the William F. Weiss Estate
William F. Weiss, his wife, Frances (Bufler) Weiss, son, William Paul Weiss, and daughter, Bernice Frances Weiss lived on the farm located at 3361 Schollenbarger Road, west of Darrtown. The property, consisting of approximately 120 acres, lay on the south side of Schollengarger Road and was bordered on the west with the eastern boundary of the Darrtown cemetery.
Following the death of Frances (Bufler) Weiss in 1935, William remarried.
Following the death of William F. Weiss in 1939, his widow inherited the family farm. The story of how the Weiss farm came to an end is partially explained by the following news items from the Hamilton Journal News.
"Appraisal Filed in Weiss Estate
Appraisal was made Monday in the estate of William F. Weiss, Darrtown, who died last December, showing gross value of $10,000 on the farm. The report of realty appraisal will be filed, as soon as the personal property valuation is also available.
The will of Mr. Weiss, who was also chairman of the Butler County Agricultural Conservation Association, also filed for probate, will be listed as "inoperative." It was drawn April 13, 1926 and named his wife, Frances, as beneficiary and also nominated her executrix. After Frances Weiss died, the widower failed to destroy the will and also failed to write a new one when he married Sallie Helsley, who survives and has been appointed administrix of the estate.
With the will inoperative, although the law requires that it be filed with the court, the estate will be distributed according to statutory division. A previous report that Sallie Hensley was named beneficiary in the will was in error.
Letters of administration in the estate of William F. Weiss, who died December 31, were granted to the widow, Sallie Weiss, Hamilton. No estimate of the estate was given."
"Notice of appointment
Estate of William F. Weiss, deceased. Notice is hereby given that Sallie Weiss of Hamilton, Ohio has been duly appointed Administratrix of the estate of William F. Weiss, deceased, late of Butler County, Ohio.
Creditors are required to file their claims with said fiduciary within four months or be forever barred.
Dated this 6th day of January, 1940.
GIDEON PALMER
Probate Judge of said County
PATER & PATER, Attorneys
Jan. 9 --- 3t Tues."
"Widow Gets Estate of William F. Weiss
The will of William F. Weiss, Darrtown, was filed for probate Monday in Butler County Probate Court, directing that the entire estate go to the widow, Mrs. Sallie Weiss. She was nominated to be executrix. No estimate of the value of the estate was given. The will was signed April 13, 1926, with Fred Hinkle and Myrna Wright as witnesses. He was Butler county administrator for the Agricultural Adjustment Association."
Four generations of the Weiss-Lindley family appear in the image at the right.
In the photo:
Generation 1 is Louisa (Kolb) Weiss, seated.
Generation 2 is William Frederick Weiss, standing at the right.
Generation 3 is Bernice Frances (Weiss) Lindley, standing at the left.
Generation 4 is Frederick Albert Lindley, asleep in Great-Grandma's arms.
Louisa (Kolb) Weiss was the wife of Ignas "Fritz" Weiss and the mother of William Frederick Weiss. === William F. Weiss was the husband of Frances Margaret (Bufler) Weiss and they were the parents of Bernice Frances Weiss. === Bernice Weiss was the wife of Albert Frederick Lindley and they were the parents of Frederick Albert Lindley.
While the exact date of the photo is unknown, it had to have been taken between February 1938 (Fred's birth-month) and December 1939 (William's death-month).
RIGHT:
William Frederick Weiss and Frances Margaret (Bufler) Weiss
(The marriage license was found at Ancestry.com)
Click the following link to see a 1938 news item...
VOTE
The camaraderie that appears in these two photos of Mr. Weiss and his co-workers is reflected in the following quotation, taken from his obituary (which appears below):
"Mr. Weiss possessed a pleasant personality, but was firm in his convictions. He never became ruffled, when there were disagreements over the administration of the A.A.A. program here."