Coming to Henry County

Once the Ellings were through with their processing in New York City, how did they then travel to Henry County, Ohio? I don't think it was by railroad in 1859 because I can't find where the railroad had reached Northwest Ohio by that time. It wasn't until after the Civil War that the Baltimore and Ohio (B & O) came that far west.

My best guess is that they traveled up the Hudson River - on the river or along it by land - to take the canal boat on the Erie Canal from Albany, NY to Buffalo, NY. From there, they most likely traveled on Lake Erie to Toledo and then perhaps by horse and wagon from that point. Maybe they continued their canal journey from Toledo to Napoleon on the Miami-Erie Canal. It is only speculation, but however the trip was taken, it had to be a long, tedious one with four children and baggage. 
 Their destination was probably the New Hanover settlement in Henry County. The baptism of their youngest child, Anna Maria Margareta, born August 2, 1860, is recorded in the Kirchen Buch fur New Hanover (Church Book for New Hanover.) So it is likely that they knew people already here who paved the way for them, perhaps giving them shelter and food until they could find their own place to live.

The records in the Kirchen Buch fur New Hanover have been translated and are available for researchers. The New Hanover Church later became Zion Church which later merged with St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Napoleon Township. From the introduction to the church book...

"In 1848 Henry Helberg and Dietrich Badenhop came from Germany, bringing with them the bodies of little Maria Helberg, aged 1 1/2 years, and Christian Dachenhaus, aged 17. These settlers needed a burial ground so they immediately decided to arrange for a cemetery and to build a church next to it. Among others, the well-known preacher, Rev. August Knape, served this little group. It was a group from this congregation which founded St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and when Rev. Damman was called, the congregation dissolved itself and merged with St. Paul's in Napoleon Township." (no page #)

For those who would like to experience what that canal boat ride might be like, visit the Providence Metropark at Grand Rapids, Ohio where you can take a canal boat ride with costumed historical interpreters. Going through a lock is very interesting. It is well worth the visit and something great to do while you are here for the reunion! Visit this website for details:
http://www.touring-ohio.com/northwest/toledo/providence.html