1890s photo of Bluffton women
This is the earliest photo of a group of Bluffton women we've ever viewed. The best part is that every woman is listed - however - the listing is by their married name. (Except for two single women).
And, while we have all their names, we aren't certain of who is who, because the names are not row by row.
The names suggest these are wives of businessmen in Bluffton.
Here's the list, as it is hand written on the back of the photo, from top to bottom. Perhaps they are listed in order, but we don't know if the order starts on the front row or the back row.
Fortunately, two names jumped out at us. Mrs. E.R. Ewing is Bertha Scott, an 1895 graduate of Bluffton High School.
Mrs. M.M. Kibler is Ida Wilch, an 1884 graduate of Bluffton High School. This information helps us to project that the photo may have been taken in the late 1890s.
Is it a church group? Women's club? Neighbors?
Here are the names. If you recognize your great-grandmother tell us. She's probably in the photo.
Mrs. Julius Wise
Mrs. Peter Diller
Mrs. Chris Swank
Mrs. A.L. Braymer
Mrs. A. Hauenstein
Miss Lucretia Marshall
Mrs. B.F. Biery
Mrs. E.R. Ewing (Bertha Scott)
Mrs. W.W. Eaton
Mrs. D.S. Flick
Mrs. W.V. Beach
Mrs. C.G. Coburn
Mrs. W. P. Bentley
Mrs. M.V. Eaton
Mrs. Eliza McPeak
Mrs. M.M. Kibler (Ida Wilch)
Miss Minna Herrmann
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Friday, June 12, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, June 12
- Blanchard River Watershed Partnership hosts 5K trail run on July 25
- Beaverdam to begin water treatment plant repairs
- Save the date: Declaration of Independence reading, July 8
- Bluffton Police answer 630 calls for service in May 2026
- Great wealth disparity and our eroding democracy
Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, June 11
- Splitting headache: Fasting and migraines
- Pamela Ann Bricker was a social worker
- Bluffton Community Garage Sales, June 18-19-20
- Open and improved Elm St. segment
- Ultimate car seat guide recommended by Bluffton police
- Senior Center's June community meal shifts to summer schedule
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
- Local students on ONU's Spring 2026 Dean's List
- Sardines swamp Ada Gators in opening swim meet
- NWS heat advisory for June 10
- Agenda for June 11 Orange Twp Trustees meeting
- Public meetings schedule for Village of Bluffton, June 10-29
- Local teen documents Ohio sightings of steam locomotive Big Boy
- Open House at remodeled Bluffton EMS station
- Unforgettable: Marvel Stratton Hilty
- Award-winning author Mindy McGinnis speaks at Bluffton Public Library
- Bus trips with Debbie announced by Senior Center